AFAN Pledges to Boost Food Production and Strengthen Food Security

News in brief:

-AFAN commits to stronger collaboration and innovation in agriculture under new leadership.

-Youth empowerment, technology adoption, and national food security form the top priorities.

The new President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Muhammad Magaji, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation that will accelerate food production nationwide.

Speaking during his inauguration at the 2025 National Agricultural Showground along the Abuja–Keffi Road in Nasarawa State, Magaji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed focus on agriculture and called on farmers to fully support the administration’s agenda.

“The Tinubu-led Federal Government is fully committed to agriculture and the welfare of farmers. All they need is a unified umbrella body of Nigerian farmers,” he said.

Magaji emerged following the election of a 27-member National Executive Council (NEC), conducted in line with resolutions passed by AFAN’s General Assembly.

Association to Work Closely With Government on Food Security

The AFAN President stated that his administration would strengthen ties with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to expand national food production, enhance value chains and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Immediate past President, Kabiru Ibrahim, expressed confidence in the new leadership, saying he believes the NEC will reposition AFAN for greater impact.

“I know there is a lot of work ahead, and I know you are capable,” Ibrahim said.

Youth to Drive Agricultural Transformation

Chief Tunde Adeyemi, newly elected National Youth Leader, highlighted the strategic importance of young people in sustaining and modernising Nigeria’s food systems.

“Nigeria’s agriculture is powered by youth… Today, we begin a new journey to strengthen that power,” he declared.

Adeyemi pledged to expand training and extension opportunities, access to finance, mechanisation and digital tools, as well as investment and agro-partnerships.

He assured that structures will be established across all states and LGAs to give young farmers a stronger voice in national policy.

New NEC Members Announced

The statement confirmed the full NEC positions, including:

• Deputy Presidents 1 & 2: Chief Daniel Okafor; Chief Asuquo E.
• National General Secretary: Dr Femi Otunba Oke
• VP, Livestock: Alhaji Uba Dan Arewa
• VP, Fisheries: Chief Patrick Weridonghan
• VP, Horticulture: Dr Vitus Enwerem
• VP, Roots & Tuber: Vincent Amaabai
• Women Leader: Yamusoa Ladi
• … and others serving in key administrative and operational roles.

AFAN emphasised that the new executive leadership will transform agriculture into a sector of prosperity and national pride, strengthening food systems, improving farmer welfare, and positioning Nigeria as an agricultural powerhouse.