Niger State emerges second-best at 2025 National agricultural show
From Our Correspondent
Niger State has emerged second-best overall in the exhibition performance and other competitive categories at the 17th edition of the 2025 National Agricultural Show held in along Keffi/Karu Road, Nasarawa State.
The theme of the event was”Empowering Smallholder Farmers: Restoring Value; Ensuring Productivity for the Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria.”
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago was represented at the event by Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Niger state Ministry of Agriculture.
Ahmed said the recognition reflected the governor’s sustained investment in agricultural development and grassroots empowerment across the state.
He noted that the show had become a major platform for showcasing new technologies, improved crop varieties, sustainable farming practices and innovations required to build a more resilient agricultural sector in the country.
The Permanent Secretary added that Niger State’s participation also aimed to attract more investors into its expanding agricultural space.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Bago for what he described as “unwavering commitment” to strengthening agriculture, noting that the state had recorded significant progress through various initiatives targeting farmers at the grassroots.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator of FADAMA/N-CARE, Alhaji Shehu Kudu, who delivered the opening remarks for Niger State Day, commended exhibitors for their dedication.
He urged farmers to take advantage of the technologies displayed at the exhibition to scale up production and contribute to national food security.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Livestock and Fisheries, and Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, the Managing Director of NAMDA, and the Niger State Coordinator of VCDP.
They encouraged both local and international investors to explore the numerous opportunities available in the state’s agricultural value chains.
The officials highlighted Niger State’s agricultural potential, including massive arable land, fertile soil, favourable climate and fast-growing aquaculture sector.
The officials said the awards underscored the state’s growing leadership in agricultural innovation, participation and value-chain development.
The 17th edition of the show attracted thousands of farmers, agribusiness leaders, researchers, innovators and policymakers from different parts of the country.
