Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, a representative of Ikorodu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Public-Private Partnership, spearheaded a significant stakeholders’ meeting on October 11, 2024, aimed at enhancing food security and youth empowerment.
The event, which took place at the Golden Event Centre in Ijede LCDA, was also an opportunity to launch an empowerment program for residents of the constituency.
Distinguished attendees at the event included traditional rulers and government officials such as HRM Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, and HRM Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.
Also present was Hon. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development.
Other notable figures included Hon. Wasiu Kunle Agoro, Chairman of Imota LCDA; Rev. Titilola Onafowokan; Hon. Hassan Adefarasin, APC Chairman of Ikorodu Division; and Mrs. Sholuade Adejoke, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, among others.
In his opening address, Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, encouraged attendees to actively contribute to addressing the food shortage, which he attributed partly to a waning interest in farming.
He called for government-backed initiatives like subsidies, low-interest loans for farmers, and improved infrastructure in agricultural communities, all aimed at reducing urban migration and boosting youth participation in farming.
Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, expressing gratitude for the strong turnout, saw the event as a testament to his leadership.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Aro emphasized the theme of the event, “Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming”.
He noted that achieving food security is a complex issue that requires the combined efforts of the government and the public.
Aro reaffirmed the Lagos State Assembly’s dedication to attaining food security, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He highlighted key agricultural programs such as the 34-hectare Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate, which partners with 400 fish farmers and produces up to 10,000 tons of fish annually.
He also referenced other initiatives like the AGRIC-YES program and the Oke-Aro and Gberigbe Pig Farm Estates, which collectively house 1,200 farmers and can process up to 88,000 pigs each year.
Aro further underscored the importance of laws like the anti-open grazing law, passed in September 2021, and advocated for an expansion of farming activities in Lagos, urging residents to consider ventures like animal husbandry.
He also highlighted his efforts in securing over 50 jobs for local youth, reflecting his commitment to empowering Ikorodu’s younger generation.
In her address, Mrs. Sholuade Adejoke, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, stressed the ministry’s commitment to promoting agriculture across the state.
She encouraged attendees to engage in home-grown farming, noting that even small backyard spaces could contribute to local food production.
She emphasized the potential of agriculture as a viable career path, particularly for the youth, fostering both personal and community development.
HRM Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, commended Hon. Aro for his efforts in Ikorodu Constituency II and called on the Lagos State Government to grant him more opportunities to improve the livelihoods of his constituents.
HRM Oba Semiudeen Kasali echoed this sentiment and urged the state to increase practical agricultural training in rural communities to further empower residents.
Comr. Adebogun Oriyomi, representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Ikorodu Constituency II, called for enhanced publicity for Hon. Aro’s programs to ensure broader community participation.
He also addressed the need for the Lagos State Government to resolve issues in public schools, specifically regarding the practice of charging fees for student admissions.
The event concluded with the distribution of vocational tools and equipment to youth who had completed training in various trades such as tailoring, catering, shoemaking, and barbering.
This empowerment initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to fostering youth self-reliance and promoting economic sustainability.
The stakeholders’ meeting not only tackled food security and sustainable farming but also highlighted significant strides in youth empowerment and community development within Ikorodu Constituency II.
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