This is Taiwo-Oguntuse
The Lagos State Government in its determined effort to ensure that food is provided to all, is preparing youths to take their rightful place in the agricultural sector through the Agrinovation Club.
Lagos Agrinovation Club is a dynamic platform designed to bring together young agri-entrepreneurs passionate about driving change, fostering innovation and modernizing food systems in the state.
With access to mentoring, training and collaboration opportunities, Lagos Agrinovation Club members are equipped to tackle food security, implement sustainable practices and adopt agricultural technologies.
It is on this note that the state government distributed a total of N100 million among 26 young agri-entrepreneurs in food-related businesses who emerged as finalists of the Lagos Agrithon, to assist them in pursuing their enterprise solutions.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Lagos State Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, while speaking at the Lagos Agrinovation Summit 1.0, where he presented, said that the Lagos Agrithon from the Agrinovation Club Growth occurred, which is a testament to the power of innovation and opportunity.
“The 26 finalists we are honoring today have not only made it through the rigorous selection process, but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is bright. With access to mentorship, networks and a share of the N100 million Agrinovation fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise solutions forward. It is a symbol of what we can achieve when we trust our young people to lead and support them in doing so.
“To our Agrithon finalists, I urge you to make excellent use of this funding, as you have demonstrated through your impactful and innovative ideas. Let this just be the beginning of your journey; Keep your passion alive and maintain the dedication that has brought you here.
.gif)
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, commissioned the 26 'Agrithon' finalists to spread the word about this administration's initiative to empower youths to become better versions of themselves and good ambassadors to the country Could.
He said that these initiatives were designed to provide the younger generation with the necessary platform to succeed and flourish in their endeavours.
Hamzat said: “I think it's important that you also become a campaigner who tells your colleagues, the youth, that there is so much opportunity. Let people know that there is this opportunity. We will support you, we will do everything to make sure Will do something to see that you are doing well.”
Speaking further, the Lieutenant Governor said that the Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, supported by young people who were inspired by their vision of transforming agriculture and creating sustainable solutions, while 26 of them made it to the finals. Were able to make.
He said it is a testament to the power of innovation and opportunity as the program is designed to create a platform where young entrepreneurs from across Nigeria present their groundbreaking ideas for the future of food.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya earlier in his welcome address said the summit is essentially for young agricultural entrepreneurs who are already in the business of everything related to food and food systems.
“We have those people in e-commerce, we have those people in logistics, we have those people in cold chain, cold storage solutions, we have those people in crop production, we have those people in livestock farming, and we have those people in cotton. There are those people in production too.
“We have people in the culinary sector who cook and such, it just goes to show that agriculture is more than production alone, it is more than just the farmer, it encompasses a whole system of people : Market women, men, logistics providers, warehouse keepers, warehouse providers.
“So it shows you that you can be in this field, we can do a lot by creating this platform where these youth can come together, synergize, partner, collaborate and Can do a lot.
He said that is why the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led state government considered it necessary to encourage them.
“These are a group of people who are otherwise largely ignored because they don't come to the government asking for help or support, but they are still Nigerians, they pay their taxes, they have There are registered businesses and they are employing more young people, so apart from these youth what other business is there that should be encouraged in this area.
In his concluding remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the young innovators and Agrithon finalists are the heartbeat of Lagos’ agricultural future.
Source link
