By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
At least 300 participants are expected to attend the second agribusiness roundtable conference taking place in Uyo this month with the challenge of food insecurity and value chain development in the country in the front burner.
Conference Cordinator, Mr Howard Usen who is the South South coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-industry Development Initiative(NAADI) and chairman, central planning committee told newsmen in Uyo that the conference would also focus on harnessing opportunities in the agriculture and allied businesses towards global exports as well as equip leaders in the food sector with knowledge of international standards.
According to Usen, the conference would feature the ground breaking of the Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) to be supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in addition to other partners adding that a fully established CISA would be the leading seat of innovative solutions in value addition to locally produced goods in the south south and south east parts of the country.
Other partners the coordinator said would include the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment and the National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture as well as the Akwa Ibom State ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“The 3-day conference will bring together leading experts who through their presentations will develop new skill-sets, new approaches, address specific knowledge gaps that will provide a framework for harnessing varied opportunities in agriculture and allied businesses towards global exports, thereby enhancing the export potentials of the non-oil sector.
“The Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) is envisioned to be the leading facility providing innovative solutions in value addition to locally produced goods as well as serving as a major export hub in the region. It will drive value chain development of key commodities and equip leaders in the food sector with the required knowledge.” He explained.
Usen said the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to present a paper on “diversificationof the Nigerian Economy through the development of agribusiness value chain,’’ during the conference which will take place at Ibom Icon hotel scheduled for Sunday 26th to Tuesday 28th November, 2023.”
The conference would have the minister of industry, trade and investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite as the keynote speaker alongside other top personalities.
