By: Manoah Kikekon
Lagos, Nigeria – A new wave of agricultural pioneers was launched at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0, where the Grand Finale of the highly competitive Lagos Agrithon Grant turned innovative ideas into funded enterprises. The event, held at the bustling Harbour Point on Victoria Island, marked a significant milestone in the state’s strategic push to achieve sustainable food security through youth empowerment and technological adoption.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, delivered a powerful reaffirmation of the state's commitment. He positioned agriculture as being equally critical to the administration as the security of lives and property.
“Lagos stands as West Africa’s largest food market and a hub where innovation thrives,” Egube stated, underscoring the economic and strategic importance of a robust agricultural sector. This sentiment set the tone for a summit dedicated to transforming the state from a consumption hub into a production powerhouse.
The summit’s defining moment arrived with the announcement of the Lagos Agrithon Grant beneficiaries. These young agripreneurs, selected from a competitive pool, received not just crucial financial backing but also technical endorsement to scale their groundbreaking agribusiness concepts.
Their recognition was met with resounding applause, symbolizing the State Government's concrete investment in youth-driven innovation as the cornerstone of its food security strategy. The event also showcased beneficiaries of the Lagos Agripreneurship Program (LAP), highlighting a continuous pipeline for nurturing skilled professionals in aquaculture, poultry, and vegetable production.
The event demonstrated a whole-of-government approach, with strong representation from the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), extension agents, and private-sector partners. In her address, the Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, celebrated the vibrant energy of the participants. She praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s sustained investment, describing the summit as the premier platform “where innovation, creativity, and opportunity meet,” effectively positioning Lagos as a rising hub for agritech and food processing.
Mr. Abubakar Suleiman the Managing Director of Sterling Bank, announced fresh funding pathways designed specifically to support innovative projects across the agricultural value chain. This commitment from a major financial institution underscores the essential role of collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors in driving a complete food system transformation.
The Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0 has conclusively solidified the state's ambitious blueprint: a future where food security is powered by the creativity of its youth, strengthened by strategic partnerships, and accelerated by cutting-edge technology.