The Yoruba One Voice (YOV) has urged the Federal Government and South West governors to take decisive action to combat the escalating hunger crisis in Yorubaland. This call to action was made during YOV’s quarterly conference, which took place via Zoom and attracted over 500 participants from six continents.
Themed “Rescuing Yoruba Nation from Hunger: Your Task, My Task,” the conference aimed to emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to make agriculture more appealing to the people of the region.
Addressing the Hunger Crisis
In his opening remarks, Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and convener of YOV, highlighted that hunger is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting individuals regardless of tribe or region. He stated, “Acute hunger across the country does not know tribe or region. It is a general issue that needs urgent solution.”
Adams advocated for leveraging the natural agricultural advantages of Yorubaland, noting, “Nigeria is a blessed country, and Yoruba land is even the greatest beneficiary of God’s blessings.” He pointed out that agricultural production in the region has immense potential, emphasizing the need for technological advancement and reforms to revitalize the sector.
Focus on Agricultural Support
The guest speaker, Prince Adeyemi Omisakin, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of supporting farmers and encouraging communities to return to productive farming practices. He called for initiatives that would enable effective and affordable agricultural activities, thereby addressing the urgent hunger crisis and restoring the region’s dignity on the global stage.
Both Adams and Omisakin’s remarks underline the pressing need for government intervention and community engagement to enhance agricultural productivity and combat hunger in Yorubaland. The YOV conference serves as a clarion call for all stakeholders to collaborate in finding sustainable solutions to these challenges.