Lagos State Government Leads Sensitization Walk to Mark World Food Day, Urges Collective Action Against Food Crisis

Lagos State Government Leads Sensitization Walk to Mark World Food Day, Urges Collective Action Against Food Crisis

The Lagos State Government has emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to combat the rising cost of food items and hunger across the state and the nation. This message was conveyed during a sensitization walk led by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, from the Alausa Secretariat to Allen Avenue Roundabout in Ikeja, in commemoration of World Food Day 2024.

Ms. Olusanya highlighted that addressing the food crisis is not solely the responsibility of professional farmers and the government, but a collective task for all citizens. She encouraged the adoption of subsistence farming practices as a means to mitigate food shortages. 

The Commissioner also detailed several initiatives of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration aimed at supporting farmers with essential inputs, improving logistics, and enlisting young farmers to increase the state's access to hygienic food. In addition, she called for a shift in attitude towards food wastage, stressing the importance of conservation amid the ongoing food scarcity and inflation.

The ORIGIN Group, one of the government’s key partners, commended the administration for its continued collaboration. The Group Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Adebayo Awoniyi-Adeoshun, lauded the state’s efforts and emphasized the importance of safeguarding people’s right to food. He also noted that the country must heed the warning from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which projected that droughts could affect over 308 million people in Africa next year.

Mrs. Rafiat Gawat of the TGI Group reflected on the positive impact their partnership with the state has had on the agricultural value chain, while Faruk Adetola, Head of Media at Foodclique Support Initiative, noted that over the past 12 years, the group has provided free food to thousands of Nigerians in 15 states. Foodclique plans to host a symposium on October 16th in Ogba to further educate the public on the dangers of food insecurity and distribute free meals to local residents.

Partners for this year’s World Food Day in Lagos include ORIGIN, TGI Group, Olam Agri, Providus Bank, Zenith Bank, and British American Tobacco Nigeria. 

World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16th to draw attention to global food challenges and potential solutions. The theme for this year’s celebration is "Right to Foods for a Better Life and Better Future."