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Sanwo-Olu urge world leaders to act on preventing food insecurity
Sanwo-Olu urge world leaders to act on preventing food insecurity
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged world leaders to act now to prevent global food insecurity.
Sanwo-Olu stated this in his keynote address at the grand finale of the 2022 World Food Day Celebration at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja.
The governor was represented by Mrs Folashade Jaji, Secretary to the State Government.
He said that this year’s World Food Day was coming at a time when many economies are grappling with serious food security issues caused by numerous factors.
He said that this also include the war between Russia and Ukraine, climate change, environmental degradation biodiversity loss, inequalities, and other violent conflicts across regions both nationally and internationally.
According to him, the 2022 World Food Day campaign calls for global solidarity and action to restructure agrifood systems in order to create inclusive economic growth, alleviate inequities, boost resilience, and achieve sustainable development.
“The entire globe must act now.
“This fact is aptly captioned in the theme for the celebration: “Safe Foods Today A Healthy Tomorrow.”
“The 2022 World Food Day campaign calls for global solidarity and action to restructure agrifood systems in order to create inclusive economic growth, alleviate inequities, boost resilience, and achieve sustainable development.
“This must be met for us to have a certain and healthy tomorrow,” he said.
The governor noted that the state government was committed to eradicating hunger, poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to agriculture.
He said that the state had implemented numerous projects and programmes to tackle hunger, malnutrition, unemployment, and under-employment and also boost food production and supply systems.
He listed the projects as Lagos State Food Market System Transformation Programme; Lagos State Agricultural and Food System Roadmap (2021-2025); Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme and Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Activation Programme, among others.
“The major thrust of the agricultural and food system roadmap is to increase local food production from the present 20 per cent demand to 40 per cent through the implementation of various programmes and initiatives development of a five-year roadmap.
“The roadmap is a strategic document developed by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture with the aim of stimulating private sector participation and investment in the development of agricultural value chains in the state.
“The roadmap points out the direction for development of agribusiness in the state.
“Our administration recognises the immense efforts, dedication and contributions of our noble farmers and other value chain actors toward attaining food security in the state.
“Therefore, it is imperative for the state government to appreciate the efforts of the farmers who braved all odds, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that food is available in our markets, thus providing food security for the state and the country at large.
“Let me assure you of this administration’s commitment to intensifying our drive to support our farmers, encourage small and medium scale agro-processors, and create an enabling environment for private sector involvement in agriculture.
“This will go a long way toward expanding the economy.
The governor commended partners such as the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Stanbic IBTC, Dangote Sugar Refinery Nigeria Plc, Lashone Links Farm Ltd., Ofada Boy, Aller Aqua Nigeria Ltd., and Hope for Life Initiative supporting activities to celebrate the day.
“I also, sincerely appreciate our farmers’ and fishermen associations, agro-allied organisations, individual farmers, fishermen, agro-processors, students, and various stakeholders too numerous to mention.
“I urge you not to relent in your efforts,” he said.
Earlier, Ms Abisola Olusanya, State Commissioner for Agriculture, said that since the inception of Gov. Sanwo-Olu, the state had embarked on programmes and reforms driven toward ensuring a food secured state.
Olusanya noted that the state had also implemented policies geared toward making the space profitable for stakeholders in various value chains.
According to her, Lagos has always joined the rest of the world in celebrating since its commencement in 1979.
“The World Food Day is celebrated all over the world on Oct. 16.
“This special day, designated by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and United Nation (UN) in 1979, is meant to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger.
“It also highlights the need to ensure healthy diets for all.
“It is worthy to note that the ministry of agriculture under the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has since inception embarked on programmes and reforms driven towards ensuring a food secured state.
“Today, we are also appreciating different categories of our farmers who have put in a lot of work in their different vocations to feed you and I.
“And as the saying goes, no farmer, no nation. Everyone of us here, cannot do without the farmer.
“They are the ones that put food on our tables and make us healthy.
We will like them to go home feeling fulfilled that there’s dignity in labour,” she said. (NAN)
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
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