Lagos empowers 100,000 women, youths in agriculture

…As Sanwo-Olu highlights commitment to food security on World Food Day

By Sodiq Adelakun

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed that his administration has successfully empowered over 100,000 women and youths through various agricultural initiatives.

This announcement was made on Wednesday during the 2024 World Food Day celebration held at the Police College, Ikeja, where the theme was “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.”

Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of collective efforts in the pursuit of food security, stating, “So far, we have enabled and empowered over 100,000 women and youths across the state.

“They have been trained in various agricultural practices, and we continue to support them with direct access to inputs and necessary equipment.”

He emphasised the administration’s commitment to fostering genuine interest in agriculture among the populace.

“Through these various initiatives, we are also inspiring people to develop genuine interest in agriculture. We are advancing heavily in capital production through our massive investment in our capital feedlots project,” he added.

The Governor called for a united front in tackling food insecurity, reminding attendees that food is a fundamental human right.

“This emphasises the importance of collective action and developing a sustainable food system. Since we all can’t do without food, all hands must be on deck,” he noted.

Commenting on the challenges Lagos faces in achieving food security, Sanwo-Olu remarked, “Lagos, in spite of being the smallest state in the country, has the largest population with almost 25 percent of its territory covered by a body of water. We face a unique challenge in achieving our state’s food security.”

To address these challenges, he announced plans to strengthen the agricultural value chain and develop a strategic reserve system. “One of the ways we are achieving this is by using the internet.”