Nasiru Waziri
SeedPro Africa, a leading indigenous seed production company, marked its 20th anniversary with a commemorative event at its headquarters in Kadawa, Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.
In his valedictory address, the founder and outgoing Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Lawal Gwadabe, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to witness the company’s growth over the past two decades.
Reflecting on its humble beginnings, Gwadabe disclosed that SeedPro Africa was established in 2005 with an initial capital of ₦60,000, a decision that required his early retirement from the civil service.
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He described the move as a bold risk that ultimately paid off, despite the numerous challenges encountered in the early years.
He acknowledged the support and encouragement of close associates who believed in the vision of the company, particularly a longtime friend, Mr. Chris, as well as the contributions of key individuals such as Professor Sunusi Gaya to the company’s development.
In his keynote address, Professor Ado Garki highlighted SeedPro Africa’s major milestones, noting that beyond surviving for 20 years, the company has successfully introduced two major categories of seeds vegetable and non-vegetable into Nigeria’s agricultural market.
In her opening remarks, the Interim Managing Director, Dr. Zainab Lawal Gwadabe, expressed appreciation to her father, Alhaji Lawal Gwadabe, for entrusting her with the leadership of the organization.
She described the transition as both an honour and a significant responsibility.
Dr. Zainab announced the recent launch of four improved vegetable seed varieties two pepper and two tomato types.
She explained that the pepper varieties are fortified with vitamin A (beta-carotene) to help combat night blindness, while the tomato varieties are heat-tolerant and enriched with essential micronutrients.
According to her, the innovations are the first of their kind in Africa.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Portfolio Officer of the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), Mr. Michael Adibe, said the organization partners with the Kano State Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce, as well as small and medium-scale agribusiness enterprises across various value chains.
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He disclosed that AECF currently supports seven agribusiness SMEs in Kano State, with plans to onboard 40 additional enterprises and 40 women-led cooperatives by February 2026.
Adibe said SeedPro Africa has been an AECF partner since 2024, adding that the collaboration has led to funding for seed multiplication and processing activities, including the procurement of modern processing machines and the establishment of a greenhouse facility, all of which were commissioned during the anniversary celebration.
He further revealed that SeedPro Africa works with over 5,000 farmers engaged in seed multiplication, who receive farm inputs, tools, and continuous technical support, including training on good agronomic practices. Women farmers, he added, benefit from targeted capacity-building initiatives.
According to him, the AECF–SeedPro Africa partnership runs from December 2024 to November 2027 and aims to empower at least 5,000 women farmers while enabling the company to produce up to 10 metric tons of seeds annually through greenhouse operations.
Adibe expressed confidence in the success of the project, noting that the company is in the early implementation phase, with newly installed assets already becoming operational.
He said AECF will continue to monitor progress through performance indicators while providing technical support with experts from institutions such as the Dangote Business School.
He added that the ultimate objective of the partnership is to promote economic empowerment, increase agricultural productivity, and ensure that women farmers earn an estimated annual net income of between $500 and $1,000 through improved farming practices.