The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has rewarded 34 outstanding young agripreneurs with a total sum of ₦150 million for their contributions to strengthening the State’s agricultural and food systems sector. The announcement was made during the Agrinnovation Summit, a platform created to showcase new ideas and support youth participation in agriculture, a sector the government described as central to the State’s economic development and long-term food security plans.
Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s role as the intellectual and economic hub of Nigeria. Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, the Governor noted that Lagos remains the nation’s best chance to drive sustainable progress. He explained that the State carries a responsibility beyond its residents, serving as a model for innovation, economic growth, and modern food production. He stressed that food security is a key element of national and State development strategies, describing it as the foundation for social stability and long-term investment opportunities.
The Governor highlighted that Lagos is investing heavily in partnerships with the private sector to strengthen agricultural systems, logistics, and value chains. He said, “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 added that limited landmass should not limit agricultural productivity, citing the Netherlands as a global example of how innovation and technology can overcome natural constraints.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also urged young people to take ownership of the future of agriculture in Lagos. He assured them that the government will continue to provide funding, investment support, and innovation-driven programmes through initiatives such as the Produce-for-Lagos Programme and the Guaranteed Uptake Fund. He reaffirmed the State’s commitment to building a 21st-century economy powered by knowledge and innovation, describing Lagos as a place of possibilities for agritech, agribusiness, and digital agriculture.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, explained that the Agrinnovation Club was created to serve as a bridge between young agripreneurs and the broader agricultural transformation agenda of Lagos State. She said the same vision guides key initiatives such as the Eko Flavours Culinary Initiative, the Lagos Food Festival, the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, and the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme. According to her, these programmes form major components of the State’s Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, launched in 2021 to achieve long-term self-sufficiency in safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
Olusanya stated that the Agrinnovation Club plays a pivotal role in the Produce-for-Lagos Programme by strengthening the State’s production base, linking rural farmers to urban markets, and promoting a system where Lagos consumes what it produces. She noted that the resilience and creativity of Lagos youth remain essential to shaping a modern agricultural economy driven by innovation, agritech, and digital platforms. She added that the Ministry has already seen inspiring concepts such as rooftop farming, waste-to-feed innovations, and online marketplaces connecting farmers directly to buyers. According to her, “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 gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary support for the agricultural sector. He said the Governor’s commitment to youth empowerment, food security, and innovation continues to shape all programmes and interventions of the Ministry. He also commended the Honourable Commissioner and her team for implementing policies that are repositioning agriculture as a viable and technologically driven enterprise in Lagos.
Fashola described the creation of the Agrinnovation Club as a bold step toward building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and technology. He said the initiative reflects the government’s determination to engage young people meaningfully while making agriculture profitable and attractive. He emphasised that the State Government remains committed to supporting efforts that strengthen the Produce-for-Lagos agenda and position Lagos as a model for urban agricultural innovation in Nigeria.
The Special Adviser encouraged the beneficiaries of the ₦150 million reward to maximise the opportunity provided by the Agrinnovation platform. He urged them to remain dedicated, consistent, and innovative, adding that integrity and hard work are essential foundations for long-term success. He said they should see themselves not just as beneficiaries but as key partners in building a Lagos where agriculture is smart, inclusive, and sustainable.
