The Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) receives with profound sadness the news of the passing of Arch. Kabiru Ibrahim, former National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), distinguished architect, farmer and passionate advocate for Nigerian agriculture.
His passing represents a great loss not only to his immediate family and AFAN, but to the entire Nigerian agricultural community.
Arch. Kabiru Ibrahim was a man whose love for agriculture and Nigerian farmers was evident in his words, actions and years of service.
He consistently lent his voice to issues affecting farmers across the country and advocated for policies and interventions capable of improving agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and protecting the livelihoods of farmers.
For us at NWAPDI, this loss is particularly painful.
From the beginning of NWAPDI, Arch. Kabiru Ibrahim believed in what we stood for and supported our journey.
He recognised the importance of creating stronger opportunities and representation for women and young people within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His encouragement and support for NWAPDI remained valuable to us throughout our journey.
He did not see agricultural organisations as competitors, but as partners with a shared responsibility to improve the lives of Nigerian farmers and strengthen our nation’s food system.
His willingness to support emerging agricultural initiatives demonstrated the depth of his commitment to the sector.
Nigeria’s agricultural community will greatly miss his experience, his advocacy, his courage to speak on issues affecting farmers and, above all, his genuine love for the men and women who work daily to feed our nation.
At a time when Nigerian farmers continue to confront challenges including insecurity, access to inputs, financing, climate-related pressures and market difficulties, the agricultural sector can ill afford to lose experienced voices such as his.
On behalf of the National Executive Council, State and Local Government Chapters, coordinators, members, women and youths of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI), I extend our deepest condolences to his family, the leadership and members of AFAN, his associates, friends and the entire Nigerian farming community.
We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds and grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
May Allah also grant his family and everyone touched by this great loss the strength and fortitude to bear his departure.
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and indeed to Him we will return.” — Qur’an 2:156
Arch. Kabiru Ibrahim may have departed this world, but his footprints in Nigerian agriculture, his love for farmers and his contribution to the growth of organisations such as NWAPDI will not be forgotten.
The Nigerian agricultural sector has lost a great advocate. NWAPDI has lost a supporter and friend. Nigerian farmers have lost a strong voice.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may Almighty Allah grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Signed:
Farmer Hon. Omolara Kafilat Busari Svensson
National Coordinator
Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI)
NWAPDI …Leaving No Woman or Youth Behind
