By joshua KOCCIMA PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT FOR AAWDI INTERNATIONAL AGRIC, TECH & BUSINESS EXPO 2026
…Chamber President Says Partnership Will Unlock Kogi’s Agric Potential, Drive Investment and Food Sufficiency
The Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA) has pledged its full support and strategic partnership with the AAWDI – Family Farmers for Food Sufficiency Initiative ahead of the AAWDI International Agric, Tech & Business Expo 2026.
The commitment was made on Wednesday, 9th September 2026, when the leadership of AAWDI, led by its National Coordinator, Hajia Rekiya Amedu, paid a courtesy visit to the KOCCIMA Secretariat in Lokoja.
The delegation was warmly received by the President of KOCCIMA, Dr. Dameloye Akerejola, and other members of the Chamber’s Executive Council.
Discussions centered on an overview of AAWDI’s activities and its forthcoming AAWDI International Agric, Tech & Business Expo 2026, themed: “Transforming Agriculture Through Technology, Investment and Integrated Value Chain.”
The meeting also explored areas of collaboration between AAWDI and KOCCIMA to ensure the success of the 2026 Expo, as well as future partnerships on agricultural development, technology adoption, investment drive and business growth programmes.
Addressing the delegation, Dr. Akerejola described agriculture as the bedrock of economic prosperity and job creation, noting that KOCCIMA remains committed to building strategic partnerships that promote agricultural development, private-sector growth, investment opportunities, food sufficiency and sustainable economic development in Kogi State and Nigeria.
“Kogi State is blessed with vast arable land, human capital and a strategic location. Under my leadership, KOCCIMA will work to bring these potentials to the fore and position our farmers and agribusinesses to benefit from national and global opportunities,” he said.
The KOCCIMA President assured AAWDI of the Chamber’s readiness to mobilize its members, provide technical support, facilitate investment linkages, and create market access platforms for exhibitors at the Expo.
“This Expo aligns perfectly with our mandate. KOCCIMA will not only support it, we will own it as a flagship platform to showcase what Kogi has to offer. We assure you of our cooperation, our network, and our commitment to making the 2026 Expo a huge success,” Dr. Akerejola stated.
He further urged stakeholders to leverage technology and value chain integration to address post-harvest losses, improve productivity, and attract both local and foreign investors into the agricultural sector.
In her remarks, the National Coordinator of AAWDI, Hajia Rekiya Amedu, expressed appreciation to KOCCIMA for the warm reception and reiterated the vision of the Expo.
She noted that machinery has been put in place to host a world-class event that will bring together farmers, investors, policymakers, technology providers and financial institutions under one roof.
“This Expo is more than an event. It is a movement to transform agriculture from subsistence to a profitable, technology-driven enterprise. It will create jobs, empower women and youth, and guarantee food security for our nation,” Hajia Amedu said.
She solicited the support of KOCCIMA in mobilizing agribusinesses, SMEs and investors across Kogi State, adding that the Chamber’s credibility and reach will be critical to the success of the fair.
“We are here to build a partnership that delivers results. With KOCCIMA’s support, we are confident that the AAWDI Expo 2026 will set a new standard for agricultural exhibitions in Nigeria and beyond,” she added.
The visit ended with both parties agreeing to set up a joint planning committee to coordinate KOCCIMA’s participation and ensure robust private-sector representation at the Expo.