Efforts to deepen youth involvement in agriculture and tackle food insecurity in the Niger Delta have received renewed attention as preparations intensify for the upcoming Food Security Summit and Expo in Akwa Ibom State.
During a recent engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture, members of the organising committee outlined plans for the maiden edition of the event and sought collaboration with the state government. Discussions focused on building partnerships that can address persistent challenges within the agricultural sector while expanding opportunities for young people.
Leading the delegation, the committee’s team head, Emmanuel Robert, explained that the initiative is designed to provide practical responses to longstanding issues such as poor access to funding, weak participation of youths, and inefficiencies along the agricultural value chain. He said the summit will bring together policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, agribusiness operators, and emerging entrepreneurs to generate solutions that can boost food production and support economic growth.
The three day gathering is scheduled to take place from April 22 to April 24 at Ceedapeg Hotels in Akwa Ibom State. According to Robert, it is being organised in partnership with key national agencies including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority. The Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Hussein Gadain, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
He emphasised that a central objective of the summit is to equip young people with relevant skills, knowledge, and access to resources needed to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture. He added that the platform is intended to attract investment, strengthen value chains, and present agriculture as a profitable venture for the region’s youth population.
In her response, the Commissioner for Agriculture in Akwa Ibom State, Offiong Offor, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of sustained youth participation in the sector. She pointed to ongoing government programmes aimed at improving access to farm inputs, financing, and training as measures already encouraging greater involvement in agriculture.
The commissioner also assured the committee of the ministry’s support, noting its readiness to work closely with organisers to ensure the success of the event and its long term benefits.
