Lawmaker Wants Enhanced Capacity For Agric Institutions

In a bid to boost agri
cultural production in the country, a Lagos lawmaker, Mr Ladi Balogun, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the various institutions in the sector.
Balogun, who is the vice-chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Co-operatives, said that adequate funding and strengthening of the institutions would help the country’s food system.
“Government should strengthen the various agricultural institutions for them to boost food production.
“There is need to ensure food security and also use agriculture to generate jobs for the productive segments of the society,’’ he said.
The lawmaker urged the government to take necessary measures to boost farmers’ yield and also check wastage and food spoilage.
Balogun (APC-Ajeromi/Ifelodun II) noted that the country’s huge population was an advantage as it could be deployed to boosting food production.
According to him, youths of between ages 18 and 45 constitute 64 per cent of the population.
“Creating avenues for the youth to get employment through agriculture will also boost the country’s economy.
He urged authorities to include skill acquisition and entrepreneurship in secondary school curriculum.
“Government at all levels should look at employment from the angle of wealth creation.
“The West African Examination Council (WAEC) introduced about 37 new subjects and I ask myself, for what?
“Are we going to create entrepreneurs through these subjects?’’