by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has said that Nigeria can play a key role in enhancing global food security, as he unveiled the Nigeria Pavilion at the 60th edition of the Paris International Agriculture Fair.
Governor Mutfwang, who was a distinguished guest of the Government of France, highlighted Nigeria’s diverse potentials in the agro sector, which can be harnessed with the right investments towards addressing the looming food crisis.
He expressed his appreciation to the French Government for inviting Plateau State, one of Nigeria’s sub-nationals with huge potentials in the agricultural industry.
He said the invitation would deepen the relationship and partnership between Plateau State Government and the French Government.
According to him, the strategic engagement aligns with his administration’s Green Revolution agenda, which aims to improve the socio-economic status of Plateau people by attracting the right investments to enhance the agro value chain.
The governor, who is passionate and determined to tackle the current food crisis, engaged with stakeholders on immediate and result-oriented measures to address the current situation and mitigate the hardship faced by his people.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Miss Aisha Rimi, said that Nigeria is open to credible investors, and mentioned successful agro-entrepreneurs, like Flour Mills Nigeria, that have run successful enterprises in the country for over 60 years, showing laudable results.
She urged all interested investors to consider Nigeria as a preferred destination that would offer maximum returns on investments.
Founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim James Ovia, highlighted the Bank’s efforts towards investing in the agro space, which include a significant diversification in the Bank’s operations.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of Mr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, CFR, Co-Founder of Access Bank, who supported the idea of Nigeria’s presence at the prestigious global event when it was first conceived.
The Paris International Agricultural Show is a major trade event for the agriculture industry, attracting over 1 million visitors and professionals from around the world.
It offers opportunities for partnerships, education and training on farming, while also focusing on innovation and technology to address industrial challenges and promote growth and development.