The Niger State government, alongside HarvestPlus and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, has finalized plans to host the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair next month in Minna, the capital of Niger State.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Salihu Bawa Bosso, shared details about the event in an interaction with the media in Minna.
He described the milestone fair as a gathering point for policymakers, researchers, farmers, and food processors, all united by a shared mission to innovate, exchange knowledge, and discuss the latest developments in nutritious food production.
“The Nutritious Food Fair aligns with the Niger State government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable agricultural sector,” Bosso explained.
“We are dedicated to creating an environment that attracts investments in nutritious foods, ensuring residents can access essential resources for healthy living.”
According to Bosso, over 100 exhibitors, key government officials, private sector leaders, and more than 500 attendees are expected to participate. Key features of the fair will include panel discussions, business networking, a school quiz (NutriQuiz), cooking competitions (NutriKitchen), job clinics, the Smart Mother Initiative, entertainment, and hands-on training sessions.
A highlight of the event will be the decoration of the state governor’s wife, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Umaru Bago, as the “Smart Mother of the State.” In this role, the First Lady will advocate for accessible nutrition education for women across Niger, empowering them to make informed choices for family health.
The HarvestPlus Nigeria Nutritious Food Fair is an annual event focused on promoting nutrient-rich foods, biofortification, and sustainable food systems for improved health and climate resilience across Nigeria.
The primary goal is to combat malnutrition through biofortified crops such as vitamin A maize and iron millet, which deliver essential nutrients.
HarvestPlus Nigeria’s Country Manager, Yusuf Dollah, commended Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago’s efforts to advance agriculture for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Dollah noted that the fair brings together vital stakeholders from across the food and agricultural value chains to address nutrition challenges and advocate for increased investment in the nutrition sector.
He emphasized the economic benefits for Niger State, including small business support and value chain strengthening.
“Special focus will be placed on empowering women to improve their diets, while a job creation clinic will target young unemployed individuals, providing pathways to self-reliance,” Dollah added.
Nutrition and Food Systems Manager, Olatundun Kalejaiye, explained that the fair offers a strategic platform to support every sector within agriculture, adding value to farm produce and aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Kalejaiye highlighted that the fair will attract investors, foster business collaborations, and provide new growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs within the state’s economy.