The Federal Government has initiated the distribution of agricultural inputs to members of National Agricultural Cooperative Apexes, aiming to bolster food security and employment opportunities.
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, inaugurated the distribution in Abuja as part of the Cooperative Intervention in alignment with the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria.
He pledged to overhaul, rebrand, and rejuvenate the Cooperative Sector, noting the obsolescence of current Cooperative laws. Abdullahi emphasized the rising poverty levels and the urgent need to combat it, stressing that cooperation thrives on trust and mutual benefit.
He elaborated, stating, “It means that you must be tolerant, accommodating, and ready to share food from your plate.”
Abdullahi highlighted the lack of trust as a significant obstacle hindering the growth of cooperatives in Nigeria compared to other nations. He urged Cooperative leaders to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promising to champion the Cooperative cause.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, represented by Federal Director of Cooperatives, Alhaji Idris Sanni, affirmed the Minister’s support for the Cooperative’s intervention in distributing farm inputs to National Agricultural Cooperative Apexes members to bolster food security.
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure food security, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.
In his address, the President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria and Vice President of the International Cooperative Alliance-Global, Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola, lauded the Minister’s appointment, citing it as a perfect match.
He conferred upon the Minister the title of Cooperative Champion, recalling their meeting with the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary where Cooperative challenges, including lack of attention and trust deficit, were identified.
Ayeola emphasized that the Cooperative sector’s contribution is not adequately reflected in the Gross Domestic Product, dispelling misconceptions about sharp practices within the movement. He clarified that registered Cooperative members are not involved in such activities and called for increased government support and attention to the Cooperative movement.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of improved seeds and fish feeds to Cooperative leaders.
