The inaugural World Agritourism Festival 2025, organized by Xtralarge Farms and Resources, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the synergistic potential of agriculture and tourism. The festival served as a platform to showcase innovation, promote sustainable practices, and highlight the untapped potential of agritourism in driving economic diversification and national development. Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, received the prestigious “National Agritourism Patron of the Year” award in recognition of his exceptional leadership in promoting agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism development, and national sustainability. The event underscored the growing recognition of agritourism as a dynamic force capable of transforming rural economies, empowering communities, and fostering a more sustainable future for Nigeria.
The Minister, upon receiving the award, dedicated the honor to Nigerian farmers, particularly women and youth, acknowledging their pivotal role in driving the nation’s agricultural transformation. He emphasized the immense growth potential within the agricultural sector, highlighting the need for innovation, strategic partnerships, and targeted initiatives to unlock this potential and secure a bright future for Nigerian agriculture. Drawing inspiration from successful international agritourism models in countries like Italy, South Africa, and the United States, the Minister advocated for incorporating similar strategies in Nigeria, such as farm stays, festivals, and rural education programs, to stimulate rural economic growth and enhance farmers’ incomes.
The festival’s emphasis on integrating agribusiness with tourism and national development resonated strongly with attendees. The Minister called for the establishment of a national technical committee tasked with developing a comprehensive agritourism framework for Nigeria. He pledged continued policy support, investment, and leadership in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts and a unified network to ensure shared growth and maximize the impact of agritourism initiatives. This commitment from the highest levels of government signals a strong intent to prioritize and develop the agritourism sector as a key driver of economic and social progress.
Dr. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, also recognized at the event, highlighted the festival’s significance in Nigeria’s pursuit of food security and sustainable development. She pointed to the renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, citing recent partnerships with Qatar and Brazil focused on expanding infrastructure and boosting productivity. The First Lady emphasized the timely and pivotal nature of the festival, showcasing agriculture not merely as a means of subsistence but as a powerful engine for tourism, enterprise, and national growth. This perspective underscores the transformative potential of agritourism to elevate the agricultural sector beyond its traditional role and integrate it into a broader economic and social development strategy.
The First Lady further underscored the crucial role of women in agriculture, advocating for expanded empowerment schemes such as the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Agricultural Support Scheme, which assists women farmers in transitioning to commercial agriculture. She highlighted the persistent marginalization of women farmers, who comprise over half of smallholder farmers, in terms of access to land, finance, and technology. Addressing this inequity by empowering women in agriculture is essential for achieving food security, promoting gender equality, and driving overall economic development. Recognizing and supporting the contributions of women farmers is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic imperative for maximizing agricultural productivity and achieving sustainable development goals.
Mrs. Ruth Bisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos State, emphasized the transformative power of agritourism to reshape public perception of agriculture. She lauded the festival for bridging the divide between agriculture and tourism, creating a synergy that can preserve cultural heritage, empower rural communities, and diversify the Nigerian economy. This perspective highlights the multifaceted benefits of agritourism, extending beyond economic gains to encompass cultural preservation and community empowerment. Dr. Seyi Davis, Founder and CEO of Xtralarge Farms, the driving force behind the festival, reiterated the event’s central message: agriculture can be reimagined as a dynamic driver of sustainability, empowerment, and tourism. He emphasized the need for increased government support for farmers through improved access to finance, insurance, and equipment, underscoring the ripple effect of thriving local farms on community development and national prosperity. The festival served as a powerful call to action, urging stakeholders across the agricultural and tourism sectors to collaborate in harnessing the transformative potential of agritourism for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria.
