CHAMPION SHIFT FROM OIL TO AGRIC DRIVEN ECONOMY — GOV SOLUDO ADVISES CBN

REPORTER: BEN ILECHUKWU

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to champion the shift from dependence on oil to agriculture-driven economy.

Governor Soludo, who made the call when he played host to the CBN delegation Awka branch led by the Manager, Mr. Benedict Maduagwu at Governor’s Lodge Amawbia, described agro-export as the game changer for Nigeria’s economy.

The Governor said that his administration was already taking the lead by introducing regenerative agriculture, reinvention of the palm revolution and coconut economy, emphasizing that dependence on crude oil at this critical time might spell doom for the country as the NNPC had not made remittance into the federation account since February this year.

The Governor noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the development of the country, stressing that when inflation is galloping, nothing else will work.

While recalling the achievements recorded during his tenure as the CBN Governor, Professor Soludo expressed appreciation that the thrust in agriculture introduced during his tenure was maintained.

The Governor while commending the CBN Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, revealed that greater partnership between CBN and Anambra State Government on areas that have potential to change lives was desirous by his administration.

Earlier, the CBN, Awka Branch Manager, Mr. Benedict Maduagwu, had revealed efforts of the institution in key areas of the country’s economy, especially in the agricultural sector.

He said that they were making gradual progress on improvement in sensitisation, calling the attention of the Governor to some CBN facilities that could be of immense benefit to the state, including the Anchor Borrower Scheme and Accelerated Development Scheme.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU