The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has officially inaugurated the 2023 National Agricultural Show, as part of efforts to address food insecurity, poverty alleviation, job creation and promote inclusivity in the agricultural sector.
The event, themed “Towards the Realisation of Presidential Declaration of Emergency on Food Security,” was held at the National Agricultural Showground in Nasarawa State.
In his opening remarks, Kyari highlighted the show’s objectives, emphasising its role in showcasing Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, resources and products. Additionally, he outlined the event’s purpose, which includes building on past achievements, identifying sector challenges and outlining a strategic path forward for Nigerian agriculture.
Kyari, who represented President Bola Tinubu, underlined the relevance of this year’s theme, aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda’s core mandates. He assured stakeholders of the administration’s commitment, stating, “We commit to ensuring that all programs and initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are completely aligned to attaining the four Presidential priorities”.
Kyari stressed the fundamental role of agriculture in ensuring food security and establishing sustainable and resilient food systems. He conveyed President Tinubu’s unwavering political will to transform the agricultural sector, making food security the administration’s top priority.
Acknowledging the complexity of food security issues, the minister called for coordinated support and meaningful engagement from stakeholders. He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with other government agencies and state governments to address challenges hindering national food security objectives.
“We also remain committed to promoting and creating synergies between non-governmental organisations and the private sector to enhance efforts at ensuring food security, economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction in line with the presidential priorities,” he added.
Kyari outlined immediate and short-term plans, including developing a standard framework and guide for agricultural and food security operations/projects/business in Nigeria. He highlighted ongoing efforts to create a stakeholder map, identifying mutually beneficial areas for smallholder farmers, large-scale farmers, processors, marketers and the organised private sector.
Underlining the historical significance of agricultural shows worldwide, Kyari emphasised the event’s role as a high-level platform for business linkage, technology transfer, knowledge exchange, public-private collaboration and policy discourse among participants from various sectors.
In his welcome address, Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule represented by his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, recognised the event’s critical role in restoring the nation’s past glory and achieving food security. He highlighted the state’s initiatives, including fertiliser distribution, irrigation projects and arable land development.
The national coordinator of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), Dr. Samuel Negedu outlined the diverse activities planned for the 2023 show, including a grand opening ceremony, farmers’ parade, agricultural exhibitions, seminars, interactive sessions and displays of assorted agricultural equipment.
A statement by the ministry’s director of information signed by Charity Ezekwesiri said stakeholders were encouraged to leverage the friendly environment of the show to establish lasting business contacts and mutually beneficial relationships. The highlight of the event was Kyari’s inspection of various agricultural products, reinforcing the government’s commitment to driving positive change in the agricultural sector.
