By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Government has revealed that the agriculture sector contributed N7 trillion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024.

This disclosure was made by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, during the ongoing 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa Ikeja, commemorating the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Kadri Hamzat’s second term in office.

In her words, Olusanya said, “In Nigeria, Agriculture contributes 25 percent to the GDP. But in Lagos, Agriculture encompasses a lot up to food production, so agriculture contributes N7 trillion in the last couple of years to the Lagos economy.

“This is to tell you that we have the potential, there is opportunity. We will not relent in terms of making it better,” she added.

In addition, the commissioner announced that the state government is collaborating with other states to ensure a steady supply of 200,000 tonnes of paddy required at the Imota Rice Mill.

She also revealed that at least 10,000 heads of cattle are slaughtered daily in the state.

However, she noted that there are significant data gaps and loopholes in the red meat production chain, which are often exploited by individuals. To address this, the state plans to utilise the logistics hub in Epe to improve data collection and plug the loopholes.

“The Lagos Rice Mill is 2 lines of 16MTPH integrated mill sited on 8.5 hectares of land at Imota. The rice mill has a capacity to produce 2.4 million bags of 50 kg bags of Rice yearly using 200,000 Metric tonnes of paddy annually.

“The Mill is part of the government’s commitment towards ensuring food security in the State which is a key component of the T.H.E.M.E.S + Development Agenda of Mr. Governor to make Lagos State a 21st Century economy,” She added.

Also speaking, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser on Agriculture, reiterated the state government’s partnership with other states to ensure a steady supply of paddy.

“Because of the size of rice needed, Mr Governor signed an MOU with Niger state being the largest producer of paddy in the country.

“The Imota rice mill needed 200,000 tonnes of paddy. The partnership with other states is to ensure sustainability of production. We extend our hand of fellowship to all the South West states,” He added.

The Nigerian government is taking proactive steps to prevent illegal migration, by deploying cutting-edge technology to monitor and manage its land, maritime, and air borders.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who stated this during a courtesy visit by the French Government led by the Ambassador in charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Christophe Léonzi, stressed Nigeria’s commitment to curbing illegal migration while fostering cooperation with global partners.

Acknowledging migration as a natural phenomenon, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised the government’s stance against illegal migration, expressing Nigeria’s willingness to support bilateral efforts to combat this challenge.

“An African problem is more of a European problem than an American or Asian problem because of our proximity. It is easier for people to find their way to Spain, France, Italy or the United Kingdom than to get into America or China. So, it means that the more we invest our energy and efforts into proactive strategies, the better it is for us,” the Minister said.

He highlighted the dynamic nature of illegal migration, stressing the need for continuous dialogue and proactive measures to stay ahead of traffickers’ evolving tactics.

The Minister further stated that the Ministry is streamlining the Nigerian visa application process on the basis of reciprocity, with priority on automation and a seamless access to INTERPOL data, to strengthen border control and security measures.

On its part, the French Government led by the Ambassador in charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Christophe Léonzi, said the purpose of the visit was to foster cooperation between both countries.

Earlier before the engagement with the French delegation, the Minister of Interior had a closed meeting with the Technical Committee on the Enhancement of Security in the North led by Major General A.T. Jibrin (rtd).

Acknowledging progress since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29th, the Minister noted: “Yes, we are not where we want to be, but of course, we are not where we don’t want to be or used to be. Since May 29th when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, there has been a visible difference in terms of the security situation.”

The Permanent Secretary Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nana Nandap, and other high-ranking officials of the Ministry were present at both meetings.

Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), in conjunction with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL), has unveiled gifted and high calibre individuals for the esteemed 2024 class of the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders (YGL) Dangote Fellows.

ADF and WEF, in a release, said, “With great excitement and anticipation, ADF and WEF announce this year’s cohort, a group of visionary leaders poised to make impactful contributions to global development, innovation, and leadership.”

The WEF YGL Dangote Fellowship, a partnership between the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the World Economic Forum, identifies, engages, and supports outstanding individuals under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential in various fields.

This year’s class, according to ADF and WEF, embodies the diverse talents, expertise, and commitment to positive change that characterise the YGL community.

The selected young leaders are: Alloysius Attah, Co-Founder & CEO of Farmerline, Ghana; Angela Oduor Lungati, Executive Director of Ushahidi Inc., Kenya; Judy Sikuza, CEO of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, South Africa; Lelise Neme Sori, Commissioner at the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopia, and Nomasonto Motaung, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Government of South Africa, South Africa.

Others include: Oluwatosin Olaseinde, Founder & CEO of Money Africa, Nigeria; Veda Sunassee, CEO African Leadership University, Mauritius, and Thabile Ngwato, CEO & Co-Founder of Newzroom 405, South Africa.

A statement jointly released by ADF and WEF, indicated that “For the first time, the newly inducted Fellows will convene for a transformative three-day retreat in Geneva, Switzerland, organised by the World Economic Forum Foundation. The retreat aims to provide an unparalleled opportunity for the new class of Young Global Leaders to connect with their peers, deepen their understanding of the YGL community, and align themselves with its core values.

“This gathering underscores the commitment of the Forum of Young Global Leaders to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable leadership among the world’s most promising young change-makers.

“We are thrilled to welcome the exceptional individuals who make up the Class of 2024 Aliko Dangote Fellows,” said Fatima Aliko Dangote, Aliko Dangote Foundation Board Trustee member.

“Their diverse backgrounds, bold ideas, and unwavering commitment to driving positive change will undoubtedly enrich our community and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

“We believe that these remarkable individuals will not only benefit from the resources and opportunities provided by the WEF YGL Dangote Fellowship but will also leverage their talents and expertise to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today,” she added.

Young Global Leaders are selected from a variety of sectors such as business, government, academia, media, non-profit organisations and arts and culture, and from all regions of the world. Young Global Leaders engage in initiatives that address specific challenges of public interest with the objective of shaping a better future

The honour, bestowed each year by the Forum, recognises young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

The 2024 honourees will become part of the broader Forum of Young Global Leaders that convene at an Annual Summit, which are integrated into events organised by the World Economic Forum, and organise events of their own, as well as launch and lead their own innovative initiatives and task forces.

These activities enable YGLs to learn from and with each other; build knowledge and engender a better understanding of global challenges and trends, risks and opportunities; and further enhance their unique role as leaders within their own organisations, the World Economic Forum and the broader global community.

Past YGLs include: Uche Pedro, Founder & CEO Bella Online Media, Tokini Peterside, CEO Art X Collective, Oluseun Onigbinde, Co-founder BudgIT, Adebola Williams, CEO Red Media Africa, Dr. Tolu Oni, Associate Professor University of Cape Town & University of Cambridge.

Others are: Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, (ex-)CEO Flutterwave (now CEO Fund for Africa’s Future), Lois Auta, Founder & ED Cedar Seed Foundation, Ada Osakwe, Managing Partner Agrolay Ventures, Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru, Founder Honeysuckles PTL Ventures, Simon Kolawole, Founder & CEO Cable Newspaper, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder & CEO House of Tara, among many others.

Since its inception in 2011, the partnership between the Forum of Young Global Leaders and the Aliko Dangote Foundation has been instrumental in nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders. Over the past decade, the Foundation’s support has empowered over 115 YGL Dangote Fellows, enabling them to accelerate their impact and catalyse lasting change across the continent and beyond.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation Fellows join a prestigious network of over 1,400 Young Global Leaders from diverse fields including business, government, academia, and civil society. Together, they represent a powerful force for driving positive change and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders, established by the World Economic Forum in 2004, is a unique, multistakeholder community of more than 1,400 outstanding young leaders from around the world. Each year, the Forum recognises the most innovative, enterprising, and socially minded individuals under the age of 40 who are pushing the boundaries of global leadership and making a positive impact on society.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation, established by foremost Nigerian industrialist and humanist Aliko Dangote, is committed to improving the quality of life for people across Africa by supporting initiatives in health and nutrition, education, and economic empowerment.

The World Economic Forum is the International Organisation for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.