The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has launched a rice fortification plant to address rising malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in the state.
The government said rice fortification would help the country to address micronutrient deficiencies.
Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola stated this during the launch of the rice fortification plant and the Fortified Eko Rice at Lagos State Rice Mill, Imota, Ikorodu.
Fashola emphasised the significance of fortified rice as a crucial element to combat micronutrient deficiencies, as the grain is the most consumed staple in the state and across the country.
“In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimised to produce high-quality fortified rice. This achievement positions us among the very few rice mills in Nigeria with the capacity to fortify rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12.
“By fortifying our rice, we are not only meeting the demand for rice in the country, but we are also addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge for many Nigerians”. he said
According to him, Lagos is proud to be part of the solution by improving the nutritional quality of food available to the people, especially children.
Fashola appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and for making Lagos home to one of the largest rice mills in Africa, equipped with state-of-the-art milling technology and expert knowledge.
Product assessment
Speaking also at the launch, the LSFF portfolio lead, TechnoServe, Ayodele Tella said a consortium called Partners for Supporting Fortification Rice Production in Nigeria, including the Gates Foundation, World Food Programme, partnered with the state in launching the rice fortification plant.
Tella said that ”the aim of the consortium is to ensure that an average Nigerian can have access to fortified rice to address the country’s high micronutrient deficiency.”
A milestone
In his remark, the Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu said that Lagos has taken strategic steps to ensure food security and sustainability.
According to him “This rice mill is known as the Rolls-Royce of all rice mills globally.” “We thank Gov. Sanwo-Olu for investing so much in terms of resources and oversight to ensure that this rice mill remains top-notch and remains number one.”
Audu noted that the launch of the fortification plant is another milestone and that the state would not rest on its oars but will continue to strive for excellence in every form and sector of the economy.
The Permanent Secretary urged Lagosians to patronise the three varieties of rice produced by the state – fortified rice, the classic rice, and eko rice, saying “they are top-quality brands that provide the necessary daily nutritional requirements.”
Olusola Akintonde