LASG
By Mercy Omoike
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has tasked all heads of agriculture and social services across its 57 local councils on improved agriculture practices to tackle food shortage in the state.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, gave the charge at an interactive session held at the ministry in Alausa, Ikeja.
He reiterated that the food shortage in the state was a result of few people venturing into agriculture.
Agbaje also harped on the importance of agricultural revolution in the state, noting that the agricultural sector can only be improved and enhanced when adequate attention is given to it at the grassroots.
Hence the need for Heads of Agricultural Departments at the Councils to equip farmers in the communities with requisite skills needed for farming all year round.
He disclosed that the state government would continue to invest and improve agriculture sector to tackle the dearth of food production and distribution in Lagos.
He enjoined the participants to engage farmers in their domain to identify areas where government can come in to help increase agric production.
Agbaje noted that the goal of achieving food security in the state is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, urging everyone to partner with the agriculture sector to fight food shortage in the state.
Also, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, commended the HODs for ensuring that the efforts of the governor in cascading development to rural farmers was achieved.
Bolarinwa was represented at the event by the Director, Rural Agriculture, Mrs Tawakaltu Kosoko.
She reiterated that the interactive session was a move by the state government to foster agriculture development across the state, especially at the grassroots.
Bolarinwa revealed that there would be subsequent meetings targeted toward equipping rural farmers on improved methods and tools that would engender increase in agriculture productivity amongst farmers in these communities.
Responding, Mr Rasheed Bada, the Chairman, Body of Heads of the Department of Agric. & Social Services, applauded Sanwo-Olu’s administration for ensuring that the Office of Rural Development in the Ministry becomes a rallying point where rural farmers across the state can access information and opportunities that would help improve agriculture production.
Bada said the body would continue to work in tandem with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of Lagos State until the dream of making Lagos State a 21st Century economy is achieved. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
DMO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
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