Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo Thursday called on African leaders to work together to reduce poverty and hunger in the continent.

Addressing the opening of a special summit on food security held in Abuja, Obasanjo said "it is possible for Africa to secure food security through the concerted efforts of its leaders and the support of the international community."

Obasanjo also promised that Nigeria would financially support the establishment of a fund for "the replication, adaptation and upscaling of Africa's agricultural and food security successes."

Although there had been several declarations in the past to improve food security on the continent, the Nigerian president said, it had remained largely food-insecure.

In addition to the appropriate political and investment-friendly environment, he said, "we can make Africa a veritable food-secure continent."

Obasanjo said the critical essence of the summit was "very central to the socio-economic advancement of all African nations."

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)