By Amawu, Cletus Albert.
The leadership of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cross River State Chapter, in her quest for food security, and members welfare has sought partnership with Senator Prince Bassey Otu-led Administration, to key into his agricultural revolution.
In his welcome address to the AFAN State Executive, Mr. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development expressed government appreciation towards the good works of AFAN in the State on their systematic approach to repositioning the Association and for immediately taking advantage of the Otu’s administration agro policy direction as revenue generator, opportunity for jobs creation and providing food self self-sufficiency and security.
“Agriculture is one of Prince Otu’s cardinal focus to achieve his people-first agenda, as you can see with the approval of the purchase of 103 Tractors to facilitate mechanized farming across the length and breadth of the State.
“As member of AFAN myself, I challenge you to rise above the current status and stop complaining about the past. All you need is key into the various agricultural programmes of Governor Otu-led administration and begin the aggregation of ‘real farmers’ to drive the needed success. Hence, there is no room for political and urban farmers anymore. Let us plow the ground and harvest bountiful and smile to the banks.”
According to Ebokpo, the future is brighter for farmers because of the symbiotic policies driven by both the Federal and State governments in the agricultural sector.
“The Federal and State governments have both prioritized agriculture as a key driver of the economy and a decisive measure against food insecurity and unemployment; agriculture is today and not the future anymore and that’s the positive for farmers to take advantage of.
“It may interest you to know that the Governor has approved the clearing of 12,000 hectares of land for farming and the purchase of tractors to be shared to all Local Government Areas in the State,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of AFAN., Mr. Nathaniel Ilem, thanked the Commissioner for his genuine interest and passion to drive the agricultural vision of Governor Otu to logical conclusion and intimated that AFAN., Cross River State will make available at least 100 farmers that will be assisted to plant tomatoes and maize from the targeted 1,000 farmers in the South-South Region.
“As an Association, we have been training and building the capacity of our members to improve their skills and knowledge in modern farming, but have been constrained in the past as a result of government unfavorable policies. We therefore seek partnership, and sponsorship with the government and request for mobility as well.”
The high point of the meeting was the presentation of the Association insignia and uniform to the Commissioner having been a long-time, and respectable member of AFAN.
Executive members in attendance were Agida Thomas, Vice Chairman, Prince B. Alan, Secretary, Hon. Asido Effah, Assistant Secretary and Ene Elizabeth, Welfare Officer.
