Vice President Shettima Advocates Agricultural Revolution to Combat Insecurity and Poverty in Nigeria

• Vice President Kashim Shettima underscores the role of agricultural revolution and technology in curbing insecurity and reducing poverty in Nigeria
• Shettima advocates leveraging technology for the development of the agricultural sector to achieve food security and economic growth in Nigeria

Addressing the 13th Convocation Lecture at Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the pivotal role of agricultural revolution and technological advancements in curbing insecurity and alleviating poverty in Nigeria.

Shettima, recognizing education’s significance in the nation’s growth, urged leveraging technology to propel the agricultural sector’s development.

He asserted, “Through technology deployment, we can achieve food security for our expanding population. Nigeria can tackle insecurity by fostering economic growth to reduce poverty levels significantly. An agricultural revolution is the key to this solution.

“We can diminish our reliance on the global community by providing employment opportunities for all seeking work.”

Stressing Nigeria’s potential, Shettima highlighted the country’s abundant arable land, water resources, and sizable population. He insisted that realistic assessments of national assets and liabilities are crucial for progress.

He stated, “Considering our extensive arable land, water resources, and human capital, Nigeria has no excuse not to rank among the world’s top ten wealthiest nations. Our current position near the bottom underscores the necessity to harness what God has blessed us with.

“Nigeria’s present circumstances emphasize that having potential alone is insufficient. In these challenging times, I am confident that accomplishing this task is within our reach.”

Expressing gratitude for the university’s gesture, Shettima thanked the management for naming the newly inaugurated Faculty of Nursing Complex after him. He also officially opened the Faculty of Law Moot Court Complex at the Atere Campus.

In his welcome address, Professor Noah Yusuf, the Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the pressing issue of food insecurity in Nigeria. He acknowledged the Kwara State Governor for facilitating the construction of the university road and permitting its naming in honour of the institution.