Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, has urged Heads of Departments (HODs) of Agriculture and Social Services across the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State to translate knowledge into action by applying insights gained from government programs to advance grassroots development.
Dr. Agbaje gave this charge during the 2025 Interactive Meeting with HODs of Agriculture and Social Services, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development (Office of Rural Development).
The event, which took place on July 22, 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, was presided over by Dr. Agbaje and Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.
With the theme, “Achieving Holistic Growth Through Agricultural Development at the Third Tier of Government,” the program aimed to strengthen synergy among local government stakeholders and empower them to contribute effectively to the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The meeting featured:
An interactive session engaging participants in dialogue and idea exchange
A lecture titled “Agricultural Development at the Third Tier of Government”, delivered by the Director, Rural Agriculture Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, stressing the role of LGAs and LCDAs in implementing state-wide agricultural initiatives.
Updates on the 2025 World Food Day Celebration, with a focus on inclusive community participation.
Insights into the FADAMA Cares Programme, showcasing how the initiative supports smallholder farmers and enhances food security.
In his remarks, Dr. Agbaje emphasized the need for practical implementation of policies and programs discussed at the meeting, urging the HODs to become active drivers of agricultural growth within their respective councils.
“Everything discussed here today must go beyond paper.”
“We must translate this knowledge into meaningful actions that contribute to the holistic development of our state through agriculture,” he stated.
Dr. Agbaje also encouraged the local government departments to align with the ₦500 billion Lagos State Agriculture Project, a bold initiative launched to boost food production and enhance revenue generation at the grassroots level.
The interactive meeting underscores the commitment of the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to fostering rural development, food security, and inclusive economic growth through agricultural advancement.
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