Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Lagosians interested in home-grown agriculture.
Dr. Agbaje, on the 11th of October 2024, addressed residents of Ikorodu Constituency I and II during the 9th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting, which was simultaneously held across all 40 constituencies in Lagos State.
The meeting, themed “Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming,” provided a platform for residents to engage with government officials on food security issues.
Dr. Agbaje outlined the state government’s plans to assist small-scale farmers, offering them a clearer understanding of the programs and resources available to them.
During the interactive session, stakeholders posed questions about how the government could assist farmers in overcoming various challenges.
One resident expressed concerns about the lack of tractors for farming. In response, Dr. Agbaje explained that home-grown farming typically does not require tractors, emphasizing that the government is focused on supporting small-scale agricultural practices that do not demand heavy machinery.
“A lot of people come to the Office of Rural Development for assistance, and what we do is direct them to the Ministry of Agriculture,” Dr. Agbaje said.
“After the Ministry assesses their farms, they provide appropriate support. The Office of Rural Development also organizes empowerment programs, providing seeds, feeds, and other resources to enhance their efforts.”
He further clarified that financial commitment from the farmers is necessary for this support. “Once they’ve contributed a small amount and the Ministry affirms that they’ve been referred by our office, they receive the needed assistance,” Dr. Agbaje explained.
Additionally, Dr. Agbaje addressed concerns about surplus farm produce. He informed attendees that the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture has established a hub where farmers can sell their excess produce to the government at favourable prices.
“It’s all about a good pricing system and boosting productivity,” he noted.
Dr. Agbaje concluded by emphasizing the commitment of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promoting home-grown agriculture, particularly for youth participation.
“Mr. Governor is deeply committed to ensuring that Lagosians interested in home-grown farming have the support they need to succeed,” he added.
The stakeholders’ meeting, spearheaded by Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, representing Ikorodu Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, and Hon. Abiodun Moshood Aro, representing Ikorodu Constituency II, highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security through small-scale and home-grown farming.
These efforts align with the broader goal of fostering sustainable agricultural practices for a secure future.
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