KOSCEPA Seeks Strategic Partnership With Federal University Lokoja on Agriculture, Export Development

The Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA) has proposed a strategic partnership with Federal University Lokoja aimed at advancing agricultural research, commodity development, student training, and export promotion in Kogi State.

The proposal was presented during a courtesy visit by the agency to the university on April 23, 2026.

Leading the delegation, the Director General of Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency, Adewale Victor Omofaiye, said the collaboration is designed to create a practical link between academic knowledge and economic opportunities within the agricultural sector.

According to him, the proposed partnership covers six key areas, including joint research and data development on crop yields, soil analysis, and mineral resources; capacity building through workshops and professional training on commodity grading and export procedures; internship opportunities for students at commodity markets; and enterprise support to connect university-driven agro-processing innovations with investors and export channels.

Other areas highlighted include plantation development involving the cultivation of high-value economic trees on university-owned land, as well as the commercialization of research outputs through KOSCEPA’s commodity and export market networks.

Omofaiye also proposed the establishment of a joint implementation team to develop programmes, define timelines, and coordinate responsibilities between both institutions.

“The goal is clear — to build a working relationship that connects knowledge with opportunity,” he stated.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, welcomed the initiative and described it as a timely intervention capable of strengthening the university’s agricultural and economic development agenda.

He disclosed that a community in Yagba West had recently donated about 500 hectares of land to the university for agricultural purposes, noting that the proposed collaboration could help maximize the economic value of the land.

According to him, the university’s long-term vision extends beyond environmental beautification to the deliberate cultivation of economically valuable trees and sustainable agricultural projects capable of benefiting future generations.

“Part of my vision is to develop green areas in this university, but not just by planting trees. We must deliberately plant economically viable trees so that those who come after us will benefit from what we are building today,” he said.

The meeting reflects growing efforts by institutions and government agencies to strengthen partnerships that promote innovation, agricultural productivity, youth empowerment, and economic diversification in Nigeria.