Former President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to grow their own foods and control population growth.
The former President expressed delight in the fact that a considerable number of Nigerians have embraced farming once again.
Buhari, however, expressed deep concern over the unchecked rise in population within the country, saying the situation now calls for immediate attention.
He spoke to journalists after participating in the Kofor Arewa Eid prayer in Katsina on Sunday, in light of the current conditions in the nation.
“The need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, (uncontrolled population growth) as well as a need to invest more in education and health.
“Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country.
“The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts,” he said.
Also speaking to journalists shortly after joining Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, to observe the Eid prayer at the township Eid ground on Sunday, the former president said “I am wishing everyone a Happy Sallah. May this special festival bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone.
“I use this occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant. Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up.
“Let us buy what is produced in the country.
“The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts.
“I urge the youth of the country to seek to know about the founding fathers of the nation, the important personalities of their regions, and derive inspiration from them.”
Reflecting on the massive crowds at the Eid in Daura, the former President expressed concern at unchecked population expansion, saying that it will bring a lot of problems to future generations.
“There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
In conclusion, he said, “Considering the situation in the country, and in the spirit of the Sallah, let us help one another and be our bothers’s keepers. I wish everyone a happy Sallah.”
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