An agriculture expert, Mr Lucas Adeniji, yesterday described Nigeria as an “untapped agricultural house’’, saying the sector was capable of turning the fortunes of the nation around.
Adeniji, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Neji Farms Limited, stated this in a keynote address he presented at the opening of the All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) in Port Harcourt.
He said that Nigeria had not fared well in agriculture because it had not exhibited the needed commitment to boosting production in the sector.
He said that agriculture was a major option in the drive to diversify the nation’s economy, and that great will and determination were needed to put the country in big agricultural production pedestal.
According to Adeniji, the zeal that drove countries like China to prominence is required in Nigeria to drive the diversification process.
“Nigeria needs a total change of mindset; things need to be done differently so that extraordinary results can be achieved.
“Nigeria can be a major player in the major economic spheres instead of remaining a major player in the minor sectors,’’ he said.
He called on Nigerian agricultural entrepreneurs to develop commitment to work and avoid the current ‘careerist’ approach that had failed to yield desired result.
“The diversification move to agriculture will not yield the desired results unless commitment and focus are made the watchwords,’’ he said.
Our Correspondent reports that no fewer than 300 editors are attending the four-day conference with “Economic Diversification: Agriculture as Option for A Prosperous Nigeria’’ as theme.