Lagos Awards N150m to 33 Young Agripreneurs to Boost Food Security and Agricultural Innovation

The Lagos State Government has granted N150 million to 33 young agripreneurs in recognition of their “remarkable contributions” to the growth of the state’s agricultural and food systems sector.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as Nigeria’s “intellectual and economic hub” and a place with the nation’s “best chance to make a lasting difference.” Represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Egube, the Governor emphasized that the state bears a responsibility not only to its residents but to the entire country.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted that food security is central to Lagos’ development priorities, noting that “a secure environment is the foundation upon which economic growth and social stability are built.” He further stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to enhance logistics, systems, and value chains, thereby boosting productivity.

“Lagos is the biggest market in sub-Saharan Africa; we must pay particular attention to mobilising our people to produce for Nigeria,” he said, adding that agriculture extends beyond planting and harvesting. The Governor noted that Lagos is “strategically positioned” to lead the movement of food “from the farms to the tables,” and that limited land would not be a constraint, citing the Netherlands as an example of innovation overcoming natural limitations.

Sanwo-Olu encouraged youths to take ownership of the future of agriculture, assuring them that government support through funding and innovation-driven programmes such as Produce-for-Lagos and the Guaranteed Uptake Fund would continue.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, explained that the Agrinnovation Club was established to connect young agripreneurs with the state’s agricultural transformation agenda. The club complements initiatives such as Eko Flavours, the Lagos Food Festival, the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, and the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme.

Olusanya emphasized that these programmes are central to implementing the state’s Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, launched in 2021, which aims for long-term self-sufficiency in wholesome and safe food. She also noted that the Agrinnovation Club plays a pivotal role in the Produce-for-Lagos initiative, linking rural producers with urban markets and promoting local consumption.

Highlighting innovative projects by young agripreneurs, including rooftop farming, waste-to-feed initiatives, and digital platforms connecting farmers directly to buyers, Olusanya said, “The transformation of Lagos agriculture will not come from grand gestures alone, but from consistent acts of creativity, courage and collaboration.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Oluwarotimi Fashola, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support, noting that the Agrinnovation Club reflects the state’s determination to build a sustainable, tech-driven, and youth-inclusive agricultural ecosystem. Fashola urged beneficiaries to view themselves as “partners in building a Lagos where agriculture is smart, inclusive, and sustainable.”