By Femi Adewale
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says his ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ agriculture initiative would have further enhanced Nigeria’s food sufficiency had his successors sustained it.
Obasanjo said this in Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday while speaking at the inauguration of a new factory and the launch of a new product by Danone Limited, owners of Fan Milk Plc.
As a military leader between 1976 and 1979, Obasanjo initiated the programme before handing over to the late President Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979.
Shagari was overthrown by General Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983 while Buhari himself was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1985.
When Obasanjo returned as a civilian leader in 1999, the programme had been completely abandoned.
The former president, who was the Guest of Honour at the event in Ibadan, lamented that his successors neglected the initiative.
He, however, encouraged Nigerians to invest in livestock farming.
He urged the Oyo State Government to turn the state into a dairy centre by tapping into its potential for livestock and dairy production.
Obasanjo also called on the state government to educate local farmers on dairy farming and practices.
He appreciated Fan Milk-Danone company for its investment in Nigeria for over 60 years.
In his address, Governor Seyi Makinde said his administration remained committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, assured investors that his government would continue to provide security and facilities while implementing policies that would support their businesses.
He appreciated the company for its economic impact on the state and the provision of quality nutrition for the people through its various products.
Makinde commended the company’s resilience among beverage manufacturing companies despite the country’s economic challenges.
