Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has positioned Lagos State as a vital national asset that plays a critical role in Nigeria's economic transformation journey. The declaration came during the Lagos Agri-Innovation Summit 2.0 held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island on November 15, 2025.
Lagos as Economic Powerhouse
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos stands as the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa, making it indispensable to the nation's economic progress. The summit, themed "Thriving Food Systems: Smart Future," served as a platform to reinforce the state's commitment to leveraging innovation and technology across agricultural value chains.
"Food security remains at the heart of Mr. President's strategy and also central to Lagos State's development plan," Sanwo-Olu stated. He affirmed that despite limited land resources, the state continues to pioneer innovation-driven solutions that enhance both food production and distribution systems.
Agricultural Innovation Initiatives
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, detailed several groundbreaking programs during her welcome address. She revealed that the Lagos Agri-Innovation Club has expanded significantly in its second year, effectively connecting young entrepreneurs with the state's agricultural transformation agenda.
Key initiatives driving this transformation include:
- The "Produce for Lagos" Fund financing activities across agricultural value chains
- Ekoflavors culinary initiative promoting local food creativity
- Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (L.A.P) fostering agricultural entrepreneurship
- Lagos Agric Scholars Programme revolutionizing agricultural education in schools
Olusanya emphasized the vision that "no child in Lagos goes to bed hungry," highlighting innovative approaches such as rooftop farming, waste-to-feed projects, and technology-enabled food solutions being championed by young innovators.
Substantial Funding for Agricultural Ventures
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, disclosed significant financial support available for agricultural innovation. He announced that the Lagos Agri-Innovation Fund has made up to N150 million available for creative agricultural ventures, complementing other youth empowerment programs including ICT training and entrepreneurship development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded with an inspiring message: "With innovation, energy, and determination, Lagos can achieve what once seemed impossible." The summit continues to serve as a crucial platform for collaboration, competitions, and targeted support for young innovators, ultimately driving long-term food security for both Lagos and Nigeria at large.
