The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ebonyi Chapter, on Tuesday inaugurated a new set of state executives, including a new state chairman, Dr Ignatius Unah. The inauguration took place at the Conference Hall, Office of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Other executives inducted included Engr. Michael Oguta, deputy chairman; Chief Nwakpu Okechukwu Jerome, vice chairman; Engr. Frank Ori, vice chairman; and Nathaniel Nwodom, vice-chairman.

Also inaugurated: Egwu Augustine Nnamdi, secretary; Queen Nome, treasurer; Chinonso Nwede, assistant secretary; Alfred Onuoha, financial secretary; and Kalu Nnachi Mba, assistant financial secretary. Others were: Obaji victor, organising secretary; Ugo Michael Ehihia, women representative; Alo Edozie, youth representative; Uchenna Egwu Abraham, ex-officio; and Pauline Nwafor, woman leader.

Speaking during his inaugural address, Unah assured that the association will discharge its duty of ensuring the flow of appropriate information on inputs, technologies and services to the state. Unah noted the state chapter “literally collapsed” after becoming moribund in March 2006 after the expiration of the Prof. Emeka Egwu-led tenure.

He, however, assured that the new executives were on a mission to restore the state chapter to its former glory.

The new chairman said, “I want to assure you all that AFAN Exco will at all times work closely with all the relevant bodies, especially in the area of policy formulation and implementation with a view to achieving food security in the state. “The present exco under my watch will work as a team to take the association to a greater height to the envy of her contemporaries in the south-east and beyond.”

Unah listed the achievement of the state chapter to include, among others, the securing of a N2 billion loan for the 2020 rice farming season. The loan was said to have been secured for the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Ebonyi State chapter, from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The new chairman also announced the release of a section of his one-storey building office complex for the temporary use of the association. Speaking during the election of new executives on Tuesday, Vice National President of AFAN, Chief Daniel Okafor, said the installation of new executives was long overdue. Okafor expressed satisfaction that the election was being held despite situations that hinted otherwise.

The vice national president also expressed optimism in the future of the state chapter. He added, “From today, Ebonyi State chapter of AFAN will join the train of other state chapters to get whatever belongs to them as Nigeria farmers.

“We farmers own this country and we must work together to attain a food secure nation. “Nigeria as a nation needs our services as farmers and we are ready to render it in full force.”

Ebonyi state chapter of AFAN was launched on March 3, 2006.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA