The Maize Association of Nigeria honors IITA for supporting the nation’s agriculture
11 April 2022
The Maize Association of Nigeria celebrated its 30th Anniversary on 21 March at Arewa Conference Hall in Kaduna. The Association presented numerous awards to Royal Highnesses, research, extension, and financial institutions, and seed and input suppliers. IITA was also given an award for supplying suitable technologies and rendering supportive services in agricultural development for sustainable food security in Nigeria.
This celebration took place when Nigeria recorded the highest level of maize production since its independence and unveiled the rejuvenated maize pyramids. Maize production increased from 914,000 tons (t) in 1960 to 11,600,000 t in 2021 with an annual growth rate of 178,570 t, making Nigeria the second largest maize producing country in Africa and the 14th largest producing country globally.
‘’This impressive achievement presents a shining example of the remarkable impact of years of investment from the Federal Government of Nigeria. It acknowledges the continuous involvement, dedication, and commitment of a multitude of research, development, financial, and other institutions; seed and input suppliers; and supportive government policies that other African countries can emulate,” said National President of the Association, Dr Bello Abubakar.
The Maize Association of Nigeria, established at the IITA conference center in 1991 to catalyze increased productivity of maize in farmers’ fields, has played an important role in achieving this impressive growth the country is currently experiencing. In a bid to continue improving, Abubakar said the Association would encourage maize farmers to adopt new varieties and learn new technologies to increase production. Succeeding in this would propel Nigeria to become a major maize exporter, putting the economy in a stronger position.
During the anniversary celebrations, the founders of the Association, Drs S.K. Kim and S.O. Ajala received awards in recognition of the pivotal role they played during the establishment of the Association and their significant contributions to the growth and achievements of the Association.
Contributed by Dr Abebe Menkir
