By Stephen Adeleye
In the face of escalating food shortages and unemployment, Mr. Ukwunetu Samuel Ali, a prominent social crusader, has put forward a compelling solution: utilizing the untapped potential of prison inmates to bolster the agricultural sector. This proposal, titled “Optimal Strategies for Reviving the Agricultural Sector in Nigeria Via the Engagement of Inmates of the Nigeria Custodian Centers,” was recently presented to the Federal Government of Nigeria, with copies shared with journalists in Lokoja.
Ali, known for his dedication to social causes, emphasized the need to harness the abundant human and material resources of the country to address pressing societal and economic challenges. Highlighting the foundational importance of agriculture in addressing fundamental human needs, Ali stressed the urgency for government intervention to leverage its human resources effectively, particularly by engaging inmates in agricultural activities.
“The revitalization of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and the alleviation of acute hunger demand concerted efforts to make farming attractive to the country’s youth,” Ali remarked. He underscored the historical significance of agriculture in Nigeria’s economic development, lamenting its decline following the oil boom of the 1970s and subsequent administrations’ neglect of the sector.
Ali pointed to systemic issues such as corruption, policy inconsistencies, and a lack of political will as barriers to agricultural revitalization efforts. He advocated for a holistic approach to agricultural reform, including the integration of agricultural studies into the national curriculum from primary to tertiary levels of education.
To facilitate the proposed inmate engagement in agriculture, Ali called for collaboration among key ministries—Agriculture, Interior, and Justice—to develop comprehensive mechanisms. These mechanisms would ensure the active participation of inmates in farming activities while addressing logistical and security concerns.
In urging swift action from government authorities, Ali emphasized the potential of his proposal to mitigate food insecurity and youth unemployment, offering a pathway to national prosperity. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize consideration of his proposal, envisioning its adoption as a transformative step towards addressing Nigeria’s twin challenges of hunger and insecurity.
As Nigeria grapples with multifaceted socio-economic issues, Ali’s advocacy for inmate engagement in agriculture emerges as a pragmatic and socially conscious approach to fostering economic revival and food security.