Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani had a strategic engagement yesterday with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The discussions primarily centered around financing for agriculture and the launch of the Special Agro Processing Zone (SAP-Z), a key project between the Kaduna State Government and AfDB.
Governor Sani emphasized the importance of the SAP-Z, which aims to provide essential infrastructure such as land, roads, power, and security, to boost agricultural production in the state. The Special Agro Processing Zone is designed to create larger markets for farmers and foster greater value addition to agricultural products.
“We are excited about the partnership with the African Development Bank on the Special Agro Processing Zone, which will revolutionize agriculture in our state,” said Governor Sani. “This initiative will offer a bigger market for our farmers, increase production, and add more value to the agricultural products we produce in Kaduna.”
During the meeting, Governor Sani also took the opportunity to wish Dr. Akinwumi Adesina a happy 65th birthday. He praised Dr. Adesina for his exceptional leadership at the AfDB, which has played a critical role in transforming Africa’s economy and driving sustainable development.
“Dr. Adesina’s visionary leadership at the African Development Bank has been instrumental in driving economic transformation, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainable development across Africa,” Governor Sani said. “As this great son of Nigeria celebrates his birthday, we pray the Almighty God to bless him with good health, happiness, and the strength to continue inspiring Africans.”
The meeting underscored the deepening partnership between the Kaduna State Government and the AfDB, which is expected to bring significant benefits to the state’s agricultural sector and economic development. The SAP-Z is expected to serve as a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria and other African nations.