Don’t be distracted, focus on agricultural growth — FACAN President tells members

The President of Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Victor Iyama, has charged members of the association not to be distracted by the current challenges FACAN is facing, rather focus on development of agricultural commodities value chain.

Iyama, who doubles as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Association gave charge while briefing journalists on the crisis rocking the Association.

Recall that a group of Agriculture Commodity Association Presidents had recently ‘dissolved’ FACAN Executives on the allegation that it has not conducted election since 2016 when they were elected, among other alleged administrative misconducts.

But the FACAN Executives in a quick reaction, disowned the group, and affirmed that an Election was held in 2021 through webinar as part of adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Iyama, while addressing journalists, described the other group as portfolio farmers who are not members of FACAN, hence does not have the right to be brought into the activities of the association.

“It has come to our attention that certain individuals, mainly comprising portfolio farmers, rent-seekers and neophytes from a yet-to-be-launched commodity association have engaged in misguided activities, causing confusion and unwarranted accusations.

“FACAN, as the umbrella body of National Agricultural Commodity Associations, was encouraged by the Federal Government as a vital link between the government and the organized private sector in agricultural business, operating under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

“Our purpose is to foster collaboration, support farming activities, and promote the growth and development of agricultural commodities for increased production, processing, and marketing/export”, he said.

The FACAN President said unfortunately, some persons have resorted to impersonating FACAN’s leadership and making false claims, which they vehemently condemn. 

He said the actions of these individuals have led to confusion among the genuine members of FACAN and potential misinformation within the agricultural sector.

“We want to clarify that FACAN remains apolitical, focusing solely on advancing the interests of our members and supporting government policies that enhance the agricultural sector’s growth and development.

However, “we will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt our operations or impede our mission.

“In particular, We address the actions of a certain Board of Trustees (BO) member in Kaduna who, without proper authority, recognized the faction from the neophyte group. We emphasize that such actions are a violation of FACAN’S Constitution and no BOT member has the power to endorse any group on behalf of FACAN.

“We urge all FACAN members, especially the BoT member in question, to refrain from engaging in activities that Violate our constitution and undermine the integrity of the association. Let us focus on our primary goal of contributing to the agricultural sector’s growth and success through genuine agricultural activities.

“As the accredited umbrella body, FACAN is committed to maintaining transparency, upholding the rule of Law, and fostering unity among our members”, he added.

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