Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday hosted the President of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Shuichi Suzuki, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to deepen collaboration in advancing agricultural growth and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria and Africa.
Obasanjo commended the organisation for its longstanding commitment to agricultural development and food security, urging African leaders to emulate SAA’s consistency in investing in the sector.
“African leaders need to emulate SAA by sustaining investments in agriculture. Continuity is essential for genuine agricultural transformation,” Obasanjo said.
Suzuki explained that his visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of Nigeria, aimed at strengthening SAA’s engagement in the country’s agricultural sector.
“Beyond oil and gas, Nigeria’s greatest assets are its agriculture and youthful population,” Suzuki said, expressing optimism about the sector’s potential to drive economic diversification and inclusive growth.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to support smallholder farmers, promote sustainable food systems, and accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.
SAA Country Director in Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Atser, described the visit as strategic, noting that it offered Suzuki an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, challenges, and the association’s ongoing impact.
“SAA has reached about 20 million farmers in Nigeria through innovative extension models over the last three decades.
“Yet, there is still more to be done to expand our reach and impact,” Atser said.
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Tokyo, Sasakawa Africa Association focuses on agricultural extension and smallholder farmer development.
With offices in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mali, and Uganda, it has operated in Nigeria since 1992, partnering with governments and development agencies to promote climate-smart farming, strengthen extension services, and empower rural communities.
Before visiting Obasanjo, Suzuki met with Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Suzuki Hideo; Director of Extension, Federal Department of Extension, Olawumi Ayodele; and IFAD Country Director, Ms. Dede Ekoue, in Abuja.
This visit marks Suzuki’s first official trip to Nigeria since assuming leadership of SAA.
He brings decades of international experience from Sumitomo Corporation, where he held senior executive roles in Baghdad, Singapore, Paris, and London, and later led the company’s Energy Division, promoting global sustainability initiatives.
After retiring from Sumitomo in 2019, Suzuki continued to champion responsible resource management as Advisor and Counselor to the company’s Mineral Resources and Chemicals Business Unit and as Chairman of GYXIS Corporation.
