Lagos State government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has said that it is considering introducing grants for student agricultural innovators.
The move, according to the government, aims to boost food security and foster youth entrepreneurship.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya gave the indication at the Food Hub Idi-Oro Mushin Lagos, during the annual Lagos Agricultural Scholars Quiz Competition, organised as part of activities to commemorate Y2026 World Food Day.
In her keynote address, Olusanya said the state is committed to engaging the youths and leveraging education to build a resilient agricultural sector and enhance food security.
The Commissioner who highlighted agriculture as a critical driver for youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity in the state, said that education remains a vital instrument for transforming agriculture, as the sector depends on human capacity that requires collaboration among the critical stakeholders to ensure sustainable food security.
READ ALSO: Lagos State Opens Application for ₦200m Agric Grant
“By engaging our students in an agricultural knowledge competition, we are helping to nurture a generation that understands the importance of food production, food security, environmental sustainability, nutrition, and the responsible management of our natural resources.
“For Lagos State, with its large population, vibrant commercial activities, and growing demand for food, the development of a resilient and efficient food system is particularly important. We must continue to strengthen food production, improve distribution and storage, reduce post-harvest losses, promote food safety, and encourage innovation across the agricultural value chain,” she said.
Funding
Olusanya mentioned that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is exploring plans under the Lagos Agric Scholars Program to award funding directly to students with outstanding agricultural concepts, enabling them to launch enterprises while still in school.
Addressing Hunger
Earlier in his presentation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, stressed that World Food Day is a reminder to address global hunger and malnutrition through sustainable practices such as reducing food waste, improving productivity, and fostering agricultural innovation.
Fashola encouraged the participants to view themselves as not merely contestants, but as future agronomists, agricultural engineers, food technologists, and entrepreneurs capable of shaping the sector through technology and innovation.
Lifelong Commitment
In his remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu urged the students to view agriculture as a lifelong commitment to ensure long-term food security across the state.
He also enjoined the youths to embrace agricultural practices regardless of their ultimate career paths.
Champion Emerges
After a keenly contested competition which involved about 30 Lagos state public schools, Ansar-Ur-Deen Senior High School Falolu emerged as the first position, followed by Eva Adelaja Senior High School Bariga, while Keke Senior High School Agege took third.
The elated winning schools received desktop computers and varied
cash prizes.
