MUSA-ODODO ABDULRAHAMAN
The land is the cradle of humanity, a sacred repository of life, potential, and abundance. It is our beginning, our sustenance, and the foundation upon which our future must be built. Nigeria, a nation blessed with fertile soils, abundant water, and a vibrant populace, stands at a pivotal crossroads. To rise to the heights of our destiny, we must return to the land – not merely as tillers of the soil but as custodians of a divine inheritance. Agriculture is more than an economic activity; it is the bridge between humanity and the divine, the ultimate alchemy that turns toil into sustenance and sweat into abundance.
Embedded within the land is a profound mystery, a silent force that holds the key to transformation. Farming connects us to the rhythms of nature, fostering humility and gratitude as we bow to the sacredness of the earth. Each seed planted is an act of faith, a covenant with the unseen forces of creation that promise a harvest in return. The wisdom of our ancestors, enshrined in traditional farming practices, carries the secrets of harmonious coexistence with nature – secrets that modernity has often ignored but must now rediscover. From the cyclic dance of crop rotation to the rejuvenating power of organic composting, these practices echo the eternal principles of balance and reciprocity.
Throughout our history, agriculture has been at the heart of our identity. The groundnut pyramids of Northern Nigeria once stood as a testament to our agricultural might, towering symbols of prosperity that drew the world’s attention. In the cocoa farms of Western Nigeria, an economic legacy was sown, funding education, infrastructure, and the dreams of a generation. The palm oil plantations of Eastern Nigeria were the lifeblood of trade and industry, connecting our people to global markets long before the oil boom. These were not just crops; they were emblems of a nation’s potential, proof that our land could sustain us and the world beyond.
Yet, agriculture is more than heritage or history; it is the lifeblood of communities. It binds people together, fostering cooperation and social cohesion. It is the source of food sovereignty, empowering us to control our destiny and protect our cultural identity in a world increasingly shaped by external forces. Through agriculture, we preserve biodiversity, restore ecological balance, and mitigate the effects of climate change. The land, when nurtured, nurtures us in return.
Today, the urgency is undeniable. The world faces a growing threat of food insecurity, and Nigeria cannot afford complacency. Our fertile lands and favorable climate position us uniquely to rise as a global agricultural powerhouse, but this potential remains largely untapped. It is a call to arms, a call to conscience, and a call to action. We must embrace the tools of modernity, merging tradition with technology to propel us into a new era of agricultural excellence. Mechanized farming must become the norm, and the advent of smart farming technologies – Internet of Things (IoT) devices, drones, and robotics – offers unparalleled opportunities to revolutionize our agricultural practices.
Imagine drones surveying vast farmlands, planting seeds with precision, and monitoring crops for optimal health. Envision IoT devices providing real-time data on soil moisture, weather patterns, and pest threats, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that maximize yields. Picture robotics automating labor-intensive processes, making farming efficient and appealing to a younger, tech-savvy generation. This is not a distant dream but an achievable reality that demands deliberate effort and investment.
Agriculture holds the promise of economic diversification, reducing our over-reliance on oil and creating a resilient economy rooted in the land. It can generate millions of jobs, uplifting rural communities and addressing the twin challenges of unemployment and poverty. It presents vast investment opportunities for local and international stakeholders, with potential for growth in areas like irrigation, storage, transportation, and export infrastructure.
But this transformation will not happen on its own. It requires conscious effort, visionary policies, and a unified sense of purpose. The government must prioritize subsidies for farmers, invest in agricultural research, and forge partnerships with technological innovators. The private sector must recognize agriculture as a viable and profitable venture, channeling resources into projects that will yield both social and financial returns. Above all, Nigerians must take collective responsibility to harness the untapped power of our agricultural potential.
We are at a defining moment in our history, and the land is calling us back to its embrace. Nature has endowed Nigeria with all it needs to feed itself and the world, but this blessing comes with a responsibility to act. The time is now. The path is clear. The land beckons, and in its soil lies the seed of our unmatched development. Let us rise to this call, for in returning to agriculture, we rediscover not just our heritage but the key to our prosperity and the fulfillment of our Great and Unparalleled Destiny.
Yours for Nigeria as a Global Leader!
Abdulrahaman is the Founder/President,
Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).
Project Coordinator,
National Policy Dialogue.
www.nationalpolicydialogue.org