September 03, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr. John James Etim, has said arrangements have been concluded to host the 3rd Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference, tagged: “Uyo 2024”, in Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI) in the conference room of the Ministry, the Commissioner disclosed that the conference is scheduled for Sunday 27th to Tuesday 29th October 2024, at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.
With the theme: “Unlocking Agribusiness Opportunities for Economic Sustainability”, he said the conference will feature the ground-breaking ceremony of the Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA), exhibitions & award presentations.
The conference, according to him, has sub-themes such as: “Youth and Women Involvement in Agribusiness, a Panacea for Unemployment and Poverty Alleviation”, “Promoting Food Security with Climate Resilience and Sustainable Agricultural Practices”, “Agricultural Technology Revolution: Harnessing Innovation for Food Security”, “Adopting Agricultural Technology and Innovation for Economic Sustainability”, “Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Export Development and Market Penetration”, “Creating Employment Opportunities through Sustainable Agribusiness Growth”, “Building Resilient Food Systems: Lessons from Indonesia’s Approach to Climate-Smart Agriculture” and “Accessing sustainability financing”.
The Chairman, Central Planning Committee (CPC) for the event, Mr. Howard Usen, who doubles as the South-South Zonal Coordinator of NAADI, said the roundtable conference will also chart a new course for the propagation of agribusiness towards enhanced food production and exportation.
According to him, expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour and Chief Host is the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as well as six Governors of the South-South States of Nigeria among other selected Governors.
The conference’s keynote address is expected to be presented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Aneti.
“This event will also feature the groundbreaking ceremony of CISA, the Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture, which is birthed to utilise the untapped potentials of agriculture in the areas where Nigeria’s South-South region and environs have comparative advantage, such as fish/sea foods, vegetables, palm oil and cassava whose processing for local consumption and export would generate substantial revenue.
“The centre, when operational, will provide the latest technology in food processing, preservation and storage, while its research works would upgrade scientific knowledge on a variety of agricultural activities both in the region and in the country at large.
“A fully established Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) will be the leading seat of innovative solutions in value addition to locally produced goods and indeed serve as a major export hub in the South-East, South-South and other contiguous regions.
“The event will also feature presentation of the Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award, which is an award dedicated to the building of sustainable systems in agriculture, rural development and industry through the recognition of vanguards in the Agro Sub-sector who have pioneered and contributed to the advancement of innovative solutions that have enhanced livelihoods in our communities, facilitated employment generation, fight against extreme hunger and built platforms that support social and financial inclusion as well as food security.
“ADEA identifies and properly recognises individuals and organisations who have distinguished themselves as brilliant exemplars in this generation,” Usen explained.
Present at the press conference were members of the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the event earlier inaugurated by the Commissioner, including Mr. Howard Usen, South-South Zonal Coordinator of NAADI (Chairman); Mr. Ekaette Umo, DG Ibom Led (Chairman, Finance Committee); and Mr. James Edet, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy (Chairman, Media & Publicity Committee).
Others are: Comrade Augustine Bassey (Chairman, New Media); Dr. Owen Udouwem, Executive Secretary, UYOCCIMA (Chairman, Exhibition & Marketing Committee); Mr Aniefiok Idiong, Director Commerce, MTI, (Chairman, Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture Technical Committee); Engr. John Okodi-Iya (Chairman Contact and Mobilisation Committee); Bar. Umoh James Ibanga, (Chairman, Security and Transport Committee); and Obongawan Mary Umanaete (Chairperson, Women Mobilisation & Special Interest Group).
