Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged his administration's continued support for innovative individuals and groups working to enhance food security in Lagos State. The governor made this commitment at the 2025 Lagos Food Festival, held on 15 December 2025 at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island.
Governor's Direct Support for Agripreneurs
Addressing attendees at the festival themed "Taste Without Borders," Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the state's proactive efforts over the past eleven months. He stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has executed numerous interventions and empowerment schemes, significantly benefiting agripreneurs and stakeholders throughout the food value chain.
"The Ministry has empowered a lot of entrepreneurs this year," Sanwo-Olu said. "This is in a bid to continue to put innovators and aggregators in the food business, to allow them to be independent and to do well." The governor even participated in a cooking demonstration, preparing a seafood rice with spinach and humorously adopting the moniker "Chef Jide."
A Festival Celebrating Lagos's Culinary Diversity
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the event was more than just a food fair; it was a platform to unite families, celebrate diverse food cultures, and use cuisine to narrate the Lagos story. He described it as an opportunity for people to appreciate the state's creative flair in all areas, including food. "We are doing it on a budget and opening opportunities for a lot of young talents," he added, noting that the initiative is transforming businesses and showcasing local skills.
The governor stressed the imperative for government to design programs that uplift citizens and encourage diverse skills, vowing to sustain efforts that ensure food security and keep Lagos safe and livable for all residents.
Government's Role as Curator of Food Culture
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described the fifth edition of the festival as a true reflection of Lagos's identity—a blend of rich culinary culture and entertainment. She stated that the event enables food actors in the state to connect, network, and expand their businesses beyond local borders.
"Lagos is very diverse and multicultural," Olusanya said. "We believe that in celebrating everything that is Lagos, food is the embodiment of that. We, as the Ministry, are the curators and custodians of that." She highlighted that the festival solidifies the ministry's interventions and celebrates everyone involved in making Lagos's food ecosystem thrive.
Food vendors and participants at the event commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent, year-round interventions aimed at strengthening and growing the food sector. The festival underscored the state's commitment to supporting its food value chain actors and promoting culinary arts as a viable economic and cultural venture.
