PRESS RELEASE- FG TO BOOST NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW TO ATTRACT FOREIGNERS

President Mohammadu Buhari

The present administration of President Mohammadu Buhari has re -stated his vision and commitment to invest in agriculture to take the country out of the present economic recession using the National Agricultural Show as a step stone.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Audu Ogbeh confirmed these when he held a meeting on Tuesday with an NGO in charge of the show.The Chairman of the NGO who is coincidentally the Senate Committee Chairman,Senator Abdullahi Adamu said investing in the show will attract foreign investors who are ailing to participate thereby increasing Nigerians foreign earning.

Audu Ogbeh in his words said ‘’we have to make it the biggest show in history’’ He commended the organizers.

He promised to support the show fully and to also hold a meeting with key stake holders such as Agric bank, World Bank, Africa Development bank, Embassies of china, Brazil, India, South Africa for their input and support.

He promised to ensure the availability of fund to support the show. The Minister stressed that if we can get Agric back into the psyche of Nigerians, we will save the country a lot.

Earlier, the Chairman board of trustee of the foundation, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and the National Coordinator of the foundation of the All farmers Association of Nigeria, Dr Negedu Samuel has called on the Federal Government, Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders in the Agriculture sector to show more support for the fourth coming National Agricultural show.

Adamu said the show has been held once since inception in 2007 and it’s been back to back since 2008.

He further said that the 10^th edition of the show is scheduled to hold between the 16^thof October to the 21st of October 2017 with a lot of funfair.

Sen. Adamu said the show will go a long way in showcasing the rich agricultural resources in the country.

He said that they have been partnering with the ministry of Agriculture, the farmers’ Association of Nigeria and some State Government like Nassarawa, Kebbi and Kano.

Dr Samuel Negedu lamented the poor funding and participation of some state and private sector which has not been impressive.

He stressed the need for the Ministry, Departments, Agencies and other stakeholders to support the annual show.

He requested that the Minister suggest an active Desk officer andalso set up a committee within the ministry to drive the show.

He also suggested that there should be a ministerial price for winners in different categories for the participants.

The Minister commended the organizers of the show and expressed optimism that the show which will feature Agriculture exhibitions, road show, cook show and workshops among other activities will go a long way in showing the rich agricultural potentials in the country and also attract foreign investors.