Ekiti Farmers Elect New Executives, Resolve Crisis

Farmers in Ekiti State have successfully elected new executives, effectively concluding a three-year crisis that had split the Agricultural Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) into two factions led by Rufu Oni and Adebola Alagbada. The election, overseen by Daniel Okafor, was held in Ado Ekiti, where Sunday Adekogbon was inaugurated as the new chairman.

Adekogbon emphasized the need to immediately conduct local government elections within the association and to address issues affecting farmers, such as post-harvest losses. Okafor highlighted the importance of unifying the association to better support farmers and improve their welfare.

Plans include creating a conducive environment for farmers, introducing health schemes, and establishing a market system for direct sales of produce. Sikiru Olowoyo, a senior special adviser to the Ekiti State governor, noted that the reconciliation of the factions would benefit both state and federal agricultural initiatives.

The new leadership aims to strengthen the association and enhance collaboration with the government.