Diaspora Commission Backs Nigeria’s First World Agritourism Festival

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has thrown its weight behind the upcoming World Agritourism Festival, describing the initiative by Xtralarge Farms and Resorts as a significant step toward engaging the diaspora in Nigeria’s agricultural development

Scheduled to kick off on Thursday, July 3, at the Balmoral Convention Center in Ikeja, the festival has been hailed as a key project that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of agriculture, tourism, and diaspora inclusion.

NiDCOM Chairperson, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the organisers for promoting investment opportunities in Nigeria’s rural economy. “Congratulations to Xtralarge Farms for this remarkable initiative. What you’re doing is attractive, impactful, and directly in line with what we have always advocated for Nigerians in the diaspora to see the immense possibilities back home,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to collaborating with Xtralarge Farms to strengthen diaspora involvement in the agricultural space. “There’s so much we can and will do together. Agriculture is central to our economic future, and your resort offers a compelling example of agribusiness potential. This shouldn’t be the last we hope it becomes an annual celebration.”

She also praised the vision and leadership of Xtralarge Farms founders, Dr. Mojo Davids and Mr. David Davids, for using agritourism as a tool to unlock Nigeria’s rural development. “You are showing the world that Nigeria is rich in untapped opportunities. We are proud of the innovation you bring,” she added.

The 90-day festival, themed “Promoting Sustainable Agriculture Through Tourism,” is designed as a hub for farmers, agribusiness experts, policymakers, investors, and members of the global Nigerian diaspora to collaborate on solutions for sustainable agriculture and rural transformation.

The festival will conclude on Friday, July 11, with a high-level Grand Summit, Awards, and Gala Night at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, attracting stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Dignitaries expected to attend include:

• Hon. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems

• Senator Bala A. Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State

• Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Agriculture

• Ambassador Akinremi Alade Bolaji, Director of Reforms and Innovation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, also expressed support, calling the festival a “powerful complement” to the Federal Government’s agenda on food security and youth empowerment.

Organisers say the event will feature exhibitions, workshops, expert panels, and investment forums all aimed at positioning agriculture as a strategic tool for national growth and diaspora reintegration.