The IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, recently embarked on a strategic mission to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, reinforcing partnerships and fostering collaboration to drive agrifood transformation across Africa.
During his visit, Dr Ehui engaged in high-level discussions with key stakeholders in agriculture and food security. He met with the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Nigeria, H. E. Dr Julius Sandy; Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, H. E. Dr Aliyu Sabiu Abdullahi; the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Wahab Akande; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi. These meetings focused on deepening cooperation in agricultural research, technology adoption, and policies that promote food security.
Dr Ehui also strengthened diplomatic ties by connecting with the Senegal Ambassador to Nigeria, H. E. Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, and the Cote d’Ivoire Ambassador to Nigeria, H. E. Kalilou Traore, to discuss regional strategies for agricultural development.
Furthering discussions on financial and technical support for agrifood systems, he held insightful engagements with the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria – Western and Central Africa, Dr Ndiame Diop, and the Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Nigeria, Xavier Muron. These discussions centered on leveraging investments in agricultural research, enhancing private sector engagement, and deploying innovative, technology-driven solutions to improve food security and climate resilience.
Speaking on the various strategic engagements with policymakers and partners, Dr Ehui said in realizing the Africa that is food and nutrition sufficient, it is important to engage and collaborate with actors across board.
“At IITA, we are deeply committed to driving sustainable agricultural innovations that uplift farmers, empower youth, and support rural communities. Collaboration is the cornerstone of transforming food systems across Africa,” Dr Ehui emphasized.
This mission emphasizes IITA’s dedication to fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships that will catalyze positive change in Africa’s food and agriculture sector. By working together, stakeholders can create a more sustainable, resilient, and food-secure future for the continent.
Contributed by
Timilehin Osunde
Communication Officer
t.osunde@cgiar.org
+2348169596770