January 23, (THEWILL) – The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Director for Agriculture and Economic Empowerment, South-south region, Apostle, Dr. Timiebi Kiyaramo, has urged the Christian community in the region to resort to farming, adding that agriculture remains the centre of the Nigerian economy, providing the main source of livelihood for majority of Nigerians.
He stated this while speaking at a one-day sensitization summit on agriculture and economic empowerment at the Heroes of Faith Ministry, Ughelli, Delta State, recently.
According to Apostle Kiyaramo, the agricultural sector of the country’s economy approximately employs about 70 percent of the entire labour force, informing that agriculture could help to reduce poverty, raise incomes and improve food security for 80% of the world’s poor, who live mostly in rural areas and depend mainly on farming.
He said, “healthy, sustainable and inclusive food systems are critical to achieving the world’s development goals and agricultural development has been one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and feed a projected 9.7 billion people by 2050.
“Growth in the agricultural sector is two to four times more effective in raising incomes among the poorest, compared to other sectors of the economy. Agriculture is also crucial to economic growth: accounting for 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and in some least-developed countries, it can account for more than 25% of GDP.”
The Zonal Director also reminded participants at the sensitization summit that “God has given the church specific role of managing his creation and that the church is a wealth creator,” citing Biblical records showing how the Egyptians’ survival hinged on the wisdom of Joseph.
He hinted at plans to support the farmers in the South-south in collaboration with government and nongovernmental agencies, even as he commended the South-south Vice Chairman of the PFN, Apostle, Dr. David Zilly Aggrey, for his foresight in encouraging Christians to take to agriculture.
Also speaking, representative of Delta State Chairman of the PFN, Apst Kingsley Enakirerhir, expressed his satisfaction with the efforts being made by the South-south Directorate of Agriculture and Economic Empowerment in pushing the agricultural development vision forward.
Secretary, South-south zone, Bishop Abos Willie, while appreciating the Zonal Director for finding time to come at very short notice, advised all participants to take the programme seriously.
The high point of the event was the distribution of seedlings to identified farmers, including packs of green leaf seedlings, okra seeds and tomato seeds.
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
