Plateau State Government And African Development Bank To Establish Special Agro Processing Zone

The Plateau State Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have reached an agreement to establish a Special Agro Processing Zone in the State. This initiative aims to revitalize the state's economy and create employment opportunities for its youth population.

The agreement was formalized during a bilateral meeting between Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, held on the sidelines of the World Food Prize Foundation Dialogue 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America.

The discussion arose due to Plateau State's absence from the initial phases of the AfDB's initiative, which focuses on industrializing agricultural potential in African subnational entities.

Governor Mutfwang highlighted Plateau State's suitability for various agricultural ventures, citing its favorable climatic conditions. He emphasized the potential for improving agricultural products along the value chain, including potatoes, maize, wheat, yam, quinoa, soybeans, fruits, vegetables, exotic flowers, and various meat productions. These enhancements, he said, aim to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and increase farmers' earning capacities.

Governor Mutfwang expressed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments and ensuring the state's economic growth. 

Dr. Adesina on his part, praised the engagement and reaffirmed AfDB's dedication to developing the Special Agro Processing Zone in Plateau.

In addition to establishing the SAPZ, AfDB plans to provide capacity development for Plateau's human resources and integrate the state into other bank programs. Dr. Adesina underscored the significance of Plateau State's re-enlistment in the SAPZ plan, given its vast untapped agricultural potential.

The SAPZ initiative, with an investment of approximately one billion dollars, is part of AfDB's strategy to boost Africa's agro-economy. Nigeria's Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, reiterated Nigeria's commitment to the success of SAPZ during his session with Dr. Adesina, aligning with President Tinubu's renewed hope agenda.

Other notable attendees at the meeting included Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development; Prof Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Advisor to the President on Industrialization; Dr. Martin Fregene, Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry; Richard Uku, Senior Advisor to the AfDB President; and Monde Nyambe, AfDB Task Manager, among other high-ranking AfDB officials.


Gyang Bere  

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State  

31st October 2023

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more