Lagos State has set a new benchmark for youth-driven agricultural innovation by awarding N100 million in grants to 26 young agripreneurs. This landmark initiative, unveiled during the inaugural Lagos Agrinnovation Summit, demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders and ensuring food security in Nigeria.
Themed “Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation,” the summit provided a platform for fostering collaboration, creativity, and technological advancements in agribusiness. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, highlighted the significance of this gesture in transforming the agricultural sector.
“The 26 recipients of the Agrithon grants have shown extraordinary vision and drive to revolutionize agriculture in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “This funding represents more than just financial support—it symbolizes our belief in the potential of young people to lead the charge towards sustainable food systems and agricultural excellence.”
The Lagos Agrinnovation Club and its flagship program, Agrithon, have been pivotal in identifying and supporting these bright minds. Out of 316 business entries, 26 finalists were carefully selected after a rigorous evaluation process. These agripreneurs not only received financial backing but also gained access to mentorship, a vast professional network, and technical support to scale their enterprises.
Here is the list of awardees:
Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, praised the resilience and ingenuity of the finalists. “These young entrepreneurs have proven that agriculture can be a pathway to prosperity and innovation. Their bold ideas and determination have redefined the perception of farming, showing that it is both modern and transformative,” she remarked.
The grants aim to bolster sustainable practices across the agricultural value chain while addressing critical challenges such as food waste and inefficiencies. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and collaboration to build a resilient agribusiness ecosystem. He urged the finalists to use the funds responsibly and turn their innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
“This initiative is a testament to what Lagos can achieve when we trust and support our youth,” he added. “The future of food security and agricultural development in Lagos is bright, thanks to these agripreneurs.”
One of the standout features of the summit was a keynote address by Samuel J. Samuel, chairman of Origin Tech Group, who advocated for cluster farming as a strategic approach to reducing waste and ensuring efficiency. He noted that fostering collaboration among farmers would be instrumental in achieving sustainable food production.
Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, further applauded the finalists for their efforts. “You have shown us the possibilities of blending technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Lagos is poised to lead Nigeria and Africa in creating a food-secure future,” he said.
The N100 million grant initiative serves as a call to action for young Nigerians to explore opportunities in agriculture and contribute to building a thriving, sustainable economy. By investing in youth-led agribusinesses, Lagos is not just empowering individuals—it is shaping the future of agriculture for generations to come.
Through programs like the Agrithon, the Lagos State Government has made it clear that the key to food security lies in innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to supporting its youth.
