The Panafrican Farmers Organisation (PAFO) on Monday in Abuja named former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, as its Honourary President.
Ibrahim Coulibaly, Vice President of the association said Obasanjo’s nomination was based on extensive consultations by its Board of Directors.
Coulibaly said the board acknowledged Obasanjo’s lifelong commitment towards championing the interest of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and across Africa.
“His leadership is expected to advance PAFO objectives of improving the livelihood of African farmers, advocating for agricultural development and ensuring food security in the continent’’, he said.
The vice president said he was confident that Obasanjo’s experience, influence and network would be instrumental in pushing PAFO’s vision of a dynamic, prosperous and sustainable African agriculture sector forward.
Dr Babafemi Oyewole, Chief Executive Officer of PAFO said the organisation was the only continent-wide platform uniting African farmers under a common goal of sustainable agricultural development.
“PAFO is a continental organisation with membership composed of Regional Farmer’s Networks.
“Its constitutive assembly was held under the sponsorship of the African Union Development Agency and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) in Lilongwe, Malawi, from October 27 to 29, 2010.
“PAFO is recognised as the representative body of African farmers’ organisations at the highest continental level,” Oyewole said.
Obasanjo, who appreciated the organisation for the exalted position bestowed on him, reaffirmed his dedication to supporting agricultural development across Africa.
According to him, smallholder farmers are the backbone of global food production. The bulk of the food we eat is produced by them.
He said as a farmer he has always supported the cause of other farmers.
“I am deeply honoured to accept this position. I will use it to help PAFO achieve its vision and mission,” he said.
By Felicia Imohimi, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA