By Salawu Nneka Patience
A high-level delegation from Kogi State is currently in Brazil on a strategic study tour designed to deepen the state’s adoption of modern agricultural technologies and strengthen ongoing food security initiatives. The mission focuses on learning from Brazil’s globally acclaimed successes in irrigation development, research-driven agriculture, and advanced farming systems.
The visit is facilitated by the University of Lincoln, London, in partnership with a private firm specializing in solar-powered irrigation solutions for Nigeria. This collaboration forms part of the state government’s broader agenda to modernize agriculture, promote technology-driven farming, and enhance productivity across key value chains.
As part of the engagements, the delegation visited EMBRAPA — the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. During the visit, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, held a high-level meeting with EMBRAPA’s International Director-General, Dr. Vinicius Pereira Guimarães, and his team.
Discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in advanced agricultural research, climate-smart technologies, expanded irrigation systems, and capacity-building initiatives for farmers in Kogi State. Commissioner Ojomah reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leveraging EMBRAPA’s globally recognized expertise to boost productivity and accelerate sustainable agricultural development.
The delegation also visited AIBA, a leading agricultural cooperative renowned for harnessing group synergies to build one of the world’s largest cotton processing and research institutions. The engagement provided valuable insights into how cooperative-led models can drive innovation, strengthen value chains, and promote large-scale agricultural industrialization.
Insights gathered from the study tour will guide Kogi State as it develops strategic partnerships and adopts proven global solutions capable of transforming its agricultural landscape. This initiative aligns strongly with the administration’s vision to empower farmers, expand irrigated agriculture, promote mechanization, and guarantee long-term food security for the state’s growing population.
