Tinubu champions livestock economy for job creation
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has underscored the vast potential of Nigeria’s dairy and livestock economy amid the country’s growing population, emphasising its role in job creation, rural development, and food security.
Speaking on Tuesday at the State House, during a reception for Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, Tinubu highlighted the need to expand this sector to meet future demands.
According to a statement obtained from the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Denmark in knowledge transfer, veterinary health, and sustainable agribusiness practices.
He acknowledged conflicts between farmers and herders as a significant challenge but expressed confidence that investment, education, and modernization could transform these into economic opportunities.
“We can convert that friction into structured economic opportunity and provide education pathways—even for farmers and herders. We can stabilise communities, grow our food systems, and lift millions out of poverty,” he said.
Reaffirming demography as a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy, Tinubu pointed to the country’s projected population of 400 million by 2050 and the importance of targeted investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and employment to manage this growth effectively.
He praised Danish investments in agriculture and maritime sectors, including contributions from companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos, and welcomed Denmark’s support for internally displaced persons in conflict zones.
Tinubu expressed optimism about enhanced collaboration as Denmark takes on the EU Council presidency and a UN Security Council seat in 2025-2026.
“On the social front, the President welcomed the partnership between Her Majesty and Nigeria’s First Lady, particularly on initiatives such as school feeding programmes and the reduction of out-of-school children,” Onanuga wrote.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, co-hosted the Danish Queen and emphasized transforming traditional Islamic schools for formal recognition within broader educational reforms.
Queen Mary Elizabeth expressed sympathy for Nigeria’s northeast crisis and highlighted her mission to strengthen relations, boost green economy investments, promote women’s trade and business development, and support child health initiatives.
She commended the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and planned to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos.
“Denmark has a longstanding partnership with Nigeria in advancing sustainable development and humanitarian support, particularly for internally displaced persons in conflict-affected regions,” Onanuga concluded.
