Niger State is preparing for the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair, set to take place on December 10-11, 2024, at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Center in Minna. This year’s fair promises to be a major event in the state’s efforts to boost its Mechanized Agricultural Revolution program and promote sustainable food systems. The event is expected to draw more than 100 exhibitors and around 5,000 attendees, with a focus on advancing nutrition and fostering business connections within the agricultural and food sectors.
The Nutritious Food Fair is organized by HarvestPlus in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Niger State Government, and the Office of the First Lady of Niger State. The fair has gained significant recognition as a platform for bringing together policymakers, farmers, food processors, and researchers to discuss innovations in nutritious foods and agricultural practices.
Bawa Salihu Bosso, Niger State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, emphasized the importance of this year’s event, noting that it will provide a diverse range of activities and opportunities for attendees. These will include panel discussions on nutrition and agriculture, business networking sessions, and interactive events such as the NutriQuiz (a school quiz focusing on nutrition education) and the NutriKitchen cooking competition. The event will also feature job clinics aimed at providing career opportunities for youth, the Smart Mother Initiative to support maternal health, entertainment, and hands-on training in areas like food processing and agricultural practices.
Bosso highlighted that the fair is not only a showcase of the latest developments in the food and agriculture sectors but also a vital platform for collective engagement. “The fair is a place where one can see, learn, and participate in creating a healthier future for all,” he said. “It is an opportunity for youth job creation, business connections, and new partnerships in the nutritious food sector.”
This year’s event, with the theme “Sustainable Food Systems: Our Collective Responsibility,” will be a pivotal moment in Niger State’s commitment to fostering a sustainable agricultural sector. Bosso emphasized that the state government is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that will attract investments in nutritious foods, contributing to healthier lives for the people of Niger State and beyond.
The Nutritious Food Fair will also feature discussions on the latest trends and challenges in nutritious food production and consumption. Participants will have the chance to showcase innovative solutions, share knowledge, and engage in discussions on the future of food security in Africa. The event will bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, international and local development organizations, and experts from various fields of nutrition and agriculture.
“This fair is aligned with Niger State’s goal to support a vibrant, sustainable agricultural sector,” Bosso explained. “It is an opportunity to highlight the state’s ongoing efforts to integrate nutrition and food security into its development agenda.”
The last edition of the fair was held in Kaduna, and this year’s edition in Minna will further solidify the event’s role in advancing agricultural development, increasing food security, and improving nutrition for communities across Niger and other parts of Africa. With a focus on business development and youth engagement, the fair is expected to serve as a critical step toward realizing Niger State’s vision of becoming a leader in sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
