Lagos partners Food Bay to empower youths in food business
The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has partnered with Food Bay to empower youths in the state, particularly those in the informal sector, to develop their culinary skills and entrepreneurial abilities.
Commissioner Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende stated, “This partnership will celebrate the vibrant culinary skills of the youth and upscale their culinary talents. It will also help them develop their entrepreneurial skills. This is a powerful vehicle for the economic empowerment of the youth. This partnership will yield tangible results in the long run.”
Permanent Secretary Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu described the partnership as a laudable project that resonates with the Ministry’s goal of empowering informal youths.
He said, “This project is important to us as a Ministry because our youths need to be empowered. Street Food is a huge business across the globe that is yielding profits in billions of naira in Nigeria. The Ministry is more than willing to start and sustain this partnership because it is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 2 and it is also in line with our Governor’s policy of Social Inclusion.”
Director, Youth Development, Abdulateef Saka emphasised that the partnership is part of efforts to implement the Lagos State Youth Policy, which requires collaboration to develop the youth.
Also, Managing Director/CEO, Food Bay, Mr. Femi Ogundoro appreciated the partnership and promised to make Season V of the programme better than the previous one.
“Street Food Naija is a platform close to my heart to reposition the way vendors in the business are perceived. Through branding and mentorship, we have been able to change the narrative. It is a game changer that has helped many youths to scale up their food business, create employment and increase profits through value creation.
“It has also become an alternative source of income for many. We believe Nigeria is the next country when it comes to food business and we intend to put African food on the world map through branding and packaging,” he added.
