Symington, on Monday., April 16 urged Nigerians to
focus on how to make their country better by
investing in the resources that abound in Nigeria.
He said that tapping into the country's resources and
investing in them would improve the economy.
Symington gave the advice when he paid a courtesy
visit to the Director-General of the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
According to the ambassador, Nigeria is blessed with a
lot of human and natural resources that could boost
the country's economy if well harnessed.
"Nigeria is filled with places, creatures of beauty; the
citizens should appreciate God's blessings in the
country and guard the resources jealously.
"Every Nigerian should think of no other thing than
what can be done to improve Nigeria and make it
better," he said.
He also said that IITA's research initiatives were
highly commendable, especially in the development of
agriculture in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Earlier, the IITA Director-General, Dr Nteranya
Sanginga, had noted that the institute plays a vital role
in revitalising agriculture in Africa.
"For instance, 86 per cent of cassava planted in Nigeria
originate from IITA; it's a pity that Nigeria spends a lot
of money importing what we can produce in the
country," he said.
Sanginga also said IITA engages youths in agriculture
through its agri-prenuer programme, urging Nigeria
to improve its agriculture sector in order to attract
youths into farming.
"We need to change the mindset of Nigerians about
agriculture; there is need to make agriculture a business
and not just a hobby," he said.
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