A Farmer Per Excellence

History reminds us that farming has always been at the heart of civilization. In the days of the Roman Empire, olive oil was as valuable as gold. It fueled lamps, healed wounds, flavored food, and even anointed kings. The demand was so great that farmers in southern Spain cultivated vast olive groves and shipped the oil to Rome in clay jars called amphorae. Once emptied, these jars were discarded, eventually forming Monte Testaccio, a massive artificial hill near the Tiber River. Today, it still stands as a silent testimony to the work of farmers whose labor sustained an empire.

The lesson is clear: farmers are builders of nations. Without their dedication, cities cannot thrive, armies cannot march, and societies cannot prosper. In every generation, the farmer remains the hidden hero, often uncelebrated, yet carrying the burden of feeding humanity.

In Nigeria, the story is no different. The farmer in Kano who tends millet and groundnuts, the yam grower in Benue, the rice cultivator in Ebonyi, or the palm oil producer in Imo, all contribute to national survival. Their produce not only feeds families but also drives trade, creates employment, and sustains cultural traditions. Just as Roman olive farmers fueled an empire, Nigerian farmers today hold the key to food security and economic stability.

The farmer deserves more than silent admiration; he deserves recognition as a farmer per excellence. His sweat waters the soil, his resilience conquers floods and droughts, and his patience brings life out of the ground. When nations celebrate their scientists, politicians, and athletes, the farmer too must stand tall among heroes, for without food, no other profession can function.

This blog exists to honor such men and women. If you are a farmer, know that you are crowned with greatness by God. Your hands are blessed, your produce is a gift, and your worth is beyond measure. You are truly unique, worthy of being lifted and celebrated.