By Live-line has come to the agriculture business in Lagos as 26 young agripreneurs got N100 million in grants from Lagos Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems department in collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Eko Innovation Centre.
The gesture came at the maiden edition of the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit, which designed to foster meaningful conversations, collaboration, and groundbreaking innovations within the agricultural sector, with the theme, ‘Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food System for the Next Generation’.
In his address, the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, stated that the state will not stop until she achieves food security and production serving as an example to other parts of the nation and Africa. He also said that the gesture is a symbol of what the state can achieve when it trusts the youth to lead and supports them in doing so.
His words, “We gather here with the purpose to build sustainable agriculture and food system for the next generation and to ensure that Lagos not only sustains itself but leads Nigeria and Africa towards food security and agricultural excellence.
“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 endure.
“I want to commend particularly the creation of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club. This club is not just an initiative it has become a community of young agriprenuers, a hub of creativity and a platform for those who dare to reimagine agriculture.
“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 honour today have not only made it through a rigorous selection process but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is brought. With access to mentorship, network and share of the N100 million Agrinnovation Fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise’s solutions further”.
He also said that the young entrepreneurs will be monitored to ensure that they use the grant well.
“To our Agrithon finalists I urge you to put this funding to excellent use, as you’ve demonstrated through your impressive and innovative ideas”, he added.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems of Lagos state expressed her appreciation to all in attendance and especially to the jurors who worked tirelessly in the selection process of the 26 finalists.
Her words, “We would like to thank everyone for being here, especially our jurors, who worked throughout the rigorous process on the Agrithon programme, helping us with the selection process from 316 business entries to 26. I can’t appreciate you enough.
“We are here to celebrate young entrepreneurs who have not waited for the government to give them opportunities but have looked within themselves and others for inspiration. They have made themselves and their enterprises something to be proud of and we are proud to be associated with them.
“They have shown that agriculture is indeed a pathway towards being prosperous as a nation, they have shown passion and connectivity. We are proud to celebrate them, to encourage other people to come into the state.
“We want newcomers to know that there is a lot to gain in the agricultural space and particularly in the direction that the government of Governor Samwo-olu is going, there is enough to unearth in the coming months. It is up to you newcomers to come in and plug into what is happening in the sector.”
In his closing remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, urged the Agrithon finalists to make good use of the opportunities in the sector.
He said, “ Today, you have shown us what is possible when we bring technology, sustainability and entrepreneurial spirit into agriculture. You are proof that Lagos is more than capable of leading Nigeria and Africa towards a food-secure and sustainable future.
“As we leave here today, let us carry forward the knowledge, connections and inspiration we have gained. Let us build on the momentum created here and work together to run these innovative ideas into practical sustainable solutions for our connections.”
One of the finalists and beneficiaries of the grant, Jumamai Abalaka, founder and COO of PricePally who won Seven million naira expressed her gratitude to the Lagos state government stating that the grant will assist in taking her business to the next level.
Dada Oyindamola, a co-founder of Homal Foods said she is excited to have been considered one of the winners of the competition after such intense pitching sessions from several innovative businesses in the state. She said the money won will help them to rescale the business as they will be able to produce goods on a larger scale.
For Happy Coffee enterprise, located at VI in Lagos, Which won five million naira, Ifeoma Ara a representative said the grant will help the business get some of the processing machines that they use in processing their coffee products.
