Coronavirus: Obasanjo warns against food crisis

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday warned against post Convid-19 food crisis in Africa, as he flagged off a fish farming project at the lake pond of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

Penpushing reports that, Obasanjo while speaking also urged governments in the continent to rise to the challenge, disclosing that the project idea came from his thinking out of the box, “as what is next after the novel pandemic coronavirus in the world, will be food crisis in Africa.

The former President who was visibly elated by the new farm said,’ “I think we have to take the issue of post Convid-19 seriously. I believe most African governments have to find how to be self-sufficient in essential food items for the food crisis likely to be experienced not to be a waste’.

“Because food mat be a problem and I don’t think most African countries have gone as far as they should go into food production during this year. I want to advise African governments to embark on massive food production as part of measure to prepare for the post Convid-19 pandemic era in Africa’, he said.

“There may be food problem in the continent after the Covid-19 pandemic. We must think out of the box to get this solved now. Food must be made available,” Obasanjo said.

Penpushing further reports that, on the fish farm project, Aquaculture consultant, Steve Okeleji, said the initial process of the stocking was to allow for acclamation before finally releasing them to the lake.

The consultant added that commercial activities are expected in four months time at the lake, stating that visitors as well can seize the opportunity to spend part of their tour periods around the lake to feed the fishes.

Meanwhile, about 50,000 pieces of sub-adult fish in both Catfish and Tilapia species were released for acclalimatization and subsequent growth inside the lake pond, located directly opposite the main Library.