AgrInnovation summit: Lagos empowers agripreneurs with N100m grants
Joy Agwunobi
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State has called for a focused and strategic approach to sustainable agriculture and food systems to safeguard the future of Lagos, its residents, and the broader region.
His call for action was emphasised during his address at the recent Lagos AgrInnovation Summit, where he was represented by Tayo Ayinde, his Chief of Staff. According to Sanwo-Olu, there is an urgent need to build an agribusiness ecosystem that is not only sustainable but capable of driving food security in Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa. He stressed that the agricultural sector must evolve to meet the challenges of the future while promoting resilience and innovation.
The summit, themed “Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation,” served as a platform for collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals in the agricultural sector. It aimed to highlight sustainable agricultural practices that could improve food systems’ long-term resilience, foster innovation, and drive the involvement of young agripreneurs in transforming the sector.
The event featured discussions on the pressing need for sustainable agriculture, particularly in urban settings like Lagos, which must contend with population growth, environmental challenges, and the evolving demands of its residents.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the state’s commitment to developing agriculture as a cornerstone of its economic future. “As a government, we understand that agriculture development depends on more than just traditional practices. It requires us to embrace technology, foster collaboration, and create sustainable practices that will endure,” he said.
He also acknowledged the dual challenge of boosting agricultural output while maintaining environmental sustainability in the face of climate change and global economic pressures. According to Sanwo-Olu, the path to success lies in the development of efficient and resilient food systems that are well-equipped to withstand both global challenges and the realities of the local environment.
A huge part of the governor’s vision is ensuring that young people are at the heart of this agricultural transformation. Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the future of Lagos’s agricultural sector lies in the hands of its youth, who possess the creativity, energy, and ambition needed to drive innovation across the agricultural value chain. “It is their ideas, their passion, and their vision that will shape the future of agriculture in Lagos and Nigeria,” he added.
In line with his commitment to youth empowerment, the Lagos State Government awarded N100 million in grants to the 26 finalists of the Lagos Agrithon programme. This initiative was designed to support young startups and agripreneurs in scaling their businesses.
Agrithon, which began with 316 entries from across Nigeria, sought to identify innovative solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The 26 finalists were selected after a rigorous screening process led by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Eko Innovation Centre (EIC).
The grants were distributed across various categories, with Pricepally.com receiving N7 million, three startups securing N1 million each, and 16 startups being awarded N5 million each. Additionally, two startups received N2 million each, while four startups secured N1.5 million each, bringing the total grant value to N100 million.
Abisola Olusanya, the commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, expressed her pride in the winners, emphasising that their achievements were a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Nigeria’s youth. “These agripreneurs have not waited for the government to create opportunities for them; they have created their own path,” Olusanya stated.
She further stressed that the youth had proven that agriculture is not only a vital sector but also one that offers substantial economic opportunities. “These young people have shown that there is hope for the future, that there is money to be made in agriculture, and that this sector holds the key to prosperity for Nigeria,” she added.
Olusanya encouraged other young people to consider agriculture as a viable and promising career path. “There is so much potential in this sector, and the Lagos State Government is committed to creating the space for young people to thrive,” she said.
She also highlighted that agriculture is not just for a selected few but for anyone with the ambition to innovate and make a difference.
Olatunbosun Tijani, the minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, joined the summit virtually and stressed the importance of youth involvement in driving innovation, particularly in the areas of technology and sustainability.
He stated, “The youth are the engine room of any economy, and when we talk about technological advancements and innovations that drive sustainability, they must be at the forefront.”
Tijani emphasised the need to adopt new approaches and explore alternatives to enhance the efficiency of agricultural systems, pointing out that the only way to leapfrog and achieve substantial progress is by embracing technical efficiency and innovation.