Lagos State Celebrates World Food Day 2024, Awards Local Agricultural Champions

Lagos State Celebrates World Food Day 2024, Awards Local Agricultural Champions

Ikeja, Lagos – October 16, 2024

The grand finale of the 2024 World Food Day Celebration took center stage today at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja, with prominent figures in the agriculture sector and government officials coming together to address food security challenges and recognize outstanding contributions to Lagos' agricultural development. Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, delivered a warm welcome address that set the tone for the event.

Fashola highlighted the significance of World Food Day, an international event observed annually on October 16th by United Nations member nations, including Nigeria. This year's theme, *"Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,"* was a call to action against hunger, emphasizing the importance of sustainable food systems in ensuring food security.

In his address, Fashola acknowledged Lagos' unique position as a densely populated state with limited land resources but lauded its resilience and continued contribution to Nigeria’s food production. "Lagos remains on the map of Food Producing States in Nigeria despite its small geographical size," he noted, praising the efforts of the state’s farmers and food systems champions engaged in production, processing, distribution, and logistics.

Fashola outlined the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems' mission to ensure that all Lagosians have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, which he stressed is vital for an active and healthy life. He emphasized the ministry's focus on training and retraining farmers, both existing and aspiring, to drive sustained growth in the sector and increase its contribution to the state's GDP, aligning with the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He called on stakeholders—including investors, researchers, farmers, fishers, agro-processors, and donor agencies—to collaborate with the government in its transformative journey toward food security. "Your participation is invaluable and greatly appreciated, as it significantly contributes to our shared goal of promoting food security and building sustainable food systems," Fashola said.

The event also served as a platform to recognize and celebrate local government areas, individuals, and organizations that have made significant strides in agriculture and farming in Lagos. The awards honored exceptional farmers, processors, and local governments for their contributions to the state’s agricultural development.

**Awardees at the World Food Day 2024 Celebration included:**

- **Best Local Government in Agriculture:** Apapa Local Government

- **Best Crop Farmer:** Miss Olaitan Olatunji

- **Best Livestock Farmer:** Erikorodo Poultry Seasoning

- **Best Fish Farmer:** Epe Local Government

- **Best Artisanal Farmer:** Apapa Local Government

- **Best Agro-Processor:** Bennis Delight

- **Overall Best Farmer:** Miss Olaitan Olatunji

- **Best Farm Estate:** Erikorodo Poultry Seasoning

- **Best Farm Settlement:** GRS/NDE Agbowa

- **Best Forester:** Apoti Eko

The recognition of these individuals and local governments underlines Lagos State’s commitment to encouraging excellence in agriculture and supporting the growth of the sector.

Fashola extended his gratitude to the event’s partners, including British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Zenith Bank Plc, Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group, Olam Agri Nigeria, Providus Bank Plc, and Origin Tech Group, for their contributions to the success of the 2024 World Food Day Celebration.

As the event came to a close, Dr. Fashola reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reestablishing agriculture as the foundation of Lagos' economy. He stressed the importance of food security not only for the state’s economic growth but for the well-being of its citizens, urging stakeholders to remain actively engaged in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 

The World Food Day 2024 celebrations in Lagos once again highlighted the state’s leadership in innovative agricultural initiatives and its determination to build a more food-secure future for all its residents.