Agriculture Minister Wins Global Agritourism Award for Promoting Sustainability Through Farming
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, has been named the “National Agritourism Patron of the Year” at the first-ever World Agritourism Festival 2025. Organised by Xtralarge Farms and Resources, the honour recognised the minister’s strong efforts in using agriculture to drive economic growth, boost tourism, and ensure national sustainability.
During the award ceremony, Senator Abdullahi expressed deep appreciation and dedicated the honour to Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth. He described them as the real heroes behind the transformation of Nigeria’s agriculture. He stressed that with innovative strategies, partnerships, and consistent support, Nigeria’s agricultural future is full of promise.
The festival brought together players from across Nigeria’s agricultural and tourism landscapes to showcase ideas focused on sustainability and growth. It was also used to promote agriculture as a cultural and tourism opportunity that can help diversify the nation’s economy. The Minister praised the organisers for their creative approach and highlighted successful global examples like Italy, South Africa, and the United States where agritourism has brought positive change to rural areas.
Senator Abdullahi proposed forming a national technical committee to help shape Nigeria’s agritourism roadmap. He also promised policy backing, investment, and leadership to support this goal in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, collective effort is key, and stakeholders must work together to create real change and growth in the sector.
At the event, the First Lady of Ogun State, Dr. Bamidele Abiodun, also received an award. She called the festival a major step forward in achieving food security and development in Nigeria. She noted growing global interest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, mentioning recent partnerships with countries like Qatar and Brazil aimed at improving farm infrastructure and increasing productivity.
Dr. Abiodun also stressed the importance of empowering women in agriculture. She urged expansion of initiatives such as the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Agricultural Support Scheme, which helps women transition from smallholder to commercial farming. She pointed out that although women make up more than half of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, they still face unequal access to land, finance, and technology.
Lagos State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Mrs. Ruth Bisola Olusanya, added that agritourism can change public attitudes toward farming. She described it as a bridge between agriculture and tourism that can help protect traditions, empower rural communities, and support a more diverse economy.
Dr. Seyi Davis, CEO of Xtralarge Farms and leader of the festival, said the event was proof that agriculture can be modernised to support sustainability and economic progress. He called on the government to increase its support for local farmers by improving their access to credit, tools, and insurance. According to him, helping farmers thrive will lead to stronger local economies and better livelihoods for communities.
