The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), highlighting the massive progress the state has made in agriculture through the existing partnership.
Governor Sule made this pledge on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening of the 2025 Annual Stakeholder Workshop organized by SAA Nigeria with the theme: “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services,”
Grassroots Parrot reports that the workshop brought together key players in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including heads and representatives of federal and state Ministries of Agriculture, agricultural development programs (ADPs), educational institutions, digital extension providers, and farmer organizations.
Governor Sule emphasized that over 60% of Nasarawa’s population is engaged in agriculture, a resource the state is leveraging to establish itself as Nigeria’s agricultural hub.
“Agriculture is crucial to Nasarawa, and we have made significant investments to boost its development. While the state is also rich in minerals, we are still working to harness those resources fully.
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“Our partnership with Sasakawa has been invaluable, and we will continue to work closely with them. I can assure you that in Nasarawa State, you have a partner.” He said.
A statement issued by spokesperson of SAA Nigeria, Moses Nongoatse quoted the governor as commending SAA’s efforts in the state, particularly the establishment of two rice value chain development centers funded by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
These centers, located in Assakio (Lafia Local Government Area) and Agwatashi (Obi Local Government Area), are revolutionizing rice production, processing, and marketing in the state. The facilities include storage, processing, transportation, and training centers for rice cooperatives.
In his remarks, Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, President of SAA, underscored the organization’s strength in partnerships and collaborations. He reiterated SAA’s dedication to working with farmers, governments, and other stakeholders to achieve a food-secure Africa.
Dr. Kitanaka noted that the theme of the workshop aligned with SAA’s increasing focus on digital extension services and climate-smart technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Also, Dr Godwin Atser, the SAA Nigeria Country Director, harped on the transformative potential of digital solutions in revolutionizing agricultural extension and advisory services.
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“Digital tools are bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders, and ensuring critical knowledge reaches those who need it most. Whether in agriculture, health, education, or business, digital technologies enable real-time, data-driven support, which is essential for improving decision-making and productivity.
“For these solutions to be effective, collaboration is key. This workshop provides an opportunity for policy makers, industry leaders, farmers, service providers, researchers, and end-users to come together, share insights, and develop strategies for inclusive and impactful digital extension services”. Atser said.
He also urged participants to engage in open discussions, innovative thinking and focus on action to build smart, scalable, and sustainable digital advisory systems for the future.
As a part of the opening ceremony, awards of recognition for excellence were presented to the governments of Nasarawa, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano States.
Dr. Kehinde Makinde, the former Country Director of AGRA Nigeria, was also honored.