Jigawa State has sought cooperation with regional institutions to establish a state-owned agricultural transformation agency to help restructure its agricultural economy.
This announcement was made on Tuesday, following a meeting at the Jigawa State Government House in Dutse between Governor Umar Namadi and members from the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative and the Development Sovereign Group to formalize the relationship.
Speaking at the meeting, Namadi stated that the cooperation will span three to four years and will use AATI and the Development Sovereign Group’s expertise to accomplish realistic and long-term agricultural changes in Jigawa.
Namadi showed his appreciation for the collaboration, noting, “It is really a thrill for us in Jigawa State to receive the Executive Director and the managing director, which is an honor to us.”
He also stressed the importance of the visit as a follow-up to previous interactions between the state and the institutions.
According to the governor, the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency will focus on improving productivity, fostering innovation, and creating economic opportunities across the agricultural value chain. He adds, “This partnership has aligned and matched with our vision for the state.”
Furthermore, the governor emphasized that the agency’s establishment is consistent with the state’s development goals, which include inclusive and sustainable economic growth, human development services, youth and women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, and institutional and governance reforms.
“The establishment of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency within the fiscal year has already been provided for in the Jigawa State 2025 budget, which shows the state’s dedication to investing in its agricultural sector and promoting economic growth,” Namadi added.
“We are very thrilled and excited to continue with the learning journey with yourself and support your drive for agricultural transformation,” said Ms. Safia Boly, the Executive Director of AATI, in a previous statement to the governor.
Boly praised Namadi’s imaginative leadership and commitment to Jigawa State’s agricultural reform.
“Your Excellency, we would like to reiterate how you continue to earn our support and for the state of Jigawa, in addition to being very happy to be part of your agricultural journey, which we support,” she said.
Boly emphasized that AATI is dedicated to providing Jigawa’s agricultural growth with proven advice services and experience.
Dr. Khalid Bomba, the CEO and Managing Director of the Development Sovereign Group, also conveyed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “In many ways, Jigawa State remains an ambitious mirror of Ethiopia,” he said, drawing comparisons between Jigawa’s present goals and Ethiopia’s path fifteen years ago.
According to our correspondent, experts and commentators have long wished for the state’s agricultural transformation plan, and the collaboration between the Jigawa State administration and regional institutions is anticipated to assist it and produce significant outcomes.