President of the World Agritourism Organisation (WAO) and Global Lead Advocate of the UNWAO Initiative, Amb. Arc Trust Henry Ogboi, Tuesday, led a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on site inspection of the proposed Nigerian International Agritourism Village Project (NIAV).
The NIAV project is located at Karishi South, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, opposite the Nigerian Correctional Service Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Karshi.
A press statement issued on the visit by the Office of the President of WAO, and made available to Blueprint, Thursday, said Amb. Henry Ogboi was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the organisation, Mrs. Nneka Monjudu, and Director of International Diplomatic Relations, Mr. Usman Elkanah, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to strengthening national and international partnerships for the successful implementation of the project.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security were Mrs. B. A. Ipinlaiye, Deputy Director, and Mr. A. Ugbaha, Assistant Desk Officer for Agritourism, who joined the inspection to assess the strategic location, viability, and development potentials of the landmark national project.
The NIAV project is strategically located, approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the Abuja Central Area, with excellent road access and close proximity to host farming communities, ensuring a sustainable supply of fresh agricultural produce and raw food materials for processing, value addition, and agribusiness development.
The statement noted that the project is envisioned as a world-class integrated agritourism destination that will promote agriculture, tourism, food security, rural development, innovation, investment, youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
“Upon completion, the Nigerian International Agritourism Village Project will provide dedicated Agriculture and Tourism Liaison Offices for all 36 State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory, while also establishing Diplomatic Agriculture and Tourism Liaison Zones to showcase the agricultural and tourism potential of partner nations, encourage foreign direct investment, promote technology transfer, strengthen international cooperation, and foster cultural exchange.
“The comprehensive master plan includes a Grand Entrance Gateway, International Agritourism Plaza, Smart Farm Estates, Mechanised Farming Zones, Grain Silos, Cold Chain and Food Storage Facilities, Food Processing and Packaging Zones, Mechanised Abattoir, Water Bottling Factory, International Farm Market, Inland Dry Port and Logistics Hub, International School, Skills Acquisition and Innovation Centre.
Other features include a Shopping Complex, Four-Star Hotel and Convention Centre, Food Courts and Restaurants, Modern Medical Clinic, Recreation Park, Artificial Lake, Children’s Adventure Park, Botanical Garden, Solar Power Farm, Water Treatment Plant, Security Headquarters, Fire Service Station, landscaped boulevards, dual-carriage roads, green belts, and other world-class infrastructure designed to position Nigeria as Africa’s premier agritourism destination,” the statement said
Speaking during the inspection, Amb Henry Ogboi reaffirmed the commitment of the WAO to working closely with the federal and state governments, diplomatic missions, development partners, investors, the private sector, and host communities to deliver a globally competitive agritourism project that will significantly enhance Nigeria’s food security, agricultural productivity, tourism development, employment generation, and economic diversification.
He disclosed that, “preparations for the official groundbreaking ceremony are at an advanced stage. The ceremony will commence as soon as the date is officially scheduled and announced. It is expected to attract senior government officials, diplomatic missions, development partners, investors, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, farmers’ organisations, youth groups, and members of the international community.
“The Nigerian International Agritourism Village Project represents a transformational national initiative that will integrate agriculture, tourism, commerce, education, research, innovation, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation into a globally competitive agritourism ecosystem, positioning Nigeria as a leading agritourism destination in Africa and beyond.”