The Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference, “UYO 2024,” has officially commenced at the prestigious Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This eagerly anticipated event aligns with the Akwa Ibom State government’s ARISE agenda, a forward-thinking economic blueprint dedicated to driving an “Agricultural Revolution” that promises full-scale transformation of the state’s agribusiness landscape. With a focus on advancing agricultural innovation and collaboration, UYO 2024 is set to shape the future of agribusiness both within Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria.
Governor Umo Eno, the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour, is expected to lead the conference alongside the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, who will deliver the keynote address. This high-level gathering has brought together a diverse group of agricultural thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders who are eager to share insights and strategies to elevate Akwa Ibom as an agribusiness hub. The three-day conference aims to provide a platform where experts will collaborate to develop new skills, bridge knowledge gaps, and generate actionable frameworks to harness opportunities within agriculture and allied industries.
The primary objective of UYO 2024 is to fuel economic growth and sustainability through agricultural innovation. Conference organizers emphasize that attendees will gain access to cutting-edge knowledge and strategies that address specific challenges within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Through presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants will engage in dynamic dialogues, discovering sustainable solutions and cultivating an environment ripe for investment and transformation within agribusiness.
Top industry leaders and representatives from key financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and development organizations such as Solidaridad, are among the scheduled speakers. Industry experts, such as Abdulrasheed Babalola and Umanah Ette, will also share valuable insights. These sessions are designed to foster a collaborative atmosphere that encourages participants to network, share best practices, and jointly explore solutions that will help Akwa Ibom lead Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
According to conference coordinator Howard Usen, UYO 2024 has drawn interest from over 500 participants globally. Expected attendees include government officials, business leaders, international agencies, and local farmers, all dedicated to furthering agricultural growth. High-profile participants such as Governors, Ministers, members of the National and State Assemblies, and leaders from various agencies are anticipated, highlighting the event’s prominence as a central meeting point for Nigeria’s agribusiness influencers.
The Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference, organized by the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI) alongside the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) and several governmental agencies, stands as a testament to Akwa Ibom’s commitment to becoming Nigeria’s premier agricultural hub. With collaboration from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), UYO 2024 is poised to catalyze a new era of agricultural advancement.
