The Lagos State Government says it has created over 15,000 jobs through the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP), an initiative focused on building livelihoods through agriculture across the state.
The programme is designed to transform agriculture into a viable, modern and profitable venture for young people. It targets residents between the ages of 18 and 30, equipping them with practical skills, mentorship and business knowledge to succeed across the food value chain.
From crop production and aquaculture to livestock management and agribusiness development, LAP is redefining what it means to be a farmer in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The intervention aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems’ mandate under the THEMES+ Development Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, which prioritises employment generation, capacity building, food security and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the four-week intensive training for the 26th cohort of LAP at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Araga, Epe, the Director of the Institute, Ms. Folake Ogunlana-Lawal, described the programme as a key part of Lagos’ youth empowerment strategy.
According to her, more than 5,000 youths have been directly trained through LAP since its launch, with each graduate creating jobs for an average of two to three additional people.
She explained that this ripple effect has pushed the programme’s overall job impact beyond 15,000 across the state.
“LAP is not just about training young people; it is about building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Lagos State. Our goal is to equip youths with modern agripreneurial skills, reduce unemployment, promote climate-smart agriculture, strengthen food security and position Lagos as a proactive leader in addressing global food system challenges,” Ogunlana-Lawal said.
She disclosed that the next batch of trainees is scheduled to resume on February 22, as the state government continues to expand the reach of the programme.
Conceptualised in 2020, the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme is modelled after Israel’s Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT), with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and practical exposure.
The programme runs for four months. It begins with one month of intensive on-site demonstration training at the Lagos State Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurial Centre in Araga-Epe.
This phase is followed by a three-month internship and mentorship period with reputable agro-allied companies and farms across Lagos State, giving participants real-world experience in different agricultural value chains.
During the training period, participants are fully supported by the Lagos State Government. The government provides accommodation, feeding, training materials and safety kits at no cost to the trainees.
The final stage focuses on enterprise activation. Successful participants undergo an incubation period at the Lagos Food Production and Entrepreneurial Centre, Songhai, Badagry. This stage prepares them to launch and manage independent agribusiness ventures.
Reflecting on the achievements of the programme, Ogunlana-Lawal expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support of LAP and other development-driven initiatives in the state.
She also acknowledged the role of stakeholders and partners, saying their collaboration has been instrumental to the programme’s continued success.
“I want to specially thank the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, particularly the Honourable Commissioner, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Audu; and the Directors of the Ministry for their unwavering support. Their commitment to transforming agriculture in Lagos State is truly inspiring,” she said.
Beneficiaries of the programme also shared their experiences during the ceremony.
Ayodeji Oyindamola John, a graduate of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the University of Ilorin, said LAP helped bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-life agricultural practice.
“This training exposed me to the real, practical side of agriculture. I am grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for investing in youths and prioritising food security through programmes like this,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Balogun Saheed Ololade, said his exposure to aquaculture and pig production has positioned him as a professional agripreneur.
“I have gained practical knowledge that has changed my perspective completely. I am committed to setting up my own agribusiness, not just to empower myself but also to contribute to meat production and food availability in Nigeria,” Balogun said.
As the ceremony ended, Ogunlana-Lawal charged the trainees to remain committed to innovation and excellence as they move into the agribusiness ecosystem.
“Over the past month, you have learnt the fundamentals of agripreneurship, innovative farming practices and the importance of market linkages. Now it is time to put theory into practice,” she told them.
She also encouraged them to join the Lagos Agrinnovation Club, a platform created to promote collaboration, idea-sharing and innovation among agripreneurs across the state.
With thousands of youths trained, thousands of jobs created and stronger food systems emerging, LAP continues to expand its footprint in Lagos, positioning agriculture as a practical pathway for youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
