By Ahmed Rufa’i Dutse

The Jigawa State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has raised concerns over the rising number of criminals impersonating the association and extorting money from farmers under the guise of registering them for agricultural support programs from both the Federal and State governments.

In a statement issued and signed by the state’s chairman, Engineer Auwal Garba Ibrahim, the association distanced itself from individuals or groups involved in the fraudulent activities across the state.

The statement reads, “It has come to our attention that certain unscrupulous individuals are falsely representing themselves as leaders or agents of AFAN, Jigawa State Chapter. These impostors have been approaching farmers, claiming they are entitled to collect fees or payments for services related to the ongoing agricultural programs initiated by the Federal Government and the Jigawa State government.”

The AFAN chairman clarified, “We want to make it clear that the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Jigawa State Chapter, does not charge farmers for any services or support programs provided by the Federal or State Governments or any organization.”

Engineer Auwal Garba Ibrahim strongly condemned the illegal activity, stating, “The syndicate involved in this extortion scheme are not legitimate representatives of our association in any capacity. We urge farmers and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities and our office.”

He further assured the public that AFAN had launched an investigation into the matter and was working closely with law enforcement agencies to bring the culprits to justice.

The association urged farmers to only engage with legitimate officials through verified communication channels, including official phone numbers and email addresses, to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent activities.

The statement also acknowledged the efforts of Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi, commending his visits to distribution centers across the state and his commitment to a zero-tolerance stance on criminality.
The association reiterated its pledge to provide transparent and ethical assistance to farmers, free of charge, in support of the agricultural community’s needs.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State office of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) has signed a bond with over 41,790 beneficiaries of the Fadama Programme, aimed at ensuring the proper utilization of the support facilities provided to them.
The State FADAMA CARES Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Inuwa, made this announcement during the distribution of incubators to beneficiaries in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area.
He explained that the bond was designed to ensure that the resources provided to beneficiaries are used effectively, aligning with the goals of economic recovery and long-term sustainability.
“This agreement serves as a bond between the government and the beneficiaries. It ensures that resources are used effectively to meet the goals of economic recovery and sustainability,” Dr. Inuwa said.
He further revealed that the NG-CARES Results Area II initiative has benefited more than 47,790 individuals in Jigawa State, helping them recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The coordinator expressed concerns over the initial misuse of some supported facilities and stressed the importance of proper management moving forward.
The support provided under NG-CARES includes various agricultural and economic facilities aimed at enhancing livelihoods.
Dr. Inuwa listed the beneficiaries of the program to include 3,360 Rice farmers, 2,210 Maize farmers, 4,330 Millet farmers, 3,650 Sorghum farmers, 1,660 Poultry farmers, 5,700 Goat breeders and 1,330
Sheep breeders.
Others are 710 units of Processing machines, 4,210 units Water pumps, 100 units Fingerlings, 1,280 units ofLocal chicks, 100 units of Agricultural equipment, 550 units of Spaghetti-making machines, 170 units ofDrilling machines, 270 units Incubators, 16,200 items of Food items and 270 units
Personal protective equipment.
Dr. Inuwa emphasized that the program’s success depends on the commitment of the beneficiaries to properly use the resources provided. He warned that any failure to adhere to the agreed guidelines would result in legal consequences.
“This initiative is not just about recovery; it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods for our people. Beneficiaries must adhere to the guidelines to ensure that the program achieves its objectives,” Dr. Inuwa concluded.
The signing of this bond marks a crucial step toward ensuring that the NG-CARES program in Jigawa State fulfills its intended goals, contributing to long-term economic resilience for its beneficiaries.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has accused federal government-appointed agro-dealers of sabotaging the state’s 2025 wheat production target by delaying the supply of seedlings and inputs to farmers.

During an unscheduled visit to input redemption centers in Birninkudu and Kiyawa, the governor criticized the dealers for absenteeism, price inflation, and obstructing the smooth implementation of the wheat farming initiative aimed at cultivating 100,000 hectares.
“Agro-dealers are delaying the process, inflating prices, and creating barriers for farmers. This negligence threatens to derail our efforts to achieve food security,” Namadi said.
Governor Namadi ordered the arrest of Isyaku Katanga, the local AFAN chairman, for imposing an unauthorized ₦2,000 surcharge on farmers and directed the recovery of all illegally collected funds.
He also pledged to report the erring dealers to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Farmers expressed frustration over the delays, with some describing the process as exploitative and poorly organized.
“We registered and fulfilled all requirements, but accessing inputs is still a problem. Time is running out for planting,” a farmer lamented.
Namadi assured farmers of his administration’s commitment to the success of the wheat production program, warning against any further sabotage.
“We will ensure that registered farmers receive their inputs on time. This program is critical for food security and economic growth,” he said.
The governor urged all stakeholders to expedite the distribution process to avoid jeopardizing the state’s ambitious wheat cultivation goal.