By Fatima Muraina
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ondo State chapter, has warned farmers across the state to be vigilant against individuals and groups allegedly posing as representatives of the association to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
In a public notice signed by the State Chairman, Amb. Dr. Abayomi Monilari, AFAN said it had received reports of some groups conducting activities in the name of Fidelity Bank account opening, fertiliser distribution, and soya bean and cassava training without the association’s authorisation.
The association stressed that it did not approve or endorse any bank account opening linked to fertiliser distribution or agricultural training programmes.
According to the statement, the individuals behind the activities are allegedly seeking to obtain farmers’ personal information, including their National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN) and other sensitive banking details for fraudulent purposes.
AFAN also alleged that the groups were attempting to create disunity among farmers by presenting individuals who were not duly elected as leaders of the association in the state.
The association reaffirmed that AFAN Ondo State is a legally recognised and government-registered body established through a coalition of genuine farmers’ groups, adding that it would continue to pursue all issues in accordance with the rule of law.
The association advised farmers not to disclose their BVN, NIN, bank account details or one-time passwords (OTPs) to anyone, and urged them to avoid participating in any registration or training programme that had not been announced through their Local Government area (LGA) AFAN Chairmen or the State Executive Council.
AFAN further encouraged farmers to verify the authenticity of any agricultural programme through their respective LGA AFAN Chairmen or the state secretariat before participating.
The association reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of farmers in Ondo State and urged members to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities.