Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emphasized the need for increased investment in agriculture to tackle Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis.

During a visit to Mary Agro Farms in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Thursday, Obi praised the farm’s growth and innovative practices. “Between the time I visited their pilot scheme in Udi over two years ago and supported them, and yesterday, when I visited their permanent site, I was delighted to witness a remarkable transformation that underscores their commitment to excellence and growth,” he said.

Obi reinforced his support for agriculture by donating ₦20 million to Mary Agro Farms, urging them to sustain their innovation and productivity during “this critical period of severe hunger, food scarcity, and inflation in our nation.”

Highlighting alarming statistics, Obi cited a United Nations report projecting that 33 million Nigerians could face severe hunger by 2025, alongside a Save the Children International warning of 5.4 million Nigerian children at risk of acute malnutrition.

“For a nation already battling severe hunger, these alarming statistics call for immediate action. I continue to urge governments at all levels to take measurable steps toward investing in food production to mitigate the ongoing food crisis,” he said.

Obi also commended Mary Agro Farms’ management and staff for their dedication to agriculture, stressing that such resilience is key to achieving food security in Nigeria.