Members of the YDF and researchers in Abuja |
In his opening
speech, YIIFSWA Project Manager, Dr Norbert Maroya pointed out the importance
of yam and Nigeria’s role as the world highest producer of yam. He said that it
was paramount for research to improve yam productivity despite its challenges
to ensure food security in Africa and assured farmers and other
stakeholder of YIIFSWA’s support.
FOSCA Lead
Coordinator, Mr Fadel Ndiame commended the effort of the FCT yam farmers for
being the first YDF to be formally inaugurated and encouraged them to improve
the yam value chain in Nigeria and West Africa at large.
During his
goodwill remarks, the FCT Director of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
Abubakar Sani Pai called for concerted action from various partners to join
hands in empowering farmers through the promising YDF. He said that the MDGs
Unit of the FCT would support in postharvest technology to improve yam storage
and marketing.
The Council
Secretary, Mr Usman Yahaya inaugurated the 12-member committee and expressed
his appreciation for the YDF initiative.
In his
acceptance speech, the Chairman of the FCT YDF, Alhaji Yahaya Garba Gigbe on
behalf of his team, thanked the participants for the confidence reposed in them
and indicated their readiness to lead a productive YDF that would facilitate
constructive discussions to move the yam trade forward in the FCT and beyond.
In attendance also were the representatives
of the ADP Executive Director, FOSCA’s Lead Coordinator and Objective 2 Leader,
Mr Fadel Ndiame, YIIFSWA Seed Specialist and Objective 3 leader, Dr Beatrice
Aighewi, and NRI representative of Objective 4, Dr Louise Abayomi.
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