Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has expressed his administration’s commitment to foster partnerships with key stakeholders to drive initiatives that will uplift the state’s agricultural sector, reduce waste and ensure that every Lagosian has access to nutritious food.

The Governor made this remark today at the 11th Annual Summit of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS), with the theme “Agenda for Sustainable Development and Food Security” held at Radio Local Multipurpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that by integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of the state’s development agenda, the government would achieve a Lagos that is resilient, self-sufficient, and a model for others to follow.

“Food security is a critical component in sustainable development. It ensures food availability, accessibility, affordability, and nutritional quality. Lagos, being a megacity, deals with the challenges of rapid urbanisation and a growing population. These factors, coupled with global economic challenges, place immense pressure on our resources and infrastructure”, he said.

While highlighting the initiatives put in place by his administration, Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos State had made significant strides in agriculture and food production through initiatives such as the Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme, Lagos Agri-preneurship Programme and many others, but, there is still much to be done.

Speaking on the aptness of the summit, the Governor noted that the summit will undoubtedly light the path of sustainable solutions.

He said, “The summit is further proof of the staunch support of ALARHOSPS for this administration as they have consistently kept in tune with us, bringing to bear their wealth of experience in proffering solutions to burning issues such as this”.

He, therefore, commended the body for its dedication and commitment to the State, saying, “I commend you for your continuous commitment and dedication to the growth and development of our dear State. Your show of solidarity is highly appreciated”.

In his goodwill message, the State’s Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Shuaheeb Agoro noted that improving agricultural productivity, reducing food waste, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and ensuring that the most vulnerable population is accessible to affordable and nutritious food in the country is essential.

Mr. Agoro added that in Lagos State, achieving food security involves addressing multiple dimensions, including food availability, access, utilisation, and stability.

The Head of Service said that the focus on sustainable development and food security in the country during the challenging period is paramount, He commended the association for their collective wisdom and insights, which are indispensable as the nation seeks to address critical issues such as agricultural innovation, sustainable land use, climate resilience, and the promotion of practices that ensure food security for all.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President, ALARHOSPs, Otunba Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan stated that the summit serves as a veritable platform that will provide long-lasting solutions to relevant issues in the country, especially food security.

The President added that it is important for every society to ensure that every individual has access to affordable food which is essential for an enviable quality of life.

He noted that Nigeria, despite its cultural heritage and potential has faced challenges of food security, food storage, and many more, stressing that the need to address the challenges through a comprehensive and proactive approach is essential.

He, therefore, urged scholars and practitioners in the agricultural sectors to share their experiences and proffer long-lasting solutions that will ensure food security in the state as well as in the country for the betterment of all.

In his keynote address, titled: “Agenda for Sustainable Development and Food Security in Lagos State, Nigeria Driving Food Systems Resilience in Food Crisis and Beyond”, Dr. Adetunji Orelope of the World Bank urged the government to shift focus towards driving an integrated food system’s agenda that promote new ways of doing business, address market and institutional incentives and eschew

Dr. Orelope noted that the food systems approach will be achieved through five Infrastructural Systems (I.S), which include: innovation, incentives, institutions, investment, and information.

According to him, improving Agricultural sector growth and transformation Productivity growth (Rejuvenated Research and Extension Services) will further ensure food security in the country.

He added that the government should enhance competitiveness (Market Development), and greater diversification of the production base and the whole agricultural value chain.

Dr. Orelope stressed that supporting Agribusiness SMEs will play a critical role in linking small holder producers to national markets, meeting food demand, and creating job opportunities.