By Queen Kunde
In a significant drive towards ensuring food security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) FCT Chapter, under the leadership of Hon. (Lady) Perpetual Nkechi Okafor (LSM), has empowered farmers with vital agricultural inputs.
The gesture, which took place at the Holy Rosary Civic Center, Wuse Zone 2, was part of the 2025 Workplan Presentation and Inputs Support for Dry Season Farmers.
The event, attended by key dignitaries from various ministries, agencies, and development organizations, underscored the commitment of AFAN to promoting all-year farming as a sustainable solution to food insecurity.
Hon. (Lady) Perpetual Nkechi Okafor, AFAN FCT Chairman, emphasized that one-season farming alone cannot guarantee food security in Nigeria. She urged government authorities, donor agencies, and other stakeholders to support farmers with the necessary tools and resources to enable year-round agricultural productivity.
“We, FCT farmers, are gathered in unity and love to do the little we can for ourselves as we look forward to the appropriate authorities and stakeholders to join hands with us. One-season farming system can never guarantee food and nutrition security in Nigeria. Hence, we must all promote all-year-round production,” Okafor stated.
Highlighting AFAN’s proactive approach, Okafor revealed that the association had developed its first-ever annual workplan to streamline its activities and ensure tangible progress. She called on government agencies and private sector partners to collaborate with AFAN to make the vision of increased agricultural productivity a reality.
The National President of AFAN, Architect Kabir Ibrahim, who graced the occasion in person, echoed similar sentiments. He appealed to governments at all levels and development partners to support AFAN members in their drive for year-round farming, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.
Several dignitaries present, including top government officials and representatives of international agencies, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers in the FCT through AFAN. They commended the leadership of Hon. Okafor for her proactive and effective approach in championing farmers’ welfare and agricultural development in the region.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of free farm inputs to AFAN FCT members, a move that was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the beneficiaries.
In her closing remarks, Okafor passionately appealed to government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and donors to extend more support to farmers, emphasizing that greater investment in agriculture would yield long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy and food security.
The event marked a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving sustainable agriculture in the FCT, setting the stage for greater collaboration and more impactful interventions in the future.
