The Edo chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, on Monday, elected a new executive to steer its affairs for the next three years.

Joel Usiagu emerged as the chairman at the election held in Benin.

Addressing members ahead of the exercise, the deputy national president (operations) of AFAN, Asuquo Asuquo, cautioned against unhealthy rivalry and urged stakeholders to prioritise unity and service over personal ambition.

“There is no need to struggle for positions. We are all farmers. Leadership is about sacrifice so that everyone can benefit. No need for division. Wherever you are, the government will locate you,” he said.

Mr Asuquo also said that the association had harmonised its structures nationwide, pointing out that inclusivity remained central to its operations.

“We now have harmonised structures across the country, and we are happy that SWOFON is part of this,” he said.

The newly elected officials were subsequently sworn in by the association’s assistant national secretary, Kabiru Danbaba. Speaking with journalists after his inauguration, Mr Usiagu pledged his commitment to unify the members and ensure that government-backed interventions reached genuine farmers at the grassroots.

Mr Usiagu said the unification of the association’s factions remained his immediate priority. He promised that his leadership would focus on equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to farmers, as opposed to what he described as the previous “swallow and chop approach”.

On the persistent security challenges faced by farmers, including crop theft and attacks in rural communities, Mr Usiagu said his leadership would adopt advocacy and collaborative strategies to support affected members.

He also advocated cluster farming as a practical solution to insecurity and inefficiency in the sector.

Responding to concerns about political influence in the distribution of agricultural support, Mr Usiagu admitted that the practice existed but assured members that efforts would be made to prioritise genuine farmers.

Other elected officers included deputy chairman, Tony Alius; vice-chairman, Edo South, Ezekiel Oseimwan; vice-chairman, Edo North, Osas Ojeikere; secretary, Valentine Uwaka; and organising secretary, Abel Isiwe, among others.

(NAN)