WACOT Rice Limited Holds Close-Out Event to Mark the End of Trade Hub Partnership

By Michael Adaji

WACOT Rice Limited (WACOT) recently held a closing out ceremony to celebrate the successful conclusion of its co-investment partnership with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (Trade Hub). The event, which marked three years of dynamic collaboration, took place on February 13, 2024, at Fraser Suites Abuja.

Among the distinguished guests at the event were Mr. Attahiru Maccido, Chief of Staff and representative of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State; Mr. Farouk Gumel, Chairman of WACOT; Senator Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister for Budget and Planning; His Royal Highness, Samaila Muhammed Mera, the Emir of Argungu; and Ms. Sara Werth, Deputy Mission Director of USAID/Nigeria, who represented the Mission Director, Ms. Melissa Jones.

Mr. Maccido expressed the Kebbi State Government's interest in replicating the success of the partnership across all local government areas of the state, stating, "This program which closes out today is one which the Kebbi State Government is beginning to learn from, therefore, we have asked our policy makers and implementers to engage with WACOT to see how we can replicate this across all the local governments areas of our State."

Farmers from WACOT's outgrower program also shared their personal testimonies at the event, highlighting how the partnership had positively impacted their lives. The Emir of Argungu, HRH Samaila Muhammed Mera, expressed his gratitude for the program, stating, "The program has changed the fortunes of our farmers for better and created jobs for young people who now enjoy direct incomes. Also, the transfer of new knowledge and skills will go a long way towards ensuring food security."

The event featured a panel discussion on "Leveraging Private Sector Partnerships for Inclusive Growth," moderated by Ms. Evelyn Ayivor, Senior Trade and Investment Advisor at USAID/Nigeria. Ms. Werth concluded the event by commending the achievements of the partnership and expressing optimism for future collaborations, saying, "We are very proud of all the achievements that have been completed and all of the determination and commitment from the leadership here today to deliver these results. Again, we want to celebrate this partnership and look forward to future collaborations."

The success of the Trade Hub-WACOT partnership in various areas underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing job creation, smallholder livelihoods, and food security amidst challenges such as the pandemic and climate change.