The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has declared open the Nigerian Agritourism Village project situated in Ibadan Oyo state, South-West, Nigeria for investment.
The permanent secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security, who was represented by the Director Mr Okonkom Etoabasi, declared the village open in Abuja, Nigeria capital.
Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has secured two hundred hectares of Nigerian Agritourism Village to boost agriculture and tourism investment in the country.
The permanent Secretary Federal Ministry Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Ernest Umakhihe disclosed this at the declaration of the Nigerian Agritourism Village Project opened for Agritourism investment organised by Federal Ministry Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with Bangladesh and World Agritourism Organisation, held in Abuja Nigeria’s capital,
Diversify
The permanent Secretary Federal Ministry Agriculture and Food Security, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr. Otokom Etoabasi said that the Agritourism Village will help to diversify the Nigerian economy and strengthen food security in the country.
“Today marks another milestone in the Agricultural sector with the Organisation of International Agribusiness and Agritourism Forum in Nigeria which is geared towards an agricultural revolution that will strengthen food security and value-added agriculture, encourage industrialization among other benefits.”
“Agritourism also provides communities with the potential to increase their local tax bases and new employment opportunities, additionally, Agritourism provides educational opportunities to the public, helps to preserve agricultural land and allows States to develop business enterprises”. Mr. Otokom Etoabasi added
Partnering
The President World Agritourism Organisation Mr. Trust Henry Ogboi said, despite the insecurity confronting the country, Agritourism Organisation is partnering with Security Agencies to have a conducive environment for Agriculture business to strive in Nigeria.
“We are not unaware of the security challenges faced in the country, that is why we are partnering with all relevant security organisations in Nigeria to ensure confidence in carrying out farming/business activities.”
The Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria appreciates the support of the Nigerian government for giving his country fifty hectares of land to boost Agritourism in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in 2017 endorsed the initiative to establish the Nigerian Agritourism village in six geo political zones of Nigeria
The first Nigeria Agritourism village had its groundbreaking ceremony in July 2023 in Oyo State, which covers the southern region.
Shakirat Sadiq
