BY SAM DUVWODE
The Delta State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida, has urged farmers to avoid substandard inputs in their operations, emphasising their role as custodians of food security in the state.
Oligida made the call during the inauguration of the new executive of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Delta State Chapter, held in Asaba.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Diden Ereomola, and with remarks delivered by the Director of the Cooperative Department, Mr Joseph Okotie, the commissioner stressed the state government’s commitment to food security as a key agenda item.
“Delta State government does not play with food security,” he said, pledging ongoing collaboration and support for AFAN.
The Commissioner advised the association to register as a cooperative society in the state to access more government opportunities. He encouraged the new executive to elevate farming practices and ensure members refrain from substandard inputs to drive agricultural growth.
The National President of AFAN, Dr Farouk Mudi, represented by Deputy National President, Mr Confidence Mac-Atele, commended the Delta State chapter for their unity in electing a chairman.
He urged the new leadership to prioritise practising farmers in key roles to safeguard members’ interests and leverage the government and private sector opportunities.
Dr Mudi called for teamwork, legitimate business practices, and avoidance of substandard inputs to position AFAN as a source of pride in Delta State. He advocated collaboration with the state government, private organisations, and institutions like the Bank of Agriculture, while emphasising the need for relevant information to foster growth.
A representative of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr Ambrose Nwabozo, highlighted low agricultural output in the state and urged farmers to improve. He noted widespread indebtedness among farmers and past underwhelming results from financing collaborations with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Nwabozo appealed for sincere loan utilisation to attract investors, encouraged non-practising members to engage in real farming, and recommended mechanised agriculture.
He affirmed the bank’s readiness to provide facilities and praised AFAN’s potential to enhance food security beyond the state with serious commitment.
In his inaugural address, the newly elected Chairman, Sunny Ohwojero, pledged to help farmers “get it right.” He promised to address farmer-herdsmen conflicts in collaboration with the state government for a swift resolution. Aligning with national directives, he said his administration will recruit agents to integrate rural farmers, ensure their digitalisation, recognition, and protection as AFAN members.
Ohwojero noted that he is committed to partnering with the government and organisations for training and workshops to expand members’ knowledge of agricultural policies. He welcomed non-members to join the association.
The event’s highlight was the official inauguration of the 21-member executive committee, including Sunny Ohwojero as Chairman, Ezonfade Daniel as Deputy Chairman, Mr Daniel Uzoka as Secretary, and Michael Paive as Public Relations Officer, among others.
