Third Agribusiness Round-Table: Banks to Unveil Crucial Financing Solutions for Growth – Dr. Usen

Dr. Howard Usen

As preparations heighten for the Third Agribusiness Round-Table in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, participants are assured of valuable insights into financing options for agribusinesses, with financial institutions set to provide vital guidance and solutions.

Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, the South-South Coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), Howard Usen, said the international conference, holding from Sunday, October 27 to Tuesday, October 29 at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, promises to be a game-changer for stakeholders in the sector.

Usen, who is also the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, informed that the roundtable with the theme, 'Unlocking Agribusiness Opportunities for Economic Sustainability,' is organized by the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade, Investment, and Agriculture.

While emphasizing the vital role banks and financial institutions will play during the conference, the agribusiness expert noted that professionals from these institutions would be available to offer invaluable suggestions and guidelines on how agribusinesses can access financing, paving the way for sustained growth and export opportunities.

His words: "Financing has been a major challenge for many in the agribusiness sector, but this round-table will address that concern. Banks and financial institutions will provide participants with insights on how to access credit, structure their businesses for success, and present commodities for exports that can earn foreign exchange."

The round-table is set to feature key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including ministers from the Ministries of Water Resources, Trade and Investment, and Niger Delta Affairs. It will serve as a platform for discussions on unlocking agribusiness opportunities, with a focus on sustainability, job creation, and non-oil exports.

According to Usen, "Agribusiness has the potential to generate thousands of jobs along its value chain, but for that potential to be realized, there must be a sustainable system in place, driven by proper financing and strategic partnerships."

Participants will also have the opportunity to network, explore various agricultural exhibitions, and gain access to practical solutions for the agribusiness sector's challenges. Usen hinted that the conference will offer hope to over 500 delegates and attendees, particularly with regard to securing funding and technical expertise needed to propel their businesses to new heights.

Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., will serve as the Chief Host, with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as Special Guest, while six South-South Governors and other selected Governors from across the country are expected to attend. The keynote address will be delivered by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Aneti.

Other distinguished guests include the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Joseph Utsev, and the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, among others.