Agrikexpo to steer diversification discourse
The 2016 edition of Agrikexpo scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre Abuja has been described as one major event that will herald the 56th independence of Nigeria, especially at a time the nation is focused in diversifying the economy through agriculture. As always AGRIKEXPO will provide opportunities for stakeholders in agriculture and agribusiness.
Agrikexpo which has become a national forum for agri-business development and will provide a platform for companies to showcase their goods and services to a prime audience of decision makers and visitors expected from all over Africa.
The chief guest of Honour is President Mohammed Buhari, who has diligently focused on the agriculture sector. Other dignitaries invited are the vice president, Osibanjo, Minister of Trade & Investment Oky Enelamah , Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbeh , among others.
According to Samuel Ijewere, Coordinator Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), as agriculture in Nigeria heads to a new level of efficiency, technology is needed across the value chain, particularly the cold chain for better post harvest management.
Several high end participants are also expected at the various conferences with speakers drawn from government, academia, diplomatic community and agribusiness community.
A presentation will be done by Francis Fay of the European agri-buisness network, on how Nigeria and EU can best benefit from the export partnership agreement. Other attendees are expected from Indonesia , Malaysia , Chile , China , UK , Belgium , Denmark ,Egypt Spain , India , etc. including trade delegations most of whom would be looking for opportunities for Agro based investments and supplies in Nigeria .
The Minister of Trade & Investment will issue a key note address on Investment opportunities, including opportunities for improved regional trade in West Africa and how Nigeria can play a key role.
Several companies have been slated for Agro- recognition during the event in the light of their contribution towards the local processing and packaging of foods & beverages, which expectedly will encourage many to invest in the sector.
The companies listed are as follows – Erisco Foods, Dansa Foods Chi-Limited, L-z Farms, Olam Nigeria, Dizengoff Nigeria, Stallion Foods, Tata Group. Other Awardees for various contributions include – Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Governor Amusan of Ogun State, Abdul Azeez Yari of Zmafara State, Alhaji Nasir El rufai of Kaduna State, Ayede of Cross River state, among others.
The Chairman of the rrganizer group 151 Products Ltd, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa has promised that the several conferences at the event will focus on the how the agriculture can diversify the economy away from oil. The EU head of mission will discuss how Nigeria can partner the EU under the Export Partnership Agreement.
Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, executive director of the project, at a meeting with a press confirmed that several foreign exhibitors have been registered for attendance including guest from all over the world. In his words, the choice of Abuja as venue follows feedback from previous events and the need to come closer to farmers in the North central and northern areas. AGRIKEXPO will definitely impact the standards of engagement in the agricultural sector especially with farmers having opportunity for direct meetings with equipment/input manufacturers, suppliers and other technologies. It is also important for government to see firsthand array of equipments in order to establish partnerships with original equipment manufacturers.