Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has called on African leaders to prioritize investment in agriculture to address hunger and insecurity across the continent.
Speaking as a panelist at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum, held in Kigali, Rwanda, Obi emphasized the critical role of agriculture in creating jobs, promoting security, and ensuring food security across Africa. He used Nigeria’s experience with food insecurity as a case study, linking it to broader national security challenges.
“Food insecurity is a key driver of insecurity in Nigeria,” Obi said. He argued that increasing agricultural productivity could help reduce reliance on food imports, stabilize national currencies, and control inflation.
Obi highlighted Bangladesh as a successful example, noting that the country produces 35-40 million tons of rice annually despite having less arable land than Nigeria, which produces just 3-4 million tons. He underscored Africa’s untapped agricultural potential, calling on leaders to harness this sector.
“Africa’s agricultural sector holds immense promise. By investing in it, we can create jobs for our youth, reduce poverty, and tackle hunger,” Obi said, urging governments to make food security a priority for economic growth and human empowerment.
He also advocated for sustainable agricultural practices and improvements in food value chains, suggesting these changes would lead to more prosperous and secure communities. “An Africa that feeds itself is at the center of our aspirations,” Obi added.
While in Kigali, Obi will attend the Silver Gala, an event organized by international Rwandan dancer and choreographer Sherrie Silver, on September 7, 2024. The event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, is set to feature several global celebrities, including Obi, who was welcomed by Silver at Kigali International Airport.
“It’s an honor to have Peter Obi Gregory here to support a dream as big as mine,” Silver said of Obi’s attendance.
Obi, 63, served as the governor of Anambra State from 2007 to 2014. He remains an influential figure in Nigerian politics, having secured over 6 million votes in the 2023 presidential election, where he finished as a frontrunner against eventual winner Bola Tinubu.
