President Bio Advocates For Strategic Partnerships To Revolutionize Africa’s Food System
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called for a strategic partnership that would dismantle barriers and speed-up solutions for a world class food system in Africa.
The Sierra Leone President who made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo state Capital while presenting a keynote address at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) said beyond food transformation, efforts must be geared towards exploring agriculture for economic stability.
Delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of his 3 days visit to Oyo state with the theme: the power of improved technologies and public private partnerships to accelerate the feed salone strategy, President Julius Maada Bio advocated for strong partnership and strategic investment, expressing hope that his visit would foster collaboration for food safety, enhance agronomic practises as well as establish a legacy that would allow agriculture to build prosperity for the future.
President Bio noted that “Sierra Leone has immense agricultural potential that remains largely untapped. He said it is crucial that the potential is harnessed through research and collaboration with renowned institutions like IITA.The president emphasised the importance of leveraging scientific advancements to enhance agricultural practices in Sierra Leone, stating, “Our farmers deserve access to the best resources and knowledge available, and partnerships like these are vital for our progress.”
He said the country is committed to transforming its agricultural landscape to ensure food security and economic stability.
“We are not just looking at immediate gains; we are focused on sustainable practices that will benefit future generations. It is our responsibility to create a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges of climate change and market fluctuations.”
Speaking on the theme “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnership to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy,” the President maintained that “public-private partnerships are essential for the success of our agricultural initiatives.
“By joining forces with the private sector, we can introduce innovative solutions that will significantly increase agricultural productivity and sustainability. We must be proactive in adopting advanced technologies and practices that can uplift our agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of our farmers.”
President Bio stressed the need for improved technologies, stating, “In today’s world, we cannot afford to rely on traditional methods alone.”
“Embracing modern agricultural technologies will allow us to increase yields, reduce waste, and ensure that our farmers are competitive in the global market. We must invest in training and resources that empower our farmers to utilize these technologies effectively.”
President Bio echoed the sentiment, stating, “Investing in our farmers is investing in the future. By providing them with the necessary training and resources, we can ensure they are not only producers but also entrepreneurs who can thrive in the agricultural economy. This is the vision we share with Oyo State, and together we can turn it into reality.”
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The host of the event, Governor Seyi Makinde also highlighted areas of possible partnerships, noting that “Presidential visit of Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone to Nigeria and particularly Oyo state is aimed at strengthening partnerships, foster innovation and mobilizing investment to accelerate the feed salone programme in Sierre Leone for the benefit of Oyo state, Nigeria and Africa.
Governor Seyi Makinde who reeled out various comparative advantages of Oyo state in agriculture, also stressed that Oyo state remains open to significant partnership that would enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.
Makinde noted that the visit is focused on exploring collaborative opportunities across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on agriculture, which is pivotal to both economies. He maintained that the collaboration between Oyo State and Sierra Leone is a step towards realising our shared vision of agricultural excellence. Together, we can create a robust framework that empowers farmers and fosters economic growth.”
He highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that, “It is not just a diplomatic gesture; it is a commitment to improving the lives of our people through sustainable agricultural practices.”
Speaking on the state’s role in agricultural development and investment since his inception as governor in 2019, Makinde noted that “we have prioritised agriculture as a cornerstone of our economic strategy.”
“This includes investing in research, providing access to modern farming tools, and enhancing the capacity of our farmers. Our agricultural hub is a testament to our commitment, and with Sierra Leone’s partnership, we can take it to new heights.”
He added, “Our goal is to ensure that Oyo State becomes a leader in agricultural innovation, setting an example for other states in Nigeria and across West Africa.”
Meanwhile, the discussions between the two leaders also focused on critical areas such as technology transfer, capacity building, and the introduction of modern farming techniques. The both leaders highlighted the need for comprehensive training programmes for local farmers to equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive agricultural environment.
“Empowering our farmers is essential. We want to ensure they have access to the latest tools and training so they can maximize their productivity and improve their livelihoods. Our partnership with Sierra Leone will help us achieve this goal. We are at a pivotal moment in our agricultural journey. With the right partnerships and investments, we can redefine agriculture in Oyo State, ensuring food security for our people and contributing to the economic prosperity of the region,” Makinde concluded.
In his remarks on behalf of the Federal Government, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and food security, Marcus Ogunbiyi highlighted possible areas for strategy partnership between Nigeria and Sierre Leone with emphasis on establishing joint mechanization centres and strengthening regional pest and diseases control across borders.
Earlier in a welcome address, the DG IITA and CGIAR regional director for Africa, Simeon Ehui said the visit of the Sierra Leonean President was a testament that the vision for food sufficiency in the African region is achievable.
Highlights of the day 1 for President Julius Bio’s visit included facility tour and field demonstration strategic talks on areas of interest.