The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting food production, availability, and affordability in the metropolis by extending practical farming advocacy to secondary school students across the state.
This initiative was highlighted during the commissioning of Year 2024 projects of the Lagos Agricultural Scholars Programme (LASP) in selected schools, including Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere; CMS Grammar School, Bariga; Holy Child College, Ikoyi; and Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege.
Speaking at the inauguration, which commenced at Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative was conceived to inspire young Nigerians to develop an interest in agricultural value chains. She stressed that without agricultural produce, there would be neither food nor the raw materials that sustain daily living.
Olusanya explained that the programme, championed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is designed to help Lagos—and Nigeria at large—achieve food sufficiency. She expressed hope that more young people would embrace agriculture and reap rewarding opportunities from their investments.
She also praised the practicality of agriculture in schools, noting Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School’s impressive track record of excellence and its active participation in the Mushin Food Hub.
Highlighting the Young Farmers’ Club, Olusanya said it aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She charged the school to maximize the use of its semi-laboratory facilities, which cover aquaculture, poultry, and farming.
At CMS Grammar School, Bariga, she noted that LASP promotes the use of technology in modern agricultural systems, especially within urban communities.
Also speaking at Holy Child College, Ikoyi, and Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, emphasized the need to “catch them young” by exposing students to the vast opportunities in agriculture. He stressed that farming is a business, and the project would help students appreciate its possibilities through technology.
The principals of the participating schools—Mr. Habeeb Badru (Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School), Reverend Jacob Ogunyinka (CMS Grammar School), Rev. Sister Christiana Olagunju (Holy Child College), and Dr. Eko Maria (Vetland Senior Grammar School)—commended the Ministry for the programme.
They pledged to ensure the facilities are used judiciously for the benefit of students.
