TheCable

The Kwara state government has signed two major agreements with the French government on a strategic partnership involving the use of an innovation hub for knowledge transfer as well as development of the Lata grazing reserve for large-scale livestock production.

On Tuesday, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of the state, signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, while Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, the French minister of state for development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, signed the deal for the French side at a brief ceremony in Ilorin, the state capital.

The ceremony was witnessed by several officials including Kayode Alabi, deputy governor; Emmanuelle Blatmann, French ambassador to Nigeria; Samuela Isopi, EU ambassador; Yakubu Danladi Salihu, house of assembly speaker, and some lawmakers-elect.

The MoU signing was followed by a brief inspection of the Dolby Studio-fitted Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, one of AbdulRazaq’s signature projects, which seeks to promote the creative industry using cutting-edge technology.

The French team was conducted round the Visual Arts Centre by Studio Contra’s Jefferey Ajei, who spoke on the varying facilities installed and the benefits they are meant to serve.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Zacharopoulou said she’s impressed by what she has seen in Kwara, calling the state a hub of human capital development and praising the governor for his fine initiatives on education, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion policy.

She also said the Kwara State Agricultural Transformation Plan is a big boost for development in the state.

“French President Emanuel Macron is committed to partnerships with Nigeria and particularly Kwara state, which is a major hub for human capital development. We share the same values with Your Excellency. Our president has strong affection for this country and the Nigerian people,” she said.

“So, I can feel the energy, creativity, and the potential that this (state) offers. I look forward to discovering them with my visit. But today, agriculture is my main priority.

“In our relations with the African continent, we want to move beyond the state to state relations and develop links and develop ties between people. We want politicians to be involved and develop what is called people to people relationship. We want to work together. We want to learn from you as you are going to learn from us. This is a big challenge. The challenges are common, and the solutions will be common.

“I am very happy and honoured to sign these important pacts with the governor for agriculture and cultural industry. The first partnership that we will sign is related to agriculture because France is a major agriculture country. We have major expertise in this field, and we are willing to support all partners to strengthen agricultural production. We know that your country, in particular this region, is confronted with the issue of climate change just like around the world.

“We know that you have a big ambition through your agricultural transformation plan, and this plan could make a major contribution to livestock development, job creation, and living standards. It could also greatly contribute to peaceful coexistence and can also become a model for other states. So, we are delighted to support you on this matter.

“The French Development Agency invests a lot in rural infrastructure in this region. I am very happy with this signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding between the government of Kwara state and the French consulting company BRLI, which kicks off partnership in the modernisation of Lata Grazing Reserve.

“This project will strengthen effort to improve milk and meat production as well as livestock productivity and marketing of these products. It will also improve the quality and quantity of animal feeds and water. It will improve animal health. It will contribute to the improvement of the agriculture output of Kwara State and the lives of its citizens.”