From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
As part of the vision outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on promoting agricultural development, improving food security, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is set to launch ‘Operation Empty the Stores’ across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Markus Ogunbiyi, during the opening of a capacity-building workshop organized by the Ministry’s Department of Information for its correspondents. The workshop was themed “Building Partnerships with the Media for Food Security.”
Dr. Ogunbiyi explained that ‘Operation Empty Stores’ aims to enhance food production by distributing farm equipment and inputs that have been stored in the ministry’s warehouses across the country. He emphasized that the initiative would strengthen collaboration, understanding, and partnership between the ministry and the media covering the agricultural sector.
He acknowledged the critical role of the media, noting that without it, the ministry’s objectives could not be achieved. “It is the power of the media that ensures Nigerians, especially farmers, are informed, sensitized, and educated about the administration’s efforts to boost food production and combat hunger in the country,” he stated.
Dr. Ogunbiyi also urged the correspondents to continue their partnership with the ministry in promoting activities and programs aimed at enhancing food security in the agricultural sector.
Earlier, Dr. Joel Oruche, Director of Information at the Ministry, highlighted the ministry’s extensive mandate, which includes food security, employment generation, wealth creation, agricultural business activities, and rural development. He called for stronger partnerships and collaboration between the ministry and the media to achieve food security in the country.
Dr. Oruche commended the media for their support in promoting the ministry’s activities and urged correspondents to make the most of the workshop to better understand the ministry’s work. He expressed confidence that the workshop would lead to more effective and insightful media coverage in the coming weeks.
Mr. Kingsley Osadalor, Technical Advisor and Strategy Communication to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the invaluable role of the media in promoting agricultural activities. He noted that the media is crucial in helping farmers gain a better understanding of agricultural practices and food security.
On behalf of the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), the association’s chairman, Mr. Collins Nnabuife, commended the ministry for organizing the capacity-building workshop. He assured the ministry that the association would continue to partner with the ministry not only to promote its policies and programs but also to ensure their effective implementation.
During his presentation, Dr. Deola Tayo Lordbanjou, Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Services, revealed that ‘Operation Empty Stores’ will empower 50,000 farmers across the country with agricultural inputs and equipment, starting in February 2025. Each state and the FCT will benefit from the program, with 1,500 farmers in each region.
Dr. Tayo also announced the upcoming launch of the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a nationwide initiative that will provide farmers with easy access to information from the ministry. He explained that the platform will transition the ministry from analog to digital and serve as a transformative tool to improve communication and interaction between farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
Other speakers at the workshop included Ishaku A. Buba, National Project Coordinator for the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pack (NAGS-AP), and Engr. Sule O. Majeed, Director of Mechanization, who was represented by Engr. Joseph O. They discussed effective policies, program implementation, and how the media can collaborate with the ministry to promote sustainable agricultural practices and development.
