ABUJA– The Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development is set to host the 29th edition of the Annual LAPO Development Forum on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

The event with the theme ‘Financing Agriculture and Rural Development Initiatives in Nigeria: Issues and Way Forward’ shall be held at the Yar’Adua International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Confirmed to speak at the event are Dr. Manzo Daniel Maigari, Director General, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) and Chairman, Nigeria Advisory Board, Agricultural Policy and Research in Africa, Prince Ade Ajayi, National Coordinator, Corporate Farmers International (CFI), Hon. (Dr.) Usman Buhari Ali Gwandu President, Association of Non-Bank Micro-Finance Institution of Nigeria (ANMFIN) and Babatunde Olarewaju, former National Value Chain Consultant,Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Government functionaries, policymakers, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, political and religious leaders, the academia and Civil Society Organizations are expected to grace the occasion with inputs from key stakeholders.

Executive Director, LAPO, Dr Honestus Ayo Obadiora stated that the forum would “address the challenges of food security and the economic possibilities for Nigeria’s agriculture sector”.

The Founder/CEO, LAPO Group Godwin Ehigiamusoe PhD, is the convener while the Hon. Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development Dr Mahmoud Mohammed Abubakar is the co-host of the auspicious event.

Initiated in 1994, the Annual LAPO Development Forum has become a faculty of development in its own right. The Forum has over the years stimulated discourse on the development agenda in Nigeria and Africa with very realistic solutions canvassed by guest lecturers and conferees.

The discourse has played host to distinguished personalities and top government functionaries in the past including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former CBN Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo and Hon. Justice Samson Uwaifo JSC (Rtd).

Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) is a non-governmental and not-for-profit development organisation that is committed to the social, health and economic empowerment of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria.

Over the years, the organization has demonstrated uncommon commitment to poverty alleviation through the provision of an array of responsive social and economic empowerment services to disadvantaged groups delivered on a sustainable basis.

Prospective forum participants are expected to click bit.ly/LAPOFORUM2022 for free registration. Follow us on: #LAPOFORUM.