The Lagos State government has distributed a total of N100 million among 26 young agripreneurs in food-related businesses who emerged as finalists of the Lagos Agrithon, supporting them to advance their enterprise solutions.
The presentation was made on Thursday at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 1.0with the theme; Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the next generation held at the Marcellina’s Place, Ikeja,
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state Governor while speaking at the summit said that out of the Agrinnovation Club grew the Lagos Agrithon, which is a testament to the power of innovation and opportunity.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented at the event by Tayo Ayinde, the Lagos State Chief of Staff said that the initiative has created a platform where young entrepreneurs from across Nigeria pitched their groundbreaking ideas for the future of food.
According to him, this year’s Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who are driven by their vision to transform agriculture, and build sustainable solutions.
“The 26 finalists we honor 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. With access to mentorship, networks, and a share of the N100 Million Agrinnovation fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise solutions further. This is a symbol of what we can achieve when we trust our youth to lead and support them in doing so.
“To our Agrithon finalists, I urge you to put this funding to excellent use, as you’ve demonstrated through your impressive and innovative ideas. Let this be just the beginning of your journey; keep your passion alive and maintain the dedication that brought you this far.
“We are excited to see how you will turn your visions into reality and drive impactful change in our agricultural landscape,” the Governor said.
Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems earlier in her welcome remarks said that the summit is essentially for young agripreneurs, those already in the business of food and everything food systems related.
“We have those in e-commerce, in logistics we have those in cold chain, cold storage solutions, we have those in production of crops, we have those into livestock farming, we have those who are even into the production of cotton.
“We have those in the culinary space who cook food and as such, it’s just to show that agriculture is more than production alone it’s more than just the farmer, it encapsulates a whole system of people: market women, men, logistics providers, warehouse keepers, warehouse providers.
“So it just goes to show you that you can be in this field, we can do so much by creating this platform where these young people can come together, synergize, partner, collaborate and do so much.
She said that is why the State government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu felt it necessary to encourage them.
“These are a set of people that otherwise are largely ignored because they don’t come to government to ask for assistance or support, but they are still Nigerians they pay their taxes, they have registered businesses and they are employing more young people, so which other business is to be encouraged than these young ones who are in this field,” she said.
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