Kogi
Jigawa, SAA Sign $100,000 MoU to Boost Rural Agricultural Value Chain
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has partnered with Sasakawa African Association (SAA) to enhance agricultural production and value chain development for rural communities in the state.
A $100,000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two parties, marking a significant step towards improving food security and empowering rural women and youth.
The Deputy Country Director of SAA, Dr. Abdulhamid Gambo, made the disclosure during a press interaction following a meeting with Jigawa’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Muttaqa Namadi.
Dr. Gambo highlighted that the Sasakawa African Association has been operational in the state for over 30 years, supporting rural agricultural development through interventions in food production, value chains, and economic empowerment.
According to him, Since its establishment in Jigawa in 1992, SAA has been working with thousands of community-based agricultural groups, providing training, agricultural inputs, and technical support.
“The association currently works with over 500 men and women’s groups across 27 local government areas of the state.
“This year, we are excited to sign this $100,000 MoU with the Jigawa state government, which will run for one year. We also conduct an annual media field visit to showcase our activities and speak directly with the beneficiaries,” Dr. Gambo explained.
He also noted that the field visits allow the media to observe the impact of SAA’s interventions in local communities.
“This year, Jigawa and Gombe states were selected for the media field day, where Sasakawa has provided support in communities like Babuwawa, Sintilmawa, and Facewa, which have benefitted from various agricultural value chain interventions, including extension services and market linkages.
“SAA’s efforts focus on improving productivity, adding value to agricultural products, and enhancing market access for rural farmers.
“The association works closely with research institutes, universities, and local farmers to develop and disseminate agricultural technologies that boost production and incomes.
The communities visited during the field day expressed their gratitude for the intervention, noting how Sasakawa’s support had positively impacted their lives. Leaders of these communities reported increased agricultural production and improved income, as well as the establishment of new business ventures and farming associations within and outside the villages.
The signing of the MoU marked another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Jigawa State and Sasakawa African Association to transform rural agriculture and improve livelihoods across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.
Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,
“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.
The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.
Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.
May his soul rest in peace.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.
Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.
She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.
“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.
The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep grieve over the passing of the District Head of Adavi, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami, who passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a condolence message, the Governor described the late Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami as a distinguished leader who served his people with honor, dedication, and a deep commitment to peace and unity. He acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the growth and stability of Adavi and the larger Ebira community.
Special Adviser on Media to the
Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted in a statement quoted Ododo to have extended his sympathies to the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohi Otenyiete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, who is the deceased’s younger brother, as well as the late leader’s family and the entire Ebira people.
Governor Ododo prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed and for strength and solace for those left behind to bear the loss.
Born in 1939, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami was appointed District Head of Adavi in 1994. He lived a life of service and integrity until his passing at 86. His remains have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence in Ogaminana.
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