- Says Agriculture Is The New Oil
By Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)
The Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang may have criticized many moves by Akwa Ibom state governor, Udom Emmanuel in the past. But this time he has given his support to the ban of livestocks and food importation from northern States into Akwa Ibom.
Following alleged inflow of northern migrants to the southern States via essential food stuffs especially livestock trucks, Gov Emmanuel had pronounced a temporary ban on livestock importation onto the state during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Senator Ita Enang who spoke in a telephone chat with ‘Team Nigeria’ live radio program on Thursday wants the ban extended beyond COVID-19 era.
“This is one occasion I agree with UDOM Emmanuel, UDOM IS RIGHT, the new oil is agriculture, the new oil is livestock farming. All the PDP, APC stalwarts, all the rich men, they should stop establishing filling station, they should raise this livestock. I commend the governor for stopping the importation of livestock.
“But we should make it understood that it is not just for the purpose of spreading COVID 19. It is also for encouraging Akwa Ibom people to go into farming, encouraging Akwa Ibom people to raise our local cow, goats, sheep, chicken and other livestock. It should encourage rabbit and bush meat farming.”
The former presidential aide on Senate business and rules wants Akwa Ibom state governor to tax other food importation into the State to encourage local food cultivation thereby overcome looming food crisis after COVID-19.
“This should not stop in just livestock farming, they should also extend to bringing in food stuffs from other states. They should tax it to encourage people who are planting locally to go and plant.
“Those who have been traders in importing yam, potatoes, bringing tomatoes, cucumber and watermelon should all know that watermelon grows everywhere in Akwa Ibom. You don’t need to bring it from Adamawa, Yobe or Nasarawa because the cost of the transportation makes these food costly.
“The governor in doing this should also encourage his Commissioners and every person in his government to go into agriculture. I’ll do everything to support and encourage him in this matter because my job is economy diversification. My job is making sure we have the new oil. Crude oil is no more useful,” Sen. Enang said
Ita Enang also want Akwa Ibom state government to consider making grants available for the proposed integrated farming as part of its Covid-19 palliatives.
