Tag: Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State is accelerating efforts to modernise its agricultural and food systems in response to the enormous demands of its rapidly expanding population, now estimated at 22 million. Projections from Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, indicated that the city’s population could soar to 24.4 million by 2035.

Speaking yesterday at the grand finale of the World Food Day celebration in Lagos, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming the food system.

He described agriculture as “a driving force for innovation” and underscored the pivotal role of farmers as “key components in transforming the food system.”

As Lagos continues its steady march toward a sustainable food future, he reiterated that the government’s comprehensive strategy combines  infrastructure, technology, and private sector collaboration ,adding that this will help the administration ensureing that Africa’s largest megacity can feed its people, create jobs, and build resilience in the face of rapid population growth and global economic uncertainty.

The Governor explained that the state government is modernising its food infrastructure to meet new realities and ensure timely interventions across every stage of agricultural development. This,according to him, includes the supply of quality inputs, better coordination among key sectors, and efficient value-chain management designed to enhance productivity and sustainability.  He said the  government’s strategic focus is anchored on the establishment of an agro- logistics and marketing System that will serve as the backbone of Lagos’ food security strategy.

The integrated system,he explained. comprises the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub (LCFSSLH), a network of Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hubs, and Last-Mile Food Distribution Outlets strategically located across the state.

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Sanwo-Olu explained that the initiative aims to overhaul the entire food value chain — from production and handling to storage, distribution, and consumption — thereby making Lagos’ food ecosystem more resilient, efficient, and future-ready.

He emphasised that the project would ensure that residents have access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food while addressing inefficiencies in traditional food markets. “Our goalis to make Lagos a benchmark for sustainable urban food systems in Africa by reducing post-harvest losses, improving logistics, and creating jobs across all segments of the agricultural value chain,” the Governor said,

According to him, progress on  achieving this is ongoing  as construction of Phase One of the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun in Epe is nearing completion. The facility, when operational, he noted will serve as a key distribution and processing centre for major agricultural commodities coming into and out of Lagos. The government,he continued  is also fast-tracking work on two additional Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hubs expected to be completed before the end of the year — one at Abijo in Ibeju-Lekki and another at the Dairy Farm in Pen Cinema, Agege. “These facilities complement the already operational hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, which has become a model for efficient produce aggregation and market access.In addition, construction work is ongoing on new hubs at Opebi in Ikeja and Bombata on Lagos Island, with plans underway to replicate the model in Ikorodu, Lekki, and Festac.” The Governor said the long-term vision is to establish at least one Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hub in every Local Government Area and Local Council Development Area across the state. This, he noted, would strengthen food distribution networks, reduce transportation costs, and ensure equitable access to food across all communities.

Highlighting the state’s achievements in agro-industrialisation, Sanwo-Olu described the Imota Rice Mill as a flagship project that continues to demonstrate the potential of large-scale agro-processing in driving food sufficiency and employment creation. The mill, one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa,he mentioned  has already generated more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs while empowering over 500 farmers in its supply network. “Through the mill’s out-grower scheme, rice paddy cultivation has expanded to more than 1,500 hectares, contributing significantly to Lagos’ goal of achieving self-sufficiency in staple food production and advancing economic diversification.”

The Governor also spotlighted the Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme (EKO AGROMECS), launched in February 2023, as a key driver of modernisation in the state’s farming sector. The initiative,he noted  leveraged digital technology through the “Tractor-On-The-Go” (TOG) platform — a mobile application that allows farmers to book tractors and mechanised equipment on demand, similar to ride-hailing services. The platform,according to him, has already facilitated the cultivation of over 3,000 hectares of farmland and directly benefited more than 500 smallholder farmers, making mechanisation accessible and affordable to those who need it most.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting farmers to increase productivity and improve their incomes. She said the government’s agricultural transformation plan aligns with this year’s World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” which calls for partnerships across governments, the private sector, development partners, and communities to promote sustainable agri-food systems and healthy diets.

Ms. Olusanya noted that food security challenges cannot be solved by government alone, urging stronger collaboration with the private sector and local communities to drive inclusive growth. “Our focusis not only to grow more food but to grow better food — food that nourishes, sustains, and empowers our people. We are committed to ensuring that every farmer in Lagos feels the impact of our investments in infrastructure, mechanisation, and market access,” ,” she said, “

In his goodwill message, a board member of the BATN Foundation, Mr. Yarub Al-Bahrani, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to empowering smallholder farmers and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem. He noted that  the foundation had invested over ₦4 billion in rural agriculture projects over the past 20 years, supporting more than 3,000 farmers with training and access to improved farming technologies. Through these initiatives,he said  an estimated 1.7 million people have benefited indirectly across Nigeria’s rural communities.

The World Food Day celebration concluded with the presentation of awards recognising excellence across the agricultural value chain. These include the Best Agro Processor award- Farm Junction, Best Farm Estate – Erikorodo Poultry Farm; Best Farm Settlement -Ajara Farm Settlement;Best livestock Champion-Lagos Island Local government;Best Aquaculture  Champion- Apapa Local Government;

Best Artisananal Champion- Ejalombu Fish Farmers Cooperative;Best LGA/LCDA-Yaba Local Government and Best Crop Champion- Daddy Louis Tomato Growers Association, Badagry.

A coalition of over 130 pan-Yoruba groups has thrown its weight behind the Lagos State Government’s decision to license two new electricity distribution companies, describing the move as a breakthrough in the state’s long struggle with poor power supply.

The coalition, under the umbrella of the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for it called “the most important public-interest decision in Lagos since 1999”.

In a statement issued after its Executive Council meeting,  the AYDM said the registration of Excel Distribution Company and IE Energy Lagos Limited marks a “radical departure from years of corporate irresponsibility” by existing electricity distributors, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc and Ikeja Electric Plc.

 “Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team have written their names in history,” the group declared, calling the move a new chapter in the quest for stable electricity in Lagos and the Southwest.

The AYDM urged both the state and federal governments to investigate the operators of the current electricity distribution companies for alleged “crimes against the people,” accusing them of negligence, extortion, and disregard for human life.

The group alleged that many Lagos residents had lost their lives and properties due to abrupt disconnections, power surges, and unsafe distribution practices.

 “Many have died as a result of the recklessness of the existing DISCOs. Their record is worse than that of their predecessors, NEPA,” the statement read.

 “These companies lack human conscience and are driven only by greed and cruelty.”

The coalition said it was documenting the alleged abuses of the electricity firms and would seek international sanctions against their management.

The AYDM commended the Lagos State Government for “standing with the people”, saying the decision would rescue businesses and industries from the brink of collapse.

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 “When electricity is inefficient, businesses fail, hospitals suffer, and the social economy crumbles. Millions of Lagosians have endured the arrogance and exploitation of operators who see citizens as commodities for profit,” said AYDM Secretary Popoola Ajayi and Mobilisation Director Chief Kunle Oshodi.

The coalition said it is ready to work with the newly licensed distributors to rebuild public trust in the power sector. It also encouraged the state government to invest in cleaner energy sources, including converting Lagos’ massive daily waste output into power.

The 130-member coalition includes the Oodua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), Agbekoya, Yoruba Artisan and Traders Association (YATA), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA – South West), Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC – New Era), South West Professional Forum (SOWPROF), Covenant Group (CG), Oodua Hunters Union (OHUN), and the South West Women Congress (SWECO), among others.

The AYDM described the outgoing DISCOs as “economic saboteurs” and warned the new licensees against repeating their mistakes.

 “The Lagos people have suffered enough. The era of exploitation must end,” the statement concluded.