Oluwatosin Lamidi
As a result of current recession in the country, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, has called on governments at all levels to do away with policies that are not friendly to Agriculture.
This appeal was part of the Communiqué issued and signed by the Chairperson, Hajia Sekinah Lawal and Secretary, Ifejola Otun, at the end of its November Congress held in Lagos recently.
The association said all efforts should now be made to make farming activities more attractive and yield more profits for farmers, saying it would provide the needed succour for millions of Nigerians who may have lost hope as a result of the biting economic recession.
While calling on Nigerians to start consuming locally-made products like Ofada Rice so as to boost our economy, the body called for government support for farmers, fishermen, artisans and other entrepreneurship endeavours. “The issue of paying lip service to agriculture should be a thing of the past. If an egg now costs N50 and a bowl of Cassava flour goes for N900, then, there is serious trouble. All families should henceforth be encouraged to start agricultural activities even in their gardens, backyard, un-cultivated landed property among others.
Lagos NAWOJ also appealed to the Lagos State government and other neighbouring states to key into the opportunities provided by the availability of Shrimps and other Sea-foods in the riverine communities.
“This can be done by coming up with friendly policies with a view to boost fishing activities in those communities. Prices of basic food items are getting out of the reach of the masses and there should be deliberate efforts aimed at filling these gaps.”
Also, the association appealed to media practitioners to step up actions in the area of disseminating information on appropriate nutrition for the benefit of women and children in order to check rising malnutrition currently plaguing majority of the population, especially women and children.
In conclusion, the professional group called for drastic measures to check rising cases of kidnapping in the country by further empowering the local vigilante groups as part of the larger security plan.
Members were given training on etiquette by Mrs. Nneoma Efanga which was adjudged by members to be very timely and quite beneficial.
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