by We know it prior to this time, but our vulnerability is better exposed during this world pandemic Corona virus crises.
We are dependent on foriegn products to tackle our challenges including medical professionals. And the cacopony of it is that we were compelled to have recourse to the country of origin of this mass killer infection, China.
We have missed growth and development opportunities that would have allowed us to tap into vital areas of modern day economic prosperities. We even failed in human capital development.
Finding culprits or apportioning blames is of no value here except if we want to drive ourselves back; we are all guilty.
China has taken serious lead in machineries and other cutting edge industrial projects. India is leading in Information technology. Many countries of western europe and North America even though they are reaping the consequences of outsourcing, are still in a good stead to stabilize their country in this era of deadly virus.
In addition, they are all leading military mights in their own right. Some high profile eastern europe countries do have edge in military and modern warfare equipments.
Africa is a sleeping giant. Nigeria is favored by indices of geography and endowed with pastures for grazing and tillage.
What is required of us to become a great agricultural industrial and agro allied raw material suplliers is the strong political will, honesty, sincerity of purpose and robust support for locals and foreign investors.
Rice is an opportunity but other major crops in our dear countries are still relevant; beans rice, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnuts, gum arabic, kolanut, maize (corn).
Others are melon, millet, palm kernels, palm oil, plantains, rice, rubber, sorghum, soybeans, bananas and yams.
Time it was when Nigeria was a player in groundnut and palm kernel exportation.
Many of the aforementioned products are still cash cows both locally and in international markets.
Since oil has failed to bring us prosperity but rather hardship and a source of laziness and corruption on the part of succedding governments, it is high time we think outside the box.
The government need not be biased in creating an enabling environment devoid of herdsmen destroying others’ farms and produce, with intimidation and impunity.
Infranstructures in terms of good access roads and transportation should be put in place.
Industrial locations should be professionally structured to create a conducive and smooth business environment.
If we fail to tap into these opportunities, we shall be enslaved by the foreigners who see opportunities where our eyes are blinded and our ears deaf.
