![\"Governor](\"https:\/\/iita.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Governor-of-Bayelsa-State.jpeg\")
IITA<\/a>\u2013CGIAR<\/a> welcomed Bayelsa State<\/a>\u2019s Executive Governor, His Excellency Douye Diri<\/a>, to its headquarters in Ibadan on 14 April. Despite a busy political engagement in Oyo State, the Governor prioritized the visit to IITA\u2014reflecting his strong interest in youth empowerment and agricultural transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Governor Diri was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado; Bayelsa State Party Chairman, Solomon Agwana; General Manager of the Housing and Property Development Authority, Tonye Isenah; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia; Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah; the Governor\u2019s Liaison Officer in Oyo State, Olasupo Abiodun; and Chief Adekunle Tanwa, also from Oyo State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Governor and his team were welcomed with a screening of IITA\u2019s introductory video, which showcased the Institute\u2019s cutting-edge technologies, innovative research, success stories across Africa, and a testimonial from a beneficiary of the IITA Youth in Agribusiness<\/a> program. After the presentation, IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, Kenton Dashiell<\/a>, warmly welcomed the Governor and his entourage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his remarks, Governor Diri commended IITA\u2019s renowned expertise and admired its groundbreaking work over the years. \u201cI made every effort to be here today despite our tight schedule because of my interest in youth development and agriculture,\u201d he said. He emphasized that although Bayelsa is a maritime and lowland region, it possesses fertile land suitable for agriculture. The state is eager to unlock its potential through technological advancement and value addition across food value chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Governor affirmed his readiness to initiate partnerships with IITA<\/a>\u2013CGIAR<\/a>, announcing that he would instruct his Commissioner for Agriculture, Marine, and Blue Economy, alongside other relevant ministries, to immediately engage with the Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI foresee that the agricultural development initiatives developed between IITA, and the Bayelsa State Government will pave the way for my colleagues in other states to partner with IITA,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dashiell expressed deep appreciation for the Governor\u2019s prompt visit and assured him of IITA\u2019s readiness to provide technical support and expertise to drive agricultural transformation in Bayelsa State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contributed by Folake Oduntan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Stories: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Niger State explores agricultural partnership with IITA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Governor](\"https:\/\/iita.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dr-Kenton-Dashiell.jpeg\")