Former Senator Ahmadu Abdullahi Emerges as Kogi Farmers’ Chairman

News in brief:

-Ahmadu E. Abdullahi has been inaugurated as chairman of the Kogi State chapter of AFAN.

-The new leadership pledges transparency, farmer welfare and alignment with state and national agricultural policies.

Alhaji Ahmadu E. Abdullahi, a former Deputy Clerk of the Senate at the National Assembly, has emerged as Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

The inauguration ceremony was held on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, performed by the National President of AFAN, Dr Faruk Rabiu Mudi, and represented by the Deputy National President.

A 25-member Kogi State executive council emerged through affirmation, as all positions were unopposed, reflecting a consensus among farmers across the state.

National Leadership Charges New Executives

In his address, Dr Mudi charged the newly inaugurated executives to justify the confidence placed in them by prioritising farmers’ welfare in all their activities.

He urged the leadership to work closely with state and local governments to influence agricultural policies and programmes that directly improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Abdullahi Pledges Transparent and Inclusive Leadership

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Abdullahi expressed gratitude to God and to farmers across Kogi State for the trust reposed in him, describing the inauguration as a turning point for AFAN in the state.

He pledged to lead the association with dedication, transparency, honesty and justice, assuring members that the interests of genuine farmers would remain the core focus of the association.

Commitment to National and State Agricultural Policies

The new chairman reaffirmed the loyalty of the Kogi State executive to the national leadership of AFAN under Dr Mudi. He pledged full support for national initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ welfare.

Also, the former lawmaker highlighted ongoing programmes such as the digital identity card for registered farmers, the establishment of a national farmers’ data bank and partnerships with credible non-governmental organisations to expand access to training, support and agricultural interventions.

Abdullahi also assured that the Kogi State AFAN executive would align fully with the agricultural policies of the Kogi State Government, noting that Governor Usman Ododo has placed farmers at the centre of his agenda to position the state as a major hub for agricultural production and food security.

Focus on Restoring Confidence and Strengthening Structures

Acknowledging past challenges that affected the image of AFAN, the chairman stated that the new executive would operate an open and accountable system to restore confidence and protect the interests of peasant and smallholder farmers.

He announced plans to strengthen AFAN’s structures at the local government and ward levels to ensure effective participation in national programmes, including the General Assembly of Farmers scheduled for January 2026.

The event was attended by farmers from the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, representatives of commodity associations and security agencies.

The Commander of the Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps pledged the unit’s cooperation with the new AFAN leadership to improve security for farmers and agricultural activities across the state.