By Babalola
In the realm of local governance and resource allocation in Nigeria, the dynamics are complex and often contentious. Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has raised a significant concern regarding the allocation of funds to local government areas in the country. He has directed his appeal to none other than President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that local government allocations are channeled directly from the federation account. This directive is rooted in the desire to rejuvenate agriculture and stimulate economic growth.
The Plight of Local Government Areas
Afe Babalola’s concern stems from the long-standing issue of local government areas being unable to effectively drive development within their communities. This ineffectiveness, he asserts, can be attributed to the alleged diversion of their allocations by state governors. Over the years, these local councils have struggled to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their constituents, with vital funds being siphoned away.
During the eighth edition of the Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo (ABAEX), an annual gathering of farmers where empowerment is key, Afe Babalola made his sentiments known. He argued that releasing funds directly to the local government areas would empower their administrators to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic development of their communities, especially in terms of supporting the agricultural sector.
Empowering Local Government Areas
To address this issue, Afe Babalola proposed a comprehensive approach. He suggested that each local government should establish farming equipment centers where farmers can rent modern implements. Furthermore, local governments should set aside substantial tracts of land for agricultural purposes. These measures, he believes, would rekindle the agricultural sector and promote economic growth at the grassroots level.
Afe Babalola drew from his personal experience as a former councillor when local government funds used to flow directly to them. He lamented the unfortunate diversion of these funds and its adverse effects on local development. He believes that the current administration, under President Bola Tinubu, should take decisive steps to ensure that local government allocations are not funneled through the governors. His reasoning is simple: to curb misappropriation of these funds. In his words, “No parent will send their children to school, some to master’s and Ph.D. levels, only to come back and be asked to use a cutlass to farm.”
The Role of Government in Agriculture
Agriculture has long been recognized as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of citizens. However, the sector has faced numerous challenges, including outdated farming methods, limited access to modern machinery, and inadequate funding. Afe Babalola’s proposal to allocate funds directly to local government areas is rooted in the belief that this would serve as a catalyst for agricultural revitalization.
He stressed that the government’s role in reviving agriculture should extend beyond rhetoric. Instead, it should focus on practical measures such as purchasing modern agricultural implements to encourage people to farm. With direct access to their allocations, local governments could invest in tractors and other modern equipment that could be made available for rent to local farmers. This would not only enhance agricultural productivity but also create employment opportunities and alleviate poverty in rural communities.
The Vision of ABAEX
The Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo (ABAEX) plays a pivotal role in promoting excellence and sustainable performance among farmers in Ekiti State. It seeks to foster value addition across all agricultural products, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural sector in the region. ABAEX is a platform where farmers gather annually to learn about the latest agricultural practices, access modern farming equipment, and receive valuable insights from experts in the field.
In conclusion, Afe Babalola’s call to President Bola Tinubu to ensure direct allocation of funds to local government areas is a significant step towards rejuvenating agriculture and boosting the economy. This proposal reflects the urgency of addressing the longstanding issue of misappropriation of funds and emphasizes the need for practical measures to empower local governments. It is hoped that this call to action will pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria’s agricultural sector and rural communities.
