World Food Day: Lagos State Commits To Address Food Security

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents of a renewed commitment to address the challenges impeding the food security systems of the state.

The Governor said that his administration in the last five years has laid the foundation to ensure the template of developing sustainable food systems is achieved with the rebranding of the Agric Ministry to Agriculture and Food Systems.

He said the rebranding has allowed the state to prioritize food systems management, enhance mechanization, improve food safety as well as drive down food prices.

Speaking of at the Grand Finale of the year 2024 World Food Day held at Nigeria Police College Ikeja, with the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future” Governor Sanwo-Olu said the theme speaks to the ongoing challenges of food security worldwide and the need to activate plans to address it.

“Food is not only essential for survival, but it is also the cornerstone of a prosperous and stable nation. A country that ensures its citizens have access to food is strong and independent, while food insecurity undermines national stability and leads to reliance on foreign aid.”

“Lagos State, despite being the smallest state in the country, has the largest population. With about 22% of our territory made up of water bodies, we face unique challenges in achieving food security. My administration is fully committed to addressing these challenges. We have focused on strengthening the agricultural value chain to reduce food prices, develop an effective food reserve system, and ensure food sufficiency”. he said.

Transformation Agenda

The Governor explained the state has activated the implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Agenda towards securing the food ecosystem in Lagos with numerous initiatives and projects aimed at addressing the challenges.

He said “A key project under this agenda is the Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, which we aim to complete by December 2024. Another major achievement is the establishment of the 32-ton/hour Lagos Rice Mill at Imota, capable of producing 2.4 million bags of rice annually. This facility will not only reduce our dependence on imported rice but also create over 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to economic growth.”

Other areas of interventions according to the Governor include; Eko Agro Mechanization Program, training and provision of necessary inputs to farmers, where over 100,000 women and youths have been trained, Lagos Agricultural Scholars Program, Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence which is helping to meet the demand for fish.

Other supports

He said the state has also supported poultry farmers and vegetable growers, providing them with the necessary resources to increase their yields under the produce for Lagos initiative and is currently identifying production clusters to boost local food production.

He also added that Cattle Feedlot Project at Igbodu in Epe being constructed by the State will help to reduce the importation of cattle in to Lagos by 50% over the next five years.

Access to food

In his remarks, the Special adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola said that the World Food Day Celebration is an international rallying point to dissect issues against hunger and the Ministry is working assiduously to ensure that all citizens have access to safe and nutritious food at all time.

He therefore sought the support of the stakeholders from investors, Researchers, Farmers, Fishers, Agro-Processors, and Donor Agencies to join in the transformative journey to create wealth and improve well-being of Lagosians as it aligns with the THEMES+Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Appreciation

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the outstanding stakeholders by the governor where the Apapa Local government won the Best LGA, while Best Crop Farmer went to Miss Olaitan Olagunju. Erikorodo Poultry Estate received double honours with Best Farm Estate and Best Livestock Farmer.

Others include: Best Fish Farmer: Epe Local government

Best Artisanal Farmer: Apapa LGA

Best Agro Processor: Bennis Delight

Overall Best Farmer: Miss Olaitan Olagunju

Best Farm Settlement: CDS/NDE Agbowa

Best Forester: Apoti-Eko