The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to food security, assuring that ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of food items in the state are yielding results.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the LAP 20 training at the Agricultural Training Institute in Araga, Epe.
She assured the young farmers that they have a place in the vast value chains of the agricultural sector, which she described as multidimensional, adding that they have been exposed to unlimited opportunities.
The Commissioner encouraged them to network among themselves, highlighting the opportunities in food processing.
According to her, without the involvement of younger generations, Lagos and the country at large will continue to face challenges related to food security.
The Commissioner took time to explain that the program is all about empowering young farmers with training provided at the government’s expense, urging them to sustain the momentum during their three-month internship.
She insists that “Japa” is not the solution to the challenges in the country, citing the example of a vegetable farmer in the Ojo area of the state who makes an average of ₦8 million monthly.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the graduates represent the new generation set to drive the agricultural ecosystem, adding that the government wants to see them flourish and blossom with determination in the years to come.
Gbolahan Olanihun, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, who noted that he was once a student of the Institute, said it provided a platform that opened his mind to a wide range of opportunities.
According to him, he wrote his first business plan at the Institute and secured one-third of the funds needed to start his career in the sector about twelve years ago.
He emphasized that the graduates must remain in the sector and be testimonies to the efforts of the Lagos State Government, adding that agriculture remains the future of the country.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Emmanuel Audu, implored the young farmers to take full advantage of the knowledge acquired and go into the world with an “I can do” spirit.
He encouraged them to reflect on why they came to Araga, adding that they should go out and become champions of agriculture.
In her welcome address, the Director of the Institute, Mrs. Folake Ogunlana Lawal, thanked the Governor for prioritizing the institute, assuring that the trainees will play a vital role in boosting the agricultural sector in the state.
Folake Ogunlana Lawal said the trainees showed high dedication and adhered strictly to the rules during the program, adding that they have been handed the key to unlock their potential and succeed.
She urged them to remain focused on the next phase, which includes mentorship and internships, stressing that the value of what they have learned is enormous.
Responding on behalf of the graduates, Odumeru Ben-Michael expressed immense gratitude to the Governor and the ministry, led by the Commissioner, for prioritizing the agricultural sector.
He stated that the program has delivered value and motivated them to become part of the value chains contributing to food security in Lagos and the country at large.
Michael assured that his colleagues would create world-class agricultural enterprises focused on food and job security in Lagos.
During an on-the-spot assessment of farmlands within the Institute, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction but noted that there is room for expansion of cultivation on the farm.
One of the farmers, a former trainee of the Institute, Olajuwon Olaitan, said the state government had made his dream come true with the initiative.
He disclosed that produce from the farm is of high quality, assuring that they will not betray the trust and significant investment made in them by the state government.
Some of the best students during the three-week training in poultry, aquaculture, and entrepreneurship included Odupitan Adekunle, Taiwo Adedeji, Amza Zainab, Odumeru Ben-Michael, Olaitan Oluwakemi, Dauda Olabanji, Olamilekan Adeyemi, Ogbeide Osaretinwe, Adeyemi Gafar, and Mafe Abisoye.
