The Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent the imminent collapse of the food and beverage sector by addressing the foreign exchange crisis.
In addition, the association raised concerns about the threat to food security due to the invasion of farmers by herdsmen across the country.
Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, the president of FOBTOB, conveyed these points after his address at the FOBTOB’s 45th-anniversary event. He also cautioned that labor is prepared to initiate an economy-wide shutdown without prior notice if there is any further increase in fuel prices.
Oyibo, describing the attacks on farmers by terrorists as a reason for his warning against the threat to food security, said: “Since we rely on produces by our local farmers in order to have food, the current attacks on farmers, heavy taxation being forced on by herdsmen in order to access their farmlands and some farmers now securing their farmlands with hired security guards will contribute to the food sufficiency across the country.
“Only irresponsible leaders will allow their people to die in hunger. Country leadership that cannot feed its people has failed in its responsibility. President Tinubu should not feign ignorance on this threat to food security because the effects of food insecurity could be disastrous and could bring down the nation.”
Irked by the insecurity, Oyibo reiterated that, “it is worrisome that the government could feign ignorance and allow kidnappings and other crimes against lives, property and safety of lives to linger on. The federal government should take drastic steps to nip insecurity in the bud in order to have peace, or else, the word of one of our past leaders that if insecurity lingers more than a few hours, it means the government itself has a hand in it.”
In a related development, the head of FOBTOB urged Tinubu to refrain from appointing party loyalists to ministerial positions. Instead, he should select individuals who will assist in revitalizing the nation and reducing its dependency on imports, thereby fostering job creation through the growth of domestic industries.
Chief Patrick Anegbe, the chairman of the event, emphasized in his keynote speech that Nigerians should maintain hope and exercise patience with the current leadership of the country.
Under the theme of ‘FOBTOB in the Last 45 Years’, Anegbe, who serves as the MD/CEO of Intercontinental Distillers Limited, encouraged members to continue fostering collaboration, effective communication, and mutual understanding. By working together, sharing knowledge, and utilizing their expertise, they can overcome any challenges that arise.