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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to take up farming to increase food production and reduce prices, while also expressing concern over the country’s rapid population growth.
Speaking during the Eid prayer in Daura on Sunday according to a statement by Garba Shuehu, Buhari stressed the importance of self-reliance and encouraged citizens to grow their own food.
“I am wishing everyone a Happy Sallah. May this special festival bring joy, prosperity, and wonderful health to everyone,” Buhari said.
Continuing he said, “I use this occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant. Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country.”
Buhari also commended the efforts of young people in various nation-building initiatives and encouraged them to learn about the country’s founding fathers and regional personalities for inspiration.
He noted that the foundation of a prosperous and stable country had been laid by successive governments and urged the youth to continue playing an active role in nation-building efforts.
However, the former president expressed concern over the rapid population growth in the country, saying it posed significant problems for future generations.
“There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health,” he emphasized.
In a separate interaction with members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Buhari praised the scheme as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon’s administration and urged successive governments to continue strengthening it.
He also presented a cow, 10 bags of rice, and some cash to the NYSC members to celebrate the occasion, a tradition he has maintained every year.
