Persistence, key in strategic planning

 

The giant of Africa-Nigeria is currently facing a recession. This recession has caused a lot of hardship as several homes no longer afford the meals hat they require to keep body and soul together.
The interesting element of the recession is the fact that the government is recovering Billions of Naira some Nigerians have decided to stack away. The worth of a single person sometimes amount to a years allocation for six states. The question is "Why accommodate the amount meant for the common good of the entire nation for yourself alone?

In the mist of this challenge, the meager resources one is allocated with need a  lot of planning and budgeting to ensure that it takes you over a longer period.

Persistence requires working towards a target and ensuring that you do not deviate from it no matter the circumstances that may arise. Persistence requires you to be creative in your approach at solving your challenge or reaching your goal.

Now do you know that it is when you persist that you discover who you are? The ingredient in persistence is key to actualize our God given potential in what ever sphere we find ourselves. We were created i the image and likeness of God to do His will. When circumstances hold you down and try to prevent you from achieving your goals. Sometimes you have to keep going even when every thing else holds yu down. The target is the result and not the obstacles and so you do not see the obstacles but you see the resul or the goal you are aiming for. The fruits of a good fight is victory and so you will work towards achieving the victory that you deserve. Ambition is the path to Success but Persistence is the Vehicle you arrive in.
See you at the top!

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Why does Nigeria import so much rice?

Rice is the basis of the popular jollof, a national dish and staple across the country.

The problem with rice availability in Nigeria is not a lack of land, or that there are not enough people to grow it in Africa's most populous country.

During the grain market crisis eight years ago, Nigeria experienced shortages in rice that made the country rethink its food security and ability to supply the local market.

As a result, President Muhammadu Buhari has made rice farming a priority.

Nigerians' appetite for rice means that the country imported nearly 17 million tonnes of it over the past five years. Duties for imported rice are currently 60% and consumers have seen the price of a bag of rice double in the past 12 months.

Many domestic players have been entering the market. Olam, a multi-national agribusiness, set up a rice farm in 2012 in response to government calls for local players to help feed the 170 million Nigerians

•     Imported nearly 17 million tonnes over the past five years
•     Imported 2.3 million tonnes in 2016
•     2016 demand was 5.2 million tonnes
•     Spends $5m (£4m) a day for rice shipments
•     Rice accounted for 1.26% of the entire budget for 2017

Olam's farm in Rukubi village close to the Benue River in Nasarawa State grows 50,000 tonnes each year, that is still just a small fraction of the country's demand.



According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the country imported 2.3 million tonnes in 2016, about half of the country's estimated requirements.

The agriculture minister claims that Nigeria will become self-sufficient in rice production by the end of the year. However, critics of government policy not only point to a lack of spending on agriculture, but also to an under-investment in the entire value-chain for rice, from field to cooking pot.






Credits: BBC

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