Nigeria on Thursday, May 16, 2024, witnessed the inaugural Agritourism celebration aimed at boosting the nation’s agricultural sector.
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security in his remarks was optimistic that the food tourism event would lead to an agricultural revolution and boost the sector’s industrialization.
The minister gave the assurance during the 2024 Inaugural World Agritourism Day with the theme: ‘’Food Security for All’ held at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Headquarters, Abuja, recently a statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna AD, Information for the Director of information informed.
According to the minister who opined that agritourism will encourage industrialization for wealth and job creation, as well as growth in the non-oil sector, he added that Agritourism would enhance the agricultural sector, encourage both local and foreign investors as well as achieve food and nutrition security.
Activities at the event included farm tours, agriculture festivals, farm stays, and educational programs that connect visitors with the agricultural landscape.
According to Abdullahi “it will benefit farmers, who gain additional income, tourists who gain insights into agricultural activities relating to Agritourism ranging from farm tours and workshop to seasonal festivals and tastings of farm produced, among others’’.
The minister stated that the project would provide producers with the opportunities to generate additional income and avenue for direct marketing to consumers, ‘’ it enhances the tourism industry by increasing the number of visitors to the area and length of stay’’, he added.
He revealed that the federal government would establish a national committee to drive and promote Nigeria’s agritourism. He added that the goal is to develop a framework and standard operating guidelines for agritourism towards strengthening the agribusiness ecosystem.
The Minister lauded Trust Ogboi President of the World Agritourism Organization (WAO), for their pivotal role in developing agritourism and making the day’s celebration a reality.
In his welcome remarks, Trust Ogboi stated that ‘’the development of the agritourism industry will generate huge foreign exchange to the Nigerian economy and boost food production‘.’
In his goodwill message, David Stevenson, Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), represented by Olabisi Ogungbemi said he remains steadfast in supporting and partnering with governmental bodies at all levels to achieve the goal of food nutrition and security in Nigeria.
In attendance were the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), and Members of the National Assembly, among others.
