AFAN Unity Warning Edo Election as leaders urge farmers to embrace unity and elect new executives in Benin City for stronger agricultural progress

The Deputy National President (Operations) of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Asuquo Asuquo, on Monday urged members to abandon internal rivalry and embrace unity during the election of new executive members in Edo State, held in Benin City.

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Asuquo Asuquo delivered the message at the election of a 14-member executive council that will lead the association in Edo State for the next three years, stressing that leadership within AFAN must prioritise sacrifice, service, and collective progress over personal ambition.

AFAN Leaders Issue Urgent Unity Appeal in Edo Vote came as the association reinforced calls for cohesion amid ongoing efforts to harmonise its structures nationwide.

Asuquo cautioned stakeholders against unhealthy competition for positions, insisting that leadership should be driven by commitment to collective benefit rather than individual gain.

“There is no need to struggle for positions. We are all farmers. Leadership is about sacrifice so that everyone can benefit. No need for division,” he said, adding that government support would ultimately reach committed members wherever they are.

He noted that AFAN had harmonised its structures across the country, describing inclusivity as a central pillar of its current reforms and welcoming collaboration with allied farmer groups.

At the end of the election, Joel Usiagu emerged chairman of the newly elected 14-member executive and was sworn in by AFAN Assistant National Secretary, Kabiru Danbaba.

In his acceptance remarks, Joel Usiagu pledged to prioritise unity and ensure that government-backed agricultural interventions reach genuine farmers at the grassroots level.

He identified reconciliation among internal factions as his immediate priority, stressing the need for a single, unified structure across all levels of the association.

“We have to unite all the factions of the farmer family,” Usiagu said, adding that equitable distribution of resources would guide his administration.

Usiagu also addressed insecurity affecting farming activities, including crop theft and rural attacks, noting that the association would intensify advocacy and engagement with relevant authorities.

He advocated cluster farming as a practical solution to insecurity and inefficiency in agriculture, encouraging farmers to collaborate for improved productivity and security.

While acknowledging concerns over political influence in the distribution of agricultural support, he assured members that fairness and accountability would remain central to decision-making.

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The Edo State election marks another step in AFAN’s ongoing restructuring process aimed at strengthening unity and improving representation for farmers nationwide.