Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has thrown his weight behind the agriculture-driven economy policy of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obasanjo who made this known on Tuesday in Benin, Edo State while speaking to journalists shortly after paying courtesy call on the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, called on Nigeria to redirect it’s economy away from oil to agriculture.
He noted that it had become clear that agriculture was the only sustainable business in the country which is capable of withstanding any season.
“We have no other sustainable business other than agriculture that can keep us going, come rain or shine,” he said.
He informed the Benin Monarch that he was in Benin to inspect a multi-million dollar farm project owned by an Edo-based businessman, Capt. Hosa Okunbor, located in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the State.
While congratulating the Oba on his coronation, the former President, described the Monarch as a man of dignity.
According to him, “The Oba, whom I have known for a long time, remains the same. So, I am very happy to be here and am proud of him.”
Oba Ewuare II, in his response, said he was delighted to receive the former president in his palace, barely a week after receiving a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.)
He noted that being a successful farmer, Obasanjo would inspire the agro-allied industry in Edo to grow.
According to him, agricultural development was the way forward for Nigeria, even as he said that former president’s wisdom could play a major role in the creation of the Gelegele export-free zone in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
He also assured that the palace would not let its people down but do its best to cater for their welfare.
Obasanjo was accompanied on the visit by Captain Hosa Okunbor.
Earlier while speaking to journalists after a courtesy visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the former President, in his usual humorous manner, said; “I come salute Governor and Governor don pick my salute.”