A prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Isapa Ward of the Ekiti local government area of Kwara state, Busayo David has asked the government to prioritise the issue of addressing hunger among Nigerians at different social levels.
Speaking with Tribune Online in Ilorin on Tuesday, David, who is also a key participant in the sociopolitical organization, Kwara People Network, also urged the youth in the state to demand swift and decisive action from the government.
The APC stalwart, who appealed to both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to prioritise and be committed to serving their constituents, said that all levels of government must be more proactive in meeting the needs of the people.
He said that measures implemented by the Kwara state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, had shown some progress in reducing poverty and hunger among the people, adding that initiatives of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) in granting aid to individuals and small businesses have been effective in combating poverty in the state.
“There is a clear need for the federal government to adopt a similar approach to reach a larger portion of the population.
“The senator representing Kwara South senatorial district, Senator Lola Ashiru, must not only continue but also expand the substantial support provided to business owners and agricultural initiatives for the people of his constituency.
“The Federal Government must act swiftly to reopen the borders for importation of food, especially, rice. It is imperative to provide strong support to local rice farmers by purchasing rice paddy from them.
“For long-term food security, the government must efficiently process and store the purchased rice for the next three years. This strategic approach will be crucial in contributing to the eventual ban on rice importation and bolstering the economy.
“To those organizing protests, it is crucial to convey our urgent demands. If the primary motivation for the protests is hunger, we must ensure that the government at all levels takes immediate and tangible action.
“I firmly believe that, through concerted efforts and by the grace of God, we should expect to see substantial positive changes within the next six months.”
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