Lagos unveils World Food Day plans, targets 3,500 agricultural stakeholders
The Lagos State Government has unveiled activities lined up to commemorate the 2026 World Food Day, with no fewer than 3,500 agricultural value-chain stakeholders expected to showcase their products and equipment at the celebration.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Alausa, Ikeja.
Fashola said this year’s celebration, themed “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” was designed to promote innovation, technology, research and sustainable practices across the agricultural value chain.
According to him, the theme aligns with the Lagos State Government’s food systems transformation agenda, particularly as the state continues to grapple with rising demand for food occasioned by its growing population.
He said innovation was no longer an option but a necessity for Lagos, stressing the need to explore smarter ways of increasing agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, improving processing and storage, strengthening food distribution networks and expanding market access.
“The food security we desire tomorrow will ultimately depend on the innovations we promote, the investments we make and the partnerships we build today,” he said.
Fashola said the Ministry had continued to implement several initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s food ecosystem, including the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub, Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hubs, Eko Rice through the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota, Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, Lagos Agric Scholars Programme, Lagos Agrinnovation Club and Lagos Agrithon initiative.
He added that programmes such as Ounje Eko and the Produce for Lagos Offtake Guarantee Fund were also helping to strengthen the link between farmers and consumers, support local production and improve access to food for residents.
The Special Adviser said the state government’s objective was to build a productive, inclusive, innovative, sustainable and resilient food system capable of meeting the needs of Lagos’ growing population while creating wealth and employment opportunities.
He said the Ministry would continue to deepen partnerships with farmers, private-sector investors, development partners, research institutions and technology providers to accelerate innovation and investment in agriculture.
Fashola recalled that more than 2,000 farmers, agro-processors, food enthusiasts and other stakeholders participated in the 2025 World Food Day celebration, while 11 outstanding farmers across various agricultural value chains received awards for their contributions to food production and security.
He said the 2026 celebration would feature a road walk on Thursday, October 8, from JJT Park opposite the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex to Allen Avenue Roundabout and back to JJT Park.
The walk will commence at 8:00 a.m.
The Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The grand finale, with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as Special Guest of Honour, will hold on Friday, October 16, at the Ikeja Police College Parade Ground from 10:00 a.m.
Fashola appreciated the Ministry’s partners for their support, particularly British American Tobacco Nigerian Foundation, Origin Tech Group Ltd, Olam Nigeria, Lagos Lotteries Board, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, Farm Junction, Harmony Abattoir Management Services Limited, Latele Ventures, Dabi Trust Investment Limited, April 16:16, Metroline Animal Transport and Stanbic IBTC.
He formally flagged off the 2026 World Food Day celebration and urged Lagos residents, stakeholders and the media to participate actively in the activities and provide adequate publicity for the programmes.
