Agriculture Minister Receives National Agritourism Award At Inaugural World Agritourism Festival

Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, has been named National Agritourism Patron of the Year at the debut edition of the World Agritourism Festival 2025.

The award, presented by Xtralarge Farms and Resources, the event’s organiser recognises the minister’s pivotal role in promoting agriculture as a lever for economic diversification, tourism growth, and national resilience.

Dedicating the honour to Nigeria’s farmers, especially women and youth, Abdullahi called them the “driving force behind Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.” He emphasized the sector’s vast potential, stating, “With innovation, partnerships, and strategic initiatives, Nigeria’s agricultural future is bright.”

The festival, which convened stakeholders from across Nigeria’s agriculture and tourism landscapes, spotlighted agritourism as a vital strategy for job creation, rural development, and cultural preservation. It aimed to reposition farming not just as a survival tool, but as an experience-driven industry capable of drawing both local and global interest.

Commending the initiative, Abdullahi cited global examples from Italy to South Africa and the U.S. where agritourism has been successfully used to strengthen rural economies. He proposed the formation of a national technical committee to shape Nigeria’s agritourism policy framework and pledged support for its integration into national development strategies.

Dr. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, also honoured at the event, hailed the festival as a timely intervention for sustainable growth. She spotlighted Nigeria’s evolving partnerships with countries like Qatar and Brazil and called for stronger backing of women in agriculture through programmes like the Renewed Hope Agricultural Support Scheme.

“Women are the backbone of agriculture in Nigeria,” she said. “Empowering them is fundamental to achieving food security and inclusive economic progress.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Mrs. Ruth Bisola Olusanya, added that agritourism offers a compelling opportunity to shift perceptions around agriculture, connecting it to heritage, empowerment, and economic revitalization.

Dr. Seyi Davis, Founder and CEO of Xtralarge Farms, wrapped the event by underscoring agriculture’s multifaceted value: “When local farmers thrive, they reinvest in their communities. Events like this show how we can grow not just crops, but economies, communities, and nations.”