Featuring Master classes, Managing the Value Chain, opportunities/risks

Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, MD/CEO, First Bank

As part of efforts to get Nigerians out of poverty in deference to President Mohammadu Buhari order to the just appointed ministers, diversify the economy and create wealth/jobs opportunities for Nigerians, First Bank Nigeria Ltd has announced plans to hold an Agric Business  Expo in Lagos.

A statement by the bank made available to us indicate that the leading financial services provider, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, would hold its 2019 FirstBank Agric  Expo on Friday, 30 August 2019 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

The 2019 edition – the third in the series –  is themed “Agricultural Value Chain – Spotlighting Opportunities and Managing Risks” would have Professor Benedict Oramah, President of AFREXIM Bank as the Keynote Speaker.

The annual FirstBank Agric Expo, launched in 2017 provides the lead in national discourse on sustainable agriculture value-chain as a substantial source of Nigeria’s economic development, improved contribution to her balance of trade as well as foreign exchange.

The 2019 edition would host over 600 delegates and over 60 exhibitors to display the latest technology in farm equipment, tools and machineries as well as packaged finished agricultural produce, logistics and supply, thereby keeping the participants and sundry agribusiness practitioners abreast with new opportunities in the Agricultural industry.

Apart from the plenary session, the expo will feature three (3) Masterclasses with in-depth analysis on specific areas of Agribusiness, facilitated by enterprising Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

The Masterclass facilitators include Mr. Leonard Anyanwu, Group Executive Director, Saro International Limited; Mr Segun Ogunwale, Team Lead, Kominity Digital and Mr Bamidele Ayemibo Managing Director, 3T Impex Trade Centre, who will provide insight as well as share success stories and experiences.

Speaking on the Expo, the CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan said “in the last 125 years, more than any other financial institution, we have played a key role in financing different sectors of not just the Nigerian economy but other economies in sub-Saharan Africa. As Nigeria expands opportunities in its non-oil sector – especially Agriculture – we remain committed to the growth of the agricultural sector and its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.”

“Our consistency in convening the FirstBank Agric Expo, which is in its third consecutive edition, is a demonstration of our commitment to building the agribusiness economy which is capable of delivering sustained prosperity by meeting domestic food security goals, generating exports, supporting sustainable income and creating employment opportunities”, Dr. Adeduntan said.

There are strong indications that the First Bank Agric Business Expo promises to be very rewarding as Agric stakeholders gear up to attend the Expo.