The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), South-west and Lagos Chapter, Mr. Femi Oke, has praised the Federal Government for launching 2,000 tractors aimed at advancing mechanised agriculture.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday in Lagos, Oke commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward transforming the agricultural sector and achieving national food self-sufficiency.
The rollout of 2,000 tractors, along with various farming implements and equipment, was recently flagged off by President Bola Tinubu as part of a broader strategy to enhance food production and empower farmers. The move is seen as a major milestone in the government’s drive for food security and rural development.
Oke expressed gratitude to the administration for its commitment to improving agricultural productivity through mechanisation.
Mr. Femi Oke, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), South-west and Lagos Chapter, expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government, noting that the tractor initiative is a genuine step—not another empty promise aimed at raising farmers’ hopes.
He emphasised that the deployment of the tractors nationwide would have a significant impact on food production and the country’s overall goal of achieving food security.
“The rollout of the 2,000 tractors by the Federal Government as part of its drive toward agricultural mechanisation will have a transformative effect,” Oke stated. “It will greatly improve the livelihoods of farmers and benefit the nation as a whole by helping us attain food security.”
Reflecting on his experience in the agricultural sector spanning over three decades, Oke described the delivery of the first batch of tractors as a long-awaited milestone.
“As someone who has actively participated in the sector for over 30 years and now serves as the President of AFAN, I’ve worked with four democratic governments since 1999. Many previous administrations made promises about supplying tractors to farmers, but those commitments were never fulfilled,” he said.
He acknowledged the significance of witnessing the physical launch of the first set of 2,000 tractors, procured by the current administration, describing it as a pivotal moment.
Oke further disclosed that the association had recently received a formal notification confirming the arrival of an additional set of tractors.
“Beyond the initial delivery last month, we’ve been informed through official correspondence about the arrival of another batch,” he explained. “We’re optimistic that these additional machines will further strengthen local farming and crop production.”
He contrasted the current effort with past agricultural projects, which he described as largely symbolic, referencing initiatives such as the cassava bread campaign and the controversial rice pyramids that lacked tangible outcomes.
“This time, we are witnessing real progress,” Oke said. “As grassroots farmers, we sincerely appreciate the Federal Government and the current administration for the support they’ve shown through the Renewed Hope agenda. It is making a real difference in agriculture.”
He concluded with confidence that this intervention will lead to increased productivity across the sector and contribute significantly to the nation’s food security goals.
