Farmers Warned Against Selling Empowerment Tools in Yobe State

• The Yobe State chapter of AFAN warns farmers not to sell agricultural tools provided by the government, threatening severe consequences for violators
• AFAN chairman Ngari emphasizes the importance of using the tools wisely to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in Yobe State

The Yobe State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has issued a stern warning to its members, cautioning them against selling the agricultural empowerment tools provided by Governor Mai Mala Buni. These tools, distributed under the Yobe Agricultural Empowerment Programme, were given to 5,340 farmers at no cost, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the state.

Alhaji Usman Ngari, the state AFAN chairman, emphasized that any farmer caught selling or diverting these tools would face severe consequences. He reminded the beneficiaries that the government had detailed records of all recipients, including their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), and would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty of such actions.

Ngari further noted that AFAN would also impose its own sanctions on any member involved in this act of sabotage against the state’s agricultural development efforts. He urged the farmers to use the equipment wisely and share them with others in their communities to maximize the benefits of the programme.

According to Ngari, 30 farmers from each of the state’s 178 wards received inputs and equipment, with the expectation that they would contribute to the broader agricultural community.

In a related development, soldiers stationed at the Forward Operations Base in Potiskum recently arrested a 54-year-old man, Malam Ahmed Abubakar, who was allegedly attempting to divert agricultural empowerment tools. The suspect, a former councillor from Dazigau village in Nangere Local Government Area, was caught transporting five water pumps and eight solar panels believed to be part of the equipment issued by the state government.

Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, stated that the suspect was unable to provide any documentation or letters of allocation to support his claim that the items were meant for his constituents. The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Potiskum for further investigation.