Abubakar Sadiq Isah
USA. AllAfrica.com - Washington, Daily Trust (Abuja)
The Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria (CGAN) yesterday inaugurated its new board of trustees in Gwagwalada Area Council. An inaugural speech by the President of the association, Deacon B.S.B Adebayo, said the cassava stakeholders association was about technology developed method of cassava production, utilization, processing and marketing.
He said Nigeria is the largest producer of oil in Africa and the 6th in the world as the income per capita in Nigeria is about N300 less than 10 US dollars unlike 1974 when it was 350; US dollars. He said before oil took the center stage, agriculture was the only known source of Nigeria 's economy, as it generated food security and rapid development, observing that the present government is now confronting the problem of food insecurity in order to prevent its negative impact on the family and the economy.
He however said it is important for farmers to genuinely work together and be focused in order to create commodity association.
Chief Adebayo explained that a presidential initiative committee was inaugurated to work out how Nigeria could benefit from it maximally. The new board of trustees and the incoming members of the national executive, in collaboration with the national working committee of the cassava stakeholders association of Nigeria could be constituted.
He therefore commended the Federal Government for allocating 400 tractors with full implements to the cassava stakeholders association of Nigeria with a subsidy of 25 percent of its total cost.
While delivering his acceptance speech, the co-ordinator and Secretary, Board of Trustee of the association, Mr. Tola Ademola, said the association is devoid of not being a parastatal of any government ministry or as an opposition group to any government.
He said the association is activities would positively complement the policies of government especially as far as cassava production and utilization was concerned.
Mr. Ademola thanked the chairman and other members of the association for the confidence reposed in him for his ability to reconcile the officers and members of the association.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, Sir, Eze Eke, said for the past three years, the association was bedeviled by in-fighting and unnecessary wranglings among its leaders and members.
He said the responsibilities of the new board members as vested in the association include reconciling factions, forming members into cooperative societies, liaising with government and interacting with research institutions.
Among the new board of trustees of the association are, Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Jibril, as Vice Chairman andOba Abdulrasmoni. Members are, Chief Adebayo Ajayi, Chief Ubochi Osiugwe Mr. Daniel Okafor Davi Osasona and Pastor Olusola Samuel.
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