By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Mr. Afeez Olumide Garuba |
BADAGRY, Lagos – In a resounding victory for agricultural journalism and innovation, Voice of the Farmers, a prominent agricultural news platform based in Badagry, has been announced as a winner of the prestigious N5,000,000 grant award at the just-concluded Lagos State Agrinovation Summit 2.0.
The platform and its publisher, Mr. Afeez Olumide Garuba, were celebrated at the grand finale held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, an event charged with excitement and aimed at launching a new generation of youth agripreneurs.
The atmosphere was electric as the Lagos Agrithon Grant beneficiaries were unveiled, receiving not only crucial financial support but also a technical endorsement to scale their transformative agribusiness ideas. The success of Voice of the Farmers and other winners drew rapturous applause across the hall, symbolizing the Lagos State Government's firm belief in the power of youth-driven innovation to reshape the agricultural landscape. This moment marked a significant milestone for the platform, which has dedicated itself to amplifying the stories and challenges within Nigeria's agricultural sector.
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In an exclusive chat with our correspondent, an elated Mr. Afeez Olumide Garuba shed light on the grant's profound impact. "The program is to support young innovators in the agric space," he stated. "Also, [it's to] let the world know that agriculture is beyond farming. Innovation and creativity is needed."
He further had a potent message for aspiring youth agripreneurs: "To all youth, just start, never wait for the perfect time. The vision will become clearer as you continue growing." Garuba also expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to appreciate the Lagos State Government for this initiative. I hope other states can emulate this."
The summit was graced by high-level representation, underscoring the state's strategic focus on agriculture. Representing His Excellency, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to strengthening food security.
He emphasized that agriculture remains a top priority, equally as important as the security of lives and property, noting that Lagos stands as West Africa’s largest food market and a hub where innovation thrives. This sentiment was echoed by the Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who celebrated the energy of young Nigerians and praised the Governor’s continuous investment in the sector.
The event solidified a unified front towards transforming Lagos State's agricultural identity. It featured strong representation from the entire agricultural ecosystem, including the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), private-sector partners, and beneficiaries of the Lagos Agripreneur Program (LAP).
Adding to the momentum, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, announced fresh funding pathways for innovative projects across the agricultural value chain, highlighting the critical role of financial institutions in food-system transformation. The collective resolve is clear: to transition Lagos from being a primary consumer market to becoming a production powerhouse, led by youth and powered by innovation.
With this landmark N5 million grant, Voice of the Farmers is poised to scale its operations and deepen its impact, remaining steadfast in its core mission: to spotlight the voices, efforts, and progress of the farmers and visionaries building a food-secure future for Nigeria.