Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said that Africa should have nothing to do with hunger, but should actually be a powerhouse for the supply of food in the world.

According to him, Africa is the second biggest continent in land size, with over 30 million square kilometres of land, and also has the highest population of young people, with over one billion young people.

He said Africa also has the highest uncultivated arable land of any continent, with about 60 per cent of arable land in Africa being uncultivated.

O I said this in a statement shortly after paying a visit to Dele Momodu in celebration of his 65th birthday and to discuss the forthcoming birthday leadership lecture titled “How to End Hunger and Poverty in Africa” to be delivered by former revered President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former President and committed democrat Goodluck Jonathan as guest of honour.

"To give more examples why Africa should have nothing to do with hunger or poverty, Africa’s rice production is about 26 million tonnes, while Bangladesh, with less than 0.5 per cent of Africa’s land (148,000 square km of land), produces over 55 million tonnes of rice. Similarly, India, with about 10% of Africa’s size, produces about 5 times more rice than Africa.

"From these scenarios, it is evident that Africa needs to have room to increase its agricultural production, and produce more food to be able to feed it's citizens, it's factories and for export purposes.

"All Africa needs is to have a citizen-led governance that prioritises the welfare of its people, by investing in the critical areas of development," he said.

ASA