The Presidency has underscored the need to diversify Nigeria’s economy through a massive food production programme that will commence soon.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Sonny Echono, told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday that the programme was aimed at creating huge employment especially among youths across the country.

He noted that the disposition of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration which listed agriculture, as a critical element in addressing challenges confronting Nigeria, stems from the understanding that agriculture remained the only substantially viable sector that could counter unemployment challenge frontally.

The development is part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to shift the economy away from so much reliance on crude oil to agriculture which Nigeria generated huge revenue from before the discovery of crude oil. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows President Buhari