The South-South Director for Agriculture and Economic Empowerment for the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Apostle Dr. Timiebi Kiyaramo, has urged the Christian community in the area to turn to farming, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy and the primary source of income for the vast majority of Nigerians.
This was said by him recently at a one-day summit on agriculture and economic empowerment held at the Heroes of Faith Ministry in Ughelli, Delta State.
According to Apostle Kiyaramo, the agricultural sector of the country’s economy employs roughly 70 percent of the entire labor force, indicating that agriculture could help to reduce poverty, raise incomes, and improve food security for 80% of the world’s poor, who live primarily in rural areas and depend primarily on agriculture for their survival.
He stated: “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.”
At the sensitization summit, the Zonal Director also emphasized to attendees that “God has given the church specific job of managing his creation and that the church is a wealth creator,” citing Biblical accounts that demonstrate how the Egyptians’ existence depended on Joseph’s wisdom.
While commending the South-South Vice Chairman of the PFN, Apostle, Dr. David Zilly Aggrey, for his foresight in encouraging Christians to pursue agriculture, he gave hints at strategies to assist South-South farmers in partnership with governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
A representative of Delta State PFN Chairman of the PFN, Apst Kingsley Enakirerhir, also spoke and voiced his approval of the efforts being made by the South-South Directorate of Agriculture and Economic Empowerment to forward the objective for agricultural development.
The South-South Zone Secretary, Bishop Abos Willie, also complimented the Zonal Director on finding time to go despite his short notice and urged everyone to take the program seriously.
The presentation of packs of green leaf seedlings, okra seeds, and tomato seeds to designated farmers was the highlight of the event.