By Mercy Omoike
The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has unveiled activities for the 2026 World Food Day celebration.
The ministry expects about 3,500 stakeholders across various agricultural value chains to participate in the celebration.
The Special Adviser to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Food Day is observed annually on Oct. 16.
The day commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.
It also provides an opportunity for the global community to renew its commitment to tackling hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.
Fashola reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring food security and access to sufficient, safe, nutritious and affordable food for residents.
He said the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” aligned with the state’s food systems transformation agenda.
“Beyond the commemoration, World Food Day serves as a rallying point for governments, development partners, farmers, private-sector actors, researchers, innovators and communities.
“This is for them to work together towards sustainable food systems and a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe, nutritious and affordable food.
“The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,’ is both timely and reflective of the direction of the Lagos State Government’s food systems transformation agenda.
“It calls for a renewed commitment to harnessing innovation, technology, research and sustainable practices across the agricultural value chain,” Fashola said.
According to him, innovation is no longer an option but a necessity for Lagos, given its growing population and increasing demand for food.
He said the state must explore smarter ways of increasing agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, improving processing and storage.
He added that the state would also strengthen food distribution networks, expand market access and create decent employment opportunities.
“The food security we desire tomorrow will ultimately depend on the innovations we promote, the investments we make and the partnerships we build today,” Fashola said.
The Special Adviser said the ministry would deepen collaboration with farmers, private-sector investors, development partners, research institutions and technology providers.
He said the ministry would also empower farmers and agripreneurs, promote youth participation, leverage technology and data, and support efficient food systems.
“In essence, ‘Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow’ is not merely a theme; it is a call to action for all of us.
“It is a call to build today the food systems we want to see tomorrow,” he said.
Fashola said 3,500 value-chain stakeholders were expected to showcase various agricultural produce and equipment during the celebration.
He listed activities for the celebration to include a road walk, Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition and a grand finale.
According to him, the road walk will hold on Thursday, Oct. 8, from JJT Park to Allen Avenue Roundabout and back.
He said the walk would commence at 8 a.m., with JJT Park, opposite the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, as the starting point.
Fashola said the Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition would hold on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin.
He said the competition would commence at 10 a.m.
The Special Adviser said the grand finale would hold on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Ikeja Police College Parade Ground.
He said Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu would be the Special Guest of Honour at the event scheduled for 10 a.m.
Fashola commended the ministry’s partners for their support toward making the World Food Day celebration in Lagos successful.
He urged stakeholders to participate in the events and provide adequate media coverage for the activities lined up for the celebration.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Audu, urged farmers, food vendors, traders and other agriculture stakeholders to participate fully.
“We are commencing the World Food Celebration with a walk on Thursday, here at Alausa.
“It’s not just a walk but also it is to demonstrate that our food system champions in Lagos State are very healthy and are up to the tasks.
“We want to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring sustainable food production in the better breadth of Lagos State.
“We also want to thank the Governor for supporting the Ministry to achieve all these projects and plans.
“That’s why we have been successful since they began,” Audu said.
(NAN)
DMO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
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