AFAN: Ex–Senate Deputy Clerk Emerges Chairman of Kogi Farmers

Former Deputy Clerk of the Senate at the National Assembly, Alhaji Ahmadu Abdullahi, has emerged as the Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

The inauguration ceremony, held in Lokoja, was conducted by the National President of AFAN, Dr. Faruk Rabiu Mudi, who was represented by the Deputy National President. The 25-member state executive council was elected through affirmation, as all positions were uncontested.

Addressing the new leadership, the National President charged the executives to justify the confidence reposed in them by prioritising farmers’ welfare. He urged them to collaborate closely with state and local governments in formulating and implementing agricultural policies that would directly benefit farmers.

He noted that Kogi State possesses the potential to produce sufficient food for domestic consumption and export, citing its vast arable land and favourable climate. He also commended the new chairman for his proven capacity, demonstrated by the timely inauguration of the state executive, stressing that only leaders with competence could achieve such a feat. He advised him to remain proactive and ensure inclusiveness by carrying farmers across all parts of the state along.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Abdullahi expressed gratitude to God and farmers statewide for the trust placed in him, describing the inauguration as a new chapter for AFAN in Kogi State. He pledged to lead with dedication, transparency, honesty and fairness, assuring members that the interests of genuine farmers would remain paramount.

He reaffirmed the loyalty of the Kogi State executive to the national leadership of AFAN under Dr. Faruk Rabiu Mudi and pledged full support for national programmes aimed at improving farmers’ welfare. He highlighted initiatives such as the introduction of digital identity cards for registered farmers, the establishment of a national farmers’ databank, and partnerships with reputable non-governmental organisations to expand access to training, support and agricultural interventions.

The chairman also assured that the Kogi State AFAN executive would align with the agricultural policies of the Kogi State Government, noting that Governor Usman Ododo has prioritised farmers in his vision to position the state as a major hub for agricultural production and food security. He said the association would work with the state government, the House of Assembly, local governments, commodity associations, security agencies and other stakeholders to realise this vision.

Acknowledging past challenges that affected AFAN’s image, Alhaji Abdullahi pledged to run an open and accountable administration that would restore confidence in the association and protect the interests of peasant and smallholder farmers. He also announced plans to strengthen AFAN’s structures at the local government and ward levels to ensure effective participation in national programmes, including the General Assembly of Farmers scheduled for January 2026.

The event attracted farmers from the three senatorial districts of the state, representatives of commodity associations and security agencies. The Commander of the Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who was present, pledged the unit’s support to the new AFAN executive to enhance security for farmers and agricultural activities across Kogi State.