The Gambia to partner Benue in agriculture

FOLLOWING Governor Gabriel Suswam’s five-day working visit to The Gambia as member of the Federal Government’s delegation its 50th Independence anniversary, the Benue State Government will enter a wide-range agricultural partnership with the country.

   A statement yesterday by his Director on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. James Uloko noted that Suswam had extensive discussions with The Gambian President, Dr. Yahaya Jammeh, with specific attention to agricultural development between both parties during the visit.

   Noting that agriculture contributes a greater percentage to Gambia’s Gross Domestic Product, it added that as an essentially agricultural country, the nation has a lot in common with Benue State.

   Suswam maintained that while Benue has a lot to learn from The Gambia’s expertise in large scale groundnut cultivation, which currently serves as its largest export, the country could also benefit greatly from Benue’s tradition of large scale yam and soya beans cultivation.

   Other areas of partnership would include technical exchange on agricultural education and cooperation on industrial development under the auspices of ECOWAS community.