AFAN warns farmers against rivalry, urges unity for progress nationwide

By Jethro Ibileke

The Deputy National President (Operations) of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Asuquo Asuquo, has cautioned members against unhealthy rivalry, urging farmers to embrace unity for collective progress.

Asuquo gave the advice on Monday in Benin City during the election of new executive members to lead the association in Edo State for the next three years.

He called on stakeholders to place service above personal ambition, stressing that leadership within the association should be driven by sacrifice for the benefit of all members.

“There is no need to struggle for positions. We are all farmers. Leadership is about sacrifice so that everyone can benefit. No need for division. Wherever you are, government will locate you,” he said.

The AFAN leader noted that the association has harmonised its structures nationwide, with inclusivity remaining a key focus.

“We now have harmonised structures across the country, and we are happy that SWOFON is part of this,” he added.

At the end of the exercise, Joel Usiagu emerged chairman of the 14-member executive and was subsequently sworn in by the Assistant National Secretary of AFAN, Kabiru Danbaba.

Speaking with journalists after his inauguration, Joel Usiagu pledged to unify the association and ensure that government-backed interventions reach genuine farmers at the grassroots.

He identified the unification of factions within the association as his immediate priority following recent divisions at the national level.

“We have to unite all the factions of the farmer family. We must ensure that we have one national body, one state structure, and that this unity runs from the grassroots to the top,” he said.

Usiagu stressed that his administration would prioritise equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, moving away from what he described as the previous “swallow and chop approach.”

“What we will be doing now is to ensure that whatever comes from the state or national level is shared down to the grassroots, so that the real farmers benefit,” he said.

On insecurity affecting farming activities, including crop theft and attacks in rural communities, he said the association would adopt advocacy and collaboration with relevant authorities to support members.

“We are not a law enforcement agency, but we can write petitions, follow them up, and engage relevant authorities,” he noted.

He also advocated cluster farming as a practical solution to insecurity and inefficiency in the sector.

“Instead of farming in isolation, farmers should come together, farm in clusters and organise joint vigilance. That way, they can protect themselves better and improve productivity,” he said.

Responding to concerns over political interference in the distribution of agricultural support, Usiagu acknowledged the challenge but assured that genuine farmers would be prioritised.

“You cannot completely separate politics from government interventions, but whatever comes to AFAN, we will ensure that it gets to the farmers who truly deserve it,” he said.

Other members of the executive include Tony Alius (Deputy Chairman), Dr Ezekiel Oseimwan (Vice Chairman, Edo South), Osas Ojeikere (Vice Chairman, Edo North), Valentine Uwaka (Secretary), and Abel Isiwe (Organising Secretary).

Also elected were Benjamin Okpere (Financial Secretary), Oghogho Obaseki (Assistant Financial Secretary), Jude Adoghe (Youth Leader), Lugard Michael (Publicity Secretary), Ilofuan Igbuan (Legal Adviser), Anogie Calustus (Auditor), Edet Ibanga (Ex-Officio I), and Alhaji Habibu (Ex-Officio II).