In an effort to reform its agricultural industry, Jigawa State has looked to forge alliances with regional organizations in order to create a state-owned agricultural transformation agency.
This announcement was made on Tuesday after Governor Umar Namadi met with members from the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative and the Development Sovereign Group at the Jigawa State Government House in Dutse to formally establish the collaboration.
Speaking at the gathering, Namadi stated that the collaboration will use the Development Sovereign Group’s and AATI’s experience to execute durable and workable agricultural changes in Jigawa over the course of three to four years.
Namadi thanked the cooperation, saying, “We in Jigawa State are truly delighted to have the Executive Director and the Managing Director here which is an honor to us.
He also highlighted the significance of the visit as a follow-up to earlier engagements between the state and the institutions.
The to-be-established Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency, according to the governor, will focus on improving productivity, fostering innovation, and creating economic opportunities across the agricultural value chain, adding that, “This partnership has aligned and matched with our vision for the state.”
Also, the governor emphasised that the agency’s establishment is also in line with the state’s development objectives, which prioritise inclusive and sustainable economic growth, human development services, youth and women empowerment, environmental sustainability, and institutional and governance reforms.
“The Jigawa State 2025 budget has already made a provision for the creation of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency within the fiscal year and this demonstrates the state’s commitment to investing in its agricultural sector and driving economic growth”, Namadi further revealed.
Earlier in a remark, the Executive Director of AATI, Ms. Safia Boly, told the governor “We are very thrilled and excited to continue with the learning journey with yourself and support your drive for agricultural transformation.”
Boly commended Namadi for his visionary leadership and dedication to agricultural transformation in Jigawa State.
“Your Excellency, we are not only very pleased to be part of your agricultural journey, which we support you in; we would also like to reiterate how you continue to earn our support and also for the state of Jigawa,” she said.
Boly therefore stressed that AATI is committed to bringing proven advisory services and expertise to support Jigawa’s agricultural development.
On his part, the CEO and Managing Director of the Development Sovereign Group, Dr Khalid Bomba, also expressed excitement about the collaboration.
He drew parallels between Jigawa’s current ambitions and Ethiopia’s journey 15 years ago, stating that “In many ways, Jigawa State remains an ambitious mirror of Ethiopia.”
Our correspondent reports that the partnership between the Jigawa State government and the regional institutions is expected to drive impactful results and support the state’s agricultural transformation agenda as it has been yearned by experts and commentators.
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