The Lagos State Government expects about 3,500 agricultural value-chain stakeholders to participate in activities marking the 2026 World Food Day celebration.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, announced this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
The World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.
The day also provides an opportunity to renew global efforts to tackle hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.
Fashola said the state remained committed to ensuring food security and access to sufficient, safe, nutritious and affordable food for residents.
He said the 2026 theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” aligned with the state’s food systems transformation agenda.
Fashola said the theme called for greater use of innovation, technology, research and sustainable practices across the agricultural value chain.
He said innovation had become necessary as Lagos’ growing population continued to increase demand for food.
He noted that the state would explore ways to increase agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve processing and storage, strengthen food distribution networks and expand market access.
He said the ministry would also deepen collaboration with farmers, private-sector investors, development partners, research institutions and technology providers.
Fashola added that the ministry would empower farmers and agripreneurs, promote youth participation and leverage technology and data to strengthen food systems.
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He said 3,500 value-chain stakeholders were expected to showcase agricultural produce and equipment during the celebration.
Fashola listed the activities as a road walk, Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition and a grand finale.
He said the road walk would hold on Thursday, October 8, from JJT Park to Allen Avenue Roundabout and back, beginning at 8 a.m.
He said the Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition would hold on Wednesday, October 14, at Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, from 10 a.m.
The Special Adviser said the grand finale would take place on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Ikeja Police College Parade Ground.
He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event scheduled for 10 a.m.
Fashola commended the ministry’s partners for supporting the celebration and urged stakeholders to participate in the activities.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Audu, also called on farmers, food vendors, traders and other agricultural stakeholders to participate fully.
Audu said the opening road walk would demonstrate the commitment of Lagos’ food system champions to sustainable food production.
He also thanked the governor for supporting the ministry’s projects and programmes.
If you want a more dramatic/clickable headline, I’d go with: “Lagos Targets 3,500 For World Food Day”.
NAN
