LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin By Oyebola Owolabi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed his administration’s commitment to partner 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 spoke at the 11th annual summit of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS), themed ‘Agenda for Sustainable Development and Food Security’.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, noted that by integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of the state’s development agenda, government would achieve a Lagos that is resilient, self-sufficient, and a model for others to follow.
He said: “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.”
While highlighting the initiatives put in place by his administration, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos has made significant strides in agriculture and food production through initiatives such as the Agricultural Value Chain Development Program, Lagos Agri-preneurship program and many others, but, there is still much to be done.
He noted that the summit will undoubtedly light the path of sustainable solutions.
“This summit is further proof of the staunch support of ALARHOSPS for this administration as they have consistently kept in step with us, bringing to bear their wealth of experience in proffering solutions to burning issues such as this,” he noted.
Head of Service Bode Agoro, in his goodwill message, noted that improving agricultural productivity, reducing food waste, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and ensuring that the most vulnerable population can access affordable and nutritious food in the country is essential.
He added that achieving food security in Lagos would involve addressing multiple dimensions, including food availability, access, utilisation, and stability.
“As a society, we are at a critical point where addressing issues such as environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and ensuring access to nutritious and sufficient food for all citizens is essential,” he noted.
President of ALARHOSPs Otunba Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan described the summit as a veritable platform that will provide long-lasting solutions to relevant issues in the country, especially food security.
According to him, food security is a must to achieve a stable and prosperous society and improve the quality of life.
Ojora-Adejiyan noted that Nigeria, despite its cultural heritage and potentials, has faced challenges of food security, storage, and many more. He, therefore, stressed the need to address the challenges through a comprehensive and proactive approach.
He urged scholars and practitioners in the agricultural sectors to share their experience and proffer long-lasting solutions that will ensure food security in the state and country for the betterment of all.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Adetunji Orelope urged the government to shift focus towards driving an integrated food systems that promote new ways of doing business, as well as address market and institutional incentives.
Orelope noted that the food systems approach will be achieved through five Infrastructural Systems (I.S), including innovation, incentives, institutions, investment, and information.
