The second phase of the agro-empowerment programme initiated by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, a retired Inspector-General of Police, has been held in Akwanga following an alleged denial of access to a public facility initially designated for the event.
The programme, which covered Akwanga, Nassarawa Eggon and Wamba Local Government Areas, was eventually held at the National Headquarters of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC), Akwanga, where farm inputs, machinery and financial support were distributed to beneficiaries.
In a statement signed by High Chief Otaru Douglas, Director of Media and Strategic Communications of the IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu Campaign Organisation, the organisers alleged that government officials denied them access to the public venue without providing adequate justification.
The organisation described the alleged denial as politically motivated and said the development forced the programme to be relocated to the ERCC premises.
It said the event proceeded as planned after the church authorities granted access to their facility.
The campaign organisation said the agro-empowerment initiative was designed to support farmers by providing them with equipment and inputs intended to improve agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on traditional farming methods.
Beneficiaries from the three local government areas received items including tractors, rice milling machines, solar-powered water pumping machines, tricycle trucks, herbicides, NPK and urea fertilisers, handheld farm implements and cash grants.
The organisers also claimed that the alleged denial of the public facility generated criticism from some residents and members of the Christian community.
The campaign organisation expressed appreciation to the ERCC leadership for providing an alternative venue for the programme.
It said the agro-empowerment initiative would continue as part of Adamu’s broader engagement with farmers across Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Govt denies Adamu use of public venue for Agro Empowerment Programme in Nasarawa North