By Vivian Onyebukwa
An expert in the field of Animal Breeding and Genetics, and agricultural business, Dr Olaiwola Ogunpaimo, has proffered solution to Nigeria’s unemployment and poverty levels through massive agricultural development.
Dr Ogunpaimo while delivering a virtual lecture on, “Harnessing Business Opportunities in Agriculture Utilizing Local And International Opportunities”, to the large members of Conference of Bola Ahmed Tinubu National Support Groups (CONBAT-NSG), gave an insights into Nigeria’s investments in the agricultural industry which, he said can solve many problems in Nigeria.
While making references to different reputable national and international sources, Dr Ogunpaimo mentioned that Nigeria unemployment rate is 33.3% according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics and Nigerians within the age range of 15 to 34 years old constitute about 42.6% of the total percentage.
He also said that 82.9 million Nigerians were living in poverty in 2021 with 40% of this number living below 1.9 dollars per day according to National Social Safety Nets Coordination Office and World Bank respectively.
Dr Olaiwola Ogunpaimo, a PH.D holder on Animal Breeding and Genetics from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, and a former staff of the same institution, insisted that with the type of hoe and cutlass means of farming that mostly dominate the Nigerian agricultural space, it may be difficult for the new administration to address the current unemployment and poverty level. “Based on current reality and unfolding events in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large, a country like Nigeria with more than 70 million hectares of land, 180 million livestock and over 210 million population, already possess what is required to break the shackles of poverty and unemployment for its citizens”.
Hence, he implored the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to give agriculture, particularly crop and livestock production, fisheries and forestry a topmost priority in his government especially in the areas of making feasible, sustainable and impactful policies and programs that are capable of improving the current status of Nigerian economy, as well as creating massive job opportunities for the people. “I am strongly convinced that the poverty and unemployment levels will be reduced, internally generated revenue will increase and the overall effect of this will further strengthen Naira against other foreign currencies”, Dr Olaiwola Ogunpaimo added.