In a recent statement that underscores the pervasive challenges of hardship facing Nigeria, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has candidly expressed that President Bola Tinubu alone cannot ameliorate the escalating difficulties encountered by citizens across the country. As articulated by Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, the Chairman of the Ebonyi State chapter of the APC, during an event in Abakaliki, the state capital, the remedy to the nation’s hardships lies not in the hands of a single individual, even if that individual is the President, but rather in the collective action of all Nigerians.
Chief Emegha’s message was clear and unequivocal: it is imperative for Nigerians to pivot towards agriculture as a sustainable solution to the economic challenges that plague the country. He emphasized the critical need for citizens to transcend beyond the realm of blame and instead, invest efforts into tangible ventures that can ensure food security and economic stability. “Things are hard in the country now,” Emegha acknowledged, “and the much we can do is to be helping those we are better than.”
The call to agriculture is not merely a suggestion but a clarion call for a return to the basics of self-sufficiency and communal support. Emegha’s urging for individuals to engage in farming activities is born out of a pragmatic understanding of agriculture’s capacity to not only feed the nation but to also stimulate economic growth and reduce dependence on government provisions. “Let everybody embark on agriculture. Let’s feed first,” he implored, highlighting agriculture as a practical step that every Nigerian can take towards alleviating their personal and communal hardships.
This push for agricultural engagement is not presented as an alternative to government intervention but as a complementary strategy that empowers citizens to take control of their destinies. Emphasizing the role of individual agency in national development, Emegha questioned, “If you are hungry, what has Mr. President got to do?” thereby challenging the populace to recognize their power and responsibility in contributing to the nation’s prosperity.
In a country as richly endowed with arable land as Nigeria, the potential for agricultural productivity is immense. Emegha’s narrative is one of hope and action, wherein he envisions a society where citizens can cultivate enough to not only feed themselves but also to share with others. His message is a reminder that the solutions to Nigeria’s challenges are within reach if only its people would harness the resources available to them.
The APC chairman’s discourse is a poignant reflection on the state of governance and civic responsibility in Nigeria. It underscores the limitations of expecting solutions to emanate solely from political leadership and reiterates the importance of grassroots initiatives and self-reliance. By advocating for a shift towards agricultural practices, Emegha is not only proposing a strategy for food sufficiency but is also advocating for a cultural shift towards self-sufficiency and empowerment.
In essence, the APC’s stance as articulated by Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha is a call to action for all Nigerians to actively participate in the cultivation of their land as a means to combat the economic challenges that confront them. It is a narrative that positions agriculture at the heart of national development and economic resilience. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of its economic landscape, the message from the APC is clear: the path to prosperity is one that requires the collective effort of all its citizens, with agriculture serving as a pivotal cornerstone in this journey.
