As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) embarks on the distribution of 44,656 bags of assorted food items as palliatives, Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi, a staunch advocate of good governance and social development, has voiced strong opposition to the reliance on short-term relief measures. Citing concerns over the long-term sustainability of such initiatives, Dr. Ogunronbi advocates for a strategic shift towards policies that promote local agricultural production and economic resilience.
At the flag-off ceremony in Gwagwalada, FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, highlighted the government’s intent to alleviate food shortages and ease the burden of high food prices on vulnerable segments of society. The distributed items, sourced from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, include substantial quantities of rice, maize, sorghum, garri, millet, and other staples.
“While palliatives provide immediate relief, they do not address the underlying issues of food insecurity and economic vulnerability,” Dr. Ogunronbi asserted. “We need to move beyond temporary fixes and invest in sustainable strategies that empower local farmers and strengthen our agricultural sector.”
Minister Mahmoud emphasized the importance of secure distribution channels and urged responsible queuing among FCT residents to ensure equitable access to the palliatives. “To sustain meaningful development, we must prioritize the welfare of our citizens,” she affirmed. “Revitalizing our agricultural sector is essential to achieving our national goals of food and nutrition security.”
In addition to the distribution of food items, the FCT plans to provide essential agricultural inputs to farmers, aiming to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure a prosperous planting season. However, Dr. Ogunronbi believes that while these efforts are commendable, they should complement broader strategies focused on sustainable agricultural development.
She has proposed comprehensive policies that stimulate local production, improve access to markets, and enhance food processing capabilities across Nigeria. “As an advocate, I have developed strategies aimed at tackling the root causes of food insecurity,” Dr. Ogunronbi shared. “We need to shift our focus from short-term relief plans to sustainable agricultural practices that build economic resilience and food sovereignty.”
As discussions continue on the effectiveness of palliatives versus sustainable development strategies, Dr. Ogunronbi urges policymakers to prioritize long-term investments in agriculture and economic empowerment. Only through sustainable development practices can Nigeria achieve lasting food security and economic prosperity for all its citizens.
