SDP Senatorial Candidate Pledges to Boost Food Production in Abuja

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory, Olanrewaju Osho, has pledged to use Abuja’s vast land resources to boost food production and create jobs if elected to the Senate.

Osho made the pledge on Monday in Abuja during a roundtable with members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE).

He said his vision for the FCT goes beyond roads and other physical infrastructure, stressing that agriculture, healthcare, employment and youth empowerment must also receive attention.

According to him, Abuja has enough land and human resources to produce a significant share of the food consumed by its growing population.

He said his proposed approach would identify suitable agricultural land and support farmers while ensuring farming can coexist with the territory’s rapid urban growth.

Osho, who previously contested the FCT senatorial seat, said agriculture featured prominently in his earlier “Aspire++” manifesto.

He argued that the FCT needs practical development policies rather than a narrow focus on conventional political projects.

The SDP candidate criticised the excessive emphasis on road construction in development planning, saying the capital must also invest in sectors that directly affect residents’ livelihoods.

He said leaving large areas of productive land idle while food prices rise would make it difficult for the territory to achieve sustainable development.

Osho also linked agricultural expansion to employment, particularly for young people and residents of rural communities across the six area councils.

He pledged to use his legislative position to push policies that would strengthen food production, improve access to agricultural support and encourage cooperation between the FCT Administration and local communities.

“Abuja has the resources and human capacity to become a model of food security and sustainable urban development if its land is properly planned and utilised,” he said.

The candidate also outlined a broader view of legislative representation, saying an elected senator must combine lawmaking with oversight, executive engagement and regular consultation with constituents.

He promised to engage residents across the six area councils to identify their priorities and ensure that government programmes address actual needs within the communities.

Osho said effective representation should also involve monitoring government projects and ensuring that public interventions deliver measurable benefits to residents.

He urged FCT voters to consider candidates with clear development plans, arguing that Abuja requires a fresh approach capable of improving living conditions and strengthening its economic base.

“A representative must look beyond conventional politics and develop practical solutions to the challenges confronting residents,” Osho said.

He maintained that a stronger agricultural sector could help Abuja reduce its dependence on food supplies from other parts of the country while creating new economic opportunities for residents.