The Lagos State Government has stepped up preparations for the 2026 World Food Day celebration, with about 3,500 farmers, agro-processors, agripreneurs and other players in the agricultural value chain expected to participate in the event.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, announced the plans on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Alausa, Ikeja.
Fashola said the celebration, with the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” would focus on the deployment of innovation, technology and sustainable practices to strengthen food production and distribution in Lagos.
He described the theme as particularly relevant to Lagos, given the state’s growing population and increasing demand for safe, nutritious and affordable food.
According to him, the state must adopt smarter approaches to agricultural production while reducing post-harvest losses, improving storage and processing, strengthening logistics and distribution networks and opening up new markets for farmers and agribusinesses.
He said the state government was already implementing a number of initiatives designed to transform its food system, including the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub, Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hubs, Eko Rice produced through the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota, Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, Lagos Agric Scholars Programme, Lagos Agrinnovation Club and Lagos Agrithon.
Fashola also cited the Ounje Eko programme and Produce for Lagos Offtake Guarantee Fund as interventions aimed at strengthening the connection between producers and consumers, guaranteeing markets for farmers and making food more accessible to residents.
He said the government’s long-term objective was to establish a food system that could withstand future challenges while creating jobs, generating wealth and improving livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.
“The food security we desire tomorrow will ultimately depend on the innovations we promote, the investments we make and the partnerships we build today,” Fashola said.
The Special Adviser disclosed that the 2026 celebration would feature a series of activities beginning with a road walk on Thursday, October 8.
The walk will commence at 8:00 a.m. from JJT Park, opposite the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, proceed to Allen Avenue Roundabout and return to the park.
The Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition will follow on Wednesday, October 14, at Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The grand finale is scheduled for Friday, October 16, at the Ikeja Police College Parade Ground, with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as Special Guest of Honour. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Fashola recalled that more than 2,000 farmers, agro-processors, food enthusiasts and other agricultural stakeholders participated in the 2025 World Food Day celebration, while 11 outstanding farmers were honoured for their contributions to food production and food security.
He said the 2026 celebration would provide another platform to recognise the contributions of food-system actors and showcase agricultural produce, innovations and equipment.
Fashola commended the Ministry’s partners for supporting the celebration, including British American Tobacco Nigerian Foundation, Origin Tech Group Ltd, Olam Nigeria, Lagos Lotteries Board, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, Farm Junction, Harmony Abattoir Management Services Limited, Latele Ventures, Dabi Trust Investment Limited, April 16:16, Metroline Animal Transport and Stanbic IBTC.
He urged residents, agricultural stakeholders and the media to participate actively in the programmes and help amplify efforts aimed at building a more resilient and sustainable food system for Lagos.
