Damisa Suleiman Returns As Chairman, Kogi Sesame Seeds Association

Kogi State chapter of the Sesame Seeds Association of Nigeria has returned Damisa Suleiman as its chairman in a free and fair election conducted during the week.

The election, which was held at the  premises of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) Office in Lokoja, was to usher in new executives to oversee the affairs of the Kogi State Chapter of Sesame Seeds Association of Nigeria.

reports that the new executives elected are Alhaji Damisa Suleiman – Chairman, Malakai Omakwaja – Vice Chairman, Isaac M. Sakpe – Secretary-General, Ufana Yenusa Hussein – Treasurer, Aminat Sulaiman – Financial Secretary.

Others are Ogazuma Dauda Abubakar – Organizing Secretary, Ojapah John Paul – PRO, Shola Ibidun – Auditor General, Ezekiel Alilu Sule – Youth Leader and Hajia Bilikisu Ibrahim as Women leader.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Ademu Saidu Okpanachi, commended the peaceful conduct of the members of the association, adding that the election was free, fair and peaceful.

He urged the new executives who were returned unopposed to take the association to the next level.

Agene Thomas, who represented the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development disclosed that in 2020, Kogi State took the fourth position as sesame seeds growing state in Nigeria. He wanted the elected executives to restore the lost glory of the association in Kogi State.

Mr Thomas promised that the Ministry will support the new Executives to achieve set goals, noting that efforts are being made to bring a turnaround to the farmers of the product in the Confluence State.

Abdul Yusuf, who stood in for the National Chairman of the association, said there is an urgent need for the association to bring in more new members in Kogi State.

“We are having 27 states producing sesame seeds, for now, and in as much as the incoming Chairman wants to turn the State from groundnut, Maize, cashew growing State to sesame seeds, there must be properly laid down procedures of sesame seeds industry which is registration of members. This must be pursued vigorously,” he said.

The newly elected Chairman, Alhaji Damisa Suleiman, promised to justify the confidence reposed in him and his executives, adding that he would leave nothing to chance to ensure the association records huge success in the state.

He said he would prioritize the welfare of the members, partner with relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector and seek greater opportunities for members to enjoy the fruits of their labour.