By Oiza Bello
Kogi State Government in collaboration with the Government of Hunan Province, China, has launched a three-week agricultural training programme for lecturers under the Lecturers Students Exchange Programme.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who received the first batch of participants in Lokoja, said the initiative marks the first tangible benefit of the Kogi Hunan partnership, which spans agriculture, mining, industrialization, and other developmental sectors of the state’s economy.
According to the governor, the training taking place at Hunan Agricultural University in Changsha City’s Furong District was focused on Heavy Metal Control and Prevention in Paddy Fields.
He explained that the programme was a direct outcome of his official visit to Hunan earlier this year, under the mutual economic cooperation agreement between Kogi State and the People’s Republic of China.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to harnessing the partnership to unlock Kogi’s agricultural and mineral resources, stimulate industrial growth, and promote sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Dr. Ajayi Joshua of the Faculty of Agriculture, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), described the programme as an eye-opening experience, adding that it provided exposure to advanced research methods and opportunities for collaboration with Hunan Agricultural University.
Dr. Joshua assured that participants would put the knowledge gained into practice to boost food safety, enhance public health, and strengthen Kogi’s position as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
The exchange initiative, which is part of the broader China Africa Economic and Trade Promotion (CAETP) and a Sister-City collaboration agreement, is also expected to pave the way for more research opportunities, agritech investments, and expanded academic exchanges between institutions in Kogi and Hunan Province.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
About The Author
