Lagos Engages 500 Farmers, Fishermen in Ikorodu to Boost Food Security

The Lagos State Agricultural Input Supply Authority (LAISA) has engaged more than 500 farmers and fishermen in the Ikorodu Division of the state in a renewed effort to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The one-day capacity-building forum, held at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, focused on empowering participants with innovative farming and fishing techniques tailored to their specific environmental and economic needs.

According to a statement released on Sunday, the session marked a strategic shift in the state government’s approach to agricultural development and stakeholder engagement.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LAISA, Olufolake Oluyemi, described the forum as more than a training exercise, noting that it served as a platform for direct dialogue between government officials and local producers.

Under the theme, “Harvesting Success: Innovative Solutions for Lagos Farmers,” Oluyemi said, “We understand that the challenges faced by farmers in Ikorodu differ from those in Badagry or Epe. The era of LAISA assuming it knows your needs is over. This forum is designed for us to listen, learn, and co-create practical, innovative solutions together.”

Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the broader implications of food security, describing it as a cornerstone of economic stability, public health, and urban resilience.

Represented by the Director of Agribusiness, Aramide Gansalo, Olusanya reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering local producers through access to high-quality inputs.

“As a government, we know that achieving self-sufficiency begins with the right foundation — and that foundation is quality inputs,” she said. “For our farmers, access to certified, high-yield seeds, proper fertilisers, and modern equipment is essential to optimise productivity. That is where LAISA plays a crucial role.”

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Chapter, Femi Oke, commended LAISA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems for their continuous support to farmers and fishermen, noting that such initiatives enhance productivity and promote food sufficiency in the state.