OLUKOTUN TAKES HELM OF AFAN KOGI, CHARTS COURSE FOR AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION–New Chairman Pledges Inclusive Leadership, Modernization, and Farmer Prosperity
Dayo Thomas
Alhaji Prince Raji Musa Olukotun has formally assumed office as Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Kogi State Chapter, committing to reposition the state as “a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria and West Africa.”
Addressing stakeholders at his inauguration in Lokoja, Olukotun struck a unifying tone, declaring that his mandate “is not mine alone” but belongs to “every farmer in Kogi State , crop farmers, livestock farmers, fish farmers, poultry farmers, agro-processors, women farmers, and our energetic youth who have chosen agriculture as a pathway to prosperity.”
The new chairman placed unity and inclusiveness at the heart of his administration. He pledged that AFAN under his watch would remain “one united family,” ensuring every farmer irrespective of ethnicity, religion, gender, political affiliation, or senatorial district has a voice. He stressed that building bridges across all local government areas would be critical to collective progress.
Olukotun made farmers’ welfare his foremost priority. He vowed to push for improved access to agricultural credit, insurance schemes, quality inputs, mechanization services, and extension support. Working with government agencies and development partners, his administration will ensure interventions reach genuine farmers at the grassroots, not just on paper.
Recognizing that the future of agriculture rests with young people and women, Olukotun announced plans for targeted programs to draw youth into modern agriculture, agribusiness, agro-processing, and agricultural technology. Women farmers will receive support through capacity building, access to finance, and greater leadership opportunities within AFAN.
The chairman called for a decisive shift from traditional methods to modern, climate-smart agriculture. Mechanization, digital technologies, irrigation systems, improved seedlings, and precision farming will be prioritized to raise productivity. Aligning with federal efforts to strengthen national food security, he said AFAN Kogi will mobilize farmers not just to feed the state, but to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food reserves and export markets.
To tackle poor market access and post-harvest losses, Olukotun pledged to build stronger linkages between farmers, processors, marketers, exporters, and financial institutions. Promoting value addition and agro-processing, he noted, is key to increasing farmers’ incomes and reducing waste across the value chain.
No association succeeds in isolation, the chairman said. His team will deepen collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture, research institutions, private investors, and international partners. He also committed to transparent governance, promising integrity, openness, and accountability in all decisions, communication, and resource management.
Olukotun lauded Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Usman Ahmed Ododo, describing him as “visionary, dynamic and Agric friendly” for his consistent support to the sector. He pledged AFAN’s total support to the administration, expressing confidence that agriculture would become “the pride of the state” under the governor’s leadership.
Closing his address, the new AFAN Chairman reminded members of their critical role: “Without farmers, no nation can truly prosper.” He called on all stakeholders to set aside differences and work together to make Kogi a model of agricultural excellence, job creation, and rural development.
