Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari Advocates for Increased Food Production, Warns Against Population Explosion

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: (AFP OUT) Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari speaks during a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on April 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. The two leaders are scheduled to discuss a range of bilateral issues and hold a joint press conference later in the day. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to work towards self-reliance and boost food production in the country. He made this appeal during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in reducing food prices and ensuring national sustenance.

Speaking to journalists after attending Eid prayers with Emir of Daura, Dr. Faruk Umar Faruk, at the Daura township Eid ground, Buhari extended his Sallah greetings, wishing Nigerians joy, prosperity, and good health during this special festival. He stressed the need for continued efforts in agriculture, particularly amid rising prices.

“I use this occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant. Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country,” Buhari said, according to a statement by Mallam Garba Shehu.

Buhari expressed satisfaction with the increased involvement of Nigerians in farming, which he believes will help stabilize food prices and feed the nation. However, he warned that unchecked population growth poses significant challenges for future generations.

Reflecting on the large crowds at the Eid in Daura, he highlighted the need for greater awareness and discussion about population control, and advocated for more investment in education and healthcare.

“There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health,” Buhari said.

In his message, the former President urged the youth to actively participate in nation-building and draw inspiration from the founding fathers of Nigeria. He encouraged Nigerians to support each other, particularly in the current challenging circumstances.

“Considering the situation in the country, and in the spirit of the Sallah, let us help one another and be our brothers’ keepers. I wish everyone a happy Sallah,” he added.

Buhari also addressed members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who have a tradition of visiting him every Sallah. He praised the NYSC as a unifying force in Nigeria, initiated by General Yakubu Gowon, and called for its continued strengthening by successive administrations. To celebrate the occasion, he donated a cow, 10 bags of rice, and cash to the NYSC members.

Buhari’s call for increased food production and awareness about population growth underscores his continued commitment to addressing some of Nigeria’s most pressing issues even after his presidency.