968 direct farmers, 2,500 others to benefit in Kwara North

By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation has commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs among farmers in the Kwara North Senatorial District.

The initiative, which is expected to benefit 986 farmers primarily, with over 2,500 secondary beneficiaries across the Kwara North Senatorial District, started with beneficiaries from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while it has now been extended to the general farmers who are non-politicians in Kwara North.

Speaking at the flag off, the North Central Regional Director, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation, Mallam Musa Aliyu, said the
objectives of the empowerment project are “to provide low-income farmers in Kwara North with inputs such as fertilisers and herbicides to improve farm produce for the 2024 farming season, adding that “it also aims to support farmers to increase average crop yields, thereby improving food security and farmers’ incomes.”

According to him, the basic commodities and inputs supplied by the foundation would go a long way in addressing public health challenges like malnutrition and poor diets.

The ABS Foundation North Central Regional Director noted that the intervention is already yielding results as beneficiaries have already begun to give positive feedbacks.

“The Agbesowapo Farmers’ Association of Moro LGA has expressed their deep gratitude for the support they have received.

“According to their Chairman, Aremu Abdulfatai A, they deeply appreciate this kind gesture from the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation and hope for more of such initiatives in the future.

“They prayed that Almighty Allah continues to guide, protect, and bless the founder, directors, coordinators, and everyone involved in this noble effort.

“Similarly, Hammada Balkis Motunrayo, a representative of the National Women Society Council, Moro LGA, expressed appreciation on behalf of the women farmers in the Kwara North senatorial district.

“She emphasised that women farmers would remain grateful for this kind gesture and urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs rather than reselling these vital life-saving commodities,” he quoted them as saying.

Aliyu, however added, that the ABS Foundation would continue to monitor the progress and as well offer follow-up support to ensure the success of the project.