Nigeria has made history on the global development stage as Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations agency dedicated to transforming rural livelihoods and ending hunger worldwide.
This landmark achievement positions Nigeria at the centre of global decision-making on food security, rural development, and smallholder farmer empowerment, at a time when the world is grappling with climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
Accepting the responsibility, Senator Kyari described the role as a solemn duty to millions of rural women and men, saying it is “an obligation to those whose hopes depend on the decisions of IFAD’s Governing Council,” which serves as the institution’s highest decision-making body, responsible for shaping policies, safeguarding IFAD’s financial strength, and guiding its strategic direction.
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He also paid tribute to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food security has strengthened Nigeria’s voice on the global stage. Senator Kyari further acknowledged the collective support of Nigeria’s leadership and institutions, which he said have been instrumental in advancing the country’s renewed agricultural diplomacy.