How Hon. Adewale Temitope Host Lagos State Constituency Stakeholders Meeting: Ifako-Ijaiye Focuses on Food Security and Youth Participation in Home-Grown Farming
In a pivotal event aimed at addressing the pressing issue of food security, the Lagos State House of Assembly’s 9th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting was held simultaneously across all 40 constituencies of the state today. Themed “Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming,” the meeting at Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1 was hosted by Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji (OON).
Stakeholders from various sectors, including local government officials, community leaders, and representatives from state ministries, came together to discuss strategies for enhancing food security in Lagos. Notable attendees included the Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, a Deputy Director from the Ministry of Agriculture, the CDC Chairman, past council chairmen, ward leaders, youth leaders, royal fathers, and representatives of People With Disabilities (PWD).
Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji delivered a speech on behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudasiru Ajayi Obasa. In his address, the Speaker identified today’s deliberations as an opportunity to tackle the root causes of food insecurity. He stressed that many citizens have relinquished their socio-economic responsibilities to the government, which has contributed to the current food crisis. He called for a sustainable solution that involves active participation from all stakeholders.
The Speaker emphasized the goal of making Lagos a producing state rather than just a consuming one, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating poverty, ensuring zero hunger, and promoting good health and well-being. He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to transforming the state’s agricultural value chain to achieve food sufficiency.
A significant point raised in the address was the need to protect farmers from external threats, including attacks and land encroachment, which have been challenges in other states. “We have passed laws to safeguard our farmers and their lands,” he said, underscoring the Assembly’s proactive approach to ensuring a conducive environment for agricultural growth.
The event was well-attended by stakeholders across Ifako-Ijaiye, with insightful contributions from local government officials, youth leaders, and community members. The discussions centered on the critical role of youth participation in home-grown farming as a key driver of food security. By encouraging the youth to engage in agriculture, the community hopes to build a sustainable future that not only feeds its people but also boosts the local economy.
The Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government and other key figures at the meeting applauded the Lagos State House of Assembly for their forward-thinking initiatives and pledged to support efforts in ensuring food security through active involvement at the grassroots level.
As the deliberations concluded, there was a collective understanding that the current economic slogan of “Ebi n pawa,” meaning “there’s no food,” would soon become a thing of the past if the recommended solutions are diligently implemented.
