The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to give continuous support to women across the state, particularly those within the agricultural space.
The government believes empowering women regardless of their tribe, religion, or political affiliation would engender development and enhance the path to food sufficiency.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, stated this during the 2025 Food and Nutrition/Women in Agriculture and Nutrition Field Day organised by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) in Agege, Lagos.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Enhancing Food and Nutrition through Urban Farming Initiatives”, Ms Olusanya, who was represented by the Director of Agribusiness, Mrs Aramide Ganzallo, explained that the distribution of essential agricultural inputs underscores the government’s dual commitment, which is promoting urban farming for robust food security and empowering women in the sector.
“The distribution of key inputs—including seeds, smoking kilns, and snail parent stock—serves not only to strengthen food security but also bears eloquent testimony to the State Government’s resolve to support and empower the women in agriculture who often work diligently without commensurate recognition,” the Commissioner stated.
Ms Olusanya congratulated the beneficiaries, with the assurance that they would also receive comprehensive training on how to effectively utilise and optimise the agricultural inputs provided.
Women’s role
In her remarks, Director of the Women in Agriculture Department of the agency, Mrs Justina Balogun, affirmed the significant role women play, noting that they constitute the majority in the agricultural sector.
According to her, “The need to continually empower and expand the capacity of women in agriculture is the foundational reason for the consistent hosting of this programme.”
She further reiterated that the 2025 edition of the program is specifically aimed at addressing and solving the prevalent processing challenges currently faced by women in the industry.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention and support while expressing hope that the gesture would encourage many women in agriculture to expand and do more.
Olusola Akintonde