EKO NEWS

Galore Of Food Items As Lagos Joins The World To Mark World Food Day

Published

1 year ago

Oct 17, 2023.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Government, on Monday, celebrated the 2023 World Food Day at Police College Ikeja, themed “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave no one behind.”

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The event was graced by farmers from the 57 Local Governments and LCDAs across the state as well as other agricultural agencies and bodies who displayed their amazing farming produce to the delight of guests who bought them at a subsidised rate.

The Head of Agriculture Department in Onigbongbo LCDA, Mrs Aramide Ajao thanked the state government for providing a platform for the farmers to display their farm produce and urged the government to continue to support the farmers.

Mr Olawale Ogunfodunrin, an Agric Officer in Ikorodu North, praised the Lagos State Government for allowing the farmers to network and learn new farming Techniques

“The World Food Day was established by the United Nations in 1979 to celebrate the day the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation was created and has been celebrated every year since then,” Ogunfodunrin stated.

“It aims to raise awareness about the importance of food security and to promote sustainable food systems.

“Kudos to the Lagos State government for making it a norm to, on this day, bring farmers together, to allow them to showcase their goods/wares/crafts and also provide them opportunity to network, connect and learn new techniques of the occupation.

“But also to notice is the sharp decline in the quantity and quality of agricultural products on showcase for this year’s event. This is a pointer to the obvious reduction in farming activities within the state.

“The state needs to intensify efforts on encouraging farmers, especially the participation of youths in agriculture, this will provide the necessary driving force to increase agricultural productivity in the state.”

In the same breath, Mr Kabiru Adesanya, in his speech called on the Lagos government, private sector, farmers, academia, civil society, and individuals to work together to address global water challenges being faced across the globe

“World Food Day 2023 has the theme ‘Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” Adesanya said.

“The celebration of World Food Day in Lagos State brings together the government, municipalities, businesses, CSOs, the media, the public, and even youth to promote worldwide awareness of hunger and promote action for the future of food, people, and the planet.

“The day recognizes the critical role that farmers play in ensuring global food security and highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and food production in addressing the world’s food problems.

“I urge the government to ensure that farmers who depend on aquatic food systems have access to the resources they need to produce food and improve their economic status.

“Governments, the private sector, farmers, academia, civil society, and individuals need to work together to address global water challenges.

“Additionally, governments can make substantial investments in agricultural productivity to improve the economic status of farmers. Happy World Food Day 2023!”

Likewise, Miss. Hashiat Rufai was intrigued by the showcase of the rich biodiversity of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in Lagos State, highlighting a wide variety of fish species, including Tuna, Sole, and Octopus. Additionally, livestock, agricultural products, and crops were also featured.