Hardship: Donation Of Food To Nigeria By War-Ravaged Ukraine Is National Disgrace – Obi

While appreciating Ukraine for their generous donation of tons of grains to Nigeria to fight the prevailing nationwide hardship and hunger, Peter Obi has expressed how disheartened he is that Nigeria which is rich in natural resources now relies on a war-torn Ukraine for food assistance.

He expressed this via his official X handle on Monday noting it speaks volumes of Nigeria “as a people endowed with all needed human and natural resources, that a country officially prosecuting a brutal war of national survival with its powerful neighbor, Russia,  is generous and kind enough with their food supplies to help us who are To Nigeria.

Obi pointed out that for the people of Ukraine, their “act of human solidarity testifies to a rare generosity of spirit which should earn them greater global solidarity. It demonstrates our shared humanity.”

He further noted that “a situation like this underscores vigorously the importance of sound political leadership as the first concrete requirement  for any nation desiring to develop and enhance the standard of living of its citizenry.

“It is disheartening that our once economically confident nation, blessed with vast arable land and abundant natural resources, now relies on a war-torn Ukraine for food assistance.

“This national disgrace stems from years of leadership failure, necessitating urgent reflection and a reordering of our national priorities and resource management and allocation. 

“Instructively, Ukraine, with a population of 43 million on 603,728 km2, outshines Northern Nigeria, covering 744,249 km2 with a young, energetic population exceeding 100 million. In 2015, Ukraine’s GDP per capita was $2125, compared to Nigeria’s $2680. By 2022, despite being at war, Ukraine’s GDP per capita exceeded $4000, while Nigeria’s regressed to $2184. Ukraine cultivates over 60% of its arable land, whereas Nigeria has over 60% uncultivated arable land.”

He highlighted that despite the conflict, Ukraine feeds itself, and exports agricultural products worth over $ 25 billion which is about ‘the same value as our crude oil export earnings, and it serves as a strategic global food supplier, even providing aid to a peaceful yet unproductive Nigeria. 

Obi advised that to overcome this embarrassment, Nigeria  must aggressively reorder her priorities by investing resources in productive sectors like agriculture. 

He added that addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to return to their fields, enabling a productive manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses.

“In 4 to 5 years, this concerted effort can reverse the current trend, leading us toward a productive and New Nigeria that I believe is possible and within reach,” he said.

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