World Food Day: Lagos Is Committed To Eradicating Hunger, Poverty – Sanwo-Olu
He stated this on Sunday while speaking at the Year 2022 World Food Day/ Lagos Farm Fair with the theme; “Safe Food Today For A Healthy Tomorrow,” at the Police College in Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Folashade Jaji, Secretary to the State Government stated that the state has implemented numerous projects/programmes to tackle hunger, malnutrition, unemployment, and under-employment and also boost food production and supply systems, which is, in line with the Lagos State Agricultural and Food System Roadmap (2021-2025).
He said this year’s World Food Day is coming at a time when many economies are grappling with serious food security issues caused by numerous factors including the war between Russia and Ukraine, climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, inequalities, and other violent conflicts across regions both nationally and internationally.
“The entire globe must act now. This fact is aptly captioned in the theme for the celebration. The 2022 World Food Day campaign calls for global solidarity and action to restructure agrifood systems in order to create inclusive economic growth, alleviate inequities, boost resilience, and achieve sustainable development. This must be met for us to have a certain healthy tomorrow,” he said.
Speaking further, the Governor said this administration recognizes the immense efforts, dedication and contributions of the noble farmers and other value chain actors towards attaining food security in the State.
“Therefore, it is imperative for the State Government to appreciate the efforts of the farmers who braved all odds, including the Covid-19 pandemic, to ensure that food is available in our markets, thus providing food security for the State and the country at large.
He said although the State has appreciated farmers in the past by rewarding outstanding farmers in the State for their contributions to various value chains, that it wants to increase the scope of the farmers’ appreciation and award ceremony to capture all the various agricultural value chain actors.
Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture earlier in her welcome address said this administration has since inception embarked on programmes and reforms driven towards ensuring a food secured State.
She said there are also policies geared towards making the space profitable for stakeholders in various value chains that have been implemented.
“On this note Mr Governor Sir, I will like to pass across to you the messages of our farmers, they really appreciate all that your administration has done for them but like Oliver twist, they are asking for more, and we have assured them that as a listening government we will look into their requests,” she said.
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