Lagos Awards 33 Young Agripreneurs ₦150 Million to Boost Food Systems Innovation

In a major boost to agricultural innovation, the Lagos State Government has awarded ₦150 million to 33 young agripreneurs in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the growth of the state’s agricultural and food systems sector.

While speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Egube highlighted Lagos as Nigeria’s intellectual and economic hub, emphasizing the state’s responsibility not only to its residents but to the nation at large. The Governor underscored that food security is central to Lagos’ development priorities, noting that “a secure environment is the foundation upon which economic growth and social stability are built.”

Sanwo-Olu pointed out that Lagos’ strategic position and market size make it pivotal in moving food from farms to tables. He encouraged youths to take ownership of the future of agriculture, assuring that government-backed programmes such as Produce for Lagos and the Guaranteed Uptake Fund would continue to support innovation-driven initiatives.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, explained that the Agrinnovation Club was established to connect young agripreneurs with the state’s agricultural transformation agenda. The club complements initiatives such as Eko Flavours, Lagos Food Festival, Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, and Lagos Agric Scholars Programme, all of which drive the state’s Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, launched in 2021.

Olusanya highlighted innovative projects emerging from the youth, including rooftop farming, waste-to-feed solutions, and digital platforms linking farmers directly with buyers, emphasizing that the transformation of Lagos agriculture relies on “consistent acts of creativity, courage, and collaboration.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Oluwarotimi Fashola, lauded Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. He urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, remain consistent, and see themselves as partners in shaping a Lagos where agriculture is smart, inclusive, and sustainable.