Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have lamented the long neglect of agriculture in the nation’s economic development even as they acknowledged that it is a viable option for the diversification of the economy.In a communique emanating from the end of the 12th All Nigerian Editors’ Conference (ANEC) held in Port Harcourt from August 3 to 7 with the theme: “Economic Diversification: Agriculture As Option For A Prosperous Nigeria,” the editors said that the problem with the economy has been as a result of over-reliance on oil and gas as the source of revenue for the country
The communiqué, which was signed by the NGE President, Funke Egbemode, and Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, noted that agriculture has suffered serious neglect as a result of negative mind set, reliance on outdated methods and gross underfunding.
The conference therefore resolved, “That agriculture is the most viable option to adopt to revive the nation’s economy, create employment for the army of unemployed youths, and usher in prosperity for the country and its peoples.”[myad]
