KANI hosted a meeting with the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Tanaka Akihiko, and senior JICA officials in Abuja on 9 October 2024, during his visit to Nigeria. KANI presented its annual report and Newsletter, members described their work, and KANI shared three priorities: stronger advanced Japanese-language support for ABE Initiative participants, more funding for KANI activities, and support for projects of mutual benefit in agriculture, infrastructure and foreign direct investment.
Meeting with the JICA President at a glance
| Item | Detail |
| Event | KANI meeting with the President of JICA |
| Date | 9 October 2024 |
| Venue | Relais Hotel, 12 Charles de Gaulle Street, Asokoro, Abuja |
| Guest | Dr Tanaka Akihiko, President of JICA |
What is the ABE Initiative, and why does JICA meet its alumni?
The ABE Initiative is JICA’s programme that enables African graduates to study at Japanese universities and gain experience with Japanese companies. JICA meets alumni associations such as KANI to learn how returning scholars use what they learned and where more support is needed.
What happened at the meeting?
KANI’s presentation
The KANI President presented the Association’s annual report and the KANI Newsletter. KANI members then described their work. Members from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Seed Commission, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission and the Federal Ministry of Finance spoke about consultancy and market research they have carried out for Japanese companies, and about business links they have built with Japanese firms.
Meeting Attendance
Our meeting began in earnest at 4:30pm on the arrival of his excellency amidst heavy rains. The meeting started with introduction of guests in attendance who included
- His Excellency the President of JICA worldwide, Dr TANAKA Akihiko
- Chief Secretary, Office of the President of JICA, Mr OTSUKA Takuya
- Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria office, Mr YUZURIO Susumu
- Senior Deputy Director General for Africa 1 and 2, Africa Department, UCHIDA Kumiko
- Senior Representative JICA Nigeria, Mr YAMAMOTO Tetsuya
- Project Formulation Advisor, KONAN Saori
- Program Coordinator, Power and Infrastructure Dr ZARMA Ismaila
- Program Coordinator, ABE/SDG and Education, JICA Nigeria, NWANYA Stephen –
KANI Members
- KANI President, Deputy Director Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems
Dr SARUMOH M. Bolu
- KANI Lagos Coordinator, Design Associate, Mixta Africa. Mrs OYEBANJI Bukky Shobajo
- Former KANI Financial Secretary, National Communication Commission. Ms ARAKA Nkechi
- KANI member, National Seed Commission. Mr ONWUKA Charles
- KANI member. Assistant Chief Investment Officer. Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission. IBRAHIM Muhammed
- KANI member. Chief System Analyst Federal Ministry of Finance. Mr ZAKARI AbdulShakur
The three priorities KANI shared
- Advanced Japanese-language support for ABE Initiative participants.
- More funding for KANI activities.
- Support for projects of mutual benefit in agriculture, infrastructure and foreign direct investment.
What do the priorities mean for ABE alumni?
- Language: Stronger Japanese-language training would help alumni work with Japanese companies after they return.
- Funding: Additional funding would allow KANI to run more training programmes such as the aquaponics and solar programmes.
- Projects: Joint projects in agriculture and infrastructure would use members’ professional experience.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the President of JICA?
At the time of the meeting, Dr Tanaka Akihiko.
What did KANI ask JICA for?
Advanced Japanese-language support, more funding for KANI activities, and support for agriculture, infrastructure and investment projects.
Where was the meeting held?
At the Relais Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja.
Next step
Want to work with KANI’s network? Explore how KANI can help.
