Defense Minister Mohammed Badal said the Nigerian government is committed to ensuring food security, noting that a nation cannot prosper if its people remain hungry.
Badal said this while delivering the keynote address at the third national conference of the Nigeria Former Deputy Governors Forum held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Badal said the military will be “relentless in bringing all enemies of Nigeria to justice.” He assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to providing security to strengthen food security in the country.
“The Nigerian government is mindful of the fact that food security is a very fundamental aspect of human rights. No country can strive if its people are hungry or insecure. Nigeria is blessed with vast agricultural resources.
“Yet, the challenge of feeding our people remains. With the dedication and determination I saw during my visit across the country, I am confident that we are on the path to food security in this country.” emphasized the Minister of Defense.
The Minister expressed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Mr. Badal added that Mr. Tinubu had shown commitment to efforts to provide relief to various programs involving sectors such as agriculture, trade, education, health, transportation, and security measures amid economic instability. .
The minister called on the people to support security agencies with pride in their morale in carrying out their duties.
Mr. Badal called on leaders to foster dialogue and develop workable solutions that promote peace, stability and economic growth across the country.
He also called on leaders to not only ensure that the needs of the people are met, but also for inclusivity and decisions that reflect the will of the people.
“We must therefore all advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in leadership, where collectively all voices are respected and public resources are used thoughtfully and generously.
“Employing transparency and responsible leadership is essential to fostering development, which goes hand in hand with security and stability. Therefore, to achieve good governance, regardless of background or position, All ideas must be comprehensively included.
“Furthermore, we must leverage technology to strengthen governance by promoting public engagement and fighting corruption in Nigeria. Nigeria is a God-ordained nation of resilient and caring people. “We must never take this for granted,” he said.
But Badal said tackling food insecurity head-on requires a focused approach. He said this includes investing in agriculture, research and innovation, and providing farmers with the tools and resources they need.
(South)