The African Operational Lead for Values 360 Ventures, Dr. Kazeem Oladimeji, has announced that rural farmers across Nigeria will soon begin a series of training and retraining programmes focused on modern agricultural methods. He made this known in Abuja during the launch of an Integrated Agro-city Framework aimed at driving rural innovation and supporting farmer-led enterprises. The event was organised by Values 360 Ventures Limited.
Oladimeji explained that the initiative became necessary due to recent climate-related challenges that caused significant post-harvest losses for many farmers. He said, “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.”
According to him, the training will help farmers adopt tools that provide accurate weather data, allowing them to make better decisions each farming season. He also highlighted the importance of promoting organic fertilizer usage, noting that it would improve produce quality and increase their chances of meeting export standards.
Oladimeji stated that the Integrated Agro-city Framework is an initiative of Lanmer Hardware Ventures Studio and Values 360 Ventures Limited. He described 360 Ventures as an ecosystem running programmes on employment, business development, investment, and entrepreneurship across different sectors. He stressed that agriculture remains crucial to national development because no country can thrive without food security. “The Agro-city framework will help rural farmers improve how agricultural activities are carried out,” he said.
He also noted that the framework will 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 added.
The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Faruq Mudi, urged Nigerians to embrace farming, pointing out that agriculture was the country’s economic foundation before oil was discovered. He said farmers’ associations must take the lead in agricultural development, especially in promoting food security. Mudi commended Values 360 Ventures Limited for launching the Agro-city framework, saying it would give rural farmers access to new and effective farming techniques.
The Operational Lead for Values 360 in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Mansur Abdullahi Ababutain, said the organisation’s decision to launch in Nigeria was aimed at supporting rural farmers through grants that will help boost food production. He said the effort would strengthen farming activities and improve the national economy.
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; along with traditional rulers and agricultural experts.
Meanwhile, the Emerging Abuja Projects, organisers of Abuja’s first-ever Groovy December Festival, say the initiative is expected to attract up to 20 million tourists within the next four years. The Project Coordinator, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, shared this during the “Walk for Tourism” awareness event held across major locations in Abuja ahead of the official festival launch.
“The Walk for Tourism is designed to excite residents and build anticipation for the festival,” he said. Ibe-Kalu noted that Groovy December will feature more than 35 events showcasing Abuja’s culture, tourism, and entertainment to both Nigerians and the diaspora. He added that 45 coordinators are engaging Nigerians abroad to promote the festival and increase international participation.
“We want Abuja to become a major destination for cultural tourism,” he said. Festival activities will include hiking and guided tours at Karshi Waterfalls and Ushafa Village, food festivals, Suya competitions, and football tournaments. He stated that these activities are designed to provide something for residents, tourists, and families.
Cultural showcases will include the Culture Fest, Miss Groovy December, and Groovy Tombola. Local vendors will also have opportunities to display and sell their products, which he said would support small businesses during the event period.
“We are confident that Groovy December will become a signature event for the city and the country,” he added. Ibe-Kalu emphasised the partnership between private organisers and government agencies, stating that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
