By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
Nigeria marked its 3rd World Agritourism Day on May 15, 2026, in Abuja with a renewed push to have May 16 recognized globally by the United Nations. The event, held at the Office of the Secretary the Government of Federation’s Conference Hall in Maitama, brought together diplomats, government officials, and development partners to advance the institutionalization of the day and the creation of a United Nations World Agritourism Organization (UNWAO).
Amb. Arc. Trust Henry Ogboi, President of the World Agritourism Organization (WAO) and Global Lead Advocate for UNWAO, said Nigeria was building on its legacy in global tourism. He noted that WAO, inaugurated by the Presidency through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aims to strengthen food security, create sustainable jobs, and attract investment under a Global Public-Private Partnership framework with International Tourist Choice Ltd.
Ogboi recalled that Nigeria pioneered World Tourism Day through the work of Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi in 1971, now observed globally every September 27. He said the formal inauguration of WAO and World Agritourism Day on May 16, 2023, positioned Nigeria as a leader in agritourism development. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is now calling on member states to adopt May 16 as the official World Agritourism Day.
The plan includes presenting the proposal for UNWAO at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 8, 2026. The Office of the SGF has approved the global institutionalization process, which will be advanced by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs through diplomatic channels. A new Agritourism Global Perspectives Practice Policies Guidelines and Framework Roadmap was also unveiled to guide nations and investors.
Representing the SGF, George Akume, officials said agritourism links agriculture, tourism, and trade to drive rural transformation, enterprise, and cultural preservation. Nigeria is engaging the international community to secure UN recognition of May 16 and establish UNWAO for coordination, standard setting, and investment facilitation. The goal is to diversify farm income through farm sales, educational tours, and festivals while advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda’s zero hunger targets.
Burundi’s envoy, Mr. Desire Hpfubuja, aligned the event with Burundi’s Vision 2040 and 2060, which prioritizes transforming agriculture and achieving food sufficiency. He said over 80% of Burundians depend on agriculture and that agritourism offers a bridge to empower women and youth. He cited growing Nigeria-Burundi agricultural partnerships, including a recent fertilizer investment, and called for stronger government, private sector, and community collaboration.
Russia’s Agricultural Attaché, Vladimir Efremov, said Russia was ready to share its agritourism experience with Nigeria. He noted that small and large businesses in Russia have turned farms into destinations for urban residents seeking connection to the land. He stressed that collaboration between government and business is key to achieving food security and zero hunger.
India’s Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Voultihe Rowat, highlighted India’s journey from food deficit to global agricultural leader. She pointed to the Green, White, and Blue Revolutions, technology-driven farming, and India’s role as the world’s largest rice exporter. She said India’s spice gardens, tea estates, and orchards are now major agritourism destinations and offered to partner with Nigeria on best practices and technology.
Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Gladys Deddy Akyoa, said agritourism can transform Africa’s rural communities into hubs of economic activity and innovation. With 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land in Africa, she argued that the sector can diversify incomes and create jobs for youth. She welcomed Nigeria’s leadership and urged deeper Ghana-Nigeria collaboration in agriculture, tourism, and trade.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, represented by Lucas Nelson Shehu on behalf of DG Ola Awakan, said NTDA is promoting agritourism as a strategic driver of development. He said the sector bridges food security, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and cultural identity, and aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on diversification and youth empowerment.
The event drew representation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Correctional Services, SMEDAN, and other agencies. Officials and diplomats agreed that agritourism is central to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly zero hunger and no poverty.
With Nigeria leading the global push, organizers said the May 15 gathering marked the start of a transformative journey to redefine the intersection of agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development.
