Lagos Agriculture Quiz Will Shape Next Generation of Food System Leaders, says Olusanya

The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, has described the Lagos Agricultural Scholars Quiz Competition as a vital platform for equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to shape the future of agriculture and food security.

Olusanya spoke at the quiz competition organised to commemorate the 2026 World Food Day, stressing that the initiative went beyond a contest to promote knowledge, innovation, healthy competition and a deeper understanding of agriculture among young people.

She said the competition would help nurture a generation of students who understand the importance of food production, food security, environmental sustainability, nutrition and responsible management of natural resources.

According to her, education remains one of the most powerful instruments for transforming agriculture, noting that the future of the sector would depend not only on fertile land and productive farms but also on quality human capital, scientific knowledge and the ability to develop solutions to emerging challenges.

She said participants would have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of crop production, livestock management, fisheries, aquaculture, agricultural technology, food processing, nutrition, climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness.

“More importantly, they are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, communicate ideas, and appreciate the connection between agriculture and everyday life,” she said.

The commissioner urged the students to see themselves as potential agricultural scientists, food technologists, agronomists, veterinarians, agricultural engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers and innovators.

She also encouraged them to discard outdated perceptions of agriculture, saying modern agriculture increasingly draws on science, technology, data, engineering, business management and entrepreneurship.

Olusanya said the State Government would continue to encourage stronger collaboration between the agricultural sector and educational institutions, while promoting initiatives that connect classroom learning with practical experience.

She called on school administrators, teachers, parents, agricultural organisations, research institutions and private-sector partners to sustain their support for programmes that expose young people to agriculture.

Addressing the contestants directly, the commissioner urged them to prepare diligently, listen carefully, think critically and demonstrate sportsmanship throughout the competition.

She encouraged students who might not emerge as winners not to be discouraged, stressing that participation offered them an opportunity to learn, improve and discover new interests.

“Never underestimate what you can accomplish when knowledge is combined with creativity, discipline, and a commitment to service,” Olusanya told the contestants.

She said the competition should inspire young people to recognise agriculture as a sector of opportunity, innovation and meaningful service to humanity.

Olusanya further urged the students to remain curious, continue learning and dare to innovate, noting that the future of agriculture was something they could help shape through their education, ideas and actions.

She commended the quiz committee, teachers, school administrators, parents, judges and partners for their contributions to the success of the competition and formally declared the Lagos Agricultural Scholars Quiz Competition open.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, noted that agriculture dignifies entrepreneurship and has enormous potential for the youth to contribute to food security.

He explained that the forum was also to engage the students in knowledge and capacity building to help nurture a generation that understands the importance of food production for a brighter tomorrow.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, said the theme for this year’s World Food Day was deliberate to encourage people to take necessary actions towards food security in the state and the nation at large.

According to him, the students are in school to study for a better future, adding that he was once in their shoes and assuring them of a promising future for those who are dedicated to their academics.

He also disclosed that the government has started building nets and greenhouses in schools that emerged winners during the last competition.