The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has said that robust and proactive partnerships among Africa states would strengthen the agrifood system, fast-track development, and achieve food security.
The Minister made this known the Closing session at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week and 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), held in Abuja on Thursday, 30th July 2026.
Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi advised that Africa governments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to translate commitments into concrete actions.
He urged them to deepen science-driven partnerships capable of delivering food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
He revealed that the four-day gathering had demonstrated the continent’s collective resolve to harness science, innovation and collaboration as the foundation for transforming Africa’s agrifood systems.
In his words, “Abuja has not merely hosted another conference; together, we have written another important chapter in the history of African agricultural transformation.”
He emphasized the need to sustain the momentum generated during the Assembly by translating its outcomes into concrete actions, strategic partnerships and measurable impact across Africa’s agricultural sector.
“The conversations that began here must not end here. The partnerships established in Abuja must mature into collaborative research, stronger institutions, increased investment and measurable impact in the lives of our farmers. Africa cannot afford fragmented efforts. Our future depends on collective action,” he added.
The Minister described FARA as one of Africa’s foremost continental institutions, commending its role in connecting Regional Research Organizations, National Agricultural Research Systems, universities, CGIAR Centres, farmer organizations, the private sector and development partners into a dynamic innovation ecosystem that promotes regional collaboration and ensures that research delivers practical benefits to farmers and agribusinesses.
He applauded participants for the rich scientific exchanges, policy dialogues, technology demonstrations, youth innovation showcases, and strategic engagements that characterized the Assembly.
He noted that these outcomes reaffirm Africa’s vast reservoir of knowledge, innovation, and institutional capacity to drive agricultural transformation.
Sen. Abdullahi appreciated FARA’s strong governance culture, describing the peaceful transition to a new Board of Directors as a reflection of the institution’s maturity, transparency and accountability.
He congratulated the newly elected Chairperson and members of the Board, urging them to consolidate existing gains by strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing FARA’s position as Africa’s leading voice for agricultural research and innovation.
The Minister paid tribute to the outgoing Board, the Executive Director and the Secretariat for their outstanding leadership. He also expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the African Union Commission, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Regional Research Organizations, CGIAR Centers, Federal Ministries, development partners, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, security agencies, members of the media and the various organizing committees for their invaluable contributions to the successful hosting of the Assembly.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting the vision and mandate of FARA. He also expressed confidence that the resolutions of the General Assembly would accelerate the implementation of the CAADP Kampala Declaration and Agenda 2063, while advancing the shared goal of building a food-secure, resilient and prosperous Africa.
Earlier, while delivering his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairperson of the Board of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, expressed appreciation to the General Assembly for the confidence reposed in him to serve over the next three years. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to strengthening agricultural research and innovation, deepening strategic partnerships, enhancing food security, and mobilizing resources and investments to advance FARA’s mandate.
He stated that his tenure would be driven by a determination to translate FARA’s vision into tangible results by fostering resilient and prosperous food systems, promoting the empowerment of youth and women, improving livelihoods, and strengthening resilience to climate change, in line with the aspirations of the CAADP Kampala Declaration.
Dr. Bagabe further emphasized that continuous improvement, excellence and measurable results, would remain the hallmarks of his leadership. He pledged to faithfully deliver on the mandate entrusted to him and position FARA as an even stronger catalyst for agricultural transformation across Africa.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the new FARA Board of Directors, namely; Mark Bagabe as FARA, Chairperson, Aggrey Agumya, FARA’s Executive Director, Sylvester D. Baguma, Dagmore Tawonezyi, Adel Abdel Azim, Moumini Savadogo, Simon Ehui, Philip Boahen, Kennedy Ayason, Anthony Boateng , Judith Ngang and Hortense, marking a new chapter in the organization’s leadership.
Obe M. Mabel
Assistant Chief Information Officer
For: Head, Department of Information
30/07/2026
