The Provost of Elife Academy and producer of Mentoring Masterclass, Dr. Bola Adewara has called on Nigerians to take full advantage of the rainy season by planting food crops to ensure household food security in the coming months.
Speaking to journalists at a media chat recently, Adewara said, ‘In light of the prevailing economic hardship, food production is no longer limited to those with vast farmlands.
With innovation and determination, anyone can cultivate essential crops such as yam, cocoyam, sweet and Irish potatoes, tomatoes, pepper, groundnut, maize, millets, etc, using simple methods, including growing them in bags filled with soil.
“A wise man will seize this opportunity to create a stable kitchen for his family,” he said. “If we work to conquer hunger, we have conquered shame and worry.”
He encourages citizens to embrace backyard farming, container gardening, and other simple cultivation techniques that can be done in urban and rural areas alike. By doing so, families can significantly reduce their dependence on expensive market supplies and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.
Adewara also challenges churches in Nigeria to look at the way of farming. He said, ‘If Churches could go into real estate, educational institutions, hospital projects, there is nothing wrong if they also look at the way of farming.
It is exhilarating for me that some big churches have acquired several hectares of land in different parts of Nigeria for farming. Small churches should do the same. By the time of harvest, they will have enough to take care of the widows, orphans, visitors, and first timers.
‘Taking to farming’, he added, ‘will also be another employment opportunity for the youth in their midst. Evangelism is best done when the stomach is filled. Jesus first fed the people before preaching. Empty stomachs can’t hear the words of God.
Dr. Adewara warns against taking this planting season lightly, urging Nigerians to act proactively in securing their food supply. He believes that self-sufficiency in food production will not only ease the burden of rising food costs but also foster resilience in challenging times.
“This is not just a call to action but a call to wisdom. The rain is here. Let us make the most of it, plant something today, and reap the benefits in the months to come,” he concluded.
