The state government had earlier approved N80 million as the state counterpart fund for 2011 and 2012 Fadama III project, the payment, which would attract about N200 million from the World Bank for empowerment of Fadama groups that are yet to benefit from the project 

Distributing the cheques to the various FCAs at the 2nd phase of official funds disbursement to Fadama Ill project beneficiaries in the state, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Bode Olayemi, warned that the amount should be used only for purposes that were approved in their Local Development Hans by their various Local Fadama Technical Committees.

Olayemi further warned that under no circumstance must the money be shared, adding that there must be no collusion with the service providers whom the beneficiaries themselves have screened and selected through competitive bidding process.

He said that the cheques presentation would empower them to carry out the sub-projects, which they have chosen to embark upon on cooperative basis.

The commissioner said further that he was impressed that Fadama III project has embraced all the strata of the local communities, noting that apart from that fact that all the 16 LGA's are being covered, the inclusiveness of the project is a welcome development.

Olayemi, who called for more support from council chairmen in terms of counterpart funds payment and other forms of assistance for Fadama farmers in their areas, noted that the project is being done on their behalf.

In his welcome address, the Acting Project Coordinator, Chief Jacob Olayemi Aina, pointed out that former governor Bukola Saraki flagged off Fadama III project in 2010 with 70 FCA's and 846 Fadama Users Groups benefiting from the sumofNI93,000, 000. 00.

He explained that the beneficiaries of the second phase- disbursement comprised 28 FCA's embracing 296 Fadama Users Groups from all the 16 local government areas of the state.