Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has been appointed Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, head, department of information in the ministry.
According to the statement, Mr Kyari in his acceptance speech, at the 49th session of the IFAD governing council meeting in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday pledged to lead with impartiality, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight, focusing on fostering consensus, deepening multilateral cooperation, and upholding IFAD’s integrity and credibility.
“It is with profound humility and an abiding sense of duty that I accept the honour to serve as chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development. I thank you for the trust you have placed in me, and accept it with a full awareness of the responsibility it carries.
“I receive this mandate not merely as a personal distinction, but as a solemn obligation to the millions of rural women and men whose hopes rest on the decisions we take in this chamber.
“I pledge to discharge this duty with impartiality, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight. I will work tirelessly to foster consensus, deepen multilateral cooperation, and uphold the integrity and credibility of this great institution,” Mr Kyari said.
He emphasised IFAD’s crucial role in supporting smallholder farmers, rural youth, women, and vulnerable communities worldwide.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, for his commitment to agricultural transformation and food security, positioning Nigeria as a champion of global development cooperation.
“His resolve to reposition agriculture as the backbone of prosperity and stability continues to inspire our engagement on the international stage.”
The minister also thanked outgoing IFAD Chairman, Christophe Schiltz, for his leadership and dedication.
“His leadership and dedication have strengthened our collective resolve and advanced IFAD’s mission at a critical time for global food systems,” he said.
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He assured that IFAD would remain financially robust, policy-driven, and impact-focused, delivering transformative outcomes for rural communities.
“We are entrusted with shaping the policies that guide rural transformation, safeguarding the financial strength of this institution, appointing its leadership, admitting new members, and approving the strategic direction that defines its global impact.”
He acknowledged that global food systems in the entire continent are presently under immense pressure from climate shocks, economic volatility, conflict, and demographic change, but assured that with collective determination, innovation will be accelerated, partnerships strengthened to ensure that no rural community is left behind.
“Together, we shall advance bold and forward-looking policies that empower farmers, enhance resilience, unlock rural enterprise, and secure sustainable global food systems for generations to come.
“I look forward to working hand in hand with all member states to further strengthen IFAD’s noble mandate and to build upon its proud legacy of impact, partnership, and hope,” he said.
