From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
President of the African Development Bank(ADB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has disclosed that Kaduna State is leading the way as the first to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Nigeria.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House yesterday Dr. Adesina praised Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to agricultural transformation.
The ADB president cited the Kaduna State’s remarkable budgetary increase for agriculture, from N1.4 billion to N74 billion, adding that the increase is an example of political will backed by substantial investment.
“You didn’t just put your money where your mouth is—you put your money where your mind and your body are,” Adesina remarked, drawing applause from stakeholders and dignitaries present.
According to him, ‘’Kaduna’s leadership on this project reflects not just a vision for food security, but a roadmap for economic prosperity and inclusive development.”
Dr Adesina further described Kaduna as a trailblazer, noting that, “you are the first state to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Nigeria. This is a great day for us all.”
The AfDB president also commended the state’s hospitality, adding that “not only did we get hospitality here in Kaduna, I think we got maternity too—because your Deputy Governor is a medical doctor”
Dr. Adesina emphasized the AfDB’s commitment to supporting Kaduna State in expanding school feeding programs and integrating them with the new processing zones.
He pledged additional support for primary health care improvements, health insurance, and infrastructure, including water, sanitation, and digitalization.
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