President Bio, Governor Makinde Unite to Boost Agricultural Productivity in Africa

President Julius Maada Bio Advocates for Research and Innovation to Drive Africa’s Agricultural Growth

The President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has emphasized the pivotal role of research, innovation, and technology in advancing agriculture across Africa. He made this statement during an intensive six-hour agricultural research initiative held today at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, which was attended by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.

President Bio underscored the importance of food security not just as a means of economic growth but as a catalyst for sustainable development. He highlighted the need for strategic partnerships and collaborations with agricultural experts to enhance productivity for farmers and agribusinesses across the continent.

In his remarks, Governor Seyi Makinde noted that Sierra Leone and Oyo State share similar ecological and climatic conditions, making Ibadan a hub for top-tier agricultural research institutions, including IITA, the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IART), the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), and the University of Ibadan. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the sector, citing the establishment of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) as a result of collaborations with the federal government. He also pledged to develop a comprehensive agricultural roadmap for the next administration to ensure continuity and growth.

Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, revealed that the Nigerian government has launched a $1.2 billion mechanization initiative aimed at modernizing agriculture across the country. He called for regional cooperation in agricultural research to strengthen food security not just in Nigeria but across West Africa.

Earlier, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Simeon Ehui, stressed the importance of government funding for research institutions. He highlighted that through strategic public-private partnerships and investment in agricultural research, Africa could achieve food sufficiency and long-term agricultural sustainability.