FG’s action killing us than bandits — Women farmers

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of Small-scale Women Farmers’ Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), has lamented that Federal Government’s action toward addressing insecurity was killing Nigerians than bandits.

SWOFON also called on governments and stakeholders to replace the use of obsolete farming tools with mechanised equipment for efficient food production.

Its FCT Coordinator, Mrs. Comfort Sunday, made this call, yesterday, during an interactive forum with agriculture, Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs), in Abuja. She urged the Federal Government to provide security to its members, who are unable to access their farms due to insecurity.

She said: “We are pleading with the government to provide security for Nigerians. We are human beings and can’t survive without food. When you eat, just think about the people that produce the food. We are afraid of bandit attacks…”

The Executive Director, Keen and Care initiative (KCI), Josephine Alabi, called on the government to create capacity-building on technology for farming inputs to boost t food production.

Bwari Area Council leader, Mrs. Wakilat Okaji, said: “Agriculture sector must be given priority attention in the FCT, in line with the Maputo Declaration to promote food and nutritional security. Women’s contribution to agricultural development, in line with the gender mainstreaming policy of government directing inclusiveness in all programmes and project of government at all levels, should be commended.”

The Programmes/Head of Media, National Association of Nigeria Traders (NANTS), Ago Omowu, said security threat to farming, arising from the herders/farmers’ conflict, always received attention in the FCT budget, which should be commended.