Lagos Considers New Agriculture & Food Security Roadmap

The Lagos State Government is gearing up to launch the Lagos Agriculture & Food Systems’ Roadmap 2.0, an initiative aimed at assessing the state’s progress on food security goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).

This roadmap will also serve as a platform to support the agricultural ecosystem and encourage new entrants into the sector.

The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, during the Agrinnovation Club Hangout 3.0 held at the MAD House, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

The summit, she explained, provides a crucial opportunity for stakeholders in the Agrinnovation Club to directly engage with state and national leadership on the challenges they face and seek swift responses.

Ms. Abisola Olusanya emphasized that the primary objective of the summit is to ensure food security, which in the long term will help stabilize food prices. She highlighted the Agrinnovation Club as a platform for like-minded individuals engaged in various aspects of agriculture such as logistics, fintech, packaging, and branding, aiming to showcase successes to young innovative people across the state.

The commissioner expressed optimism that more young people with a passion for agriculture, integrity, and intelligence would join the Agrinnovation Club to drive its vision forward. She assured attendees that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to listening to their concerns and providing solutions to address their challenges.

Ms. Olusanya also acknowledged the challenges faced during the implementation of ‘Ounje Eko’, noting its remarkable impact on residents’ lives amidst rising food prices.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, urged members of the Agrinnovation Club to explore untapped opportunities within Lagos State’s food system. He encouraged them to think creatively and be cautious in their collaborations with other businesses, emphasizing the government’s readiness to support the club’s growth.

During the event, Mr. Olagoke Balogun, CEO of So Fresh, discussed business models and cost structures in agricultural business, emphasizing the importance of innovation and technology across the entire value chain from production to final consumers. He advised participants to gather data on customer preferences and global trends to improve their products and services.

Another facilitator, Mrs. Ifeoluwa Ariyo, CEO of ForthWorth Farms, highlighted the significance of collaboration for business growth. She stressed that clear agreements and effective partnerships are essential for expanding customer bases and reducing costs.

Yinka Omogboye of the Farm Junction shared his company’s experience with ‘Ounje Eko’, aligning the project with their vision to deliver foods and consumables directly to consumers’ doorsteps since 2017. He discussed the challenges faced due to high costs incurred from middlemen activities.

Oyin Asaaju, Chief Operating Officer of the Admiralty Farmers Market, emphasized the farm’s commitment to quality products and customer satisfaction in her session on business and product support.

In closing, Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Fatai Audu praised the event as excellent and commended the facilitators for their insightful contributions. He reiterated the importance of patience in business growth and expressed hope that agriculture would soon become the mainstay of Lagos State’s economy.

The Agrinnovation Club Hangout 3.0 served as a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in Lagos State’s agricultural sector, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting and growing the industry.