Former President Obasanjo Champions Agricultural Continuity During High-Level Visit
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a compelling call to African leaders, urging them to mirror the sustained agricultural investment approach demonstrated by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA). The statesman emphasized that continuity remains essential for achieving meaningful agricultural transformation across the continent.
Obasanjo made these declarations during a significant meeting with Mr. Shuichi Suzuki, the President of SAA, at his residence in Abeokuta. The former leader specifically praised the Japanese organization for its unwavering commitment and consistent financial backing of Nigeria's agricultural sector and African agriculture broadly.
Strengthening Ties Through Strategic Engagement
Mr. Suzuki's visit to Obasanjo formed a crucial part of his week-long familiarization tour aimed at deepening dialogue about SAA's long-standing involvement in Nigeria's agricultural development and food security initiatives. This marked Suzuki's first official engagement in Nigeria since assuming leadership of the international organization.
In his response, Suzuki clarified that his mission focused on reinforcing ties with Nigeria and reaffirming SAA's dedication to agricultural investment in the country. He highlighted that beyond oil and gas, Nigeria's most valuable assets include agriculture and its rapidly expanding young population.
During their closed-door meeting, both leaders explored potential collaboration opportunities designed to further improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while supporting Nigeria's broader agricultural transformation agenda.
SAA's Three-Decade Impact on Nigerian Agriculture
Dr. Godwin Atser, SAA's Country Director in Nigeria, characterized the visit to Obasanjo as strategically important. He noted that it provided Suzuki with valuable insights into agriculture's significance, its prevailing challenges, and the tangible impact SAA creates in enhancing Nigerian livelihoods.
Atser revealed that SAA, functioning as an agricultural extension and advisory services organization, has successfully reached 20 million farmers in Nigeria over the past three decades through various extension models. However, he acknowledged that more work remains necessary to impact additional farming communities.
Founded in 1986, SAA operates as a non-governmental organization committed to agricultural extension and smallholder farmer development. With its headquarters in Tokyo, the association maintains four African country offices located in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mali, and Uganda.
Since establishing operations in Nigeria in 1992, SAA has collaborated with multiple development agencies, agricultural development programs, and government institutions to strengthen extension systems, introduce climate-smart technologies, and empower farming communities nationwide.
Prior to meeting Obasanjo, Suzuki conducted meetings with several key figures including the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, His Excellency Suzuki Hideo; the Director of Extension at the Federal Department of Extension, Mr. Olawumi Ayodele; and the Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Ms. Dede Ekoue, all in Abuja.
Before joining SAA, Suzuki built a distinguished career with Sumitomo Corporation, serving in senior executive positions across its international offices in Baghdad, Paris, and London.
