Federal Government has expressed its readiness to support Agritourism initiative aimed at rebranding agriculture through tourism to make the sector more attractive for Nigerians
The initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities for sustainable development, poverty alleviation and national prosperity.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi who gave the assurance during the recent World Agritourism Festival 2025 and Award night which has its theme "Promoting Sustainable Agriculture through Tourism "by Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, in Lagos, said the event was apt and would reshape the perception of agriculture across the country.
Senator Abdullahi noted that, the initiative was a complement to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, capable of promoting agriculture not only as a means of production, but also as a gateway to culture, innovations, tourism and sustainable wealth creation that would reshape the perception of agriculture across the country.
According to him, "The promoter of the festival has shown clearly that there was a wide range of experience that when put together, agriculture and tourism would be of immense benefits to farmers and other active participants in the food system, showing how various assets can be brought together in an innovatory fashion.’’ ".
In her contribution, wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun stressed that President Tinubu's administration had made agriculture a core part of the economic diversification, saying the recently signed agreement with international partners such as government of Karta and Brazil shows the world growing confidence in Nigerian agriculture sector, which she noted would expand infrastructure, technology and boost productivity across the value chain.
Also, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, pointed out that, for too long, agriculture was being seen only as sustenance, but today it is a vibrant source of culture, economic power and authentic human connection stressing that, "we see Agritourism as the frontier where our rich farming heritage meets the demands of modern tourism creating jobs and telling our story to the world".
Owotomo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye enjoined stakeholders to continue to innovate and collaborate as their presence at the festival confirms it was a shared goal, while encouraging all to build a future where every farm visit would tell a powerful story and every meal strengthens a community.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Hon. Abisola Olusanya, maintained that agriculture was not just the production of raw materials, but the heartbeat of human survival, feeding nations, support livelihoods and sustaining ecosystems, canvassing for a change of narrative, as Agritourism could showcase the rich culture and beauty embedded in our food systems from farmers' ingenuity to the favours of our land, from heritage crops to modern techniques.
In his address, Chief Executive Officer, Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, Dr. Seyi Davids said that, Agritourism was an initiative to reimagine agriculture as a vibrant force for national development, rural empowerment and cultural preservation, adding that the festival was a celebration that brought together innovators, farmers, policymakers, investors and communities to spotlight sustainable farming, promote rural entrepreneurship which would position the country as a leading destinations for eco-conscious tourism.
Davids called on all to join the transformative vision that would honour the country, uplift the citizens and unlock the future where agriculture thrives, not just as livelihood but a lifestyle, an experience and a global movement.
Highlights of the event included: the presentation of awards to Wife of Ogun State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Bamidele Abiodun, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, fashion show, cultural display among others.
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