The Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Masudur Rahman, and his team paid a visit to the IITA–CGIAR office in Abuja on 21 December. The visit aimed to establish bilateral ties with Nigeria through IITA. The High Commissioner was received by the Integrated Agriculture Activity (IAA) Chief of Party, Prakash Kant Silwal; Executive Manager of Innovative Youth in Agriculture (I-Youth), Aline Mugisho; IITA Research Associate, Alhebhoria Daniel; and IITA Field Security Coordinator, Captain Palash Abul-Kawsher (rtd).
In his remarks, Rahman said collaboration in digital agriculture and agribusiness is possible between the two countries. “Nigeria and Bangladesh have a long-standing relationship. We have been partnering in different areas, including education and sports. Setting up a virtual interaction program between scientists at IITA and Bangladeshi businessmen and technology entrepreneurs would benefit both countries immensely,” he said. According to him, a partnership in agriculture will be another compelling avenue through which diplomacy between the countries can be cemented.