Abuja: 360 Venture launches integrated Agro-city to drive rural innovation

The African Operational Lead for Values 360 Ventures, Dr. Kazeem Oladimeji, says rural farmers across the country will soon begin training and retraining programmes aimed at equipping them with modern methods of agricultural production.

Oladimeji stated this in Abuja during the launch of an Integrated Agro-city Framework designed to drive rural innovation and farmer-led enterprises. The event was organised by Values 360 Ventures Limited.

He said the initiative became necessary following recent climate-related challenges that led to significant post-harvest losses for many farmers.

“Because of climate change in the last year or two, many farmers lost their seeds to post-harvest issues. So we are introducing innovations that will reduce farming time and help farmers improve their yield. This is very important because the rainy season is now very short—and getting shorter,” he said.

According to him, the training will equip farmers with the skills to use innovative tools that provide accurate weather data, enabling them to plan better for each farming season.

He added that the promotion of organic fertilizer use would further improve the quality of farm produce and increase their suitability for export.

Oladimeji explained that the Integrated Agro-city Framework is an initiative of Lanmer Hardware Ventures Studio and Values 360 Ventures Limited, Nigeria. He described 360 Ventures as an ecosystem running programmes on employment, business development, investment, and entrepreneurship across various sectors of the economy.

He emphasized the importance of agriculture to national development, saying that no country can thrive without food security.

“The Agro-city framework will help rural farmers improve how agricultural activities are carried out,” he said.

Oladimeji added that the framework will also empower youth and women.

“Our youths are running away from agriculture, so we have to modernize it—using technology, AI, image processors, and IoT,” he said.

Also speaking, the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Faruq Mudi, stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace farming, noting that agriculture was the country’s economic mainstay before the discovery of oil.

He said it was time for farmers’ associations to take the lead in agricultural development, especially in the area of food security.

Mudi commended Values 360 Ventures Limited for launching the Agro-city framework, saying it would provide rural farmers with opportunities to learn new and effective farming techniques.

On his part, the Operational Lead for Values 360 in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Mansur Abdullahi Ababutain, said the organisation decided to launch in Nigeria to support rural farmers by providing grants to boost food production. He said the gesture would also strengthen farming activities and improve the national economy.

Our correspondent reports that dignitaries at the launch included the FCT Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango; Dr. Sa’ad Alkhalaf, Co-founder of Values 360 Ventures, Estonia; some traditional rulers; and agricultural experts.

Abuja Groovy December Festival to attract 20 million tourists – Organisers

The Emerging Abuja Projects, organisers of Abuja’s first-ever Groovy December Festival, says the initiative aims to attract up to 20 million tourists over the next four years.

The Project Coordinator, Dr Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, said this on Tuesday during the “Walk for Tourism” awareness event held across key locations in Abuja ahead of the official festival launch.

“The Walk for Tourism is designed to excite residents and build anticipation for the festival.

“Groovy December is a series of more than 35 events that will showcase our city’s rich culture, tourism and entertainment offerings to Nigerians and the diaspora,” Ibe-Kalu added.

He explained that 45 coordinators are engaging Nigerians abroad to promote the festival and encourage international participation.

“We want Abuja to become a major destination for cultural tourism.

“Festival activities will include hiking and guided tours at Karshi Waterfalls and Ushafa Village, food festivals, Suya competitions, and football tournaments.

“These activities are meant to offer something for everyone – residents, tourists and families alike.

“Cultural showcases will feature the Culture Fest, Miss Groovy December, and Groovy Tombola.

“Local vendors will also have the opportunity to showcase and sell their products, boosting small business growth during the festival.

“We are confident that Groovy December will become a signature event for the city and the country,” he said.

Ibe-Kalu emphasised the partnership between private organisers and government agencies, noting that security measures have been fully implemented to ensure a safe environment for all participants.

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