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The Benue State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, has voiced strong concerns over the ongoing leadership crisis within the All Farmers Associations of Nigeria (AFAN). Speaking on Tuesday in Makurdi, Dr. Ashaver warned that internal divisions are undermining the association’s mandate and credibility, calling for immediate action to address the issue.
Dr. Ashaver highlighted that AFAN, which traditionally operates on a four-year leadership tenure, has been embroiled in factional disputes that have drastically affected its structure and performance. He revealed that the association, previously comprising 56 commodity associations, now has only about 35 active groups due to leadership struggles. “The leadership crisis is slowing down the progress of AFAN in Benue. It is unfortunate that no elections have been held because the delegation from Abuja has refused to participate, allegedly due to internal divisions and disputes over input distribution,” the Commissioner said.
In a related statement, Dr. Ashaver responded to claims by some AFAN leaders blaming the former Commissioner for Agriculture for the current situation. He condemned these allegations as unjust, warning that such actions only serve to tarnish the image of the State Government and the Governor’s Agricultural Development Agenda. He emphasized that AFAN should prioritize the welfare of farmers above all else, noting that a divided leadership makes it difficult for the Ministry to engage meaningfully with the association.
Reaffirming his commitment to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s agriculture-driven administration, Dr. Ashaver called for unity and transparency within AFAN. He urged the association’s leaders to “accommodate truth and open their hearts,” stressing that only a unified front can effectively drive agricultural transformations in the state. He concluded by stating that he will consult with Directors within the Ministry to deliberate on the way forward and provide constructive feedback to AFAN leadership, with the overarching goal of enhancing agribusiness and food security in Benue State.
The Commissioner’s remarks underscore the need for a cohesive leadership structure within AFAN to support the state’s agricultural ambitions. Stakeholders are keenly watching how the Ministry and AFAN will address these challenges moving forward.
