The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, under the leadership of Alhaja Ganiyat Ibilola Adeoye Kusimo, wishes to respectfully draw the attention of the Ogun State Government to the need for greater recognition, inclusion and proper logistical support for farmers in programmes and activities of the State Government.

We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the administration of His Excellency, Prince Adedapo Oluwaseun Abiodun, MFR, CON, particularly in promoting agricultural development, food security, community development and social intervention programmes across Ogun State.

However, we are concerned about what appears to be the insufficient involvement and recognition of farmers and their representative associations at some government programmes and official outings, especially programmes that directly concern agriculture, food production, food security and rural communities.

Farmers are at the centre of the food system. Whenever government programmes involve food distribution, community health, food security, agricultural development, rural empowerment or interventions affecting food production and livelihoods, farmers and their recognized associations should have a clear place in the planning, participation and implementation process.

A good example is the commissioning and related activities involving projects chaired by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, particularly those connected with food distribution, community health and community development. These initiatives are closely connected to the agricultural and food-production ecosystem, and farmers should not be treated merely as spectators. Their participation can help government achieve greater impact and ensure that interventions reach the people who are directly involved in producing food for our communities.

Another major concern is logistical support for farmers attending official government programmes. On several occasions, farmers are invited or expected to participate in State Government activities, yet adequate arrangements are sometimes not made to facilitate their attendance. Many farmers operate in rural communities and have limited resources to cover transportation and other expenses associated with attending official programmes.

We therefore respectfully appeal to His Excellency, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON, to look into this situation and establish a more coordinated mechanism through which recognized farmers' associations, including AFAN Ogun State Chapter, can be adequately informed, represented and supported whenever government programmes have direct or indirect implications for agriculture and food systems.

We believe that farmers should be regarded as strategic partners of government, not simply beneficiaries of agricultural programmes. Their voices, experience and participation are essential to the success of the State's food-security agenda.

AFAN Ogun State Chapter remains committed to working constructively with the Ogun State Government and all relevant stakeholders toward achieving sustainable agriculture, food security, rural development, youth participation in agribusiness and improved livelihoods for farmers across the State.

We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Governor's administration and respectfully request that this matter receive the necessary attention so that no farmer is left behind in programmes designed to strengthen the food system and improve the welfare of our people.

Signed:

Alhaja Ganiyat Ibilola Adeoye Kusimo

State Chairperson

All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter