…… Describing agricultural role as complimenting to economic diversification and employment.
Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural development as it hosted a high-level delegation from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) at the Deputy Governor’s Office.
The interactive session was under the auspices of the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, focused on leveraging modern agricultural technology to boost productivity and enhance food security in the region.
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Governor expressed appreciation for AATF’s visit, describing it as timely and essential for the advancement of agriculture in the Northeast, where over 80% of the population relies on farming. He emphasised that while agriculture ranks fourth among the state’s development priorities—after security, health, and education—it remains foundational due to its role in economic diversification and employment.
“Your presence here helps fill the gap left by the dwindling agricultural extension services. We deeply appreciate your effort to train our farmers and promote best practices in sustainable agriculture,” Dr. Jatau stated.
He further disclosed that Gombe is making strides toward becoming an agricultural hub, referencing developments at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Dadinkowa, where companies like Premier Seeds are setting up operations. “We welcome this move, as quality seed production is key to sustainable farming and increased yields,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the AATF delegation, Dr Kayode Sanni, AATF Team Leader from Nairobi, Kenya, acknowledged the longstanding discussions between the Foundation and Gombe State. He praised the state’s commitment to food security and stressed the importance of building sustainable partnerships through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Sanni outlined the Foundation’s mission since its establishment in 2003 to serve as a technology broker for African farmers, most of whom are smallholders. He highlighted AATF’s innovative efforts, including the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), agricultural mechanisation, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence to drive productivity.
“We are starting in Gombe with the aim of expanding across other states. Our drought-tolerant and insect-resistant seeds can significantly raise maize yields from 2-3 tonnes per hectare to 6-7 tonnes,” he explained.
Dr Sylvester Oikeh of AATF further elaborated on these innovations through a visual presentation, showcasing data and imagery that underscored the potential of emerging agricultural technologies.
Earlier in the event, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor and Permanent Secretary at the Government House, Professor Mu’azu Shehu welcomed the AATF team. He noted that the visit aligns with Gombe State’s broader agricultural agenda, which includes collaboration with Michigan State University through the Bill Gates Foundation.
He emphasised that the ongoing development of an agricultural hub at the Dadinkowa Industrial Park, along with plans to establish a Faculty of Agriculture at the state university, positions Gombe as a future centre for agricultural education and value chain development.
The session concluded with a renewed sense of optimism and mutual commitment to driving agricultural transformation across the region, starting with Gombe State—truly, the Jewel in the Savannah.
