By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:
Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo, the elected representative for Ikorodu Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has spearheaded a sustainable food security initiative under the guidance of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the State Speaker in Ikorodu Constituency 1.
The program, which took place on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at the constituency’s office in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, was a constituency stakeholders Meeting held simultaneously across the 40 constituencies in Lagos State. Its primary objective was to address sustainable food solutions by engaging young people in locally-based agricultural farming systems.
The event was coordinated by the MCs, Hon. Adewusi Sulaimon Adewale, Supervisor for information and strategy, Ikorodu-North- DG OGA Campaign Group; Secretary to Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Lafeef Affini and attended by esteemed individuals, including the Sekunmade of Ipakodo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Bashiru Aremu Sotanwa; community stakeholders; The Ruling Party chieftains- Prince Abiodun Ogunleye and others; executive elected officers- Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem and others; dignitaries; and community members, among others. These participants collectively contributed to the mission of the program.
During his keynote address, Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo underscored the significance of the theme: “Enabling Food Security for a Sustainable Future, Youth Participation, and Home-Grown Farming.” He emphasized the commitment of the Lagos State House of Assembly to transform Lagos into a producing state in the agricultural value chain to address food insufficiency. This commitment is demonstrated through the enactment of transformative laws and policy supervision in the agricultural sector.
Key interventions in agricultural activities were highlighted, including the establishment of the Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate with a capacity of producing and processing 10,000 tons of fish per year in partnership with 400 fish farmers. Additionally, the Agric Yes Programme was established to build competence among youths and encourage their participation in various activities within the emerging agricultural value chain in the State. The Pig Farm Estate in Oke-Aro and Gberigbe, which currently partners with 1,200 farmers, was also mentioned, along with the Eko Farmers Market, a collaboration with private-sector partners to ensure fair value for farmers’ production.
Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo highlighted the detrimental impact of unscrupulous individuals who hoard food items for personal gain, leading to hyper food prices and scarcity. He urged youths to take advantage of the “Home-Grown Farming program” commencing on Monday, October 14th, 2024, at his constituency’s office and informed interested LASUSTECH students about the opportunity for free land use spaces in the campus premises. Emphasizing the importance of youth participation in home-grown farming for a sustainable food future, he encouraged them to start small and contribute to reducing poverty and foreign currency dependency in the community.
In conclusion, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye reiterated the program’s aim to encourage home-based planting and farming to eradicate poverty and reduce foreign currency dependency. The emphasis on local production and its potential to address critical societal challenges reflects a commendable approach to sustainable food security and youth empowerment.
The “Every Home a Garden” program was inaugurated on July 10th, 2024, by The First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, alongside the First Lady of Lagos, Her Excellency Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. This launch was in connection with the “Renewed Hope Initiative” introduced by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu- His Royal Majesty, Hrm Oba (Engr.) Bashiru Aremu Sotonwa, Osomeku 1, Sekunmade of Ipakodo Kingdom testified his presence and witness in his public address.
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