Mrs Folusho Olaniyan, the Programme Director, Agra Innovate West Africa, says over 40 exhibitors and 60 speakers are expected at its exhibition this year.
Olaniyan said via a statement in Lagos on Monday that the annual exhibition, which involved crop production, crop processing and manufacturing concerns, would hold in Lagos from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22.
“Apart from the over 40 exhibitors and 60 speakers at the event, this year’s edition will have a special general session for participants’ interaction with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh.
“Chief Onikepo Akande, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and two-time former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Nigeria, will deliver the keynote address at the event.
“Nigerian and international agricultural policymakers, agribusiness leaders, farmers, technologists and investors will gather to discuss the latest developments in agriculture in Nigeria and West Africa,’’ she said.
Olaniyan also said that the exposition would feature over 30 free seminars and networking sessions, among others.
She said that the exhibition would also connect suppliers from 20 countries across four different continents to serious local buyers and agribusiness partners.
“The event facilitates two days of intensive knowledge sharing, networking, technology transfer and deal-making.
“It will consist of a vibrant exhibition area featuring the latest agribusiness innovations and over 30 free agriculture seminars, which are free-to-attend for all members of the agribusiness community who register online,’’ she said.
Olaniyan said that confirmed speakers at the event included Dr Andrew Westby from University of Greenwich; Julian Smith from Fera Science UK and William Scott from Dexis Consulting/Aglandinvest USA.
She said that Theresa Cooper, Dean of Diversity, Iowa State University in the U.S.; Dr Olusegun Ojo, Director-General, National Seed Council; and Terrence Lacey of West Africa Food Markets were also expected.
She added that Chief Bisi Fayemi, a Visiting Lecturer at Centre for African Leadership of King’s College, London, was one of the major speakers.
Olaniyan said that the exhibition was supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, while its organisers were KNect365 and Contact Consulting Nigeria,
“After the success of last year’s exposition, we are ensuring that the upcoming exhibition will again have the great ambience which all attendees have previously experienced.
“The seminars have consistently been the best in terms of layout, facilities and hospitality.
“It will be one place this year where the whole agriculture industry will come together to learn and do business,” she added.