Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo Thursday called on African
leaders to work together to reduce poverty and hunger in the
continent.
Addressing the opening of a special summit on food security held
in Abuja, Obasanjo said "it is possible for Africa to secure food
security through the concerted efforts of its leaders and the
support of the international community."
Obasanjo also promised that Nigeria would financially support
the establishment of a fund for "the replication, adaptation and
upscaling of Africa's agricultural and food security
successes."
Although there had been several declarations in the past to
improve food security on the continent, the Nigerian president
said, it had remained largely food-insecure.
In addition to the appropriate political and investment-friendly
environment, he said, "we can make Africa a veritable food-secure
continent."
Obasanjo said the critical essence of the summit was "very
central to the socio-economic advancement of all African
nations."
(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)
