Kwara Government Intervenes in AFAN Crisis, Establishes Caretaker Committee for Farmers

Ilorin, Kwara State – The Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has taken decisive action to address the ongoing leadership dispute within the state chapter of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), establishing a seven-person multi-stakeholder caretaker committee to represent the interests of farmers across the state.

The move comes amidst a protracted leadership crisis within AFAN, marked by court litigation and internal conflicts that threaten to disrupt agricultural activities. To safeguard the farming community and ensure uninterrupted support, the ministry has formed an interim committee comprising representatives from diverse agricultural interest groups.

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The appointed members are:

• 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)
• USMAN BABA ALIYU (Kwara North)
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  This decision follows a meeting between the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development,Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi, and AFAN representatives in Ilorin. The ministry emphasized its commitment to fostering an inclusive agricultural environment, enhancing transparency, and improving stakeholder feedback.
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  “The idea is to allow for a more inclusive environment in the agricultural value chain, improved transparency and better reporting on local activities, and positive feedbacks from different stakeholders,” stated the ministry.
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  The caretaker committee is tasked with:
• Overseeing the equitable and efficient distribution of agricultural inputs.
• Building trust between farmers and government agencies.
• Ensuring that inputs reach the intended beneficiaries, especially during the upcoming planting season.
  The Kwara State Government aims to streamline agricultural support, ensuring its effective delivery to farmers. The ministry encourages farmers and stakeholders to actively engage with the caretaker committee, providing feedback to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system.
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  The government will closely monitor the committee’s performance to ensure tangible benefits for farmers, ultimately strengthening the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable growth in Kwara State.