Farmers in Kogi State have been urged to strengthen synergy and teamwork to boost food production in the state.
The charge was given by the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr Farouq Rabiu-Mudi, during the inauguration of the Kogi State chapter of the association.
The event was led by a retired Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly (Senate), Ahmad Abdullahi, who was recently elected as the state chairman.
Rabiu-Mudi said Kogi had the potential to produce food on a large scale for both local consumption and export, given its vast arable land and favorable climate.
He congratulated the newly elected executive members and urged them to ensure inclusiveness by engaging all farmers in the state, regardless of location.
The AFAN president expressed confidence in the new state chairman’s ability to lead the chapter to greater heights.
In his remarks, Abdullahi pledged to serve with dedication, honesty, integrity and fairness.
“As executive members, our loyalty is to the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, led by Dr Farouq Rabiu-Mudi and his National Executive Committee. We shall support the national executive to implement laudable programmes designed to uplift the wellbeing of Nigerian farmers. Our support is in our own interest and ensures that all programmes and policies are achieved,” he said.
Abdullahi highlighted the Digital Identity Card initiative for registered farmers, noting that it would help identify genuine farmers and eliminate fraudulent practices.
“Through this initiative, real farmers will be recognised, and it will prevent the exploitation of genuine farmers when accessing various forms of support and assistance,” he added.
He also explained that the Farmers Data Bank initiative would capture accurate data on farmers nationwide to aid effective planning.
The chairman assured members that memoranda of understanding signed with reputable non-governmental organisations would be diligently pursued for their benefit.
Abdullahi stated that the state AFAN executive would align with the Kogi State Government and support its agricultural policies and programmes.
“This is because we have observed that the Executive Governor of Kogi, His Excellency Usman Ododo, is strategically placing the Kogi farmer at the centre of efforts to make the state a hub of agricultural production and food security in Nigeria.
“This drive aligns with the Kogi State AFAN slogan, ‘Kogi Farmers, Feeding the Nation’. We shall partner with the state government to make this a reality,” he said.
