Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that with the growing population of the country, the oil and gas sector could no longer feed the nation.
Obasanjo stated this on Sunday when the leadership of the apex Socio-Cultural group in Tiv land of Benue State, Mzough U Tiv (MUT) paid him Appreciation and Friendship visit at his residence in Abeokuta.
The former president opined that only farming and agric business could tackle the nation’s growing population, saying that farming and agric business would feed the nation.
He called on the Tiv people to focus on farming and Agric Business, stressing that he had put the experience of having his farm burnt in Benue State behind him, as he hinted of having an industry established in the state next year.
Obasanjo said he was in support for the change of the leadership of the country from the North to the South, while the Middle-Belt region should continue to advocate for rotational presidency for the country.
He submitted that if Nigeria was ready to get it right, the 2023 election should be a turning point.
” We should not go for emotion that will destroy us.
” Nigerians should see the country as for all, save it and restore to what God has created it to be,” he said.
Obasanjo was conferred with the title of a “Great Warrior” of Tiv land by the socio-political group .
Earlier in his speech, the President-General, Mzough U Tiv, Lorbee Ihagh , stated that the reason for the group’s friendship visit was to appreciate the former president’s love for Tiv people.
” Our visit is basically to interface with you as our former Head of State, a political pillar, a nationalist and elder statesman to appreciate your overwhelming love you have demonstrated over the Tiv people,” he said.
He listed three prayers for the former president’s consideration, including the need for the establishment of a fruit juice industry in Benue state and inclusive National politics.
Also, was the issue of Fulani herders attack on TIV land and position on the Nigerian power sharing formula.
“With regards to the current power equation in the country, we in the Mzough u Tiv in conjunction with the Middle Belt Forum had unanimously resolved for power shift from the North to the South for fairness, justice and a true federalism.
“We want to call on your Excellency and other well meaning Nigerians to strictly adhere to the principle of rotation and distributive justice.
” If this is enforced, the middle Belt would also be assured of producing the next president come year 2031,” Ihagh said.
