By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has warned that Nigeria’s deepening food crisis and rising unemployment could trigger mass unrest, worsen insecurity, and fuel renewed calls for secession across the country if urgent action is not taken.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former heads of state, senators, and traditional rulers, AFAN raised alarm that growing hunger and joblessness are pushing Nigerians into crime and radical movements calling for the breakup of the country.
“Hunger is already in the land, making Nigerians face hard times, and there is great danger ahead,” said Elder Eugene Jacob, the association’s national chairman. “If there is no food to eat, many will resort to crime or join opposing forces calling for their own republics- Biafra, Niger Delta, or Oduduwa.”
According to Jacob, Nigeria is on a dangerous path due to the inaction of government institutions and repeated neglect of warnings. “We are watching our country gradually fall into the hands of criminals.
“The hunger and joblessness in Nigeria today are pushing people into banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery,” he warned.
The association, alongside its partner organisation, the Global Movement Against Hunger, appealed for immediate support for cooperative farmers and agribusinesses across the country, urging the Federal Government, the CBN, and NIRSAL Microfinance Bank to disburse already-approved funds for trained and certified agricultural entrepreneurs.
“Only Nigerians can solve Nigeria’s problems. It’s time for stakeholders to act now before hunger and the continued devaluation of the naira push us into irreversible chaos,” Jacob stated.
AFAN also revealed that it has, in collaboration with programmes such as Feed the Future and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), trained hundreds of farmers in modern agricultural practices, who are ready to boost local food production if supported.
“There is enough land in Nigeria to feed not only our people but to even export food, if the government supports organised farming. With the right backing, we can create thousands of jobs and drastically reduce hunger,” Jacob added.
The group also sent a similar plea to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, calling on him to support its agricultural empowerment initiative to tackle rising insecurity, hunger, and unemployment in the state.
“We cannot govern communities effectively if bandits outnumber policemen,” Jacob wrote in a letter dated April 22, 2025.
He also said, “The state government must set up a joint task force to combat these threats while creating an environment for productive engagement.”
He highlighted Delta’s vast fertile land and a willing youthful population that can be mobilised for food production, poverty reduction, and even agricultural export.
“With government support, we can feed the state, reduce poverty, and engage thousands of youths meaningfully. The time to act is now,” he said.
The letter was copied to prominent figures, including Chief Edwin Clark, Senator Ede Dafinone, and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Retd.), among others.