FADAMA, THE REAL GAME

This is a review of an occasion held in 2008. What is Fadama III fate in Edo as of March 2012?

Another memorable occasion for the  farmers of Ovia North East Local Government, Edo State was held on Thursday  15^th October, 2008 ion the conference Hall of the Head of Service of Ovia North East Local Government Area Okada. At about 11.07am one of the facilitators of the Fadama 111 programme in Okada Mr Okoduwa came in to address the audience of about 48 farmers already present then that the World Bank Consultant we are expecting has arrived. But that she is currently with the local government chairman Hon. Fosten Ovierhienba to inform him of her presence in the local government and to know how far the local government is prepared for the kick off of the programme.

            At exactly 12. 24pm, the facilitators of the  program in  Okada, the HOD Agriculture Mr. Sunny Erhunmwenosere, Mr James Aiyetan, Hon. Peter Osifo and the World Bank Consultant Mrs. Airuja Muhammed walk in right to the hall where others have been waiting. The HOD Mr. Bright Umweni immediately swung into action by introducing the dignitaries present and telling all the reasons for the gathering. Mr Peter Osifo said the opening prayer.

            After enlightening the farmers present and informing them the reason they should believe in the authenticity of the scheme by Mr. Sunny Erhunmwenosere, the World Bank Consultant present Mrs. A. Muhammed was given the opportunity to educate the Fadama III cooperatives already formed of the need to do their work by also registering these cooperatives already form into a cooperative Union in order to enhance the quick delivering of the material to the zone. This one becomes a thing of urgency because the Fadama program will officially kick of in the state by November1^st 2008. Based on this fact, all cooperatives in any of these zones must come together and register into cooperative union. The certificate is to get to the local government secretariat at most, before 31^st of October 2008.

The metamorphosing of these resolute Fadama III farmers, co-operative Societies to Fadama III farmer’s co-operative Union is to enhance the quick facilitating of the World Bank assisted projects in the State.

PAGE 8

When ask how the groups will benefit; and what confident do the groups that make up the body should have towards having equal right in the Union was ask, the consultant made it clear that to the audience that it must be members from each of the co-operative that make up the executives of the Union. In order that each of the villages involve should have equal share. She also explained to the Fadama farmers in each zone to make sure the positions is scattered amongst all the co-operatives in the zone. She specifically stressed the need why the secretary, President and treasurer must not be drawn from one centre.

She says; following these lay down principle will enhance flexibility among the various unions to be formed in the local government area.

She explained to every farmers present in that meeting that, the various co-operative Unions must have members representing it in the Co-operatives that make up the Unions. She advised that the Unions must be registered in time in order to benefit from this assistance.

The Fadama community Associations that were represented in that meeting are;

1.       Okada- osaokha F.C.A

2.       Ogbese Ovia F.C.A

3.       Unuamen Ovia F.C.A

4.       Ekenwan River F.C.A

In order to enhance the authentication of these Unions, women must be clutch along equally.

Mrs. Aiyedun, the president of Okada-Osaokha F.C.A was used by the consultant as a group that has meet up the standard of the World Bank. Because, the male in the group share equal right in power with the opposite sex. This shows flexibility in that association.

Finally, she encouraged all present not to be lazy; as no lazy persons or groups will benefit from the scheme.