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ABUJA – Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has been appointed Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Delivering his acceptance speech at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council Meeting held in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday, Kyari pledged his commitment towards an impartial, inclusive and strategically focused administration that will foster consensus, deepen multilateral cooperation, and uphold the integrity and credibility of the Institution.
He said: “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”
Kyari reaffirmed his commitment to IFAD’s mandate, “to ensure that IFAD remains financially robust, policy-driven, and relentlessly impact-focused, delivering measurable, transformative outcomes for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women, and vulnerable communities across continents”.
He appreciated Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, whose visionary leadership and bold commitment to agricultural transformation and food security have positioned Nigeria as a steadfast champion of global development cooperation, noting that “His resolve to reposition agriculture as the backbone of prosperity and stability continues to inspire our engagement on the international stage.
“I am equally indebted to His Excellency, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and to the distinguished members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Economic Council, and the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, whose collective wisdom and support underscore Nigeria’s enduring belief in multilateralism, solidarity, and shared progress,” he said
He also thanked the outgoing IFAD Chairman, Christophe Schiltz, for his distinguished stewardship of the Council, noting that “His leadership and dedication have strengthened our collective resolve and advanced IFAD’s mission at a critical time for global food systems”
The Minister restated his commitment to the Governing Council, as IFAD’s supreme decision-making authority, emphasizing that “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”.
According to him, “These are not routine tasks; they are defining responsibilities that require unity of purpose, discipline of thought, and courage of conviction.”
He commended the dedicated leadership and professionalism that underpin IFAD’s work globally.
“I extend my appreciation to the President of IFAD, His Excellency Álvaro Lario, the Vice President, Her Excellency Gerardine Mukeshimana, the Secretary of the Fund, Dr. Claudia Ten, as well as the senior management and the entire IFAD team.
“I also recognise the invaluable work of IFAD’s country offices and field teams across all regions, whose tireless engagement continues to translate policy into impact and deliver meaningful results for rural communities,” Kyari said.
He acknowledged that global food systems in the entire continent are currently under immense pressure from climate shocks, economic volatility, conflict, and demographic change, but assured that with collective determination, innovation will be accelerated, and 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 added.
