StanbicIBTC’s #BLS2016 to Discuss the Future & Relevance of Agriculture in the Nigerian Economy | Thursday, October 20th

Can Nigeria move to export-oriented agricultural production?
Are there opportunities in agriculture?
How can Agripreneurs move their business forward?

These are just some of the questions that will be discussed by the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Jason Drew, a farmer and eco-entrepreneur and Kola Masha, Managing Director, Doreo Partners, at the 2016 Stanbic IBTC Business Leadership Series (#BLS2016).

Kola Masha leads Doreo Partners, an agriculture-focused investment firm, and will give insights into funding opportunities in the agriculture sector. Jason Drew, who achieved global fame by creating a thriving business via the cultivation of maggots will share his thoughts on how we can build a vibrant and sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria.

The speakers will also team up to provide innovative insights and thought provoking viewpoints on Nigeria’s agricultural value chain potential.

#BLS2016 will be taking place on Thursday. See details below:

Date: Thursday, October 20th, 2016. Venue: Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Now in its 3^rd edition, this year’s theme reflects the large changes expected to occur in Nigeria’s agricultural sector as the country moves towards diversification, while highlighting opportunities that investors and businesses can tap into.

Along with the panel discussion, there will also be interactive seminar sessions where participants will be able to get the experts to answer their questions and learn about enterprise development and funding opportunities.

Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Sola David-Borha, said the agriculture sector and its value chain have the potential to create millions of jobs, especially as over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is engaged in agriculture-related activities. The drop in crude oil prices has justifiably shifted emphasis to the non-oil sectors of the economy, she said.

David-Borha noted that the forum will present a unique opportunity to discuss ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s agricultural sector with emphasis on improvements in infrastructure, agro-industrial zones, financing and an enabling policy environment crucial for the full exploitation of the agricultural value chain, attainment of food security, employment generation and wealth creation. The goal is to turn Nigeria into a global agricultural powerhouse, she said.

Over 200 delegates are expected to attend the conference.

Make sure you are one of them by signing up, visit https://goo.gl/e8sdBE to apply.