Worried by the slow pace of agricultural diversification and the negative impact of analogue farming practices in Nigeria, agricultural experts, policymakers, and stakeholders are set to converge on Umuahia, Abia State, to seek innovative technologies and digital skills that can transform the nation’s farming system.
The gathering will take place under the umbrella of the Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), which will host its 59th Annual Conference and Business Meeting between October 21 and 25, 2025, at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.
With the theme, “Advancing Innovative Technologies, Skills and Digital Economy for Livelihood Diversification in Agriculture,” the conference will explore new strategies to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector and end the dominance of crude, traditional farming practices that continue to hinder growth and productivity.
Briefing journalists in Umuahia, the National President of ASN, Prof. Jude Mbanasor, said the theme underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace innovation and technology as the pathway to achieving food security and agricultural diversification. He warned that unless Nigeria moves away from outdated methods, its dream of sustainable food production will remain a mirage.
Prof. Mbanasor disclosed that key industry experts and policymakers will attend the event, with the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, serving as chairman.
He added that the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, and the Executive Director of NRCRI, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, will lead the host institutions, while Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, will serve as chief host.
According to him, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, will deliver the keynote address, while Prof. Abubakar Adamu Dabban will lead the panel discussion. The society will also confer awards of excellence in leadership on three notable Nigerians — Prof. Abdulrahman Shehu, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia; Chief Cosmas Maduba, Commissioner for Agriculture, Imo State; and Dr. (Mrs.) Offing Offor, Commissioner for Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State.
In addition, seven distinguished Nigerians will receive the ASN Fellowship Award in recognition of their international distinction and contributions to agricultural development in Nigeria.
They include Prof. Michael Ugota Awoke, Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Prof. Victor Emmanuel Osodeke, immediate past President of ASUU; Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, Provost/CEO, Federal Cooperative College, Oji River; Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin; Prof. Sharifa Aminu Ibrahim, Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Prof. Jonathan Jeremiah Atungwu, Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan.
