Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State is set to receive a Special Recognition Award from the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria in acknowledgement of the state’s sustained partnership and strategic commitment to agricultural development.
The award will be presented during the 2026 SAA Nigeria Annual Stakeholders Workshop scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Abuja.
The event is expected to attract top federal officials, development partners, diplomats, and representatives of state governments to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s food systems. The workshop is themed “SAA @ 40: Deepening Impact and Expanding Reach at Scale.”
According to a statement signed by Moses Nongoatse, Communication Officer, SAA Nigeria, the recognition reflects the depth of collaboration between Gombe State and the organisation in advancing agricultural extension, improving smallholder productivity, and enhancing rural livelihoods.
The statement noted that since its creation in 1996, Gombe State has maintained a working relationship with SAA—funded by The Nippon Foundation—to implement programmes aimed at improving food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and inclusive agricultural services, particularly for women, youth, and resource-poor farmers.
Speaking ahead of the workshop, Godwin Atser, Country Director of SAA Nigeria said the award underscores the impact of sustained collaboration.
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“This recognition celebrates a partnership backed by action. Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership reflects the kind of subnational commitment essential for transforming agriculture in Nigeria.”
“Gombe State’s sustained support for farmer-focused interventions demonstrates what can be achieved when political will, institutional alignment, and practical investment converge,” he said.
SAA Nigeria’s collaboration with the state spans several initiatives, including Farmer Learning Platforms, Community Savings and Investment in Agriculture, Private Extension Service Provision, and Community-Based Seed Multiplication, all aimed at strengthening the agricultural value chain from production to post-harvest stages.
The organisation added that the partnership has also promoted a pluralistic extension system involving the private sector, farmer groups, research institutions, and civil society in scaling agricultural services across the state.
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As SAA marks 40 years of operations in Africa and 33 years in Nigeria, the association emphasised that sustainable agricultural transformation requires long-term commitment, collaboration, and strategic investment—qualities it said are exemplified by Gombe State and Governor Yahaya.
The recognition will form part of broader discussions at the stakeholders’ workshop, where participants will review SAA’s 2021–2025 achievements, share lessons, and explore future partnerships to strengthen agriculture in Nigeria and across the continent.