Monilari Re-Elected President, Chairman, Farmers Congress, AFAN
Mr. Abayomi Monilari, the President of Ondo State Farmers Congress and Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ondo State chapter, has been re-elected to lead the two bodies for another four years.
Monilari won the election held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Congress Hall, securing 71 votes out of 87 accredited members.
Monilari, who is also a member of the Agricultural Food Security Committee in the state, was elected by members from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State. Other elected state officers include Rev. Akinrogunde Olugbenga as Vice President, Hon. Afolabi Foluso as General Secretary, Alhaji Abdulazeez Akinbamiro as Assistant General Secretary, Mrs. Adu Cecilia as General Woman Leader, Mr. Akinrongbe Samuel as Youth in Agriculture, Mr. James Ojo as Organizing Secretary, Akinboboye Felix as PRO, and Mr. Ezekiel Olu Ibitoye as Treasurer.
Other officials include Mr. Owoyemi Bamidele, Vice Chairman, Tree Crop; High Chief Theophilus Omope Oladipupo, Vice Chairman, Livestock; Mrs. Adamolekun Florence, Vice Chairwoman for Arable; Mrs. Agboola Monisola Olusola, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Iwabi Caroline, Assistant Financial Secretary; Mrs. Olajide Sabainah, Zonal Woman in Agriculture (2); Mrs. Afe Ebunoluwa Florence, Zonal Woman in Agriculture (1); Rev. Ayegbongbon Akin, Auditor; and Chief Adekanye Clement, Ex-officio.
In his acceptance speech, Monilari thanked members for their trust in his ability to continue the good work, assuring that every member would be carried along. He acknowledged the efforts of the Ondo State Government in combating hunger, stating that Nigeria is currently facing a silent civil war from hunger and that it is crucial for farmers to work hard and produce more food for the people.
Monilari highlighted some of the government’s laudable activities in agricultural development, including the free clearing of about 750 hectares of land, subsidizing agrochemical inputs, and offering a 25% discount on other items.
He urged farmers to take advantage of these opportunities, noting that the era of political farmers has ended.
He also appreciated the observation teams from both Federal and State Ministries and parastatals for monitoring the election process.
Present at the event were the Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Akure office; a member of the Agriculture and Food Security Committee, Ondo State; and the immediate past Programme Manager of the Ondo State Agricultural Development Programme, Mr. Babasola Adeniyan.
A farmer from Ose Local Government, Momoh Haruna, who applauded the process as free and fair, commended the election committee for their efforts.
He also urged the new leadership to continue engaging those in the grassroots.
