In order to further strengthen food security in Nigeria, Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has recently met with other stakeholders to quicken the passage of the rights to food bill by the National Assembly. This bill has been confirmed to have positive effects on Nigerians if successfully implemented.
In addition, the former Nigerian president insisted that the bill must be accompanied with obligations. This was made known at the recently concluded one day dialogue on right to food in Nigeria. Reports confirmed that this dialogue made it possible for stakeholders to discuss how the constitution will accommodate the right to food bill.
It was further discussed at the dialogue forum that the right to food will help to minimise hunger and malnutrition in the country. Records confirmed that large number of children are suffering from hunger and malnutrition which this right is set to resolve.
Further more, the President, Farm and Infrastructure Foundation, Professor Gbolagade Ayoola on his part, highlighted the significance of right to food bill. He also said that right to food is also as important as the right to education and employment saying that they are all fighting for human survival. Former president, Obasanjo added that he would canvass for four major rights which are: right to food, right to education, right to employment and right to health. He said the four rights are meant not to be tampered with in every country’s constitution.
Speaking with one of the participants, Thomas Olamide, he said that the dialogue opens Nigerians’ minds to the importance of food:
“as a participant, I have been able to see how important food is in every community and also the benefits of the right to food if the national assembly finally approves it. It will also on the same run ensure that hunger is reduced in the country.”
Many participants also claimed that the outcome of the advocacy will not only guarantee food security but will also put the government in position of responsibility and accountability. Many of them also stated that a quick implementation of the right to food bill will help speed up hunger and malnutrition reduction in the country.
Nigerians reacted positively to this proposed food bill. Many said food is very essential for living and that the even distribution of it will go a long way to help the poor. The food bill is embedded with food security and supply which will no doubt contribute to a better Nigeria.
