Agric minister bags World Agritourism Award

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, has been awarded the prestigious title of “National Agritourism Patron of the Year” at the inaugural World Agritourism Festival 2025.

The award was presented by Xtralarge Farms and Resources, organisers of the landmark event, in recognition of the Minister’s outstanding leadership in promoting agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism development, and national sustainability.

In his acceptance remarks, Senator Abdullahi dedicated the honour to Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth, whom he hailed as the “driving force behind Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.”

“There is enormous room for growth,” he noted in a statement issued on Tuesday. “With innovation, partnerships, and strategic initiatives, Nigeria’s agricultural future is bright.”

A New Vision for Agritourism

The festival convened stakeholders from across Nigeria’s agriculture and tourism sectors, celebrating innovation, sustainability, and the vast untapped potential of agritourism. The event sought to reposition agriculture as a culturally rich and tourism-driven sector capable of fueling Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Senator Abdullahi praised the organisers, calling the event a pioneering model that successfully integrates agribusiness, tourism, and national development. He drew comparisons to international successes in countries such as Italy, South Africa, and the United States, where farm stays, festivals, and rural education programmes have not only enriched cultural experiences but also increased farmer incomes and supported rural economies.

He advocated for the establishment of a national technical committee tasked with developing a robust agribusiness-tourism framework and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policy support, investment, and leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Transformation requires coordinated efforts. We must build a unified network to ensure shared growth and maximum impact,” he said.

Women and Youth at the Centre of Agricultural Progress

Also honoured at the event was the First Lady of Ogun State, Dr. Bamidele Abiodun, who described the festival as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward food security and sustainable development. She acknowledged renewed global confidence in the Nigerian agricultural sector, citing recent strategic partnerships with Qatar and Brazil aimed at expanding infrastructure and increasing productivity.

“This festival is timely and pivotal, spotlighting agriculture not just as a means of survival but as a vehicle for tourism, enterprise, and national growth,” Dr. Abiodun stated.

She emphasized the vital role of women in agriculture and called for expanded empowerment programmes, referencing the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Agricultural Support Scheme, which supports women farmers transitioning to commercial-scale operations.

“Women constitute more than half of smallholder farmers, yet they remain marginalised in terms of access to land, finance, and technology,” she said. “Supporting women in agriculture is crucial for food security, gender equality, and economic development.”

Agritourism as a Vehicle for Economic and Cultural Renaissance

Mrs. Ruth Bisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems in Lagos State, echoed these sentiments, noting that agritourism has the potential to reshape public perceptions of agriculture and redefine its role in Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric.

“This festival bridges two powerful forces—agriculture and tourism—that together can preserve heritage, empower rural communities, and diversify our economy,” she said.

Growing More Than Crops: Communities and Economies

Founder and CEO of Xtralarge Farms, Dr. Seyi Davis, whose organisation spearheaded the festival, highlighted the transformative potential of reimagining agriculture as a dynamic driver of sustainability, empowerment, and tourism.

“Events like this show how we can grow not just crops, but economies, communities, and nations,” he stated.

Dr. Davis called on government at all levels to increase support for farmers, particularly through enhanced access to finance, insurance, and mechanisation.

“When local farmers thrive, they reinvest in their communities, creating wealth, jobs, and a better future for all,” he added.