The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has rewarded 33 exceptional young agripreneurs with ₦150 million for their remarkable contributions to the growth and transformation of the State’s agricultural and food systems space.
Speaking at the Summit, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the State’s pivotal role as the intellectual and economic hub of Nigeria, emphasising that the State remains the nation’s best chance to make a lasting difference.
According to him, Lagos carries a responsibility not only to its residents but also to the entire nation, serving as a model for progress and innovation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Sam Egube, said that food security remains central to both the national and State development strategies, stressing that a secure environment is the foundation upon which economic growth and social stability are built.
He explained that Lagos is investing heavily in partnerships with the private sector to strengthen systems, logistics, and value chains that will enhance productivity and market efficiency.
In his words, “Lagos is the biggest market in sub-Saharan Africa; we must therefore pay particular attention to how we mobilise our people to produce for Nigeria.
Agriculture is not just about planting and harvesting; it is about how food gets from the farms to the tables, and Lagos is strategically positioned to lead that process.”
He emphasised that limited landmass should not be an excuse for low agricultural productivity, citing the Netherlands as an example of how innovation and technology can overcome natural constraints.
He said that with the vision of building a 21st-century economy powered by knowledge and innovation, Lagos continues to lead as a state of possibilities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu charged young people to take ownership of the future of agriculture in Lagos, assuring that the government will continue to provide investment, funding, and innovation-driven support systems through initiatives such as the Produce-for-Lagos Programme and the Guaranteed Uptake Fund.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya said the Agrinnovation Club was created to serve as a bridge between young agripreneurs and the broader agricultural transformation agenda of Lagos State, saying it is in the same spirit that the Eko Flavours Culinary Initiative, the Lagos Food Festival, the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (L.A.P), and the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme were conceived.
She noted that these initiatives are key components in delivering the Ministry’s Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, launched in 2021, which outlines the State Government’s long-term strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in wholesome, nutritious, and safe food.
The Commissioner explained that within this roadmap, the Agrinnovation Club plays a pivotal role in the Produce-for-Lagos programme, an initiative designed to strengthen the State’s production base, connect rural producers to urban markets, and ensure that Lagos consumes what it produces.
She emphasised that the creativity, resilience, and energy of Lagos youth remain central to driving this vision and positioning agriculture as a thriving and innovative sector.
She added that the Ministry has already begun to witness inspiring innovations from young agripreneurs, from rooftop farming and waste-to-feed initiatives to digital platforms linking farmers directly with buyers, saying “These are not only clear indicators that the transformation of Lagos agriculture will not come from grand gestures alone, but from consistent acts of creativity, courage, and collaboration by young people who dare to redefine what is possible”.
In his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the agricultural sector.
He noted that the Governor’s commitment to food security, youth empowerment, and innovation continues to inspire every intervention and programme of the Ministry.
He also commended the Honourable Commissioner and her team for their dedication to implementing policies that are transforming agriculture into a viable and modern enterprise in Lagos State.
He stated that the creation of the Agrinnovation Club is another bold step toward building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and technology. According to him, the initiative demonstrates the government’s determination to engage young people meaningfully while ensuring that agriculture becomes both profitable and attractive.
He emphasised that the State Government remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that will strengthen the Produce-for-Lagos agenda and make Lagos a model for urban-agric innovation in Nigeria.
The Special Adviser advised the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities provided through the Agrinnovation platform. He encouraged them to stay committed, innovative, and focused, reminding them that consistency and integrity are the true foundations of lasting success.
He urged them to see themselves not just as participants, but as partners in building a Lagos where agriculture is smart, inclusive, and sustainable.
