By Abubakar Yunusa
A former Deputy Clerk of the Senate, Ahmadu E. Abdullahi, has emerged as Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria.
Abdullahi was elected on Wednesday in Lokoja during the inauguration of the state executive council of the association.
The ceremony was conducted by the National President of AFAN, Dr Faruk Rabiu Mudi, who was represented by the Deputy National President.
The 25-member executive council was elected through affirmation, as all positions were unopposed.
Addressing the new executives, Mudi urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by farmers by prioritising their welfare.
He also charged them to work closely with state and local governments in shaping agricultural policies that would directly benefit farmers.
In his acceptance speech, Abdullahi thanked farmers across the state for the trust placed in him, describing the inauguration as a turning point for AFAN in Kogi.
He pledged to lead the association with dedication, transparency, honesty and justice.
“The interest of genuine farmers will remain our top priority,” he said.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the loyalty of the Kogi executive to the national leadership of AFAN and pledged support for programmes aimed at improving farmers’ welfare.
He cited initiatives such as the digital identity card for registered farmers, a national farmers’ data bank and partnerships with credible non-governmental organisations.
The AFAN chairman also said the association would align with the agricultural policies of the Kogi State Government.
He noted that Governor Usman Ododo had placed farmers at the centre of his plan to position the state as a hub for agricultural production and food security.
Abdullahi said the association would collaborate with the state government, the House of Assembly, local councils, security agencies and other stakeholders.
He acknowledged past challenges affecting the image of AFAN and promised an open and accountable leadership.
According to him, the association would strengthen its structures at local government and ward levels ahead of the General Assembly of Farmers scheduled for January 2026.
The event was attended by farmers from the three senatorial districts, commodity associations and security agencies.
The Commander of the Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps pledged the unit’s support to enhance security for farmers across the state.
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