The Agbekoya Society of Nigeria, a Yoruba farmers and hunters association, says it has about 4,000 personnel providing security for farmers in the Southwest.

The Aare (president-general) of Agbekoya worldwide, Kamorudeen Okikiola, disclosed this at a news conference to unveil activities for the 85th-anniversary celebration of the society in Lagos on Wednesday.

Southwest governors, the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other Yoruba leaders and farmers will attend the anniversary scheduled to hold on Nov. 26.

“Today, Agbekoya is still leading as the biggest farmers’ association in Nigeria since 1938, and we will continue to provide security for our farmers.

“Agbekoya has done a lot for farmers, and this has helped in feeding the nation. We have tried our best to eradicate anything that can make our farmers run away from farms.

“Security in farms is relatively good now. We have done a lot in protecting farmers and their farms. We have put up several measures to ensure security for farmers,” he said.

Mr Okikiola said being an association comprising farmers and hunters, it had its executive council and security wing in all towns in Yoruba land.

The Aare added: “We have decimated cases of kidnapping and clashes in our towns and farms. If you see any, they are very few.

“This is because our security arm swings into action in case of any hitch anywhere. We have about 4000 security personnel for farmers’ protection in southwest alone.”

According to him, the situation that forced many people to vacate farms for the city because of insecurity has been decimated.

Mr Okikiola said that Agbekoya had been very useful to conventional security outfits like the police in undertaking certain difficult jobs that required going into forests to track down criminals.

“We don’t run away from the creation of God. We are ready to challenge any battle that wants to confront farmers in the southwest,” he said.

On the society’s achievements, Mr Okikiola said that his leadership had grown Agbekoya membership from 49 members to 4.3 million members.

Commending a former minister of agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina, for his efforts toward rebuilding the Agbekoya society, Mr Okikiola said the current president, the African Development Bank, believed in the society to achieve agricultural goals.

According to him, the society has not also relented efforts in training, educating and empowering farmers in partnership with local and foreign agencies and institutions as well as governments.

On the anniversary, Mr Okikiola said the Ooni of Ife would be the Royal Father of the Day; the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Oyelude (Tegbosun III) chairman and Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, as Mother of the Day.

He added that Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland, Otunba Tomori Williams, would be the chief launcher with Iyalaje of Oodua, Toyin Kolade, among other eminent Yoruba leaders and farmers in attendance.

Mr Okikiola said the society would be celebrating 85 years of agricultural excellence and his 25 years as its president-general.

“Since our inception in 1938, the Agbekoya Society of Nigeria has stood as a guardian of agricultural interests, ensuring the security and prosperity of our farming community.

“The 85th-anniversary celebration is a testament to our enduring commitment to the welfare of farmers and the sustainable development of agriculture,” he said.

Highlighting activities for the event, he said there would be a grand opening ceremony, exhibition/showcase of the evolution of agricultural practices and cutting-edge technologies.

He said there would also be a cultural extravaganza to explore the rich cultural heritage of the agricultural community as well as performances, displays, and presentations.

Mr Okikiola said pioneers of Agbekoya would be honoured to pay tribute to the visionaries and leaders who played pivotal roles in the success and growth of the society over the past 85 years.

According to him, there will also be an interactive forum which will engage stakeholders in discussions on the future of agriculture, sustainable practices, and the role of security in ensuring a thriving farming community.

He said the anniversary would reinforce the collective strength of agricultural sustainability for the good of the nation.

Mr Okikiola said the society was dedicated to fostering a secure environment for farmers and ensuring the prosperity of agriculture through vigilant protection and advocacy.

(NAN)