By Charles Iteshi,
Abakaliki
The Southeast Coordinator of the Association of Micro-Credit Institutions of Nigeria (AMCIN), Princess Comfort Nweke, over the weekend distributed drugs worth over ₦500,000 to farmers and the elderly in Ebonyi State.
Nweke, accompanied by her team, distributed the drugs during a visit to Omege Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area. The outreach was part of AMCIN’s efforts to sensitize cooperative farmers on health, the use of Apex-10 Organic Fertilizer, and to assist them in opening bank accounts.
Addressing the farmers and elderly women during the visit, Nweke explained that the primary objective was to provide health education, introduce new farming methods, and address local concerns raised by the community. She emphasized the intervention of AMCIN’s national body as a response to the needs of the area.
In addition to the drug distribution, the visit included the opening of bank accounts for the farmers and elderly, body massages using medical machines, and other health services.
“I would have come earlier with my team of nurses and technicians, but previous engagements delayed the visit,” Nweke stated. “So far, we have toured Ogbala Mbeke Ishieke in Ebonyi LGA, Izzi, Ikwo, and Ezza LGAs to educate farmers on boosting agricultural productivity through modern techniques.”
Highlighting the success AMCIN’s efforts she revealed that several youths who have been trained by Songhai, have reported significant improvements in their farms, with some already preparing to bring their produce to market. Others have secured employment within the agricultural sector.
She further revealed that her visit included; teaching of the application of Apex 10 Organic fertilizer and capturing of farmers who are into rice, maize, cucumber farming, and preparing farmers for the next season of cultivation.
The team used the opportunity to administer free medical treatment and healthcare to farmers under the cooperative, checking of their High blood pressure (BP), Sugar, Malaria and patients with acute sickness were referred to the hospital.
The farmers were encouraged to go back to agriculture to boost productivity and curtail hunger in the country. The team also enlightened and thought farmers about compost manure. She lamented that old practice of compost manure is almost becoming a thing of the past hence they were encouraged to adopt the old practice.
To ensure easy access of money, the team also went with bank staff for opening of bank accounts for the farmers and each account were linked with Bank Verification Number (BVN). This is to enable AMCIN organisation send incentives direct to the cooperative farmers for the purchase of agricultural equipments and products when such opportunity comes.
Present during the visit were the village head, youth leader, already trained cooperative farmers, nurses, technicians and bank staff numbering five people.