By Osahon Osahon
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has warned that Nigeria’s dwindling foreign exchange of the country will continue to decline, unless it cuts down on importation and improve on production.
This is even as he called for increased collaboration between governments at all levels and the traditional institution to tackle the problem of insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.
Obaseki made the call on Monday, when he received the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was on a courtesy visit at the Government House Benin City.
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While identifying insecurity and food challenges as some of the biggest problems facing the nation, the Governor noted that working with the traditional institution, governments at all levels “will be able to tackle these issues which will lead to the economic development of the nation.”
According to him, “One of the biggest challenges that we have today is insecurity, as hoodlums terrorise our lives in various communities across the country.
“If we must tackle the security challenges facing this country, Government must work very closely with the traditional authorities who are well-grounded in the grassroots and know the people well to bring to an end the security challenges facing this country. We are already doing that in Edo State and the results are there to show.
“The economy of our country is not doing well and we all have a big role to play. Without us producing more for ourselves, we wouldn’t be able to sustain our current level of imports.
“It means that we will not be able to get sufficient foreign exchange to bring in what we consume. The exchange rate will begin to rise, the price of commodities will continue to go up and our people will dive more into poverty.
“The traditional institution has a role to play, as we encourage our people to farm and produce more foods to feed ourselves. In the first half of this year, we have spent N1 trillion naira importing food and it’s not sustainable.
“Government cannot do it alone; we encourage our young people to know that agriculture is a viable business in the country,” he added.
The Governor while commending the Ooni for his passion and commitment to the unity and development of the country, gave assurance of his government’s commitment to sustain the partnership with the traditional institution in the state, noting that Edo is the home of culture and tradition.
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“We embrace the traditional institution in Edo State as they have a deep sense of understanding of the challenges and problems in our local communities.
“Edo State is the home of culture and tradition and we don’t joke with it. We hold our traditional institutions in high regard and will do all to protect, sustain and support them,” he said.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife congratulated the Obaseki on his victory in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election, hailing his government’s developmental strides across all sectors of the state.
Oba Ogunwusi assured the Governor that traditional rulers will continue to work with constituted authorities to move the nation forward, and advised him not to be distracted but to remain focused and double his efforts in making life better for Edo people, particularly the youths.
