SANWO-OLU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FOOD SECURITY AT LAGOS AGRI-INNOVATION SUMMIT 2.0
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed that food security remains a central pillar of his administration’s development agenda, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s national vision for sustainable economic growth and stability.
Speaking at the Lagos Agri-Innovation Summit 2.0, themed “Thriving Food Systems: Smart Future,” held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu—represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube—said Lagos should be seen as a national asset critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos, as the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa, must leverage innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships to boost productivity across the agricultural value chain.
“Food security is at the heart of Mr. President’s strategy and also central to Lagos State’s development plan. Our goal is to inspire Lagosians to lead Nigeria forward,” he stated.
He added that despite limited land availability, the state continues to adopt innovation-driven solutions to enhance food production and distribution. Referencing global examples, he said technology has helped improve agricultural output even in densely populated urban settings.
“With innovation, energy, and determination, Lagos can achieve what once seemed impossible,” Sanwo-Olu added.
According to him, state-led initiatives such as the Lagos Aquatic Center for Excellence, logistics infrastructure upgrades, and strengthened agricultural education are designed to build sustainable food systems from production through market access.
He said the Agri-Innovation Summit provides a platform for collaboration, competitions, and targeted support for young innovators, helping drive long-term food security for both Lagos and Nigeria.
“Lagos thrives when we partner together. This summit symbolizes our shared commitment to building a food-secure, innovative, and resilient state,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the Lagos Agri-Innovation Club—now in its second year—has recorded significant growth, connecting young entrepreneurs with the state’s agricultural transformation efforts.
Olusanya acknowledged the consistent support of Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, which she said has strengthened the development of a youth-led and tech-driven food system.
She noted that the “Produce for Lagos” Fund, launched earlier this year, is financing activities across the agricultural value chain, supported by initiatives like the Lagos Food Festival and the Lagos Entrepreneurship Programme.
“Our vision is that no child in Lagos goes to bed hungry. We’re empowering young innovators to drive food security through rooftop farming, waste-to-feed projects, and tech-enabled food solutions,” she said.
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, outlined the ministry’s efforts in empowering youths through ICT training, entrepreneurship development, and remote work opportunities. He added that the Lagos Agri-Innovation Fund has made up to ₦150 million available for innovative agricultural ventures.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, described agriculture as a “strategic enabler” of commerce and food security.
She said with Lagos consuming more than 10,000 metric tons of food daily, the state government is implementing the Lagos Safe Food Systems Transformation Programme to strengthen value chains in rice, aquaculture, poultry, and horticulture.
“The future of food is digital, resilient, and inclusive. Lagos is positioning itself to sustainably feed Africa’s fastest-growing megacity,” Ambrose affirmed.
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