Bayelsa State is set to witness a major boost in agricultural development as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), headquartered in Ibadan, Oyo State, has signaled its intent to establish a sub-national farm centre in the state.
This development was the outcome of a strategic meeting on Monday between the Deputy Director-General of IITA, Dr. Kenton Dashell, and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who visited the institute’s expansive research and training complex in Ibadan.
According to a statement by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Dashell highlighted the pivotal role IITA has played since its establishment in 1967 in transforming agriculture across tropical Africa through cutting-edge research, climate-smart innovations, and sustainable farming practices. He said, Bayelsa State is being considered a priority for expansion due to its untapped agricultural potential and strategic interest in youth-focused development.
“Nigeria is home to us, and beyond Oyo State, Bayelsa stands out as a critical partner. We are ready to work closely with the Bayelsa government to empower its youth through modern agricultural techniques and innovation,” he said.
Governor Diri, who was in Oyo for a political engagement, seized the opportunity to initiate discussions with IITA after being briefed by his Commissioner for Youth Development. He stressed the importance of moving beyond subsistence farming to embracing technology and value-chain development.
“Bayelsa’s agricultural landscape may not be vast, but our fertile lowlands and rich marine environment present immense opportunities. What we lack in landmass, we make up for in potential. Our interest lies in leveraging IITA’s technological expertise to enhance productivity and fully develop our agricultural value chains,” the governor said.
He further directed key ministries and agencies in the state—including Youth Development, Agriculture, Marine and Blue Economy—to begin immediate collaboration with IITA to translate the discussions into actionable outcomes.
“This will not be a talk show. I’m committed to seeing this partnership thrive. It will not only improve food security but also create sustainable jobs for our youth. This is the kind of development partnership Bayelsa needs,” Diri affirmed.
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