The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has spotlighted its strides in food security and sustainability while calling on more young agripreneurs to join its mission of transforming the agriculture sector.
Speaking at the Agrinnovation Hangout 6.0 on Friday in Lagos, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the state’s landmark achievements and reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering youth through innovation in agriculture.
The event, organized under the auspices of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club, an initiative launched in November 2023, brought together policymakers, professionals, and young innovators with a shared vision to modernize the food ecosystem.
“Since the inception of the Agrinnovation Club, we have seen significant progress in food sustainability, and we’re determined to keep agriculture attractive to young people,” Olusanya stated.
She emphasized the interconnected nature of the food system, noting that modern agriculture now involves not just farmers, but logistics providers, cold-chain solution experts, and exporters.
“Many professionals—accountants, economists, bankers, architects—are already in the food space, contributing to its transformation. They didn’t study agriculture but are thriving by exporting produce and building agribusinesses. We want more people to realize the opportunities here.”
Olusanya urged more young people to join the Agrinnovation Club to leverage its growing network and collaborative environment.
“We are all part of the same ecosystem. Collaborating, networking, and partnering is what drives this initiative forward,” she said, while also affirming the continued support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for agricultural innovation.
The commissioner recalled the Lagos Agrithon, launched last year, which awarded over ₦100 million in grants to 26 agribusinesses, as a testament to the state’s commitment. She revealed plans for broader partnerships with international agencies to expand the reach and impact of such programmes.
Also speaking at the event, Ms. Jette Bjerrum, Consul General and Head of Trade for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, pledged support for vocational agricultural training and agritech collaboration in Nigeria.
“In Denmark, agriculture is a respected and structured profession. We want to inspire that same perception here by building partnerships and curriculums that make agriculture appealing to youth,” Bjerrum said.
Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, encouraged participants to harness the networking and learning opportunities at the hangout.
“The Agrinnovation Club continues to impact lives and businesses across the state. There’s always something new to learn here,” Fashola said.
Mr. Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, closed the event with an expression of hope for even more success stories emerging from future editions.
“This club has inspired me personally. I plan to launch my own agribusiness and leverage the support system here,” he shared.