More Holistic, Sustainable Approach Needed To Address Hunger In Nigeria -Atiku
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has stated that a more holistic and sustainable approach was crucial, including bolstering security measures to address the hunger in the country.
Atiku who stated this in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, noted that the short-term measures, such as grain procurement, are mere band-aids and fall woefully short of the comprehensive action needed.
The former VP said, he was disheartened by the escalating hunger crisis engulfing millions of Nigerian children, a number that has now swelled to approximately 4.4 million, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP).
He said, the Madina Maishanu’s recent BBC report painted a harrowing picture of the plight faced by families in Katsina state, stating that her courageous journalism illuminates the harsh realities endured by most vulnerable communities in the country.
Therefore, he said, both the national and state governments must prioritize long-term strategies to curb food inflation, enhance security, and stabilize the forex rate, thereby safeguarding food security for all Nigerians.
In particular, he said, the government of Katsina state must heed expert advice, invest in agricultural development, support the farmers, and implement measures to prevent further displacement of communities.
Atiku who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election said, it was also vital to collaborate with humanitarian organizations and the international community to mitigate the impact of the crisis and work towards a brighter, more secure future for all Nigerians.
