President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a bold vision to position Nigeria as a leading agricultural export nation by 2025. This commitment was unveiled during the “Road to South-South National Convergence for Renewed Hope Agenda,” held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, President Tinubu emphasized the vast potential of Nigeria’s South-South region beyond its oil and gas wealth. He highlighted the need to tap into the region’s diverse natural resources and human talents to foster national development.
He said, “Today’s event is significant because it serves as another milestone in our nation’s journey of economic transformation.
“We are here to unveil the “National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda” as a strategic blueprint for national development with the South-South region at the forefront economic Renaissance.
“This region is very blessed in natural resources beyond oil and gas. Apart from its rich culture, the South-South is blessed with extraordinary human capacity and talents in many fields of human endeavors that have done our country proud globally.
“When we properly harness the human and material resources, this region has the potential to embody the transformative potential of Nigeria.
“Our presence here today through the launch of the project “Earn from the Soil” is a powerful declaration that we are committed to turning our non-oil resources into collective prosperity.
“Project “Earn from the Soil” is a food security initiative capable of transforming subsistence farming into robust, export-driven economic opportunities, thereby revolutionizing our agricultural landscape and ensuring National Food Security.
“In this wise, the vision of my administration is clear: By 2025, we will position Nigeria as a leading agricultural export nation.
“To this end, my administration will give necessary support to the implementation of the laudable “Project Earn from the Soil” to achieve its set objectives.”
President Tinubu said through the initiative, his administration wants to empower our citizens to be agents of economic prosperity, adding, “We are, therefore, not seeking traditional aid from our partners but strategic support that transforms our economic ecosystem.”
He told local and foreign investors to invest in the region, saying that the South-South is open for business just as the whole of Nigeria is ready for business.
“We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth. Our young people and women in particular must embrace this opportunity to be self-reliant.
“This is a charge to the young people from the South-South: You are the backbone of the transformation that is about to begin here. Your energy, creativity, and determination will drive Nigeria’s economic revolution.
“My promise to Nigerians was to restore and renew their hope and confidence in their ability to excel. That promise is being fulfilled today, here and now,” he added.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Hon. Gift Johnbull, reiterated the region’s strategic importance, describing it as “a hub of untapped potential.” She encouraged policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate in unlocking its economic opportunities.
The event also featured the unveiling of the impact Report, showcasing achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and a call for youth and women to lead transformative initiatives in their communities.
