Sanwo-Olu Unveils Five-Point Food Security Strategy for Lagos
Segun James Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled a five-point food security strategy to galvanise growth for the agricultural sector in the state. Speaking during the grand finale
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled a five-point plan to bolster food security within the region. Speaking at the World Food Day finale in Ikeja, the governor, represented by his Deputy Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, highlighted that despite the state's small size and large population, land expansion is not the solution to achieving food security.
Instead, the governor emphasized producing more on existing land, leveraging inter-state partnerships, investing in farmers, reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage, and promoting affordability, nutrition, and sustainability.
The strategy aligns with the theme of World Food Day, "Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow," which calls for practical solutions to address hunger and malnutrition. The 16th of October commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945, and serves as a reminder of the need for innovative approaches to ensure everyone has access to adequate, nutritious food.
During his presentation, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to local farmers for their resilience in the face of rising costs and climate uncertainties, stressing that their welfare and future remain crucial to the state. He urged stakeholders to develop robust, sustainable food systems that guarantee safe, accessible, and affordable nutrition for all residents.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, outlined several achievements under the current administration, including the operationalization of the Lagos Rice Mill, development of the Central Food Logistics Hub, expansion of middle-level markets, establishment of the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, and training of over 100,000 individuals through various initiatives.
She also highlighted citizen welfare improvements through the Ounje Eko food discount markets and school agricultural laboratories.
Ms. Olusanya expressed confidence that the incoming administration will seamlessly integrate into the ongoing food systems framework of the state. The Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, stressed the importance of youth engagement and education in building a sustainable food system, emphasizing that it requires collaboration between government, farmers, private investors, educational institutions, and development partners.
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