Brave Dickson
The Potato farmers association of Nigeria (POFAN), Rivers State Chapter has elected new state executive officers to pilot the affairs of the association in the state.
The election which took place on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Agricultural Development Programme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State was conducted by the national body of Potato farmers.
The election saw the emergence of Mr Felix Emea as Chairman, Mr Anthony Nwuzor as Vice Chairman, Mrs Irene Nya as General Secretary, Mr Michael Emmanson as Assist ant General Secretary, Barr Daniel Oguowere as Legal Adviser, Mrs Joy Chinwo as Treasurer, Mr Larry Ntorue as Financial Secretary, Dr Dominic Azuokwu as Auditor, Mrs Maria Harvest as Marketing/Sales Officer, Mrs Florence Nwogu as P.R.O, Mr Peter Ndubuisi as Security/Protocol Officer, Mrs Sarah Iko as Woman Leader, Mrs Igoni Toli K. as Assistant Woman Leader, Mr Festus Awajiichere as Welfare Officer, Barr Ebere Eke as Investment/Credit Officer, Barr Julius Ogbonna John as Youth Leader and Vivian Diala Akudo as Assistant Youth Leader respectively.
While advising the newly elected state executive officers, the National President, Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria, Chief Daniel Okafor urged them to work as a team and carry other members along.
Chief Okafor said, “See your election today as an opportunity to serve. Team work is very important and ensure that you carry other members along.
“As for grants, we will get grants from governments because we are genuine and well organized farmers. I enjoin you all to stay focussed and united at all times.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Patron of POFAN, Chief, Pius Agumagu expressed optimism that the state chapter of Potato farmers will make the nation proud, adding that he has always known them to be responsible farmers with proven integrity.
Chief Agumagu therefore charged the state potato farmers not to relent in their efforts in making potato business a global success.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Charles Nwogu, represented by the officer of the Ministry in charge of Obio/Akpor LGA, Mr Agada Sunday assured the Potato farmers of the state government’s support.
The Agric commissioner said, “the Governor Nyesom Wike led-administration has prioritized agriculture and always ready to work with genuine farmers.
“We have officers from my ministry in charge of the 23 LGAs of the state. Their primary duty is to address challenges among farmers in the state. We assure you of the state government’s full support towards your genuine farming objectives. We have been providing enabling environment for farmers which we will continue to do since we do not get involved in the direct production,”Hon Nwogu noted.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the newly elected state officials, the Chairman, Mr Felix Emea thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the election through the national body as well as relevant stakeholders.
Mr Emea urged his members to be steadfast in the Potato farming business, describing the election as energy booster to work harder.
In his vote of thanks, the newly elected Legal Adviser of POFAN in the state, Barr Daniel Oguowere stressed the need of publicising the activities of potato farming business in order to attract attention to the importance of the agro sector.
