The Hausa community of the Alubarika Rice Farmers Cluster in Magboro, Ogun State, has addressed recent claims that the state government has not supported their rice farming efforts and has taken undue credit for their success. The farmers clarified that government support has been pivotal in their achievements.
Alhaji Bello Zabarmawa, the leader of the Hausa community, refuted allegations that he claimed the government hijacked their farming efforts. He stated that the state government has consistently supported them, contributing 50% of the costs for tractors, fertilizers, and land preparation, with the farmers covering the remaining half. During harvest, the government subsidized 65% of the cost for harvesters, with the farmers covering 35%.
Zabarmawa emphasized, “I never said the government was not helping us. The support has been significant, from land preparation to harvesting. Any claim suggesting otherwise is a misrepresentation.”
Salam Adelowo, Chairman of the Alubarika Cluster Farmers, also supported Zabarmawa’s statement, asserting that the government’s assistance through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Programme has been crucial to their success. He dismissed claims that Zabarmawa owns the farm or the harvesters as false.
Ajibola Johnson, CEO of Young Agro Service Enterprise, confirmed the government’s role in supporting the farmers and warned against spreading misinformation. Johnson, whose company has been contracted by the government, stated that the support will continue and expand to include more farmers and infrastructure improvements.
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