MINISTER CALLS FOR DEVELOPED AGRITOURISM ..... Says It Will Boost Sector, Encourage Investors
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Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi |
"The project would provide producers with the opportunities to generate additional income and avenue for direct marketing to consumers. It enhances the tourism industry by increasing the number of visitors to the area and length of stay." Senator Sabi Abdullahi
The development of Agritourism, if adequately embraced and enhanced, has the capacity of leading to an agricultural revolution, encourage industrialization for wealth and job creation, as well as growth in the non-oil sector.
This was the assertion of the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi during the Celebration of the Inaugural World Agritourism Day in Abuja.
The Minister, at the event, revealed that Agritourism would enhance the agricultural sector, encourage both local and foreign investors as well as achieve food and nutrition security.
The event, tagged Celebration of 2024 Inaugural World Agritourism Day with the theme: "Food Security for All" was held at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Headquarters, Abuja.
The Minister of State, in a statement issued and signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna on behalf of the Director Information of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security disclosed that, "Agritourism comprises a range of activities, including farm tours, agriculture festivals, farm stays, and educational programs that connect visitors with the agricultural landscape.
"It will benefit farmers who gain additional income, tourists who gain insights into agricultural activities relating to Agritourism ranging from farm tours and workshop to seasonal festivals and tastings of farm produce, among others", he said.
The Minister stated that the project would provide producers with the opportunities to generate additional income and avenue for direct marketing to consumers, "it enhances the tourism industry by increasing the number of visitors to the area and length of stay", he added.
He revealed that the federal government would establish a national committee to drive and promote Nigeria’s agritourism. He added that the goal is to develop framework and standard operating guidelines for agritourism towards strengthening the agribusiness ecosystem
The Minister lauded the World Agritourism Organization (WAO), led by its President, Arc. Trust Ogboi for their pivotal role in developing agritourism and making the day’s celebration reality.
In his welcome remarks, the President, WAO, Arc. Trust Ogboi stated that "the development of the agritourism industry will generate huge foreign exchange to the Nigerian economy and boost food production".
In his goodwill message, the World Food Programme (WEP), Country Director, David Stevenson, represented by Olabisi Ogungbemi said that the WEP remains steadfast in supporting and partnering with governmental bodies at all levels to achieve the goal of food and nutrition and security in Nigeria.
In attendance were All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), and Members of the National Assembly, among others.
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