LASG Advocates Enhanced Collaborations for Food Security

Lagos: The Lagos State Government has begun activities to mark the 2025 World Food Day with a call for stronger partnerships to promote food security and sustainable agriculture in the state. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, made the call during a news conference at Alausa, Ikeja on Tuesday. According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olusanya emphasized that the 2025 theme, 'Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,' underscored the importance of collaboration among governments, private sector players, and development partners. She also highlighted the necessity for communities to work together in building resilient food systems. Despite its small land size, Lagos faces the challenge of feeding a population of no fewer than 22 million people, making innovation and partnerships crucial for sustainable food production. Olusanya stated, "Feeding our people requires innovative strategies, bold investments, and strong partnerships. We are implementing our five-year Agri cultural and Food Systems Roadmap to achieve 40 percent food self-sufficiency by 2025." The commissioner noted that the World Food Day celebration serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to end hunger and malnutrition. Activities lined up for the 2025 celebration include a road walk sensitization on Wednesday, Oct. 8; the Lagos Agric. Scholars Quiz Competition on Oct. 14; and the Grand Finale and Farmers' Fair on Oct. 16. Olusanya commended the ministry's partners, including British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Origin Tech Group, Zenith Bank, Tropical General Investments Group, Olam Nigeria, and Providus Bank, for their continued support. She officially flagged off the celebration and urged residents to join the ministry in creating awareness about sustainable food production. "World Food Day is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. Together, we can build a food-secure Lagos and ensure a better future for all," she said.