Lagos State Govt targets 50 per cent increase in food production before 2025

By Victor Edafe, Ikeja

Lagos State Govt is targeting 50 per cent increase in food production for the next four years.

This is aimed at achieving food security and creating more opportunities in the state in particular and the nation at large.

The assurance was given by Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, while speaking on Wednesday at an event to mark the 150th Cooperative Anniversary of Friesland Campina in Lagos, saying that the State’s effort will further stimulate economic growth and prosperity in the agriculture sector.

Referring to the recent launch of the Agriculture Value Chains Enterprise Activation Programme, Hamzat said, it was a clear reference to the expansion of government vision which is driven by a “Farm to Table Model” and has so far empowered about 3,000 urban and rural farmers in key sectoral value chains in the process.

“On our part, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State, as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, has further renewed the State’s vigor and vision to increase food production to at least, 50 per cent by 2025, thereby creating new opportunities to feed itself and Nigeria, as well stimulating economic growth and prosperity through agriculture.”

Speaking further, the deputy governor expressed hope that even after the administration, the vision would be carried along into the future with more farmer recruitment.

He stated that as Lagos State celebrated the anniversary with Friesland Campina, Nigerian investments and business communities must remember that the onus of building a great brand, such as Friesland Campina, is incumbent on all as it is by so doing, we can safeguard our economic cultural and historical traditions that strengthen our unity.

While congratulating the company on the milestone, the Deputy Governor thanked them for having faith in the nation’s economy and not quitting in spite of the trying and challenging environment but have remained committed to the Nigerian economy.

“Indeed celebrations are well placed for this company we thank you for faith in our nation’s economy. You have not quit on us. In spite of the trying and challenging environment, you have remained committed to the Nigerian economy”. He said.