The Lagos State Government has disbursed the sum of N100m in Agrinnovation funds to 26 successful agripreneurs, aimed at transforming agriculture and building sustainable solutions to food systems in the state.
This year’s Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people driven by a vision to transform agriculture, from which the 26 finalists emerged.
The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who presented cheques to the winners during the Lagos AGRINNOVATION Summit 1.0, with the theme: ‘Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation’, on Thursday, said that with access to mentorship, networks, and a share of the fund, the entrepreneurs would have the resources to advance their enterprise solutions.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the governor stated that the gesture is a symbol of what the state can achieve when it trusts the youth to lead and supports them in doing so.
He said, “Out of the Agrinnovation Club grew the Lagos Agrithon, a testament to the power of innovation and opportunity. This has created a platform where young entrepreneurs from across Nigeria pitched their groundbreaking ideas for the future of food.
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“The 26 finalists we honour today have not only made it through a rigorous selection process but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is bright. This is a symbol of what we can achieve when we trust our youth to lead and support them in doing so.
“But let me be clear, this is not where our work ends. With the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and Eko Innovation Centre (EIC), we will monitor and evaluate the activities of the 26 entrepreneurs for the next nine months to see how these businesses are growing.”
Sanwo-Olu reiterated the need to embrace technology, foster collaboration, and create sustainable practices that will endure to boost agriculture in the country, stressing that there is a need for the state to find innovative ways to reduce food waste, increase efficiency, and ensure that food systems are resilient in the face of climate change and global challenges.
He noted that the efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the Agrinnovation Club, and all the policymakers, industry experts, and young innovators are vital, adding that they help the state build a Lagos that is not just self-sufficient but a global leader in sustainable agriculture.
