Obi, Impressed by Agricultural Exploits of Enugu Catholic Diocese

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Mr Peter Obi, 2nd from right, handing a cheque of N20m to the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Ernest Obodo, 1st right, during Obi’s visit to the farm at Omughu, Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024.

By Jude Atupulazi

Former Anambra State Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has commended the Catholic Diocese of Enugu for its steadfast contributions to Agriculture and Food Security, describing it as an embodiment of his advocacy for turning night vigils into night shifts.

Obi stated this while visiting Mary Agro Farm Institute in Omughu, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, last Wednesday. The former Anambra Governor who supported the efforts of the diocese by donating N20m, while assuring continued support in the farm’s operations and development, stressed the need for increased investment in Agriculture to combat Nigeria’s food crisis.

Citing reports projecting that 33 million Nigerians could face hunger by 2025, with 5.4 million children at risk of acute malnutrition, he called on government in Nigeria at all levels to prioritise food production.

‘Enterprises like Agro Farms Limited are paving the way. I encourage them to continue their innovative contributions to Agriculture,’ Obi said.

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo, in his response, reassured Obi that the farm would put the money to good use, noting that he was inspired by Obi’s advocacy for prioritizing production over consumption.

He said the 500-hectares focused on cultivating palm trees, cassava, maize and fish farming on a large scale. He assured that with adequate support the farm would employ up to a thousand people within the next ten years, as well as significantly contributing to Nigeria’s food security.

Bishop Obodo explained that the farm’s establishment followed the success of a pilot project in Udi, which Mr. Obi had also visited.

Reflecting on other sources of inspiration for the farm, Bishop Obodo said he was guided by the scripture, recalling how Jesus instructed the apostles to find food for the hungry multitudes.

Earlier same day, Mr. Obi had also attended the First International Conference of Peaceland University, Enugu, themed, “Digitalisation in Education: Staying Ahead of the Curve”. At the event, he interacted with students and emphasised the transformative role of education when matched with technological advancements.

He praised Mama Pia, the Swiss philanthropist and founder of the university, for dedicating her life’s savings to establishing the institution. Obi noted that her vision of alleviating poverty through education aligned with his own advocacy for prioritising education as a tool for national transformation.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, Obi underscored the importance of integrating digital technologies into Nigeria’s Educational System. He cited global examples, such as India’s Indira Gandhi National Open University, which educates over seven million students through digital platforms. He stressed that digitalisation could break barriers, reduce costs, and improve learning outcomes.

‘To remain relevant in today’s world, our Education System must embrace innovation and adapt to technological advancements. Digital Education can ensure greater accessibility while reducing infrastructure costs,’ Obi said.

Concluding his engagements, Mr. Obi reiterated his belief that strategic investments in Agriculture and Education were pivotal to Nigeria’s growth.

‘A New Nigeria remains possible,’ he declared, urging all stakeholders to work together for a brighter future.

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