In a notable address during the 13th convocation lecture at Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Vice President Kashim Shettima voiced apprehension regarding the insufficient investment in agriculture and technology in Nigeria. Shettima underscored the negative repercussions of this underinvestment, citing its impact on efforts to combat insecurity and reduce poverty in the country.
Expressing dismay over the current state of affairs, Shettima highlighted that a significant portion of the Nigerian population, approximately 90%, still relies on traditional tools such as hoes and cutlasses for their livelihoods. He stressed the urgent need for modernization through increased investment in technology.
Shettima drew attention to the historical continuity of this reliance on traditional tools, stating, “100 years ago, our forefathers were eking out a meager existence using cutlasses and hoes. Even now, 90 per cent of Nigerians are living a subsistence existence using hoes and cutlasses. This calls for investment in modern technology.”
The Vice President shared a comparative perspective, presenting an image of a town in central Borno taken in 1900 alongside one from 2020, emphasizing the lack of remarkable progress over the century.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in advancing the agricultural sector, Shettima conveyed that leveraging technological advancements is crucial for achieving food security. He asserted that Nigeria’s ability to overcome insecurity is intertwined with growing the economy to significantly reduce poverty levels, stating, “Only an agricultural revolution can guarantee this.”
Shettima optimistically pointed out that Nigeria, given its abundant arable land, water resources, and population size, should have no justification for not being among the world’s ten wealthiest nations.
The Vice President expressed gratitude to the university’s management for naming the newly inaugurated Faculty of Nursing Complex in his honor, acknowledging the institution’s role in promoting education and development.
