World Agritourism Festival promises fresh harvest for Nigeria’s farming future

By Johnson Adebowale

Forget the dusty stereotypes. Farming in Nigeria is about to get a whole lot more vibrant, thanks to an audacious initiative by Dr. Seyi David and Dr. Moji David, the visionary duo behind XtraLarge Farms and Resort, an AgriTech City. They’ve just launched the maiden edition of the 90-Day World Agritourism Festival, a groundbreaking event designed to transform the nation’s agricultural sector, inject dynamism into the economy, and cultivate a passion for farming among Nigeria’s youth.

This isn’t your typical agricultural fair. The festival, officially unveiled with the aim of bridging the chasm between time-honored farming practices and cutting-edge AgriTech innovations, is a bold experiment in rebranding agriculture. Spearheaded by the energetic Dr. Seyi David, CEO, and the dynamic Dr. Moji David, Managing Director, the event promises a potent blend of tourism, culture, and hands-on agricultural experiences.

“Our goal is to fundamentally shift how Nigerians view farming,” declared Dr. Moji David at a recent press briefing. Her passion was palpable as she outlined the festival’s ambitions: to promote sustainable development and significantly boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and overall revenue.

For over a decade, Nigeria’s agricultural landscape has grappled with dwindling youth involvement, escalating food costs, and a persistent perception of farming as a path to poverty. This negative image threatens not only the nation’s food security but also its economic stability. Dr. Seyi David is determined to rewrite this narrative. “Farming can be exciting, profitable, and a source of immense pride,” he asserted. “We want to ignite that pride in our farmers and showcase agriculture as the bedrock of Nigeria’s future prosperity.”

The festival’s strategy is ingeniously simple: make agriculture irresistible through immersive experiences and deep community engagement. Imagine urban dwellers, Nigerians in the diaspora, and international visitors trading their city shoes for farm boots during enriching three-day (or longer) farm stays. Participants will get their hands dirty with planting, harvesting, and animal husbandry, culminating in a certificate of agritourism induction – fostering a global network of agriculture enthusiasts.

But the experience extends far beyond the farm gate. The festival boasts a compelling lineup of four virtual summits featuring prominent voices in agriculture from Nigeria, the UK, Canada, the US, Dubai, and Australia. These online gatherings will spotlight profitable and sustainable farming methodologies. On the ground, large-scale roadshows in Lagos and Ogun are set to mobilize at least a thousand young people in each location, taking to the streets to champion the cause of agritourism.

A crucial element of the festival is its advocacy for fair market prices for farmers. By organizing farmers’ solidarity markets, the initiative aims to ensure producers receive just compensation for their hard work, cutting out exploitative middlemen.

Recognizing the importance of knowledge transfer, the festival will also provide free training in sustainable farming practices to over 10,000 Nigerians. Collaborations with Nigerian universities and educational institutions will further embed agricultural projects into the academic sphere, nurturing a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit.

What truly sets this festival apart is the planned participation of professionals from diverse fields – musicians, doctors, and government officials – who will immerse themselves in farm stays. This unique approach aims to shatter the stereotype of the farmer and demonstrate that agriculture is an inclusive and honorable profession for all.

Looking beyond Nigeria’s borders, the organizers have ambitious plans for a second edition in the United Kingdom in October 2025, with subsequent festivals slated for Canada, Australia, Dubai, and Central Europe. This international expansion aims to showcase Nigeria’s rich agricultural heritage and promote sustainable farming practices on a global scale.

Dr. Moji David, with her keen marketing acumen, envisions an event that sparks genuine curiosity about the world of agriculture. “We want to create an experience that ignites curiosity about farming,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Everyone will feel the pulse of what it means to be a part of this vibrant world.” She anticipates drawing families, tourists, and agricultural enthusiasts from all walks of life to this intimate celebration of agronomy.

By seamlessly weaving together tourism, culture, and community engagement, the World Agritourism Festival aspires to create a thriving ecosystem where farmers are fairly rewarded, food prices stabilize, and Nigeria’s food security is significantly strengthened. The initiative aligns perfectly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on job creation, wealth generation, and environmental sustainability.

Launched on World Agritourism Day, May 16th, and culminating in a grand expo at the Marriott Hotel Lagos on June 14th, 2025, the festival is a clarion call for individuals, corporations, and government agencies to lend their support and participation. All activities are accessible through the festival’s dedicated website and social media platforms.

Despite operating without external funding, the organizers are passionately appealing for support to sustain this transformative movement, one that promises to redefine Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and elevate its global standing.

With unwavering optimism, Dr. Seyi David declared at the launch, “This festival will not only showcase our agricultural heritage but will also serve as a powerful platform to attract the next generation of farmers.”
As Nigeria and Africa grapple with the critical challenge of feeding their growing populations, this festival underscores the vital importance of celebrating indigenous farming methods, honoring cultural heritage, and strategically leveraging tourism to make agriculture an attractive and viable path for the future. “Let us show the world the immense potential that Africa holds,” urged the festival’s founder. “With faith and collective action, we can transform farming into a source of pride, prosperity, and sustainability for generations to come.”

Adding to the groundswell of enthusiasm, team leader Mr. Shola Ajayi highlighted plans to integrate agritourism into local school curricula, fostering early engagement with agriculture. The festival’s vibrant kickoff included a grand parade showcasing the diverse crops, fruits, and animals that represent Nigeria’s farming communities, while workshops focused on sustainable farming practices ignited the imaginations of attendees.

With a renewed sense of pride in agriculture taking root and a new generation of advocates emerging, the World Agritourism Festival is poised to cultivate dreams that will undoubtedly flourish for years to come, reminding everyone that farming is not just about sustenance, but about building a thriving community and a future worth cultivating.