Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has applauded the election of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, as Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), describing the development as a significant boost for Nigeria’s standing in global agricultural leadership.
Kyari was elected by consensus on Tuesday during the 49th session of the IFAD Governing Council in Rome, Italy. The Governing Council is the Fund’s supreme authority, bringing together representatives of its member countries to determine policy direction, approve budgets and shape strategies aimed at tackling rural poverty and strengthening food systems worldwide.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the minister’s emergence reflects international confidence in both his leadership and the reforms underway in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the President, Kyari’s election underscores recognition of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s agriculture and food security architecture for greater productivity and resilience. He expressed optimism that the minister would provide steady leadership for IFAD at a period marked by mounting global food challenges.
Kyari, who has served as Nigeria’s agriculture minister since August 2023, has been driving initiatives focused on boosting local food production, strengthening value chains and expanding partnerships with development institutions. His election to chair the council follows his earlier role as Vice-Chair, signalling a steady rise in Nigeria’s profile within the UN-affiliated institution.
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Speaking at the Rome meeting, Kyari reportedly described his new responsibility as a collective mandate to advance IFAD’s mission. He pledged to promote collaboration among member states and ensure the organisation remains responsive to emerging threats to global food systems, including climate-related shocks, economic instability and conflict-driven disruptions.
IFAD, a specialised United Nations agency and international financial institution, finances programmes targeted at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and rural communities across developing countries. Its interventions focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing rural incomes and building resilience against poverty and hunger.
Observers say Kyari’s leadership of the Governing Council places Nigeria in a strategic position within global agricultural policy conversations at a time when food security has become a central issue for governments worldwide.
President Tinubu wished the minister a productive tenure, expressing confidence that his stewardship would strengthen IFAD’s impact and reinforce international cooperation in addressing food insecurity.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
