- says farming can tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges
- urges mass mobilisation for voters registration in Osun
By John Dike, Osogbo
Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, has said that the current hardship being faced by Nigerians predated the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Defending the president, he called on Nigerians to embrace agriculture, which he believed could meaningfully redress the ongoing challenges.
Besides, Fadahunsi reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots mobilisation for the ongoing voter registration.
He spoke while addressing his constituents and stakeholders, stressing that the current economic hardship did not begin with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, and that systemic issues predated his tenure.
However, he commended the President for what he described as his responsiveness to infrastructure needs, particularly in the Osun region.
In his words, “The current hardship was planted long before Tinubu came. But he is a listening leader. I can say confidently that the federal government is already working on key roads in our district.
“While traveling to Osu, I observed massive road construction underway. I believe this is a direct result of presidential action.”
He expressed optimism that major road projects in the area will commence fully before the end of the rainy season, citing a high-level engagement between the presidency and key federal officials, including the Minister of Works and the Permanent Secretary.
On addressing economic pressure, Fadahunsi urged citizens to return to the farm.
He said, “I am into farming myself. If we all farm, even on a small scale, there will be food security. Hunger affects our thinking and wellbeing. Once there is enough food, prices will come down naturally.”
He highlighted efforts to promote agriculture across Osun East, particularly in Ife North and Ife South, where seedlings have been distributed and youths are being encouraged to embrace farming.
He also lamented the underrepresentation of Yoruba youth in agriculture, particularly in riverine areas, compared to other ethnic groups like the Hausa.
Fadahunsi projected that relief will come by the end of the year, based on developments he has witnessed at the National Assembly and from directives given at the recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.
According to him, “At the last NEC meeting, the President gave a direct order to governors to invest more in rural development. With the level of allocations going to the states, no Governor has an excuse. Those who fail to act will lose credibility.”
On the distribution of palliatives, the Senator disclosed that more food items including bags of rice will be distributed in the coming weeks as the harvest season approaches.
He stessed the importance of stockpiling produce to sustain citizens through the dry season.
Turning to voter registration, Fadahunsi outlined his extensive mobilisation efforts within his senatorial district.
“As a responsible leader, I have stayed close to my people throughout the voter registration process. For the past two weeks, I have deployed supervisors to monitor activities and send me regular updates,” he said.
He disclosed that his team has worked closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure widespread participation, especially among long-term settlers including the Hausa, Fulani, and Igede communities.
According to him, efforts have also extended to Ibadan, where over 52 communities host more than 30,000 Ijesa residents. Special teams have been sent to ensure all eligible voters are registered.
“With this level of coordination, I am confident that we will witness a significant increase in the number of registered voters,” he assured..
