The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Yobe State has issued a stern warning to its members against selling or misusing agricultural empowerment equipment donated by the state government.
Alhaji Usman Ngari, the Chairman of the Yobe State Chapter of AFAN, made this declaration during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Monday.
Ngari emphasized the importance of the recently distributed farm machinery, which was provided free of charge to 5,340 farmers under the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme.
The state government’s objective in launching this initiative is to boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and drive economic growth within the region.
The AFAN Chairman expressed concern over reports of farmers considering selling the donated equipment, warning that such actions would have serious consequences.
He stressed that the government has meticulously documented the profiles and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) of all beneficiaries. Any farmer found guilty of selling or diverting the equipment would face legal prosecution.
Ngari highlighted that the state government is deeply committed to the agricultural development of Yobe and sees this program as a significant step in achieving that goal.
“At our level as AFAN, we will also take action against any member found engaging in such acts of sabotage, which undermine the government’s efforts to uplift agriculture in our state,” he stated.
He further urged the beneficiaries to share the equipment with other farmers in their localities, ensuring that the benefits of the programme reach as many people as possible.
According to Ngari, 30 farmers from each of the 178 wards in the state received farm inputs and various pieces of equipment under this scheme.
The expectation is that those fortunate enough to receive the equipment will collaborate with other farmers, thereby extending the program’s reach and impact.
Ngari also expressed his gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni for his leadership and vision in initiating the Agricultural Empowerment Programme.
He remarked that the initiative would not only make agriculture more attractive and profitable but also increase its efficiency, thereby encouraging more people to engage in farming.
