By Ime Silas
UYO — Stakeholders in the agribusiness sector have extolled the strategic vision of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for placing agriculture at the centre of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, as preparations peak for the 5th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference slated for Uyo.
The commendation was made on Thursday in Uyo during a press briefing and stakeholders’ engagement ahead of the conference tagged UYO 2026: Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Value Chains, which was attended by journalists and agribusiness stakeholders.
Addressing newsmen, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative, NAADI, and Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee for the conference, Dr. Howard Usen, said Governor Eno has demonstrated exemplary leadership in agricultural transformation.
Dr. Usen said the meeting was convened to provide update on the forthcoming landmark event and the tremendous impact it is expected to bring to Akwa Ibom State and the wider South-South region.
“We must acknowledge the exemplary leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, whose strategic vision has placed agriculture at the heart of his ARISE Agenda,” Dr. Usen stated.
He noted that true leadership goes beyond programme initiation to effective implementation.
“Leadership is not merely about introducing programmes; it is about implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring that the intended beneficiaries experience real change. Over time, Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated a commitment to agricultural development through initiatives designed to empower farmers, support smallholder producers, strengthen rural households, and improve livelihoods across the state,” he stressed.
According to him, agriculture remains one of the most inclusive sectors with capacity to transform the economy.
“As stakeholders in the agribusiness sector, we understand the enormous potential of agriculture. It is one of the most inclusive sectors of the economy, with the capacity to create jobs, empower women and young people, support families, and provide opportunities for people across different age groups and backgrounds,” he added.
Dr. Usen revealed UYO 2026 is strategically designed to convert agricultural potentials into tangible economic outcomes through partnerships, investment and enterprise development.
“UYO 2026 is designed to turn these opportunities into tangible economic outcomes,” he emphasized.
He further disclosed that the conference has secured high-level endorsements and participation.
“We anticipate the participation of governors from across the South-South region, alongside other key stakeholders, investors, policymakers, development partners, and agribusiness leaders,” he said.
“We have also secured endorsements from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, with the respective Permanent Secretaries expected to represent their ministers. In addition, we are engaging international development organisations and partner agencies to advance agricultural transformation, investment, and sustainable development,” Dr. Usen added.
The Central Organizing Committee Chairman said the conference is a must-attend for all players in the agricultural ecosystem.
“UYO 2026 is the place to be if you have an interest in agriculture, agribusiness, SMEs, agro-processing, investment, or export development,” he declared.
Giving details of the event, he announced that the conference will hold at Watbridge Hotels & Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from 25–28 October 2026, with arrival scheduled for October 25 while the official opening ceremony will take place on October 26, 2026.
He said the theme for this year’s edition, “UYO 2026 — Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Value Chains: Processing, AfCFTA Market Integration, and Climate-Resilient Capital,” was chosen to address critical issues of value addition, market access under the African Continental Free Trade Area and climate-resilient financing.
Dr. Usen outlined various participation windows for interested individuals and organizations.
“You can participate in UYO 2026 through several exciting opportunities,” he said, listing goodwill messages, advertising in the official conference brochure, product and service exhibitions, digital business promotion and general registration and networking.
He explained further: “Are you a smallholder farmer, entrepreneur, agro-processor, exporter, investor, or service provider? Whatever your interest in the agricultural value chain, UYO 2026 offers a platform to showcase your work, build strategic partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and expand your market reach.”
He therefore urged businesses, organisations, entrepreneurs, farmers, processors, investors and development partners to take advantage of the opportunities available.
“We encourage you to plan, participate, invite your friends and business associates, and become part of this important gathering. UYO 2026 is more than a conference. It is a platform for partnerships, investment, enterprise development, and agricultural transformation,” Dr. Usen stated.
He called on the public to take action as the countdown begins.
“Ten days to go! Make your plans today. Register, exhibit, advertise, partner, and be part of the transformation. We look forward to welcoming you to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from 25–28 October 2026,” he added.
The conference, according to the organizers, is expected to attract hundreds of delegates from across Nigeria and Africa, creating a major platform for unlocking investment in processing, market integration and climate-smart agriculture.