Farmers of Different Ethnic Backgrounds Speak Out Against Misreporting
In a statement dismissing claims of complete ownership and management of a 200-hectare rice farm in Magboro, Obafemi – Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Bello Zabarmawa, the head of the Hausa community in Alubarika Rice Farm Cluster, refuted allegations made by a media report.
The report had quoted Zabarmawa accusing Governor Abiodun of inappropriately taking possession and glory of the rice farm and tagging it a project funded by his administration with the support of the World Bank. However, Zabarmawa denied claiming ownership of the farm, stating that about 200 farmers from different ethnic backgrounds had contributed and were cultivating on the rice farm.
Zabarmawa emphasized that the state government had brought in tractors, harvesters, and paid 50% for fertilizers and chemicals. He noted that the government’s support was instrumental in his decision to leave his hometown to do business in Ogun State, adding that he told the government about their contributions and called on them to do more to help Nigerians overcome the country’s food shortage.
The Chairman of the farm, Adelowo Salam, also disputed the report, stating that the tractor, planter, and harvester belonged to Young Agro, the service provider. CEO of The Young Agro Services Enterprise, Ajibola Johnson, corroborated this, stating that they were selected by the state government in 2023 to offer services to farmers in Obafemi Owode, Remo North, Sagamu, and Ikenne local government areas, and that the rice farm was one of them.
Johnson further emphasized that the services they rendered started from ploughing, spraying, and planting of commodities, and that they paid 35% while the government paid 65%. He accused the report of being politically inclined and added that all 200 farmers, although not having sufficient capital, supported the process.
This report aims to provide clarity and accuracy on the issue, dispelling misinformation and allowing readers to understand the facts of the situation.
