Gombe’s Agricultural Drive Earns Inuwa Yahaya Top SAA Honour

Gombe’s Agricultural Drive Earns Inuwa Yahaya Top SAA Honour

By Jamila Muhammad

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has been recognised with a Special Award by the Sasakawa Africa Association for his administration’s strong commitment to agricultural development, food security and rural empowerment.

The honour was presented at the 2026 SAA Nigeria Annual Stakeholders’ Workshop held in Abuja, an event that drew key federal officials, development partners, diplomats and state representatives to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s food systems and building agricultural resilience.

The workshop, themed “SAA @ 40: Deepening Impact and Expanding Reach at Scale”, also marked four decades of the organisation’s interventions across Africa.

The organisers said the award reflects Gombe State’s consistent partnership with SAA and its results-driven approach to transforming agriculture. Over the years, the collaboration has supported smallholder farmers through improved extension services, climate-smart practices, enhanced productivity and better rural livelihoods.

Working with support from The Nippon Foundation, the state government has implemented several farmer-focused initiatives targeting food security, nutrition and inclusive agricultural growth, especially for women, youth and vulnerable farmers.

SAA Nigeria Country Director Dr Godwin Atser said the recognition was based on tangible impact and leadership.

According to him, the award highlights how purposeful governance and sustained investment can drive meaningful change in the agricultural sector. He noted that Gombe’s commitment to farmer-centred programmes demonstrates what is possible when political will aligns with practical action.

Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Director of Agriculture in the State Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr Ibrahim Sajo, expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to strengthen partnerships that directly benefit farmers.

He said the honour validates the state government’s deliberate focus on agriculture as a key pathway to economic growth, poverty reduction and long-term sustainability.

The partnership between Gombe State and SAA has delivered a range of interventions, including farmer learning platforms, community savings and investment schemes, private extension services and community-based seed multiplication programmes.

These initiatives have improved farmers’ access to modern techniques, quality inputs and markets, while strengthening local institutions and promoting collaboration among stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

With these outcomes, stakeholders say Gombe’s model continues to stand out as a strong example of how strategic partnerships can drive agricultural transformation and rural prosperity in Nigeria.