As the food crisis persists in the country, the Primate of The African Church, His Eminence Julius Osayande Abbe, has urged the Federal Government to address the issue of insecurity discouraging Nigerians from returning to their farms.

Julius made the call at a press conference, to mark the commencement of the 5th Biennial and 118th conference of the church, ending today at the African Church Cathedral, Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

While commending the Federal Government for the grains released months ago to cushion the effect of the hardship in the country, he decried that farmers in states known for their prowess in food production can no longer visit their farms due to the level of insecurity in the land.

He said: “Nigeria is good; we have good and fertile land, and good climatic conditions. Our people are not lazy, if the necessary support is given to the farmers and the issue of insecurity is addressed, the food crisis will be a thing of the past in the country. The small scale and large farmers need to be encouraged with necessary incentives.” 

Speaking further, he noted that the issue of storage is very essential to encourage farmers to store grains and agro commodities during glut. 

“During food scarcity, they can bring out food from the barn and there will be food for all. As said earlier, addressing insecurity and support to farmers is very essential to be food secured.” He added 

He said the role of the church in the matters of global warming should really hit the ground running, 

On his part, the Lay President, Chief Adewale Odufuwa advised the country to embrace mechanised farming, noting that developed countries have adopted the system of farming to address issues of food security.

He said the government has a lot to do to encourage farmers and improve the sector, in order for the country to have abundant food to eat.