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By Tracy Moses
Former Minister of State for Health, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, has called on the federal, state and local governments, as well as higher learning institutions across the country, to explore the potential of moringa farming given to its substantial economic benefits, employment opportunities, and positive health impacts.
Hagher, who also served as the Minister of Power and Steel, made these remarks on Friday in Abuja during a media session following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Moringa Productions, Marketers, and Farmers Welfare and Empowerment Association of Nigeria, Eden Moringa Productions and Marketers Limited, and the Middle Belt Youth Development Organisation, in partnership with Agreco Shift Limited.
As the Grand Patron of the Middle Belt Youth Development Organisation, Hagher urged universities and polytechnics to invest in moringa cultivation as a way to enhance their financial resources and generate wealth within educational institutions.
He said, “Moringa is a truly remarkable plant. It has been scientifically proven to treat a wide variety of health conditions, making it a natural solution for many ailments.
“Nigeria faces significant challenges in its healthcare system. As a former Minister of Health, I understand that we can no longer rely solely on chemical-based medicines.
“It’s time to turn to natural remedies. If we cultivate moringa and make it widely available, we could significantly improve the health of our population.
“Planting moringa is one of the most affordable ways for people to achieve better health.”
He also expressed concern about the harmful impact of chemical fertilizers on the soil and encouraged Nigerians to adopt organic moringa fertilizers for improved agricultural yields.
“We can no longer afford to ignore the damage caused by chemical fertilizers, which are imported into the country. It’s essential to embrace more sustainable practices for a healthier environment.”
“Chemical fertilizers destroy the soil, and the producers of these chemical fertilizers make Nigerians dependent on them,” he said.
Hagher urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to begin the production of moringa fertilizer to achieve food security, adding that “It is in agriculture that the security of this country is guaranteed.”
According to him, “One seed of moringa is worth more than an AK-47 gun.”
On his part, Dr Ashimashiga Akoloaga, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Moringa Productions, Marketers, and Farmers Welfare and Empowerment Association of Nigeria, explained that the signing of the MoU with the Middle Belt Youth Development Organisation was intended to encourage the youth to engage in moringa farming.
Akoloaga pointed out that the synergy was also designed to educate farmers on how to cultivate and produce moringa products that meet international standards.
The issue of Nigerian agricultural products being rejected on the international market due to high levels of chemical residues was acknowledged by officials. As a solution, they urged Nigerians to adopt organic fertilizers derived from moringa to ensure healthy soil and promote higher yields.
Akoloaga further called for collaboration between farmer cooperatives and agricultural groups to distribute E-Moringa fertilizer and other related products both within Nigeria and globally.
In his contribution, Chris Aba, the President of the Middle Belt Youth Development Organisation, stressed the numerous advantages of Moringa products. He also encouraged well-meaning Nigerians and investors to invest in moringa farming as a means to foster the country’s socio-economic growth.