As the planting season nears, the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued an alert to farmers and agribusiness owners over a surge in unsolicited social media messages-particularly on WhatsApp-requesting personal details or urging registration for fraudulent schemes falsely linked to government loans, training, or agricultural support programmes.

The Ministry clarified it has no partnerships with unverified groups or platforms soliciting such information. Recognising the vulnerability of farmers actively seeking genuine support during this critical agricultural period, officials warned that opportunistic fraudsters are exploiting this trust.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry urged farmers, agribusiness operators, and cooperatives to exercise vigilance: verify all communications through official channels and avoid sharing personal or business data with unaccredited entities.

Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, reaffirmed that this warning reflects the Kwara State Government's commitment, under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to protect the interests of farmers and ensure transparency in all agricultural support systems. This effort aims to build public trust and safeguard legitimate initiatives from exploitation.

Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to misinformation.

Anyone who encounters suspicious messages or individuals making unverifiable claims in the name of the Ministry is urged to report these incidents through official communication channels.

For more information, follow our verified platforms via:
https://linktr.ee/KwaraMARD

Individuals are also invited to visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Ilorin for inquiries or to verify the authenticity of any information.