The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has expressed support for private sector-led agricultural initiatives, describing agritourism as a potential avenue for youth engagement and rural development.
Speaking at the formal announcement of the upcoming World Agritourism Festival in Lagos, Senator Abdullahi pointed to the event as evidence of how non-state actors are beginning to shape Nigeria’s food and agriculture landscape.
“This initiative shows the kind of thinking we need if agriculture is to meet the expectations placed on it under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister said.
He referenced the role of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, organisers of the festival, noting that the company’s roots in Ogun State and its current expansion illustrate how agriculture can evolve through innovation and entrepreneurship.
The festival, which will be hosted in Lagos, aims to connect agriculture and tourism and will bring together a mix of local producers, diaspora investors, policy professionals, and agribusiness operators. According to the organisers, the platform will support knowledge exchange, market development, and collaboration across value chains.
Senator Abdullahi said the event aligns with national objectives for inclusive growth and food self-sufficiency.
“What we’re seeing here is agriculture being positioned not just as a production sector, but as a cultural and economic driver that can appeal to younger Nigerians,” he said.
Referring to the organisers, he added: “They are changing the image of farming and creating a space where young people can see agriculture differently. This is central to the President’s strategy on poverty reduction and economic inclusion.”
He also reiterated the government’s willingness to collaborate with credible private operators and affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to offer institutional backing. “When the private sector steps forward with vision and integrity, government should be ready to partner,” he said.
Xtralarge Farms and Resorts says the 90-day festival will open on July 3 with an agritourism expo at Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja and close with a summit and gala on July 11 at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos.
Though headquartered in Ogun State, the company said it intends to use the Lagos-based festival to highlight national and diaspora opportunities in agribusiness. Guests expected include officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Council for Arts and Culture, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
