Tinubu Reacts as Prominent Minister Abubakar Kyari Wins International Election
- Abubakar Kyari, has been elected chairperson of the governing council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security rose to IFAD’s highest decision-making body after previously serving as vice-chair of the council
- Following the feat, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a congratulatory message to Senator Kyari, expressing confidence in his leadership
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, governance and public affairs in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, on his emergence as the new chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
This is according to a statement on Tuesday evening, February 10, by Bayo Onanuga, one of the presidential spokespersons, cited by The Cable.
Source: Facebook
Senator Kyari was unanimously elected to head the 49th governing council of IFAD, the international body's supreme decision-making authority.
President Tinubu remarked, according to The Nation:
"The election of the Agriculture and Food Security minister is a confidence vote in his capacity and the reforms he spearheads in Nigeria's agriculture and food security value chain.
"I have confidence that Senator Kyari will give IFAD the right leadership and deepen its relevance and impact, especially at a time of global food security crises."
The statement said President Tinubu wished Kyari a successful, impactful tenure as he takes the reins.
IFAD backs young rural entrepreneurs
Meanwhile, the 49th session of the IFAD Governing Council underscored the critical role of young entrepreneurs in reshaping global food systems and strengthening food security and stability.
Currently, 1.3 billion young people make up the largest generation in history. Half live in rural areas in developing countries where investment gaps have created an “opportunity deficit” that hinders their full economic potential.
Source: Twitter
Guest speaker Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, and prominent African entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, said:
“Agriculture is not just a livelihood – it is a strategic resource that feeds our towns and cities, powers rural economies and sustains communities. We cannot grow Africa without power and we cannot grow Africa without food.
“When we invest in young entrepreneurs, we do not just support individuals – we strengthen communities, reduce poverty, create jobs, and enable rural communities to grow from within.”
Nearing its 50th anniversary and on the eve of the launch of the Fund’s fourteenth replenishment consultations, IFAD said it is renewing its partnerships with rural communities, governments and the private sector to achieve measurable, lasting results.
Read more on Abubakar Kyari:
- Coalition commends Agric minister, Kyari over 'transparent' fertilizers distribution, others
- Amid strong rumours of Senator Adamu's resignation, Kyari takes over APC's NWC
Tinubu's policies drive food prices down
Legit.ng earlier reported that food prices across Nigeria fell following a series of government interventions, according to Kyari.
The minister said the policies of President Tinubu are beginning to ease the pressure on household budgets after months of soaring costs.
Kyari explained that the administration adopted a dual approach of boosting local production while allowing temporary imports to stabilise the market, adding that the strategy was necessary to correct long-standing structural weaknesses in the agricultural sector and to ensure immediate food availability.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
