SANWO-OLU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES IN DRIVE FOR FOOD-SECURE LAGOS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperatives as a central pillar of Lagos’ food security strategy.

He made the declaration at the 3rd Anniversary and 1st Annual General Meeting of Eko Farmers Appeals Cooperative, held at the Johnson Agiri Complex, Oko-Oba, Agege.

Describing farmers as “The backbone of daily life in Lagos,” the Governor commended the cooperative for three years of unity, discipline, and growth. He noted that at a time when demand for food continues to rise, cooperatives like Eko Farmers’ Appeals play a strategic role in keeping the city fed.

Sanwo-Olu,  who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, highlighted the growing impact of Lagos-based farmers, noting that over 60% of vegetables consumed in the State now come from local producers, demonstrating the increasing success of urban agriculture.

He stressed that Lagos cannot continue to rely solely on external food sources and must strengthen its internal capacity across production, aggregation, processing, and distribution. “Cooperatives like yours are central to the vision of a food-secure Lagos,” he said.

The Governor outlined ongoing government interventions aimed at making agriculture more viable and profitable, including expanded access to finance, modern farming techniques, quality inputs, and improved storage and logistics systems to reduce post-harvest losses.

He reaffirmed government support for farmers across the five divisions of the State, Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Lagos Island, adding that agriculture should be seen as a real business opportunity, especially for young people.

He encouraged members of the cooperative to use their AGM to set bigger goals, embrace innovation, deepen collaboration, and sustain the trust that binds them together.