Afenifere: FG Must Take Security Seriously

Seeks assistance for farmers

A pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has called on governments and security agencies to take the issue of insecurity more seriously because of the serious dangers it is posing to lives and properties in the country.

The call was part of the discussions that took place during the caucus meeting of the body held at the residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.

National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, said the caucus meeting deliberated on various issues pertaining to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The meeting then called on governments in Yoruba speaking states to make it easier for farmers in their respective states to be able to access loan and grant facilities available at various levels – federal, state and local.

"The meeting took note of a 'save-our-soul' visit that some farmers paid to Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, beckoning on him to prevail on the authorities to let them have access to facilities that will enhance their productivity. These facilities are in form of loans and grants.

"Those who came to Papa said they want to be able to enjoy these facilities as thier counterparts in other parts of the country.

"Sometimes, it was discovered that what made it difficult for farmers in the South West to access these funds is the failure or reluctance of state governments to pay counterpart funds or to even sincerely operate loans and grants facilities available to farmers. The meeting therefore urged the governments to improve in this respect," Afenifere stated.

Ajayi added that the caucus meeting also took note of challenges posed by banditry to farmers, noting that if resources were available, farmers must have a sense of security to be able to do thier works in the farms.

"This was what made participants at the meeting to call on the government and security agencies to up their ante so as to put a permanent end to insecurity in the land.

“Availability of security would enable farmers to practice unfettered. It would enable traders and travellers to move around freely without any fear of being molested or kidnapped."