In an effort to champion the strides for a hunger-free future, the World Food Day community-based sensitisation was held to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture, food security, and the importance of establishing planting hubs in individual homes.
The event, hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, in commemoration of the 2024 World Food Day, was chaired by Mrs Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture.
The sensitisation session organised in partnership with Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group, and other private groups, kicked off from Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park, opposite the Lagos House of Assembly in Ikeja and its environs.
According to the Commissioner: “The walk symbolises a collective commitment to promoting sustainable practices that ensure food security for all.
“This year’s theme, ‘Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future’, emphasises the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat food insecurity, particularly through local initiatives and sustainable agriculture that promote self-sufficiency. The critical need for sustainable food system was underlined.
“Individuals, families, and communities were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices such as home planting hubs, urban gardening, and community farms. These grassroot efforts play a crucial role in building resilient food systems that can respond to future challenges,” she maintained.
Olusanya said: “Lagos State, the smallest state in Nigeria, occupies a unique position with its complex network of lagoons, rivers, and water bodies constituting 22% of its territory. Yet, it is also the most populous state, making access to food critical.
“Identifying and implementing solutions that support both farming and food security is essential to the state’s future. In 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture developed a five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap aimed at increasing food production to 40% self-sufficiency by 2025, up from the current 20%.
“This Roadmap outlines strategies to encourage youth participation, stimulate private sector investment, attract donor funding for agricultural projects, and create new partnerships across the agricultural value chain, focusing on areas where Lagos has competitive and comparative advantages,” stressed the Commissioner.
She however commended the Lagos State Government’s continued efforts toward food security, emphasising the need for unified and intensified actions to build more sustainable food systems.
Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Board member, BATN Foundation, in her remarks emphasised the significance of the day’s activities, saying, “Today is not just about walking together; it’s about walking towards a future where no one has to worry about their next meal. It’s about ensuring our communities thrive, our environment is protected, and our efforts to drive food security remain strong.”
She highlighted the importance of scaling food production and processing, reducing food waste, and providing decent livelihoods for Lagosians.
Erewa-Meggison who stressed that “Food security is crucial in bringing families together,” also noted that “food is an integral part of Nigerian society and the cultural heritage of the people”.
According to her, “The walk serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility toward fostering sustainability within communities, aligning with the global goal of food security and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Odusanya Oludare, General Manager of BATN Foundation, on his part reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
He said: “BATN Foundation’s partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems and other stakeholders is driven by a shared vision for sustainable agriculture. We must invest in agricultural innovations, promote planting hubs in homes, and communities, reduce food waste, and build resilient, sustainable food systems.”
World Food Day is celebrated on October 16 every year as set aside by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
By Ajibola Adedoye
