Southwest States Unite to Boost Food Security, Empower Farmers
The Federal Government’s food security agenda, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency by empowering farmers and transforming rural areas into modern agricultural hubs, has gained momentum in the Southwest.
Commissioners of Agriculture from Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states have joined forces to drive agricultural development in their regions, aligning with the administration’s ongoing sectoral restructuring. Their focus is on enhancing local production, leveraging competitive advantages and fostering inter-state collaboration.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, emphasized that the key goal of this regional collaboration is to build a modern, sustainable agricultural economy that prioritizes high-quality production and value addition.
She stated, “It is recognized among members of the region that for one area to advance, others must also participate in uptake. Also, a crucial element of our strategy in Lagos is to develop a large-scale uptake market, which will require a substantial flow of food items. These items will be sourced from various regions throughout the country. As a result, the necessary level of collaboration and synergy to achieve this goal must be elevated.”
Olusanya also highlighted initiatives such as the ‘Produce for Lagos Initiative’ and the ‘Central Food Security and Logistics Hub’ to reduce dependence on food imports and boost local production.
Osun State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Babatola Faseru, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the commitment of Southwest states to strengthening agro-processing and improving food security.
“After our meeting, we decided to work together to ensure food sufficiency is achieved in the Southwest. We also resolved to keep hunger at bay,” Faseru stated.
He further highlighted their commitment to advancing the presidential initiative on food sufficiency through rural development, farmer welfare and agricultural innovation.
The Commissioners are also addressing critical challenges such as labor shortages, farmland resource management, infrastructure modernization and inter-state cooperation. To support farmers, they have intensified the distribution of essential inputs, including machinery, livestock and crop resources.
“We have intensified the distribution of inputs to farmers across the region. We are giving out machines to help farmers in processing their produce and enhance value addition. In all spectrums, we are doing a lot to push the food security agenda of the nation by assisting the farmers,” Faseru noted.
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Regular consultations among the Commissioners will continue to assess progress, evaluate food production strategies and tackle logistical challenges.
The Federal Government’s food security plan aims to increase self-sufficiency in eggs, fruits, meats, dairy products and crops, ensuring adequate local supply for daily consumption.
With Southwest states working in unison, the region is set to become a powerhouse in agricultural development, driving food security and rural transformation across Nigeria.
