Philanthropist seeks increased support for agric sector to eradicate hunger

By Rukayat Moisemhe

A philanthropist and President of Oasis of Breakthrough International Church Inc., Apostle Israel Oyelade, has called on the Federal Government to do more to support the agricultural sector.

Oyelade made the call on Saturday at Ifo, Ogun, during distribution of food items to 300 beneficiaries in the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual event provides relief items to the poor and widowed in Ifo Community and environs.

The cleric said that Nigeria needed to meet its agricultural needs and address hunger.

He said that adequate support for the agricultural sector would ensure food sufficiency.

He said that the country was capable of having enough food for local consumption and export.

“There has to be an enabling environment for farming to thrive,” he said.

Oyelade, however, said that tackling hunger could not be done by government alone; hence, the food distribution initiative of the church.

He said that the distributed foodstuffs included rice, beans, cassava flakes (garri) and noodles.

He added that payment of school fees and rents were part of the palliatives which had gulped billions of Naira since 2010.

“We started in 2010 when I clocked 40, and we started with widows by giving them foodstuffs and clothing annually.

“The issue of hunger can never be tackled by only government alone. This is why we must pray that God helps us to overcome poverty,” he said.

He advised Nigerian youths not to depend on government alone, but seek ways to be self-reliant.

Oyelade said that the country was blessed with natural resources, including vast lands, urging the citizens to responsibly use the endowments to overcome poverty. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola