By Charles Iteshi,
Abakaliki.
The National President of the Association of Micro-Credit Institutions of Nigeria (AMCIN) Princess Comfort Ifesinachi Nweke, on Wednesday led a sensitization program in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The initiative aims to promote agricultural productivity and alleviate poverty among farmers.
Speaking to registered members of AMCIN at All Saints Catholic Church, Nweke who also double as the Southeast Coordinator of the Association of Micro-Credit Institutions of Nigeria (AMCIN), described her mission as divine, linked to the forthcoming inauguration of the organization.
She emphasized the need to introduce farmers to modern agricultural methods to improve yields and support government efforts in agriculture.
“We are here to teach you new methods for achieving rich harvests in your farming business. This will help reduce poverty and hunger in Ebonyi State, in line with the vision of His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Mary-Maudeline Nwifuru,” Nweke said.
The event sought to raise awareness about the importance of women taking active roles in agriculture, encouraging them to produce their own food instead of relying on the market or government. Nweke highlighted the positive impact of organic farming, stressing that the program would help reduce hunger and improve the livelihoods of families in the region.
During the event, agricultural items such as okra, corn, and cucumber were distributed. Nweke warned farmers not to use these items for political purposes, such as election campaigns, but to focus on their intended purpose of reducing poverty and hunger.
She also advocated for the use of organic fertilizers, explaining that they offer long-term benefits for both the environment and human health, unlike inorganic fertilizers. “Our products are not for sale,” Nweke warned, reinforcing AMCIN’s commitment to promoting healthy farming practices.
Nweke encouraged cooperative farmers to work closely with the Local Government Coordinator, Mrs. Henrietta Oko-Isu, and the local parish priest, who had previously received agricultural training through AMCIN’s partnership with Songhai. She urged them to collaborate for more agricultural benefits and opportunities from the organization.
As a show of appreciation for his support of AMCIN’s activities, the parish priest was presented with a ceremonial wrapper and additional seedlings. He was encouraged to continue using his platform to promote farming and help lift rural communities out of poverty.
The priest thanked AMCIN for bringing much-needed innovations and methods to the community, noting that farmers in the region had struggled with outdated practices.
“We have labored like elephants and eaten like ants. We need new species, new approaches, and support because farming is good business. Look at how successful farmers are in Northern Nigeria,” he said.
Notable highlights of the event included free medical services, such as blood pressure, Massaging, checking of Sugar, distribution of seedlings, decorating the Priest as a promoter of AMCIN activities, visitation of farms among other activities.