Enumerators tasked with the responsibility of selecting beneficiaries for the farmers’ free interest loan in Akwa Ibom State, have been warned against malpractices by the federal government.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, therefore charged them to provide correct data that would assist government to disburse Agriculture loans to real farmers in the State
Speaking in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital during the flag- off of the Enumerators of “Farmersmoni” scheme for the beneficiaries and training of local government Desk Officers at the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Doro warned the Local Government Desk Officers to show transparency in the documentation process .
Represented by the South South Zonal Coordinator, Government Enterprise And Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Mr Akanimo Effiom, said the success of the Farmersmoni programme of the federal government woud depend on the integrity of the field officers in the documentation exercise.
“The enumeration exercise is a critical stage in the successful implementation of FarmerMoni
It will help us identify genuine farmers, collect accurate information, and ensure that eligible beneficiaries are properly documented
“I therefore urge our field officers to carry out this responsibility with honesty, diligence, transparency, and professionalism,” he noted
The minister explained that the training represented another important step in the federal government commitment to support farmers, strengthen grassroot livelihoods, promote food security, and improving the economic well-being of rural people.
He disclosed that the GEEP initiative, under the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), “is a key intervention of the Federal Government designed to provide accessible financial support to petty traders, market women, artisans, and small holder farmers. through FarmerMoni.
“We are working to ensure that farmers at the grassroots have better opportunities to improve their agricultural activities, increase productivity, and contribute meaningfully to national development
“This initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places strong emphasis on economic empowerment, poverty reduction, food security, job creation, and inclusive growth,” he added.
“The President’s vision is to ensure that government programmes deliver real benefits to ordinary Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots.
We must ensure that the process is fair, credible, and free from favouritism
“I also wish to emphasise the importance of the training of our Local Government Desk Officers
You are key partners in the delivery of this programme
“Your understanding of the guidelines, proper documentation, effective communication, and commitment to duty will determine the success of our efforts,” he stressed.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs in the State, Princess Emem Ibanga, listed challenges faced by rural farmers in the state to include lack finance, quality farm inputs and needed support to grow modest farms
“It is the difficulty of obtaining affordable finance, quality inputs and the support needed to grow a modest farm into a more secure source of income
“This challenge is felt particularly by women farmers, young people entering agriculture, farmers in remote communities, persons with disabilities and households whose livelihoods depend on seasonal production. When these farmers are overlooked, the consequences reach beyond the farm,” she noted.
According to Ibanga, families face greater food and income insecurity and local markets lose supply as communities have fewer opportunities to prosper.
“Farmers, as part of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, is intended to expand access to financial support for eligible small -holder farmers”
Ibanga said the initiative aligns with Akwa Ibom States direction on food security and sufficiency through Agriculture development programmes captured in the Arise Agenda of pastor Umo Eno in the state .
“As we flag off this enumeration exercise and commence the training of our Desk Officers, let us commit ourselves to a process that is transparent, inclusive and accountable
“Let us make sure that the farmer with a small plot, the woman tending crops near her home, the young person building an agricultural livelihood and the farmer in a hard-to-reach community are all treated with dignity and given a fair opportunity to be considered,” she stated.