LAGOS UNVEILS ACTIVITIES FOR 2026 WORLD FOOD DAY, EXPECTS 3,500 FOOD STAKEHOLDERS
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Lagos State Government has unveiled activities lined up for the 2026 World Food Day celebration, with no fewer than 3,500 value-chain stakeholders expected to showcase agricultural produce and equipment during the event.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Alausa, Ikeja.
Fashola said this year’s celebration, themed “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” would focus on the role of innovation, technology, research and sustainable practices in strengthening food systems.
He said the theme was timely for Lagos, given the state’s growing population and increasing demand for food, stressing that “innovation is no longer an option but a necessity.”
According to him, the state must continuously explore new and smarter ways of increasing agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, improving processing and storage, strengthening food distribution networks, expanding market access and ensuring that residents have access to safe, nutritious and affordable food.
“The food security we desire tomorrow will ultimately depend on the innovations we promote, the investments we make and the partnerships we build today,” he said.
Fashola said the state government had continued to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening the food ecosystem, including the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub, Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hubs, Eko Rice through the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota, Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, Lagos Agric Scholars Programme, Lagos Agrinnovation Club and Lagos Agrithon initiative.
He added that initiatives such as Ounje Eko and the Produce for Lagos Offtake Guarantee Fund were aimed at strengthening the link between farmers and consumers, supporting local production, providing guaranteed markets for agricultural produce and making food more accessible to Lagos residents.
The Special Adviser said the ministry’s objective remained to build a food system that was “productive, inclusive, innovative, sustainable and resilient”, capable of meeting the food needs of the state’s growing population while creating wealth, generating employment and improving livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.
He said the ministry would continue to collaborate with farmers, private-sector investors, development partners, research institutions and technology providers to accelerate innovation and investment in the sector.
Fashola said a total of 3,500 value-chain stakeholders were expected to showcase various agricultural produce and equipment at the World Food Day event.
According to the SA, the ministry had lined up three major activities for the celebration, beginning with a road walk on Thursday, October 8.
The road walk will commence from JJT Park, opposite the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, to Allen Avenue Roundabout and back to JJT Park at 8am.
The Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition will hold on Wednesday, October 14, at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, from 10am.
The grand finale, with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the Special Guest of Honour, will take place on Friday, October 16, at the Ikeja Police College Parade Ground at 10am.
Fashola commended the ministry’s partners for their support towards making the 2026 World Food Day celebration a success, naming British American Tobacco Nigerian Foundation, Origin Tech Group Ltd, Olam Nigeria, Lagos Lotteries Board, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, Farm Junction, Harmony Abattoir Management Services Limited, Latele Ventures, Dabi Trust Investment Limited, April 16:16, Metroline Animal Transport and Stanbic IBTC among others.
He urged stakeholders and the media to participate in and provide adequate coverage for the activities lined up for the celebration.
Fashola had earlier said World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, provides an opportunity for the global community to renew its commitment to tackling hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.
He noted that the day also commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945, adding that it serves as “a rallying point for governments, development partners, farmers, private-sector actors, researchers, innovators and communities to work together towards sustainable food systems.”
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