In a dire warning during his recent lecture at the University of Ibadan, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya stated that over 33 million Nigerians are projected to face severe hunger by mid-2025. This alarming forecast has drawn the attention of prominent figures, including Professor Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Special Adviser/Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform.

Professor Jega has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the issues raised by the erudite scholar during his lecture. He emphasized the need for swift action to implement the solutions proposed by Professor Yahaya, which aim to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria's agricultural sector.

“When people talk about livestock, the focus often narrows down to cattle and the conflicts surrounding them. However, there is a much broader spectrum of opportunities within the livestock sector that, if carefully developed, could generate immense wealth for our country,” Jega stated. He highlighted that the agricultural sector could contribute significantly to employment, business growth, and the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In his lecture, Professor Yahaya pointed out that poverty in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, is caused by a lack of vision for modernization in agricultural practices. He stressed, “Food is one of the fundamental, if not the most important, ingredients of survival. Maslow's Theory states that food is at the basic need of all human requirements. Therefore, for any responsible government, it must take into cognizance this aspect of human survival.” His remarks underline the urgent necessity for the government to prioritize food security as a critical element of national policy.

The insights shared by both scholars serve as a clarion call for reform in Nigeria’s agricultural approach. Experts agree that the government must adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat food insecurity—one that includes support for farmers and investment in sustainable practices that can lead to robust economic growth.

The lecture series continues, with the second phase set for March 13 at Trenchard Hall, focusing on "Decolonization of Food Security and Championing Local Initiatives." The third and final phase will take place on March 20, emphasizing "Multi-Sectoral Options in Decolonization of Food Security in Nigeria." These upcoming sessions aim to foster vital discussions and actionable strategies essential for addressing the looming crisis of food insecurity in Nigeria.