By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, under the leadership of State Chairperson Alhaja Ganiyat Ibilola Adeoye Kusimo, respectfully calls on the Ogun State Government to establish a more inclusive, structured, and collaborative framework for involving local farmers in state-led programmes and policy implementations.
AFAN warmly acknowledges and applauds the administration of His Excellency, Prince Adedapo Oluwaseun Abiodun, MFR, CON, for its ongoing commitment to agricultural development, rural growth, and food security across Ogun State. The administration’s social intervention and community development initiatives continue to lay vital groundwork for sustainable progress.
While appreciating these government interventions, AFAN highlights a growing concern regarding the representation of primary agricultural stakeholders. Farmers and their recognized associations are frequently underrepresented at key state functions and official commissions including recent high-profile community health and food distribution events, such as those associated with Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.
As the cornerstone of the state’s food production ecosystem, farmers are directly impacted by initiatives focused on community health, food security, and rural empowerment. Active inclusion of farmer associations in the planning and execution phases ensures that aid, resources, and policy benefits effectively reach active producers at the grassroots level.
A critical challenge facing local agricultural producers is the lack of organized logistical support when invited to attend state government functions. Operating primarily out of rural regions with modest resources, many farmers face significant financial and mobility burdens when attempting to attend official events. AFAN urges the state government to integrate basic transportation and logistical planning into invitations extended to rural farming communities.
AFAN respectfully presents the following strategic recommendations to His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun:
- Recognize registered farmer associations as core strategic partners rather than passive observers in state planning
- Establish a streamlined mechanism through the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure timely notification, representation, and coordination for relevant state events.
L- provide coordinated transportation and logistical support for rural delegates invited to official government functions
"Farmers should be regarded as strategic partners of the government, not merely beneficiaries of agricultural interventions. Our collective field experience, community presence, and active participation are essential to fulfilling the Governor's food-security agenda."
AFAN Ogun State remains fully committed to collaborating constructively with the Ogun State Government to advance sustainable agribusiness, encourage youth participation in farming, and secure food independence for all residents.
Signed:
Alhaja Ganiyat Ibilola Adeoye Kusimo
State Chairperson,
All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter
