Seven Northern Governors Interact With AfDB On Harnessing Agricultural Potentials

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to boost agriculture, ensure sufficiency in food production, and enhance revenue, State Governors from the Northwest are in Abidjan for a meeting on utilizing the Special Agro-Industrialization Programme.

The seven Governors left the country on Wednesday and are scheduled to meet with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, (AFDB).

A statement by the Spokesperson of  Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman  Idris, explained that the Governors travelled to Abidjan to explore the opportunities offered by the Agro-Industrial Processing Zones program.

According to him,  the seven governors are of Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states.

“The Northwest Governors will meet with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the African Development Bank President, and his team.

“The meeting is scheduled for November 16, 2023, and will include presentations and briefings on utilizing the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones program.

“The Special Agro-Industrialisation Programme aims to achieve food self-sufficiency, create jobs and boost economic growth by processing raw agricultural commodities in areas with high potential.

“Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President of Agriculture, Human & Social Development at the African Development Bank, will guide the Governors on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) and what states must do to benefit from the programme.

“Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser to the AfDB President on Industrialization, will also brief the Governors on Phase one and Phase  two of the programme and guide for optimizing the initiative by states.”