From oil wells to farmlands: Adebayo pushes agriculture-driven economy

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s economic focus from oil dependence to agriculture-driven development, stating that the country’s future prosperity lies in farming, education, and strong local communities.

Adebayo made the call in Numan, Adamawa State, while receiving a traditional title from the Bachama Kingdom, led by the Hama Bachama, Homun Daniel Shaga.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said Nigeria’s political and economic challenges could only be addressed by improving the quality and motivation of leadership and refocusing national priorities on productive, community-based sectors.

“The way to change politics is to change politicians. We must go back to our communities and bring forward patriots who love their people, fear God, and are not driven by power, money, or glory,” Adebayo said.

He stressed that Nigeria needs nationalists rather than ethnic or religious loyalists, insisting that every Nigerian—whether born a prince or a farmer—possesses innate potential that can be unlocked through service to their community.

Adebayo highlighted the central role of education and agriculture in national development, describing all centres of learning as public goods and praising the contributions of missionaries and traditional institutions to Nigeria’s educational growth. He also disclosed that he contributed to the completion of a local school project and had earlier supported efforts to establish a university in Demsa, with a strong focus on agriculture.

Drawing from international examples, he noted that countries such as Argentina and Brazil generate significant revenue from cattle and soybean farming revenues he said surpass Nigeria’s oil earnings, despite Nigeria having vast fertile land.

He urged Nigerians to raise a new generation free from bias and resentment, committed to rebuilding the country through unity, honest work, and service, saying “This generation will not be a wasted generation. It will be a generation of recovery,”