In a landmark move to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, contribute to policy design, and increase efforts toward scaling technologies developed for agricultural transformation in the country, the IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, received the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, at the IITA headquarters this week.
H. E. Vice President Shettima, who led a high-level delegation to IITA, including Barrister Adebayo Lawal, Oyo State Deputy Governor, and Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed positive remarks about IITA’s contribution to the country’s agricultural transformation agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
The VP’s visit highlights the ongoing partnership between the government and IITA to tackle food security challenges through innovative agricultural research, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking during a meeting with Dr Ehui, VP Shettima recognized the efforts of the institute’s leadership in contributing to food security in Nigeria and on the continent and said it is an honor to be at IITA.
VP Shettima stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing challenges in Nigeria’s food systems, noting, “With the existing agricultural technologies at IITA, it has become imperative to look inward.”
Welcoming VP Shettima to the IITA headquarters, Dr Ehui said the visit reflects the Nigerian government’s confidence in IITA’s capacity and a commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and the nation’s ambitious Renewed Hope Agenda.
“In the last five decades, IITA has been implementing programs designed to deliver sustainable impacts across several critical areas and align with national priorities.”
“Our initiatives have empowered thousands of young Nigerians with skills, mentorship, and access to finance, creating viable employment opportunities and transforming agriculture into a business that attracts the youth, under our IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA) and IITA Youth in Agribusiness (YAS) initiatives,” Dr Ehui said.
VP Shettima, acknowledging IITA’s commitment to agricultural transformation on the continent, said the government is poised to collaborate with IITA. Noting that the institute’s contribution to agricultural research and innovations, food security, and youth empowerment makes it a key partner for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda resonates strongly with IITA’s mission to transform African agriculture through research and innovation.
“We have some of the best crop scientists working here. The institution has existed for over 57 years, but the Nigerian government has not fully utilized its potential. But it’s better late than never,” Vice President Shettima said.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Kyari said smallholder farmers attest to the improved varieties from IITA, which is a testament to the impact of the technologies from IITA. “We can leverage the data that institutes like IITA have through collaborative efforts to increase the yield per hectare in Nigeria. With interventions like the Regional Fertilizer and Soil Hub, critical areas in agriculture, like soil systems, can also be addressed. Adding that data is key to effectively implementing interventions developed for scaling.
Touring some of IITA research facilities during the visit – Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health, Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) for crops like cassava and yam, and the Aflasafe and Nodumax factories – showcasing IITA’s cutting-edge technologies, VP Shettima expressed confidence in the institute’s capacity, and expertise to harness Nigeria’s agriculture potential.
Reassuring the VP of IITA’s commitment, Dr Ehui said the institute and other CGIAR centers are leading initiatives that have improved access to climate-resilient seeds and agricultural technologies for millions of farmers in Nigeria and Africa.
The visit of VP Shettima reinforces the critical role of research and innovation in driving Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. With a shared vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda, IITA and the Nigerian government are set to deepen their collaboration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships to enhance food security, boost productivity, and empower farmers nationwide. As both parties reaffirm their commitment, this partnership marks a new chapter in advancing sustainable agriculture for national and regional impact.
Contributed by Timilehin Osunde
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