His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, marking a watershed moment in his administration’s efforts to promote agricultural development and food security in Sierra Leone. This visit demonstrates President Bio’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through his flagship initiative, “Feed Salone.”
Upon his arrival, President Bio was greeted warmly by Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Julius F. Sandy, along with officials from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and staff members from the Sierra Leone High Commission. The visit was made possible by an invitation from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria, which is well-known for its agricultural research and innovation.
In a significant first engagement, President Bio met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in agriculture, trade, and investment. President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s strong commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration in achieving food security and stimulating economic growth.
During his visit to Nigeria, President Bio plans to meet with the IITA to discuss innovative strategies for increasing agricultural productivity. By examining IITA’s successful models, he intends to adopt and customize best practices that will empower local farmers, enhance crop yields, and attract more investment into Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
This partnership has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural landscape in Sierra Leone, fostering inclusive economic development and playing a crucial role in combating hunger and poverty. Acknowledging the significance of research-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture, President Bio is eager to cultivate strong partnerships with key development stakeholders to further the objectives of “Feed Salone.”
