Idah (Kogi) – The Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese in Kogi, Dr Anthony Adaji, has called on Nigerians to return to farm, saying christian should combine the hoe with the Bible.
Adaji spoke through Rev. Fr Emmanuel Egwu, Principal of Dr William Kupec Girls’ Academy, Agbaduma in Olamaboro Local Government, on Tuesday.
The bishop, who was addressing parishioners in Idah, said that farming as a viable means of diversifying the economy, was no longer a matter to be treated with kids glove.
The cleric noted that the nation’s dependence on oil as a major source of revenue earning had suffered a major setback in recent times necessitating the diversification of the nation’s economy to agriculture, which is a viable alternative.
“Combine the hoe with the Bible. The word will not go down well as the ears will have problems listening, while the mind could hardly be rational when worshipers are hungry.
“The exercise of one’s faith should go `parri-passu’ with farming even at subsistence level.
So, individuals, governments, faith-based organisations and groups should take the call to return to farm, seriously.
“The “Back to Land Project” of the mission has led to opening of farm projects in the diocese,’’ he said.
The cleric urged the Federal and State governments to encourage agricultural activities for sustainable food sufficiency. (NAN)