Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has suggested a way out of the worsening banditry and kidnapping in the country.
Speaking at the international trade exhibition and conference on agrofood, plastics, printing and packaging, in Lagos, he said the twin menace of banditry and abductions would be minimised considerably if not eradicated completely in Nigeria if young people are gainfully employed.
He argued that the security situation in the country would improve if young people can be engaged through agriculture.
The former president said the business of agriculture has the tendency to provide job opportunities for many people.
“With our teeming population and the problem we have of our youths going over the desert and risking their lives, we can give them enough employment.
“The area we are sure that can provide enough employment for our youths is agricultural business.
Even though, when we talk about agriculture, not many of them will want to go to the farm, they will rather go for white collar jobs.
“However, the youth need to get their hands dirty and their feet wet in agricultural business.
“The government can improve on our security, and part of our insecurity are the men and women that are not properly engaged or employed.
“If we are able to give them employment, then there will be less of them getting involved in banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.”
He added that Nigeria must make agribusiness glamorous for young people, stating that the country can solve the problems of insecurity, malnutrition, and food insecurity through agriculture.
The theme of the conference was ‘Nigeria’s Technology Investments: Driving growth in Agrofood, Plastics, Printing and Packaging.’