PRESS RELEASE
As part of efforts to strengthen agricultural transformation in Nigeria, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima will visit the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) headquarters in Ibadan on Tuesday, 25 February.
This significant visit underscores the government’s commitment to driving the Renewed Hope Agenda—a transformative initiative led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges and unlocking the potential of the nation’s agricultural sector.
The Vice President’s visit highlights IITA’s pivotal role in supporting the government’s vision of revitalizing agriculture as a cornerstone of national development. IITA, a CGIAR center with headquarters based in Ibadan, Nigeria, has been instrumental in advancing research and innovation that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda through impactful programs like:
The Youth Agripreneurs Program: Empowering young Nigerians with the skills and resources to engage in agribusiness, fostering job creation and driving economic growth in rural communities.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives: Developing and promoting resilient and crop varieties and sustainable farming practices to help farmers in Nigeria adapt to climate change while increasing productivity. Cassava Value Chain Development: Strengthening cassava production through research innovations and partnerships to boost food security and industrial use in Nigeria.
Seed Systems Transformation: Developing and promoting a rapid seed multiplication process using novel technologies and strengthening community and farmer seed-based enterprises to generate jobs and clean seeds. Private Sector Engagement: Under the IITA Business Incubation Platform, the private sector is adopting research innovations and scaling for impact, giving more end-user access to improved seeds.
During the visit, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima will meet with IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, other CGIAR center directors general, scientists, and key partners to discuss strategies for scaling these initiatives and reinforcing national food security in Nigeria.
Dr Ehui, emphasizing the importance of this visit to IITA’s role in transforming food security in Nigeria said,
“IITA remains committed to supporting the Nigerian government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through innovative research, capacity building, and technology transfer that will transform agriculture into a driver of economic growth and food security for all Nigerians.”
The Vice President will also tour IITA’s research facilities, where cutting-edge developments in crop improvement, digital agriculture, seed propagation systems, and initiatives focused on empowering women and youth, and smallholder farmers in agriculture will be showcased.
About IITA
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a leading research institution dedicated to improving food security and livelihoods in Africa through agricultural innovation. IITA works with governments, private sector partners, and development organizations to promote sustainable agriculture and economic growth across the continent. It is a member of CGIAR, a global partnership for a food-secure future.
For media inquiries, please contact;
Katherine Lopez Head of Communication Email: k.lopez@cgiar.org
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