By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Biafrans to invest heavily in Agriculture this planting season, saying: "It is time for us to create food sufficiency in Biafra Land because we have the means and the fertile lands to make it happen."

The group made the call in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on Tuesday where it advised Biafrans to start farming on all agricultural produce, particularly, cash crops to help avert the impending famine in Nigeria.

IPOB said it will provide high-quality seedlings to some selected farmers to plant this planting season, adding: "There is famine looming in Nigeria, and Biafrans must be prepared to avert the impending danger of starvation.

"Hence, IPOB is calling on all Biafran philanthropists to support farmers in their communities by purchasing seedlings and other farming implements for them instead of giving them temporary food items.

"Farmers should be encouraged and supported to go into farming instead of sharing consumable foods with our people. Investors should start Agricultural Cottage Industries to process and preserve agricultural products for export.

"Biafrans have fertile and able lands for good yield. Other than cash crop production, our people can also invest in animal husbandry. Moreso, Biafrans should invest in agricultural research centers for quality research and development focused on growing our native food products efficiently. Ndigbo, it's time to learn how to fish instead of just buying fish to eat.

"IPOB equally calls on patriotic Biafrans to sensitize our people on the importance of farming. Our people should understand that farming is very important. We should not believe in buying everything we eat from the market.

"As Biafrans, we must make food sufficiency a priority. We must not allow our enemies to have full control of our food supply and supply chain. Any nation that is incapable of feeding themselves will always be left in a vulnerable situation. Our people must be involved in the production of all cash crops, vegetables, and livestock that we utilize daily.”

IPOB noted that it has in collaboration with ESN made appreciable gains in securing the forests, bushes, and farmlands against the marauding Fulani herdsmen jihadists to create a conducive environment to allow farmers return to their farms.

The group added: "ESN Operatives are combat ready to ensure that marauding Fulani herdsmen jihadists will not destroy our farmlands.

"The agenda of Fulani is to make Biafrans food dependent on their products from Northern Nigeria, but IPOB has destroyed their evil agenda. IPOB and ESN loyalty lies with Biafrans. Therefore, Biafrans should invest heavily in agriculture to provide food for consumption at home and also for exportation."