The Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has urged farmers and cooperative societies to adopt innovative ways to avert the looming food crises facing the country.
In a statement to commemorate the International Day of Cooperatives in Abuja, President of CFN, Chief Oriyomi Ayeola, stated that since farmlands are becoming inaccessible due to activities of criminals, there is the need for partnerships with government and corporate bodies to ensure those who rely on farming survive the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, our country is at this point in time faced with other challenges like the rising cost of items as a result of the rise in exchange rates, insecurity characterised by kidnapping, banditry and other restiveness across the country.
“These have a devastating effect on businesses, including cooperative operations and continue to impact on livelihoods and socio-economic well-being of Nigerians,” he said.
He said the current economic crisis in the country has necessitated everyone in the country to remain united and increase their level of cooperation.
Speaking on the theme of the year: ‘Rebuild Better Together’, he said CFN has initiated ways of getting groups to be involved in cooperatives towards boosting their activities, details of which would be released at the coming 6th National Cooperative Summit.
