Former presidential aide and social commentator Reno Omokri has stirred nationwide conversation with a bold message encouraging Nigerians to embrace self-sufficiency through home gardening, adding that he has started harvesting fruits from his personal garden in less than eight months. His message, shared via social media on Tuesday, May 21, 2025, included a subtle jab at the current administration, urging citizens not to depend solely on President Bola Tinubu’s government for survival.
Omokri posted a photo of ripe fruits from his backyard, writing: “In less than eight months, my garden has started producing fruit. Don’t wait for Tinubu to feed you. Learn to feed yourself.” The post instantly gained traction, with supporters praising his practicality, while critics accused him of politicizing personal lifestyle choices.
Among the critical replies was one from a follower identified as Onyekachi, who wrote: “Very soon we are going to celebrate your death, because you are the reason why Nigeria is not moving forward.” Instead of responding with hostility, Omokri delivered a deeply reflective reply that has since gone viral.
“Thank you for your feedback. Whether or not you celebrate my death, I will still die. All men shall taste death. It is a necessary end to my life on Earth and, therefore, nothing to be feared,” he wrote. He went on to reiterate the purpose of his original message: promoting self-reliance through backyard farming. “Every day of my life, I prepare for the last day. My message is simple: Grow some of your food at home, either in your backyard, balcony, or window sill,” he concluded.
Many online have praised his calm and philosophical response, calling it a masterclass in emotional maturity and digital civility. Others lauded his consistent advocacy for simple, sustainable living practices. The conversation has since shifted toward food insecurity, inflation, and Nigeria’s growing reliance on imported agricultural produce.
Omokri’s gardening initiative aligns with recent warnings by the World Bank that Nigeria’s food inflation, currently at over 37%, poses a serious threat to vulnerable households. His message, while wrapped in personal lifestyle choices, resonates with a population grappling with economic strain.
As the post continues to spark conversations online, hashtags like #GrowYourOwnFood, #RenoOmokri, and #FoodIndependence are trending, reminding Nigerians that even in the face of political turbulence, some solutions may start at home—with soil, seeds, and a little sunlight.
