The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Rural Development, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, empowered farmers from various communities across the state with modern farm tools designed to enhance productivity and profitability.
The empowerment exercise, held at the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) in Epe, is part of ongoing efforts by the Sanwo-Olu administration to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of rural dwellers.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting rural farmers with the necessary tools and resources to improve their productivity and economic well-being.
Dr. Agbaje emphasized that agriculture remains one of the key sectors with the potential to transform the rural economy and create employment opportunities for Lagos residents.
He explained that the empowerment initiative is not only aimed at providing modern equipment but also at encouraging innovation, mechanization, and sustainable farming practices among local farmers.
“This initiative is a deliberate step by the Lagos State Government to boost food security, reduce rural poverty, and create more job opportunities through the agricultural value chain.”
“By empowering our farmers with modern tools, we are giving them the means to produce more efficiently, compete favorably, and contribute significantly to the state’s economy,” Dr. Agbaje stated.
He further noted that the empowerment program aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, particularly the pillar focused on “Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”
The tools include brush cutters, grain planters, hoes, shovels, cutlasses, hand gloves, rakes, and other essential farming implements.
According to him, the government’s focus on rural development and agricultural empowerment demonstrates a firm commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that no community is left behind in the state’s development drive.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision is to make Lagos not only a centre for commerce and industry but also a hub for modern, technology-driven agriculture.”
“We will continue to support our rural farmers with initiatives that enhance productivity and sustainability,” Dr Agbaje added.
According to Mr. Musibau Muyiwa Balogun, Director of the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), the empowerment program attracted farmers from across various local governments in the state.
He explained that the initiative falls within CERUD’s objectives to uplift low-income earners and enhance their capacity to achieve financial independence through productive ventures such as farming.
“The Lagos State Government understands that empowering farmers with modern tools is key to increasing productivity and improving livelihoods.”
“This program demonstrates our commitment to rural advancement,” Mr. Balogun noted.
Some beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the state government for the gesture.
Mr. Kehinde Lookman from Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government commended the empowerment initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would help farmers grow and sustain their agricultural ventures.
Similarly, Mrs. Olayinka Bukola from Badagry lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continued support of farmers, noting that the tools provided would significantly boost her productivity.
“With these modern tools, I can cultivate more efficiently and achieve better yields. This empowerment is a real motivation for us farmers,” she said gratefully.
The empowerment exercise marks another milestone in the Office of Rural Development’s mission to bridge the economic gap between urban and rural communities. It underscores the Lagos State Government’s dedication to building an inclusive, economically vibrant, and food-secure state through strategic rural development and agricultural empowerment initiatives.
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