Lagos Govt. pledges partnerships to boost food security
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Lagos State Government says it is committed to fostering partnerships to drive agricultural initiatives, reduce waste and ensure access to nutritious food.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this at the 11th annual summit of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) with the theme: “Agenda For Sustainable Development and Food Security.”
Trek Africa Newspaper reports that the summit was held on Tuesday at Ikeja, Lagos.
Trek Africa Newspaper also reports that the summit provides a platform for deliberations on topical issues relating to good governance and improved service delivery.
Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
He listed rapid urbanisation, growing population, and global economic pressures as the challenges affecting the state’s resources and infrastructure.
He emphasised the critical role of food security in ensuring sustainable development, food availability, accessibility, affordability, and nutritional quality.
According to him, integrating sustainable practices into development agenda can achieve a resilient, self-sufficient, and model city.
Sanwo-Olu said the state had made significant strides in agriculture and food production through various initiatives such as the Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme and the Lagos Agri-preneurship programme.
He, however, noted that more work was needed to achieve food sustainability.
“The summit provides a platform for sustainable solutions and demonstrates ALARHOSPS’s support for the administration.
“I commend ALARHOSPS for their dedication and commitment to the state, and l acknowledge their valuable guidance and experience in addressing pressing issues,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan, President of ALARHOSPS, said the summit aims to address the issues surrounding food availability and sustainability, in spite of Nigeria’s abundant natural, human, and material resources.
Ojora-Adejiyan emphasised that food security was essential for a stable and prosperous society, enabling individuals and groups to lead healthy lives.
He noted that the three basic needs of mankind; food, shelter, and clothing were the foundation for more refined needs and wants.
“The world is facing an unprecedented food crisis with food and nutrition as well as insecurity reaching new heights.
“Projections indicate that conditions will remain elevated through 2030,” he said.
Ojora-Adejiyan, therefore, stressed the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving both state and non-state actors to address Nigeria’s food security challenges.
He also highlighted some of the achievements made since the inception of the summit in 2015.
According to him, the summit has led to tangible outcomes, including the implementation of a ban on styrofoam products by the state government, a key recommendation from the 10th annual summit in 2023.
“The summit serves as a veritable platform for relevant and useful contributions towards state and national development,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Mr Bode Agoro, the Lagos State Head of Service, stressed the importance of sustainable development and food security as essentials for community wellbeing.
Agoro noted that adoption of sustainable practices required innovative approaches, efficient resource management and environmental stewardship.
“Food security in Lagos State involves addressing multiple dimensions, including availability, access, utilisation and stability.
Agoro urged the retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries to leverage their leadership and experience to shape policies towards ensuring a conducive environment for sustainable development and food security. NAN
