The Panafrican Farmers Organisation (PAFO) has officially named former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, as its Honorary President. The award was presented during a ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. This appointment is a significant step toward advancing the cause of African farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture across the continent. The ceremony had in attendance, the PAFO President, Ibrahim Coulibaly, Vice President, Dr. Yusuf Sinare and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Babafemi Oyewole.
In his acceptance speech, President Obasanjo expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting agricultural development in Africa.
“Smallholder farmers are the backbone of global food production. I am deeply honored to accept this position and will dedicate my efforts to help PAFO achieve its vision.”
Ibrahima Coulibaly, President of PAFO, pointed out that: ” We have come because we believe that this organization merits the place and the audience it deserves at the African level. We, sincerely hope that President Obasanjo will make a strong commitment, alongside all his fellow African farmers, to ensure that the cause of small farmers, of those who feed Africa, is brought to the level that it needs to be”.
A Recognition of Obasanjo’s Agricultural Commitment
Obasanjo’s nomination follows extensive consultations by PAFO’s Board of Directors, who highlighted his long-standing dedication to smallholder and family farmers across Nigeria and Africa. The Board expressed confidence that Obasanjo’s leadership will advance PAFO’s objectives of improving the livelihoods of African farmers, promoting agricultural development, and ensuring food security.
PAFO’s CEO, Dr. Babafemi Oyewole, emphasized the importance of this appointment:
“PAFO remains the only continent-wide platform uniting African farmers for a common goal of sustainable agricultural development. President Obasanjo’s leadership will be instrumental to our mission.”
Obasanjo : a Key Figure for the Future of African Agriculture
Olusegun Obasanjo is an influential leader both within Africa and globally, having served as Nigeria’s president in two separate terms, first as a military head of state and later as a civilian leader. A passionate advocate for smallholder farmers, Obasanjo has led numerous agricultural initiatives, including his work through Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, which has had a profound impact on agricultural development in Nigeria.
As PAFO’s Honorary President, Obasanjo will play a pivotal role in strengthening the voice of family farmers across Africa, promoting inclusive agricultural policies, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and rural poverty.
Obasanjo’s appointment marks a turning point for PAFO, as it now benefits from the leadership of a highly respected figure in African politics and agriculture. With Obasanjo’s experience and influence, PAFO is poised to advance its mission of building a dynamic, prosperous, and sustainable African agriculture sector. By accepting the role of Honorary President, Olusegun Obasanjo demonstrates his commitment to advocating for sustainable agriculture in Africa and ensuring that African farmers thrive in the face of global challenges.