In 1976, the Federal Military Government of Nigeria led by General Olusegun Obasanjo (Head of State) launched the operation feed the nation program ( OFN) as a result of chronic inability of the agricultural sector of the economy to satisfy the food needs of the revival of interest in agriculture.
Many popular musicians of note helped widely to circulate this scheme and it’s policies to the larger Nigerian populace in order to encourage farming.
A good example can be found in Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s song titled OFN which encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of the scheme. Part of the lyrics He said
Operation Feed the Nation Ni Ijoba tun Gbede, won so fun wa Nipa Ise agbe ki Ebi Ma pa wa Ni Eyin wa Ola
( The Government just introduced a new farming policy to help us combat hunger in the future)
Read Also:
” GBOGBO WA LAGBE ENI LOGBA NI EKUNLE E KO GBIN PAKI Nitori Agbejoro , onisegun, onilu Fe jeun
( We all are farmers let us take opportunity of the large space in our compound to do farming in as much as we all prefare a white Collar Job but we still must be encouraged to farm.
Bi ounje ba ti kuro ninu ise Ise gbuse
( When there is food poverty becomes alleviated)
Sadly this scheme which had a clear statement of objective and logical implementation plan failed after few years as a result of it’s lack of organization and operation structure. It appeared resources were not provided, farmers were sceptical of new methods and administrative officials didn’t do the job expected of them. The manpower to expand farming operations didn’t materialize. Project managers also lacked necessary motivation to see the program through.
Maybe with the present state of economy which has skyrocketed the prices of food in the market the OFN relaunch or something close may not be a bad idea.
Damn the unprecedented Rising cost of foodstuff in the market is getting out of hand…Chai somebody must bell the cat?🤔
*By AjikeOkin*
