The Lagos State Government has emphasized the need for Nigerians to have strong belief in the country’s prospects and potential, urging them to abandon the mindset that their fortunes lie elsewhere.
It also made it clear that no other country will come to develop Nigeria, adding that the people must renew their commitment to jointly building the nation of our dreams.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, stated this at the Lagos Agrinnovation Hangout 4.0, with the theme “Technology and Funding Support,” held in the Gbagada area of the state.
She expressed that the current trend of people leaving the country in droves under the popular “Japa” syndrome is not the solution. According to her, the agricultural sector holds the key to transforming the country and its people.
The commissioner also expressed delight at the steady progress made by the Agrinnovation Club, which started in 2023. She noted that the club has encouraged a high level of networking among members for mutual benefit and the overall good of the state.
Olusanya described the Agrinnovation Club as a group of like-minded individuals fostering seamless collaboration through a level playing field. She emphasized that members should see each other not as competitors but as collaborators working together to provide solutions to food challenges in the state.
The commissioner explained that the Agrinnovation Club aims to inspire a new generation, and encouraged members not to be discouraged by obstacles they may encounter as they strive to meet their goals.
She also announced plans to launch the Young Farmers’ Club in the state in October, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, believes that Nigeria still has potential and a brighter future to change the current narrative.
According to him, people need to move out of their comfort zones, as there are plenty of opportunities to earn in agriculture due to the large population, helping them achieve their dreams in the sector.
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Gbolahan Olaniwun, said people shouldn’t let a lack of funds be a setback in achieving their dreams.
He noted that setting up a business starts with having a dream and a vision, working towards achieving them, and not necessarily relying on startup capital.
Olaniwun also encouraged those in agribusiness to consider genuine collaboration to maximize their potential.
Hairat Abimbola Ajao, founder of The Fisherwoman, shared how she started from humble beginnings and the losses she incurred in her first attempt to enter the catfish business.
She recounted the challenges she faced in cutting out middlemen to reach consumers who desired her products despite their limited incomes.
Surprisingly, the Fisherwoman, who started with 200 fingerlings, now has over 20,000 and is currently living her dream.
She revealed that one of her goals is to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses on eliminating hunger.
Michael Akinsete of Eco Tutu disagreed with the notion that the country doesn’t produce enough to feed its people.
He noted that the company is building Africa’s largest multichannel off-grid cold chain solution for the agriculture and health sectors to safeguard against post-harvest loss.
The Chief Executive Officer of Excite Panacea, Godson Nkeokelonye, emphasized that technology is essential to properly drive agribusiness.
He noted that the effective deployment of technology will lead to bumper harvests, with increased productivity through the application of fertilizers, while providing access to potential partners such as hotels, the hospitality industry, and multinationals.
According to him, access to finance and markets remains a challenge for farmers in the country, despite agriculture being the largest employer in the informal sector.
He explained that technology, particularly in logistics, is crucial for getting final products to market. He advised startups to consider better alternatives for distributing their products, focusing on long-term customer relationships rather than one-off sales.
Mrs. Olufolake Ikumapayi, Head of the Small Medium Enterprise Unit at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), stated that access to funding is essential for boosting agribusiness in the country.
She listed key areas requiring funding, including assets, equipment, rent, salaries, deliveries, logistics, and more.
LSETF, established in 2016, supports small businesses with finance and provides platforms for training to reduce unemployment in the state.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, encouraged the Agrinnovation Club to keep striving, noting that the nation has the potential to rise again.
He insisted that Nigeria’s future is promising and urged that the same energy and zeal put into their businesses should also be directed toward improving our national life.
