IAA Chief of Party, Prakash Kant Silwal (center), led the IITA team that received Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Masudur Rahman (second from left), and his team. Photo Credit: IITA
By Joke Fayemi, January 13, 2023, The Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Masudur Rahman, and his team paid a visit to the IITA–CGIAR office in Abuja on 21 December. The visit aimed to establish bilateral ties with Nigeria through IITA.
The High Commissioner was received by the Integrated Agriculture Activity (IAA) Chief of Party, Prakash Kant Silwal; Executive Manager of Innovative Youth in Agriculture (I-Youth), Aline Mugisho; IITA Research Associate, Alhebhoria Daniel; and IITA Field Security Coordinator, Captain Palash Abul-Kawsher (rtd).
IAA Chief of Party, Prakash Kant Silwal (center), led the IITA team that received Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Masudur Rahman (second from left), and his team.
In his remarks, Rahman said collaboration in digital agriculture and agribusiness is possible between the two countries. “Nigeria and Bangladesh have a long-standing relationship. We have been partnering in different areas, including education and sports. Setting up a virtual interaction program between scientists at IITA and Bangladeshi businessmen and technology entrepreneurs would benefit both countries immensely,” he said. According to him, a partnership in agriculture will be another compelling avenue through which diplomacy between the countries can be cemented.
Responding to the High Commissioner, Silwal highlighted the role of IITA in transforming African agriculture, emphasizing how the Institute, through IAA, supports smallholder farmers in Nigeria’s northeast. He also highlighted the market approach and seed system as it relates to the seven focus crops of the Activity and how the IAA boasts countless success stories.
The I-Youth Executive Manager explained how IITA’s passion for empowering young people through agriculture continues to strengthen youth economically in 28 African countries. She said IITA, through I-Youth, has mobilized projects worth millions of dollars for young people on the continent.
The IITA team would follow up on the request and work out possible collaboration arrangements.
