The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) held its 53rd Board meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 14 to 19, 2024. The meeting was attended by board members, along with the Country Directors from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali, and Uganda, the Director of Strategic Partnerships, and the Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation. This year’s agenda focused on reviewing and approving the 2025 Work Plan and budget, with initial discussions on SAA’s next  five-year strategy (2026–2030).

Beyond the formal boardroom discussion, the meeting stood out for its powerful integration of community engagement and hands-on insight into the impact of SAA’s projects. On October 15 and 16, the delegation, led by Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, SAA President, visited Nasarawa State. Governor Engr Abdullahi Sule warmly received the group, commending SAA for its contribution in cassava and rice value chain development which the governor noted were strategically aligned with his administration's agricultural development goals.

The delegation toured two rice value chain development centers, in Assakio and Agwatashi, funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These centers play a vital role in empowering local rice cooperatives by offering training, storage, processing and transportation facilities, helping farmers scale their operations and improve their livelihoods.

Dr. Kitanaka (center) and Dr. Godwin (left) with Assakio famer group

In Agabija village, the team witnessed how SAA has empowered women in nutrition and rice processing, equipped youth with skills and tools for spray service enterprises, and provided new technologies and market linkages to farm cooperatives. The tour also highlighted SAA’s work in Shabu, where SAA is demonstrating regenerative agriculture practices in cassava and maize intercropping. The team also visited  a cassava seed field managed by a cooperative supported by SAA and IITA under the BASICS-II Project. 

SAA Management team during a field visit to BASICS II Cassava field in Shabu Community

Every stop of the visit was marked by vibrant community celebrations. Local communities expressed their deep appreciation for SAA’s work through colorful displays, heartfelt gifts, and joyful performances, offering a testament to the life changing impact of these interventions. 

Despite the serious focus of the board meeting, the event had its lighter moments. A lively cocktail gathering at the Abuja Country Office in Garki, provided a refreshing break, allowing board members, management and staff to unwind and bond on a personal level. 
By the end of the meeting, it was clear that the combination of strategic deliberation and community interaction had strengthened the Board’s vison for the future. The insigts from the field visits, coupled with meaningful personal connections, made this year’s meeting in Abuja not only productive but also memorable.