Nigeria has hosted the 3rd World Agritourism Day on 15th May, 2026, using the occasion to advance a proposal for the global institutionalization of 16th May as World Agritourism Day and the creation of a United Nations World Agritourism Organization.
Held at the Conference Hall, Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, the event drew diplomats, government officials, and development partners who underscored agritourism as a bridge between food security, rural transformation, and sustainable economic growth, and Abba -Eku Onyeka, Our Managing Editor captured it all.
Amb. Arc. Trust Henry Ogboi, President of the World Agritourism Organization [WAO] and Global Lead Advocate for the United Nations World Agritourism Organization [UNWAO], welcomed guests to what he called a historic occasion for Nigeria and the global community.
He congratulated the Federal Republic of India on marking its 19th World Agritourism Day on 16th May annually and Uganda on holding its 2nd virtual celebration, noting that the movement is gaining momentum across continents.
Ogboi explained that WAO was inaugurated by the Presidency through the Office of the SGF as a strategic initiative to strengthen food security, create sustainable jobs, and attract global investment* under a Global Public-Private Partnership framework powered by International Tourist Choice Ltd.
He recalled Nigeria’s role in global tourism history, stating that the concept of World Tourism Day, celebrated every 27th September, was pioneered by Nigerian Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi in 1971 at the International Union of Official Travel Organizations, now the UN World Tourism Organization.
In the same spirit, WAO and World Agritourism Day were formally inaugurated by the Presidency on 16th May, 2023, positioning Nigeria as a leader in agritourism development.
- Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is calling on member countries to support the institutionalization of 16th May as the official World Agritourism Day worldwide.
The proposal includes establishing UNWAO, which Nigeria plans to present at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 8th September, 2026.
The Office of the SGF has approved the call for global institutionalization, and the process will be advanced through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs via established diplomatic channels.
- A key milestone at the event was the unveiling of the Agritourism Global Perspectives Practice Policies Guidelines and Framework Roadmap, intended as a guiding instrument for governments, investors, and stakeholders.
Ogboi said the gathering marks the start of a transformative journey redefining the intersection of agriculture, tourism, sustainability, and economic development.
Mr. Desire Hpfubuja of the Embassy of Burundi delivered remarks on behalf of Burundi, aligning the day’s theme “Zero Hunger and Poverty: Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030” with Burundi’s national vision.
- He cited President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s motto that “every month should have food, and every pocket should have money,” noting that agriculture employs over 80% of Burundians.
Hpfubuja highlighted growing Nigeria-Burundi agricultural ties, including a Burundian fertilizer investor currently engaging Nigerian partners to establish a plant in Nigeria.
A representative of SGF George Akume stated that agritourism merges sustainable agriculture with tourism to expand enterprise, create employment, and preserve culture.
Nigeria is engaging the international community to secure UN General Assembly recognition of 16th May and to establish UNWAO for coordination, standard setting, and investment facilitation.
The initiative supports the Renewed Hope Agenda’s priority to achieve zero hunger through public-private collaboration and rural empowerment.
Mr. Vladimir Efremov, Agricultural Attaché of the Russian Federation in Abuja, said Russia is ready to share best practices, innovations, and technologies with Nigeria and WAO.
He emphasized that while government sets the policy framework, businesses of all sizes must drive agritourism to improve food security and rural livelihoods.
Ms. Voultihe Rowat, Indian Deputy High Commissioner, outlined India’s transformation from a food-deficit nation to a global agricultural leader through the Green, White, Blue, and Horticulture Revolutions.
She described India’s use of digital platforms, satellite imagery, drones, and AI in farming, and offered to partner with Nigeria on farm stays, rural tourism, and value addition.
Dr. Gladys Deddy Akyoa, Deputy Ghana High Commissioner, said agritourism can turn rural communities into centers of economic activity, education, and innovation.
She called for deeper Ghana-Nigeria collaboration under AfCFTA and ECOWAS, noting that agriculture remains central to employment and development in both countries.
Lucas Nelson Shehu, representing NTDA DG Ola Awakan, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to innovative tourism models that advance economic diversification, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.
He stressed that agritourism is a strategic driver of development, connecting people, culture, agriculture, and sustainable prosperity beyond leisure.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Correctional Services, SMEDAN, and other agencies. Speakers concluded that institutionalizing World Agritourism Day and establishing UNWAO will create a structured platform to scale inclusive, environmentally sound, and economically viable agritourism models worldwide.
