By Mazi Uchenna Nwafor
Based on the global food narrative of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), food is at the core of the goals of the United Nation’s development agenda for the 21st century. Being the second of the UN’s 17 SDGs, to “End Hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”
Achieving this goal by the target date of 2030 will require a profound change in the global food and agricultural system, involving both government, corporate organizations and individuals.
It is on the verge of this global need and his concerns about the people and the affordability of food and livelihood of the average and vulnerable persons that Chief Maurice Vunobolki have gifted seedlings, chemicals, and farming implements to some farming cooperatives in Yola to engage in all season farming.
The gesture is part of his commitment to achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria, with particular reference to Adamawa State, which he emphasized has vast arable agricultural land for the cultivation of crops and animal husbandry. He urged the benefitting cooperatives to put to good use that which they have gotten to increase food productivity in the state, adding to the total yield of agricultural production in Nigeria and bettering their livelihood and that of their dependents. Items distributed include 8 solar panels, 2 solar water pumps with 2 rolls of water, 6 organic liquid Urea fertilizers, 6 organic liquid NPK fertilizers, 2 bags of 50kg rice seeds, 1 bag of 50kg soya beans seeds and 4 pieces of Nafsack sprayers.
Joshua Asoga, the leader of one of the benefiting cooperatives, who spoke on behalf of all beneficiaries, applauded the gesture and urged other well-to-do indigenes of the state to emulate Vunobolki’s kindness and will to better the lives of others.
Maurice Vunobolki is indeed a worthy gift to Adamawa state, especially the agricultural community, championing food sufficiency through his agricultural support, by focusing on sustainable practices and empowering local farmers with the right tools. He has been instrumental in increasing crop yields and improving food security in local farming communities. His approach typically involves introducing modern, efficient tools that reduce manual labour and enhance productivity. This not only helps farmers optimize their operations but also contributes to a more resilient food system, capable of meeting the demands of growing populations.
Vunobolki’s efforts highlight the importance of technology and resource accessibility in achieving short and long-term food sufficiency, fostering a future where communities can thrive independently; urging well-meaning lovers of the state to toll the same path to support the efforts and programmes of the state government in the agricultural food chain.
In December 2024, Vunobolki also empowered women, young and elderly farmers across Adamawa State through his agricultural and empowerment initiatives to boost productivity, providing them with solar-powered water pumps, high-quality seeds, and fertilizers for the attainment of food sufficiency and improving the local economy.
Vunobolki, in his humanitarian nature, has been actively supporting the vulnerable population, including persons living with disabilities, through distributing instructional materials to schools, medical supplies, food and non-food items, and other forms of assistance to beneficiaries across the state and beyond.
He then urged the beneficiaries to continue to support Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri-led administration in its efforts to continue to deliver dividends of democracy and good governance to the people.
Mazi Uchenna Nwafor
