Dr Ernest Umakhihe, Quintessential Civil Servant Invested as Grand Patron of AFAN, Bags Edo Farmers Great Achievers’ Award

By Reporter

Edo State farmers, under the auspices of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), today December 9, 2023, hosted Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, PhD, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to a grand reception in Benin City, Edo State.

The reception which took place at AFAN Secretariat in Benin City brought all the farmers union together to honour the man they all praised as their pivotal supporter who has contributed to the wellbeing of farmers in the state.

AFAN Chairman His Royal Highness Alhaji Bako Dogwo JP, Aguma Bassa, told the guests at the event that his association decided to decorate Dr Umakhikhe with the double awards in recognition of his immense contribution to the development of agriculture in Edo State and Nigeria in general.

Dr Umakhihe receiving a certificate of honour from Engr Alasa Hanson Ikhelowa

HRH Bassa reiterated that All Farmers Association of Nigeria is the umbrella body of farmers in Nigeria, with over 20,000 registered members across the 192 wards in Edo State.

Dr Umakhihe being presented with a gift by an executive member of AFAN

“It is with heart full of joy that All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Edo State chapter has watched with keen interest that there is an unsung hero in the development of Nigeria agriculture in the person of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe as the Federal Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Dr Umakhihe with Edo cattle breeders association executive members

“Time and space will not allow me tell much of what we know of this genius. The little boy of Iyeu quarters, Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, Edo State is today the Iroko of Agriculture in Nigeria. This quintessential Civil Servant has indelible marks across many ministries and departments”, AFAN Chairman said glowingly of their patron, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

Dr Umakhihe with a cross-section of Edo farmers

He added that the award winning first class Public Servant “…has constantly demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and strong commitment to fight against hunger in Nigeria through programmes and policy innovations which has led to increase food production and reduced food importation.

“AFAN, Edo State chapter has neither silver nor gold, but what we have is to confer on you, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the Grand Patron and Great Achievers Award.”

HRH Bassa urged their new Grand Patron, Dr Umakhihe to contest for the Governor of Edo State, to give him the platform to revolutionized the rural and urban areas of the state, while promising the total support of over 20,000 strong AFAN members in the state.

In his response, the elated awardee thanked members of AFAN for the honour and for recognizing his contributions to the development of Edo State, especially through agriculture.

He enumerated other projects he has attracted to the three senatorial districts, including rural farm roads, provision of classroom blocks, learning aide materials and scholarships through his foundations – Imghotuo Foundation, and Carida Ernesto Foundation.

The newly installed Grand Patron of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) feeding questions from the media

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Imghotuo and Carida, he has distributed several relief materials and palliatives to communities in Edo North, Central and Edo South in the state.

While accepting the call on him by Edo Farmers to join the governorship race, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe said: “The Reward for Work is More Work, I Call on Edo People to Give Me More Work!

Dr Umakhihe will be joining the Edo 2024 Governorship race with an intimidating credential of sound education, technical training as an Accountant, Manager, expertise and outstanding public service experience. In addition, “The Quintessential Civil Servant”, is a local homeboy with national and world-view exposure.