Alebiosu Hosts Stakeholders As Kyari Headlines FirstBank Agric Conference

As part of its efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s economic diversification, FirstBank is set to host the 2025 Agric and Export Conference, which will focus on championing agriculture as a key driver for boosting non-oil exports.

The high-profile conference, “The Fundamentals of Building a Non-Oil Export-Driven Economy,” will be held today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, billed to deliver the keynote address.

According to FirstBank, this year’s edition builds on the momentum of past successful outings. It reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural and nonoil export sectors as catalysts for sustainable growth and economic diversification.

Expected guest speakers include the Minister of Agriculture & Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari as the keynote speaker while the plenary and technical sessions will be enriched by insights from industry leaders like the MD Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Mr. Jafar Abubakar Umar;  MD/CEO Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Abba Bello; National Action Committee on AfCFTA, Mr. Segun Awolowo;  President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Architect Kabir Ibrahim, CEO Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni and a host of others.

These speakers are expected to contribute their expertise and perspectives throughout the sessions, ensuring participants gain valuable knowledge to enhance their roles in the agricultural and export value chain.

Speaking about the Conference, managing director, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, stated, “The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference is a strategic platform for stakeholders to converge, share knowledge, and drive strategies that can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and nonoil export industry. Through this platform, FirstBank empowers customers and stakeholders by providing them with actionable insights, innovative solutions, and valuable connections to help them navigate the complexities of the agricultural and non-oil export sectors. In addition, we aim to deliver tangible benefits to our customers, enhance their business prospects, and create lasting value for our stakeholders, while contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy.”

The bank stated that, building on the momentum of previous successful editions, this year’s Expo reaffirms its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural and non-oil export sectors as key drivers of economic development.

The Bank said, “The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference aims to keep Nigerians abreast of emerging trends in the agricultural and nonoil export sector, whilst providing them insights into how innovative solutions can contribute to the overall development of the economy, and the nation at large. The conference will adopt a hybrid format, allowing most participants to join virtually while principal stakeholders attend in person. Attendees can explore exhibition booths featuring major organisations and associations from the industry. The event will feature a keynote speech, goodwill messages, and plenary discussions, where select speakers will expound on the theme and technical sessions to be handled by subject matter specialists in the agriculture and export value chain.

“The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference is one of the Bank’s key initiatives to promote collaboration and innovation within the agricultural and nonoil export sectors. By providing a strategic platform for stakeholders, the conference aims to enhance the competitiveness of customers and partners in the global market. With agriculture identified as the most viable alternative to oil for generating foreign exchange earnings, this initiative supports economic diversification and is poised to accelerate national growth and development.’’