*Ken Ife, a foremost Professor of Economics, has stated that the visionary intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the agricultural sector is feeding most Nigerian consumers  as well as some neighbouring countries

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) visionary intervention in agriculture and agro-allied value chain sector of the economy has helped to miminise the impact of hunger on consumers in the country.

Ken Ife, a foremost Professor of Economics, recently made this observation at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, in Enugu State, during an International Business and Leadership Summit with the theme: “Productivity Development in the New Normal”.

ConsumerConnect learnt the summit heralded the public presentation of a book entitled: “Productivity Development’’ Manual and its workbook, as a practical guide to increase everyday productivity of Nigerians across all socio-economic, socio-political and educational strata.

Prof. Ife opined that the CBN vision of getting Nigerians back to the land and implementing clear-cut agricultural programmes, including the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) has saved the West African country from the devastating effects of  hunger on consumers.

The professor, an Economic Consultant to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), also said: “The visionary CBN intervention is feeding most Nigerians today, as well as some neighbouring countries.

“If not by the grace of God that the apex bank pursued vigorously these agricultural programmes meant to return thousands of Nigerians back to land, the story would have been so different today.”

According to the expert, “one asked why the agricultural produce was not enough? It is because the projection for the whole intervention is only for our real number, which is about 200 million.

“But, today, as a nation, we are feeding 300 million people. The additional number, which is 100 million people, are from our neighbouring francophone countries within the ECOWAS sub-region.”

He further said: “On a regular basis, you see them come to our big local boundary markets, buy and stock truck loads of foodstuffs heading for their countries, where the hunger situation is biting harder.”

On his review of the book, Prof. Steve Egbo, one of the Executive Directors of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), said that Mr. Nduka Awuregu, Director-General of South-East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA), had provided solution to under performance in various spheres of life.

Egbo, represented by Mr. Chidi Okolie, also noted that the 12 chapter-book dealt extensively on time management and through it “one can work smarter rather than harder.

“The book is a practical guide to individuals, team, time and resources management; as well as increase in profitability and resourcefulness.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Christian Anieke, Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, said that everyone needed a practical manual and guide such as the book, Productivity Development, to help us in managing time and resources well.

Prof. Anieke stated: “Therefore, to be more productive and achieve greater results, you simply need to have this book (manual) and enroll into the university’s Productivity Development Certificate Course as well.”

Mr. Awuregu, author of the book and Director-General of SECCIMA, explained that the new book is a product of his decades of experience in the business and academic world.it He noted that the volume would enable greater achievements in income and prosperity for those that would apply the knowledge contained in the book to practical daily work and lifestyle.