Nigerians have criticised Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, over his calls for Nigerians to grow their own food.
In a statement on X on Sunday, Onanuga advised Nigerians to embrace farming in a bid to mitigate the economic hardship in the country.
Displaying the sweet potatoes he harvested from his garden, Onanuga wrote, ”I harvested some potatoes today in the garden beside my house in Lekki-Ajah. Grow some food; your little effort can help reduce food costs. Do something, not just tweet criticism of the government.”
However, Onanuga’s statement has infuriated Nigerians, with many saying that the average Nigerian does not have his personal house talk more of farming in them.
Chronicle NG highlights below the reactions of Nigerians to Onanuga’s advice.
Prince Anaedo Tony, ”You dey listen to Nigerian politicians, Abi? Honestly, they always think that we, the people of Nigeria, have no sense at all because we weren’t fighting back despite all their nonsense and lies.”
Omega Osikhoemhe, ”Bayo Onanuga, Do you think we Nigerians have a kindergarten mentality? Burkina Faso’s president initiated the building of a local tomato processing factory recently.
”Why can’t our federal government consider establishing local tomato processing facilities? Old men without common sense.”
Mathew Omeh, ”If not that illegal drugs are not acceptable and are banned in Nigeria, I would have said some of our government officials take something seriously dangerous.”
Abiodun Rufai, ”Should I farm in my landlord’s house? The government administration is a failure when the citizens start growing food to survive.”
Faith, “So this administration has turned all of you into farmers? Try building a refinery in your backyard too. It will help with fuel issues.”
Sir Ije, ”Let me go and grow garri, maize, rice, beans, fuel, kerosene, diesel, vegetable oil, and good roads in my garden so that I can reduce costs too.”
Tobechukwu, ”When was the last time you ate potato?How often do you eat potatoes? Can you grow rice in your Yeye garden? Can you grow bread? Can you grow beans? If yes, how much of it?Talk like your age.”
Bu Ndu, ”While the government will borrow to buy new private jets. Slave mentality.”
Hatitude: ”In a sane clime, every sector has its professionals and a national blueprint for development. I cannot spend hours working tech or at the cockpit controlling air traffic as a professional and come back home after work to be planting cocoyam.”
Saint, ”Farming has been a Nigerian household thing for a long time. Stop sounding as if Nigerians don’t farm in their gardens. This is not to make an excuse for the hardship in this country.”
Eric Selven, ”You people may think we are criticising the government for nothing, but things are hard. Imagine paying #15,000 from Abuja to Jos. Before Tinubu’s administration, the highest was 5k during Christmas.”
Harrison Iyere, ”Growing food is great if you have the luxury of space and resources, but many Nigerians are struggling just to afford basic necessities.
”Criticism of the government isn’t idleness—it’s a call for accountability and solutions that benefit everyone, not just the privileged.”
Chibuike, ”So it is this potato that you will eat for how long? So we should all stop whatever we are doing as professionals or otherwise and start growing potatoes in our rented apartments in order to reduce food costs? Why not resign from your position so we can see if you will continue?
