By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Ashraaf Islamic Foundation has called on Nigerians to engage in agriculture to complement efforts in boosting food production in the country.
Dr Sharafudeen Aliagan, the Founder and Chairman of the foundation, made the call at the foundation’s 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture in Abuja on Saturday.
The theme of the lecture titled “Ramadan Lesson on Food Security: Building Nigeria’s Path to Sustainable Economic Growth and Development”
He said the foundation carefully choose the theme of the lecture due to hunger in the country.
“We need to see how this can be permanently resolved. So, Ashraaf Islamic Foundation thought it wise that we should discuss food security.
“We should encourage people to go into agriculture, especially smart agriculture. You can see this programme has five in one activities.
“Apart from the Ramadan lecture, we have prayer for the nation, empowerment, training and exhibition. These five things have happened here today. As I speak, the exhibition is ongoing. People are buying and selling.
“So, we want to teach people what we call self-reliance. When they are taught smart agriculture, they will feed themselves instead of begging, stealing and committing crimes.
“We want to encourage people to go into farming. I also want to encourage those whom Allah has blessed to give more, because, the more they are giving, the more they are expected to give,” Aliagan said.
According to him, the Holy Prophet prioritises the issue of feeding. Providing food for the needy and the vulnerable ones is very important and will be highly rewarded by Allah.
“That is why we have decided to organise this year Ramadan Lecture with this theme. The solution is for each and every one of us to learn how to farm on our own without any serious capital.
“You can do farming in your respective homes. You can do what we call snails farming and others,” he said.
He also encouraged government to do more in agriculture to enhance food production in abundant.
Alaigan appealed to non-governmental organisations to support people in farming and empower people so that they could be self-reliant and feed themselves.
Also speaking, Sen. Saliu Mustapha, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, said that whether during Ramadan or outside Ramadan, Nigerians should ensure that food are provided to the needy.
Mustapha, who was represented by Mr Salman Salman, commended the foundation for organising the lecture, emphasised that its theme was apt as food security was essential for everybody in Nigeria.
“There are provisions in the Holy Quran which says that if you commit some certain sins, the only way for expiation is to provide food for the needy.
“Even in the Ramadan, if you are unable to fast, you are encouraged to assist the needy; to at least sustain them for a period of days.
“Now that food security has become an issue the world over, it is essential that we put our acts together to ensure that we provide for those who are less privileged.
“In support of what the president is preaching. We have to feed the nation, we have to produce what we eat and eat what we produce,” Mustapha said.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, represented by CSP Faruk Dangi, appealed that the youths should be carried along in agricultural activities.
“This is because if they are left behind, they may be hijacked by bad elements in the society.”
He also solicited support and prayers for officers who are working round the clock to maintain law and order in the country.
NAN reports that the event attracted officials from the military, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Power and many others.
High points of the event were Quranic recitation, empowerment of over 200 persons with disabilities, prayer for the nation and the unveiling of the Executive Director of the Foundation.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA