Obasanjo Fires Shagari Over Rice Production

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday speaking as chief launcher at the global unveiling of Okun Rice at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State blasted Alhaji Shehu Shagari for scuttling the progress made by the country to be self- sufficient in rice production.

He recalled that in 1979 when he handed over power as military Head of State, the country was almost achieving self- sufficiency in the production, adding that inconsistent in policies by his successor who later set up a committee on the importation of rice, stifled the laudable move.

Obasanjo noted that the shift in policy focus served as a disincentive to farmers who were sent packing as the imported bags of rice began to arrive. He commended the promoter of the new product, Biodun Onalaja, for rekindling the hope of the country at achieving self-sufficiency in rice production and ensuring food security for the nation.