…Permanent Secretary to receive award
By Ime Silas
UYO – The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, FMITI, has officially endorsed the 5th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference scheduled to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from October 25 to 28, 2026.
The Ministry also confirmed that its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu has formally accepted the Award of Recognition to be presented to him during the conference, tagged UYO 2026.
This was contained in an official notification letter dated 8th October, 2026, with reference number FMITI/PS/STA-OPS/2026/I, addressed to the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative, NAADI, and Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The letter, signed by the Senior Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, Ehidiamhen Paul, PhD, stated that the distinguished honour is bestowed on the Ministry in recognition of its contributions to national industrialization, non-oil trade expansion, investment promotion and sustainable economic development.
“I am directed to inform you that the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has formally accepted the Award of Recognition, which will be presented to him during the upcoming 5th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference (Uyo 2026),” the letter read.
The Ministry further disclosed that it has officially endorsed the international conference and that the Permanent Secretary has personally confirmed his attendance to receive the award and participate in the high-level executive dialogues.
According to the letter, the endorsement underscores FMITI’s recognition of UYO 2026 as a premier national and continental platform for advancing agro-industrialization, value-chain integration, job creation and strategic economic growth under the current administration.
The Ministry also appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Government for its support towards the successful hosting of the conference.
“The Ministry appreciates His Excellency’s leadership as the Chief Host and the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government towards the successful hosting of this important international conference,” the letter added.
The endorsement by FMITI is coming alongside a similar endorsement from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, making the UYO 2026 conference a Federal Government-backed event.
The conference, organized by NAADI, is themed “Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Value Chains: Processing, AfCFTA Market Integration, and Climate-Resilient Capital” and is expected to attract governors from the South-South region, investors, development partners, policymakers and agribusiness leaders from across Africa.