Untapped Resources – Nigeria Sitting On Gunpowder Waiting To Explode

A nation with massively untapped resources, Nigeria is said to be sitting on the proverbial tinderbox waiting to explode, unless the current administration unleashes the potential inherent in the agricultural sector, to economically empower a large number of Nigerians unlike the oil sector which can only employ very few.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, AgriSupplies Limited, Engr. Idowu Asenuga, made this disclosure during an exclusive chat with AgroNigeria in Lagos. He stressed that as a Nigerian, beyond the objective of making money, his company is determined to impact people’s lives positively. “We want to change people’s lives.

We want to ensure that poverty is actually reduced in Nigeria.” He said.
Asenuga however expressed his worry over the increasing number of abled-bodied youths loitering the streets especially in the rural areas, which only emphasizes the precarious state of the nation.
However, he noted that the development of Nigeria especially its youth, is the joint responsibility of the government and the elite society member. “I think it’s about time everybody-especially the elites, roll up their sleeves and go beyond the complaints, go beyond the talks and actually walk the walk like we’re doing in our own little way.”

Citing the pursuit of personal fulfillment as his reason for leaving the oil sector, to venture into agriculture, Asenuga admits he has no regrets. “I can’t quantify the joy I have whenever. I’m sitting among 300 farmers that are poor and I am able, through my involvement with them, to help them upscale their lives from the poverty line to average income earning Nigerians.  I see a situation whereby those farmers that are going to be engaged in our first year of training, will earn nothing less than a million naira per annum. Our aim is to give them input, as well as train them.

Furthermore, he disclosed that the long term goal of his company is to create opportunities for local farmers to access the high value market which has over the years eluded them. “When I look at the opportunity we are creating for these people in remote villages; who due to their location or educational background were initially denied access but now have the chance to earn a reasonable income, I am elated – this is something that cant be quantified.” He stated.