Sterling Bank’s Agricultural Investment Summit

March 20, in Abuja, themed “co-creating a sustainable Nigerian economy through rural agricultural enterprise”, attracted bigwigs and agribusiness players in the private and public sectors including Governor Atiku Bakudu of Kebbi State who was the lead key note speaker. Former Director General of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, in his key note address proffered eight propositions to address the challenges besetting the agric sector in Nigeria; one of which is the need to co-create through partnerships that includes producer groups. Gov Bagudu urged Nigerian banks to do more to support the agric sector and support States to venture into the global agri trade through partnerships like the one between Kebbi and Lagos State that has produced the rice brand call ‘Lake’ in the Nigerian market. The DFID funded Business Innovation Facility provided several videos and success stories on improved milk production from cattle ranching in Kaduna, improved cassava and maize farming through outgrower programs. ‘We are seeking to provide end to end support for the agriculture sector by supporting rural enterprises and small holder farmers in partnership with technical assistance providers since farmers are the foundation of any value chain’, says Bukola Awosanya, General Manager, Agric and Export Business of Sterling Bank in a chat with the Nigeria Agribusiness Register.