In a decisive step towards addressing Nigeria’s food security concerns, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, officially inaugurated the 2023 National Agricultural Show on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
Held at the National Agricultural Showground in Nassarawa State, the event unfolded under the theme “Towards the Realization of Presidential Declaration of Emergency on Food Security.
Senator Kyari, representing President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, underscored the paramount importance of the agricultural sector in alleviating poverty, creating job opportunities, and fostering inclusiveness among youth and women.
The Minister revealed that the show aimed to spotlight Nigeria’s abundant agricultural potential, consolidate past achievements, identify sector challenges, and pave the way forward for agricultural development.
During his address, Senator Kyari affirmed the government’s dedication to aligning agricultural programs with the four Presidential priorities, emphasizing the crucial role of agriculture in ensuring food security and resilient food systems.
He assured stakeholders of President Tinubu’s unwavering political will to transform the agricultural sector, making food security the top priority of his agenda.
The Minister outlined immediate plans, including the development of a standardized framework for agricultural operations in Nigeria and a comprehensive stakeholder analysis.
He stressed the importance of collaboration with other ministries, departments, agencies, and state governments to achieve national food security objectives.
In his welcome address, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, represented by Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, highlighted the event’s critical nature in restoring the nation’s past glory for achieving food security.
He commended the distribution of fertilizer to households, adequate irrigation, and arable land for a variety of crops.
The National Coordinator of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Negedu, anticipates that the 2023 show will feature a grand opening ceremony, farmers’ parade, agricultural exhibitions, seminars, interactive sessions, and displays of assorted agricultural equipment.
Negedu encouraged stakeholders to leverage the friendly environment of the show to establish lasting business contacts and relationships.
A notable highlight of the event was Senator Kyari’s inspection of various agricultural products, signaling a tangible commitment to the promotion and development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
