Agric minister to give keynote address in agric expo

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Akinwunmi Adesina has confirmed his participation at the 2014 edition of Agriexpo, now slated for June 2, where he would be delivering the keynote address. Agrikexpo, in its third edition, is the largest agricultural exhibition in West Africa because it now brings together many foreign and local participants.

Adesina commended the organiser of the event – 151 Products Limited – for the vision of partnering the Agricultural Transformation Agenda by way of a trade networking initiative, saying that “agriculture is pure business,” and as such the event had a great potential in impacting agriculture in Nigeria. The minister said this when the organiser paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

According to Sam Ohuanbuwa, chairman of the organising company, the objective is to achieve a credible annual event for the enhancement of agricultural businesses and its attendant value chain.

Furthermore, he said the event will help in facilitating market access, introduction of new agricultural technology and the attraction of investment inflows into the sector, through networking.

Agrikexpo, which is concurrent with another exhibition – Foodbext West Africa, brings together agricultural and food/beverage processing and packaging companies to a common forum for the overall good of food security and agricultural development.

Paul Orhii, director-general, NAFDAC, will also be on hand as a corroborating agency of the event.

Soji Oyewole, an agriculture investment expert, says Agrikexpo is a great platform for states to showcase their areas of agriculture investment needs, profile export commodities and also support value-chain companies for promotional benefits.

During the forthcoming event, there will be several seminars focused on agro-financing, value-chain development, route to market practices and post-harvest management for farmers.

According to Bamidele Isan, the project manager, arrangements are in top gear as many foreign and local exhibitors are expected.

It would be recalled that at the previous expo, recognition of excellence was given to those who contributed towards the development of agriculture in Nigeria, such as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, IITA, the minister of agriculture, and others.

This year, a few more would be recognised, especially state governments and private players who have continued to equally do well in the nation’s agricultural sector, he said.

Meanwhile, this year’s event has been endorsed by NAFDAC, Nigerian – British Chamber of Commerce, Nigerian – American Chamber of Commerce, Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Cashew Association of Nigeria, and Poultry Association of Nigeria.