The Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said showcased his administration’s huge investment in the agriculture sector in a bid to make it a backbone of the state’s economy,
According to him, the state government was very intentional about its policies in the agriculture sector as Nigeria joined other nations of the globe to celebrate the World Food Day.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge during the grand-finale of Year 2024 World Food Day celebration, themed: “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday.
Quoting Kofi Annan, the esteemed Ghanaian diplomat, who once said, “Food is the foundation of life; it is the key to health, peace, and prosperity for all,” Sanwo-Olu said that the statement perfectly captured the essence of the event, which emphasized the importance of collective action in developing sustainable food systems and served as a call to combat food insecurity.
He noted that the event also commemorated the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against hunger.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the theme of the event “speaks directly to the ongoing challenges of food security worldwide.
“Food is not only essential for survival, but it is also the cornerstone of a prosperous and stable nation. A country that ensures its citizens have access to food is strong and independent, while food insecurity undermines national stability and leads to reliance on foreign aid.”
Saying that his administration is fully committed to addressing the challenges facing the state, the governor added:
“We have focused on strengthening the agricultural value-chain to reduce food prices, develop an effective food reserve system, and ensure food sufficiency.”
Also at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, said that the Ministry is resolute in its mission to ensure that all residents of Lagos State have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, which is essential for active and healthy lives.
Noting that the “leading cause of immune-deficiencies globally is poor nutrition, particularly the inadequate supply of fruits, vegetables, and the necessary vitamins and minerals,” Fashola said: “This is why the Ministry and its agencies have set a goal to train and retrain both existing and aspiring farmers to ensure sustained sectoral growth and increased contributions to the State’s GDP, in line with the THEMES+ Agenda of Mr. Governor.
“In pursuit of wealth creation and improved well-being for the people of Lagos, we urge all stakeholders, including investors, researchers, farmers, fishers, agro-processors, and donor agencies to join us on this transformative journey.”
He urged all and sundry to continue on the path that will re-establish agriculture as the foundation of Nigeria’s economy, adding: “This sector has played a vital role in Lagos’ remarkable growth by providing employment and driving economic expansion.”