Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has expressed disappointment that Nigeria cannot feed herself in 2024, describing the reality as ‘a big shame’.
Makinde raised concerns while receiving national executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by its President, Chris Iziguzo on Thursday in Ibadan.
The governor, who was appointed as Grand Patron of NUJ, Oyo State Council, said that it was unfortunate that many states and local government areas were not producing anything.
Makinde emphasised that there is a need for government at all levels to return to those economic practices that will get the country back on the path of growth and progress.
Speaking on the Supreme Court’s verdict granting Local Government financial autonomy, and declaring as illegal the setting up of caretaker committees, he said it does not in any way affect Oyo state because as governor, he always conducts LG elections.
He added that the federal allocation was not enough, and charged all and sundry to find ways to produce rather than depending on foreign goods.
Makinde said; “It is a big shame for this country that we cannot feed ourselves. We should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and economic progress.
“I would say that it (Supreme Court judgment) has nothing to do with us here in Oyo State because since I came in, we’ve conducted local government election twice, and for one day after we held the first election, there’s been no caretaker anywhere.
“We planned and gave allowance for election process to go on smoothly. So, it’s not a big problem for us. The issue we have is that we’re not producing enough, we’re not productive”.