The Bayelsa State Government is set to collaborate with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to establish a sub-national agricultural centre in the state, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food production and empower youths.
Governor Douye Diri disclosed this during a working visit to IITA’s headquarters in Ibadan on Monday. He was received by the institute’s Deputy Director-General, Dr. Kenton Dashell, who expressed IITA’s commitment to supporting agricultural development in the Niger Delta state.
Dr. Dashell explained that IITA, founded in 1967, is dedicated to developing agricultural innovations to tackle food insecurity and the impact of climate change in tropical Africa. He described Nigeria as the institute’s base and said Bayelsa would be given priority in the expansion of its outreach across the country.
“After Oyo State, Bayelsa should be number two to us,” Dashell said. “We are willing to come to Bayelsa and, in partnership with the state government, help to develop the youths that are interested in agriculture.”
Governor Diri, in his remarks, expressed optimism about the proposed partnership and assured IITA of his administration’s readiness to support the project.
“IITA is well-known in Nigeria and I agree with you that after Oyo, Bayelsa should be next. We need to collaborate and see how to develop the agricultural potential of Bayelsa State,” the governor stated.
He noted that while Bayelsa is largely a maritime state, its fertile lowlands offer opportunities for a wide range of agricultural activities. The governor also emphasized the importance of adopting modern technology and maximizing the full agricultural value chain.
“We are more interested in the technology you will bring into agricultural production in our state. We will be glad to partner with you,” he added.
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Diri revealed that his visit to IITA was spurred by a briefing from his Commissioner for Youth Development and indicated that relevant state officials, including the Commissioners for Agriculture and Marine and Blue Economy, would be mobilized to advance the discussions.
“This was not a planned visit, but I can assure you that we are prepared for collaboration and partnership with IITA,” he said. “Going forward, I will direct the relevant ministries, departments and agencies to take this engagement beyond this meeting.”
The planned agricultural centre is expected to drive innovation, boost local food production, and create job opportunities for young people in Bayelsa State.