Lagos Tackles Food Security Challenge with Innovation, Technology, Private Sector Collaboration — Olusanya
The Lagos State Government says it is confronting the challenge of feeding the most densely populated state in the country through sustained innovation, technology, and strong collaboration with the private sector.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, gave this indication at the Agrinnovation Hangout 8.0 held at The Zone, Workforce Group, Gbagada, Lagos.
She said the state, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has demonstrated strong commitment towards attracting investment and promoting inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.
Speaking on the theme, “Connect & Thrive: Building Teams That Grow,” Olusanya disclosed that the forum provided a platform for an interactive team-building experience, featuring networking sessions and collaborative activities aimed at helping members build meaningful relationships that can drive personal and business growth.
According to her, it was deliberate that the state accorded priority to agriculture in its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, acknowledging the sector as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
She expressed delight that the Agrinnovation Club, which started in November 2023 in Ikoyi, has grown into a rallying point for agripreneurs, innovators, entrepreneurs, and solution providers to address challenges within the sector.
Olusanya also acknowledged the passion and support of the ministry’s staff in driving the policies and programmes of the ministry, noting that significant progress would not have been achieved without their contributions.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Audu, charged members of the Agrinnovation Club to be good ambassadors by encouraging more residents to join the collective effort towards tackling food insecurity in Lagos State and Nigeria.
He noted that the forum provides a platform for purposeful engagement and networking that inspires solutions to challenges across the agricultural value chain.
The Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that discussions at the Agrinnovation Hangout 8.0 would generate fresh ideas and strengthen collaborations that would contribute significantly to the growth and advancement of the sector.
The Guest Speaker at the event, Mr Kamil Olufowobi, Founder/Chairman of Most Influential 100, stressed the need for the country to appreciate players across the agricultural value chain who remain committed to ensuring food availability for Nigerians.
He charged participants to see themselves as ambassadors capable of showcasing Nigerian cuisines globally, just as the country’s music and Nollywood have gained international recognition.
Speaking on Food System Safety, Olufowobi stressed that Lagos cannot compromise on standards and hygiene, describing the state as a key destination for food tourism not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
He added that agriculture today is no longer just about cultivation and harvest but about innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable solutions that can feed a growing population and transform the economy.
In his vote of thanks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, charged members of the Agrinnovation Club to network, collaborate, and support one another.
According to him, collective efforts and shared ideas remain critical to solving food challenges.
Dr Fashola noted that the foundation being laid today would have lasting impact on the future, urging participants to build strong frameworks that would contribute to a better tomorrow.
