The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Ekiti State has successfully resolved internal divisions with the election and inauguration of a new set of executives. This move brings an end to a three-year crisis that had previously fragmented the association.

Daniel Okafor, the AFAN Deputy National President I and Chairman of the State Elections Committee, supervised the election. He expressed satisfaction that peace has been brokered between the two factions, leading to the emergence of a unified executive body chaired by Sunday Adekogbon.

Okafor urged the newly inaugurated leaders to promptly initiate AFAN elections at the local government and ward levels. The previous crisis, marked by the emergence of two state chairmen, Rufus Oni and Adebola Alagbada, had reportedly deprived farmers of crucial support from both state and federal governments, negatively affecting their productivity.

The resolution of this crisis is anticipated to open new doors for farmers in Ekiti State. Okafor outlined plans by the association to improve the welfare of farmers nationwide. These initiatives include creating a more conducive environment for agricultural success, addressing post-harvest losses through processing and value addition, and arranging farmer data for better support.

Furthermore, AFAN is prioritizing farmers' welfare and introducing a health scheme for their wellbeing. The association also aims to organize farmers into cooperatives and establish a market system that gives farmers direct control over their produce.

The new AFAN State Chairman, Adekogbon, acknowledged the detrimental impact of the past division on farming in Ekiti State. He stated that the government had not been effectively engaging with farmers due to their disunity. He expressed gratitude for the current unity, which he believes will facilitate government assistance.

Adekogbon assured that his administration would work to recover lost ground and prioritize farmers' welfare needs. He emphasized that unity and partnership with the government would lead to increased support for farmers.

The Senior Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Agricultural Extension Services, Sikiru Olowoyo, whose office facilitated the reconciliation, noted that farmers had little to show for the years of factionalisation. He expressed confidence that the unified association would now directly receive benefits from both state and federal levels.

Olowoyo envisions significant positive changes for farmers in Ekiti State with the necessary support, enabling them to focus their energy on personal development and the growth of agriculture in the state. He thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing the opportunity and an enabling environment to achieve this unity.

Tunde Adeyemi, AFAN National Youth Leader, who played a key role in merging the factions, appreciated the establishment of a single AFAN that will serve all farmers in Ekiti. He commended the Oyebanji administration for its support in ensuring a united association, highlighting the necessity of strong AFAN leadership for effective coordination and collaboration with government initiatives.

Femi Adeniyi, AFAN Southwest Zonal Leader, expressed joy over the reconciliation, noting that the farmers can now move forward as one. He revealed that discussions are underway with international investors interested in cassava cultivation in the Southwest region, with Ekiti State potentially being the first beneficiary.

Under this proposed arrangement, international investors would provide loans to farmers for cassava planting and subsequently purchase the harvested products. This initiative aims to boost agricultural production and provide a stable market for farmers' produce.