Katsina Governor Strengthens Global Partnership at World Food Prize in Iowa
KTSG, AfDB Partner to Empower Communities
Katsina State Governor and the Chairman of the North West Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD CON, has strengthened global partnership on agricultural transformation, economic growth and job creation at the prestigious 2024 World Food Prize program in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
The event, which brings together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders, focused on addressing critical issues in food security, agricultural innovation, and sustainable development.
During the World Food Prize program, Governor Radda participated actively in the Africa Agriculture Dialogue, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) on October 30, 2024.
The dialogue, themed “Seeds of Prosperity – Compounding Investments for Catalytic Growth,” brought together prominent African leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to shape the continent’s agricultural future.
Speaking as a distinguished panelist in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) session, Governor Radda presented Katsina’s strategy for leveraging SAPZ as a vital component of the state’s agricultural development.
“We must create an enabling environment for private sector investments,” the Governor stated, emphasizing SAPZ’s crucial role in enhancing productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing value addition through processing.
Governor Radda, addressing the gathering in his dual capacity as Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North West Governors Forum, stressed the importance of targeted investments and collaborative partnerships.
“Our vision extends beyond Katsina to encompass the entire North West region,” he noted, highlighting the shared commitment among regional states to drive agricultural transformation for economic growth, job creation, and sustained food security.
A significant highlight of the Governor’s visit was his bilateral meeting with AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. The leaders discussed strategic collaborations to support agricultural development and economic empowerment in Katsina State and the broader North West region.
Both parties pledged to advance sustainable agricultural solutions that empower communities and foster prosperity.
The administration’s vision for agricultural development was evident in Governor Radda’s engagement at both the World Food Prize and Africa Agriculture Dialogue. Katsina State has launched innovative programmes focusing on yield enhancement, mechanization promotion, and agro-industrial hub development, all aimed at strengthening the agricultural value chain.
The Katsina State delegation included the Executive Director of Development Partnerships, Katsina State Development Management Board, Maryam Yahaya and the Lead Consultant, who represented the state’s agricultural and economic partnership interests.
The Governor’s participation demonstrated Katsina’s dedication to adopting global insights and best practices for transforming the state’s agricultural sector.
These high-level discussions point to Katsina’s commitment to advancing food security and economic diversification. Through partnerships with institutions like the AfDB, the state is positioning itself as a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria, setting standards for progress across the North West region.
Going forward, Katsina State will implement insights gained from the World Food Prize program and Africa Agriculture Dialogue.
The state government, in conjunction with the North West Governors Forum, promise to continue developing policies and programs promoting sustainable agriculture, economic growth, and shared prosperity for all citizens.
While rounding off the session, Governor Radda expressed profound gratitude to the African Development Bank and all development partners for their continued support of Katsina State and the North West region’s agricultural and economic development initiatives.
“The state remains optimistic about building a robust agricultural economy for future generations,” Governor Radda concluded.
