The Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has appointed a seven-member caretaker committee to represent farmers' interests, aiming to prevent disruptions caused by the leadership crisis within the state chapter of the All Farmers' Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

AFAN is embroiled in a leadership dispute, currently subject to court litigation and internal disagreements among agricultural stakeholders.

The interim committee, comprising representatives from Kwara's three senatorial zones, includes:

Abdullahi ibn Ahmed (Kwara North)
Alhaja Shakira AbdulGaniy Kodokodo (Kwara Central)
Barr. Fatai Alabi Olaokun (Kwara South)
Nmadu Wodu Ruth (Kwara North)
Abdulrahman Ameen Babatunde (Kwara Central)
Florence Taiye O. (Kwara South)
Usman Baba Aliyu (Kwara North)

The move seeks to ensure continuity in farmer advocacy while resolving the association's internal conflicts.

Members of the caretaker committee are drawn from different interest groups in the sector.

The announcement of the committee comes after the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi met with the AFAN in Ilorin, the capital city.

“The idea is to allow for a more inclusive environment in the agricultural value chain, improved transparency and better reporting on local activities, and positive feedbacks from different stakeholders,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The interim caretaker committee is tasked with overseeing fairer and more efficient distribution of agricultural inputs. The committee is also tasked with improving trust and ensuring that inputs reach the intended farmers, especially in preparation for the upcoming planting season.

“By implementing this reform, the Kwara State Government aims to ensure that agricultural support is distributed more effectively. Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the caretaker committee, provide feedback, and help build a more efficient agricultural system.”

The statement said the government will monitor the committee's performance to ensure that this intervention delivers tangible benefits to farmers, further strengthening the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and ensuring sustainable growth in Kwara State.