By Uzair Adam Imam
The National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN) has hailed the Dangote Group as a pivotal force in the growth of the country’s agricultural sector.
Dr. Samuel Negedu, the National Coordinator of NAFN, affirmed the group’s significance during the opening ceremony of the 2023 National Agricultural Show.
Describing the Dangote Group as a powerhouse and the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, Dr. Negedu highlighted the company’s efforts in constructing rice mills that will significantly contribute to the government’s push for food security.
He expressed gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the establishment of what he referred to as the largest fertiliser plant in Africa.
Furthermore, Dr. Negedu noted that the Dangote Group is a major sponsor of the ongoing 2023 National Agricultural Show.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, also shared insights during the event, outlining the government’s immediate and short-term plans to establish a standard framework for facilitating agricultural business in the country.
Senator Kyari expressed the importance of agricultural shows as essential platforms for showcasing the latest developments in the sector.
He highlighted their role in bringing individuals together for networking and business transactions and offering the public a glimpse into farming life.
The shows also serve as hubs for farming and rural communities to exchange ideas and take a brief respite from their daily farming routines.
Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, urged stakeholders to make substantial investments in agriculture, envisioning a transformed Nigeria renowned for food security and value chain addition.
Arch Kabiru Ibrahim, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAFN and National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), underscored the relevance of this year’s theme: “Towards the Realization of Presidential Declaration of Emergency on Food Security.”
According to Arch Ibrahim, the theme was chosen to inspire all stakeholders in Nigeria to collaborate in addressing the challenges of food security as outlined in President Tinubu’s administration.