EXTRA: There are many economic opportunities in a cassava tuber, says Tinubu

Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says there are many economic opportunities in a cassava tuber.

Speaking on Monday at an event organised by the Arewa joint committee in Kaduna, the former governor of Lagos said if he is elected president, he would explore the country’s resources for the benefit of citizens.

In 2021, there was pushback when Tinubu suggested that youths should be recruited to combat insecurity in the country, adding that they would be fed corn and cassava grown in the country.

Since then, he has repeatedly said the staples would not be imported but grown in the country by farmers for the consumption by Nigerians.

These comments have drawn varied reactions.

While speaking at Monday’s event, Tinubu said the country is sitting on a “gold mine” of untapped resources.

“For us, we are sitting on a gold mine — abandoned natural resources. We would explore and exploit our resources to the fullest,” he said.

“Even if it is only cassava, there are so many extractions and economic opportunities that we can bring out of a cassava tuber. Our major economic challenges are under-investment, ineffective management. I am bringing good experience, a can-do attitude, thinking and doing it.

“I will strengthen power reforms as a catalyst for industrialisation. It is time to fetch water from a dry well. Don’t be afraid. Help is standing before you.

“I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have done it before. We will find a way where there is no way.”

He added that he would do everything to keep the country safe if he is elected president.