The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has been named Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development in Rome, Italy.
In his acceptance speech at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council Meeting, Sen. Kyari pledged to lead with impartiality, inclusiveness, and strategic focus, aiming to foster consensus, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and uphold the institution’s integrity and credibility.
“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,” he stated.
A press release from the Ministry, signed by Head of Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, quoted the Minister further, “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.”
Sen. Kyari also reaffirmed his commitment to IFAD’s mission, emphasizing the importance of delivering tangible, transformative outcomes for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women, and vulnerable communities worldwide.
“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 noted.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and bold dedication to agricultural transformation and food security, highlighting Nigeria’s strong role in global development cooperation.
“His resolve to reposition agriculture as the backbone of prosperity and stability continues to inspire our engagement on the international stage,” Sen. Kyari said.
Reiterating the responsibilities of the Governing Council, he stated, “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. These are not routine tasks; they are defining responsibilities that require unity of purpose, discipline of thought, and courage of conviction.”
He also commended the leadership and professionalism that underpin IFAD’s global work, “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 recognize 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.”
Addressing the current challenges facing global food systems, including climate shocks, economic volatility, conflict, and demographic change, Sen. Kyari assured that collective efforts would drive innovation, strengthen partnerships, and 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 concluded.
