Outgoing ambassador visits Burkina Faso

David G. Bala, outgoing ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Burkina Faso, gave a farewell address Friday at the African Union's Semi-Arid Food Grains Research and Development (AU SAFGRAD) project office in Burkina Faso.

Bala spoke about the importance of agriculture to the continent of Africa and encouraged AU SAFGRAD coordinator Ahmed Elemekass to continue working on regional integration as Africa moves toward sustained agricultural development.

“Although I am not a part of Burkina Faso government, but as an African, I appreciate your achievements here in Burkina Faso, our host country,” Elmekass said.

Elmekass discussed AU SAFGRAD's past and upcoming programs with Bala in addition to possible opportunities for African nations to participate in the Strategic Agricultural Commodities value chain development.

Bala said AU membership had unified Sub-Saharan African nations and that AU's commitment to peace and prosperity would allow the AU SAFGRAD initiatives to move forward.