AFAN suspended, caretaker committee formed to address farmers’ leadership tussle in Kwara
The Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has appointed a seven-person multi-stakeholder caretaker committee aimed at representing farmers’ interests amidst ongoing leadership disputes within the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN). This proactive measure seeks to prevent any disruption in the agricultural sector due to the internal challenges faced by AFAN, which are currently subject to court litigation and various contentions among different agricultural interest groups.
The newly constituted caretaker committee includes representatives from across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State: Abdullahi ibn Ahmed (Kwara North), Alhaja Shakira AbdulGaniy Kodokodo (Kwara Central), Barr. Fatai Alabi Olaokun (Kwara South), Nmadu Wodu Ruth (Kwara North), Abdulrahman Ameen Babatunde (Kwara Central), Florence Taiye O. (Kwara South), and Usman Baba Aliyu (Kwara North). This diverse group reflects multiple interests within the farming community.
The announcement follows a meeting between the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi, and stakeholders from AFAN in Ilorin, the state capital. The ministry emphasized the committee’s purpose: to foster an inclusive environment within the agricultural value chain, promote transparency, and enhance communication among stakeholders.
The caretaker committee is entrusted with ensuring equitable distribution of agricultural inputs and is expected to build trust within the community, especially ahead of the forthcoming planting season. By implementing these reforms, the Kwara State Government aims to improve the effectiveness of agricultural support and facilitate feedback from farmers and stakeholders to cultivate a more efficient agricultural system.
The government’s continued oversight of the committee’s performance is intended to ensure that these measures yield tangible benefits for farmers, thereby strengthening the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and supporting sustainable growth in Kwara State.
