By PETER TITLE
In an effort towards driving economic growth to the next level, Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently joined prominent world leaders at the World Food Prize Foundation event, held at Des Moines, Lowa, United States of America.
According to a statement, by the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Gyang Bere, the gathering serves as a platform to explore sustainable solutions to food security challenges on a global scale, with a special focus on Africa.
Serving as a Special Guest of Honour, according to the release, Governor Mutfwang renewed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Plateau State’s economy by transforming its agricultural value chain.
He announced plans for an ambitious agricultural programme aimed at elevating food production, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable economic growth for the state.
He emphasized his administration’s political will to implement impactful initiatives designed to uplift the well-being of Plateau citizens and outlined ongoing efforts to foster peace, enhance security, and establish a business-friendly environment in Plateau State to attract both local and international investors.
Speaking on Africa’s agricultural potential, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), stressed the critical need for Africa to shift from food security to food sovereignty.
He threw more light on the bank’s Special Agro-Processing Zones project, saying it was a continental initiative that includes Plateau State as a key participant with the aim of streamlining agro value chains and boosting food production efficiency.
Other leaders in attendance included President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, President of the World Food Prize Foundation, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, and the 2023 Nobel Laureate Heidi Kühn, among others.
Their shared commitment, according to the statement, further underscored the collective resolve to enhance agricultural resilience and food independence across the continent.