Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by AgriAxis.ng
By Adegoke Oluwatobiloba Victor
Nigeria has won the right to host the 14th Triennial African Potato Association (APA) Conference in 2028. The bid was led by Mr. Ishaku Jilensam from the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) and was unanimously approved.
The conference is a major event for experts on root crops like potatoes and sweetpotatoes. Hosting it will give Nigeria a chance to show its progress in farming research and technology. The NRCRI, located in Umuahia, will help organize the event.
The announcement came with the news of new leadership for the APA. Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, the Executive Director of the NRCRI, was elected President, while Hon. Bugama Samson Ishaku, the Commissioner for Agriculture in Plateau State, was named Vice-President.
Winning the bid to host this conference is a significant achievement for Nigeria. It shows that the country is a recognized leader in root and tuber crop research and development in Africa. This event will bring global experts to Nigeria, which could attract more investment and encourage new partnerships in the agricultural sector.
The new leadership roles for Prof. Egesi and Hon. Ishaku are also noteworthy. Their positions could give Nigeria a stronger voice in shaping agricultural policies and research across the continent.
While hosting is a great opportunity, it also comes with the challenge of ensuring a well-organized and secure event that can effectively showcase Nigeria’s advancements to a global audience.
