29th Jan 2014 – International pop star Bono in collaboration and partnership with D’Banj and the Tony Elumelu Foundation have launched the ONE Campaign in Nigeria to launch a new initiative aimed at fighting extreme poverty in Africa through agriculture. Founded by Bono, ONE Campaign is a campaigning and advocacy organization taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.
According to the organization’s press release, the centerpiece of the campaign is a call to boost investments in agriculture, a sector that is capable of unleashing the continent’s vast economic potential.
Music artist DBanj, in announcing his support for the initiative, is quoted as saying “Agriculture is no longer a profession for the rural poor – it’s a promising, dynamic career option with vast economic opportunities. I’m grateful that ONE is giving me the chance to tell young people across Africa that agriculture is ‘cool’
Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu stressed the importance of agriculture to Africa’s economy by noting that, “Of the 400 million Africans living in extreme poverty, 7 out of 10 live in rural areas that depend on agriculture.”
We are told that ONE and The Tony Elumelu Foundation have also announced a strategic partnership to push political leaders in Nigeria to support public investments in agriculture, healthcare, energy and transparency.
Expected participants at the event include other Nigerian celebrities, government officials, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Smallholders Foundation, and Oxfam.