The Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), in collaboration with the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF) and the DAWN Commission, hosted a two-day regional agribusiness sensitization initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This held on August 13-14, 2024, at Adis Hotel, New Bodija, Ibadan. The program welcomed both physical and virtual participants, providing a dynamic platform for discussions and strategic planning to propel Nigeria’s agribusiness forward.
Keynote Address by Dr. Debo Akande
Dr. Debo Akande, the Executive Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Agribusiness and the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized that agriculture should be seen as a business and highlighted the essential role of smallscale farmers in Nigeria’s agricultural future. Dr. Akande stressed that true agricultural transformation cannot occur without the development of rural infrastructure. His address also included an engaging Q&A session, where he provided insightful responses to participants’ questions.
Program Highlights
The event featured a comprehensive agenda designed to provide participants with valuable insights into Nigeria’s agribusiness policies and practices:
- Introduction to NABG: Participants were introduced to the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, gaining insight into its mission and pivotal role in advancing agribusiness in Nigeria.
- Overview of Agriculture/Agribusiness Policies in Nigeria: There was a review of the current agricultural policies shaping the sector, giving participants a clear view of the policy landscape.
- Remarks from DAWN Commission: Adesoji Farayibi, representing Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of DAWN Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to advancing agribusiness in the Southwest. The commission is committed to fostering partnerships that build a resilient agricultural sector, driving both economic growth and national development.
- Policy Deep Dives: In-depth discussions on specific policies, including the National Seed Policy, National Quality Policy, and National Fertilizer Policy were conducted, allowing participants to explore these critical areas in detail.
- Open Interactions, Questions, and Answers: The event afforded participants to engage with experts and seek clarifications on various issues.
- Networking: The event provided opportunities for attendees to connect, build relationships, and network with other professionals in the field, fostering collaboration and future partnerships.
- Agricultural Financing: Participants were offered insights into the financial mechanisms available to support agribusiness ventures, helping them understand the financial options that can drive growth in the sector. This was led by a representative from the First Bank of Nigeria.
- Agricultural Insurance: The event provided information on insurance products designed to mitigate risks in the agricultural sector, equipping participants with knowledge on how to safeguard their agribusinesses. A representative from the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation engaged with participants, addressing their questions and concerns.
PiLAF’s Contributions
PiLAF played a pivotal role in the event, with several key presentations that underscored the importance of policy leadership and innovation in agriculture:
- Prof. Adekoya, Co-Principal Investigator of PiLAF, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical role of policy leadership and innovation in achieving food security and sustainable agriculture nationwide. His insights set the stage for the event, highlighting the importance of policy in driving progress.
- Dr. Benjamin Oyelami, PiLAF’s Policy Communication Manager presented “The Trajectory of PiLAF’s Policy Influence Activities in the Oyo State Agricultural Fabricators’ Space.” His presentation provided an insightful overview of PiLAF’s efforts to influence policy and support agricultural fabricators in Oyo State.
- Iredele Ogunbayo, the administrative manager at PiLAF, delivered a compelling presentation on the policy process. He highlighted the policy cycle, stakeholder engagement, the need to involve stakeholders throughout the policy process, and the Kaleidoscope Model on the Policy Process. His talk underscored the complexities of policy development and the importance of collaboration to drive effective change in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The regional agribusiness sensitization initiative was a resounding success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of NABG, PiLAF, and the DAWN Commission. The program not only provided valuable insights into Nigeria’s agribusiness policies but also fostered meaningful discussions and networking opportunities among participants. As Nigeria continues to strive towards sustainable agricultural practices and food security, initiatives like this are essential for driving progress and ensuring a prosperous future for the agribusiness sector.