- Lagos Unveils ₦200m Agrithon 3.0 Fund for Young Agripreneurs
- Says Lagos remains Nigeria’s innovation hub and one of Africa’s largest food markets
- Kamil Olufowobi urged young entrepreneurs to move beyond planning and focus on execution
The Lagos State Government has launched the third edition of the Lagos Agrithon programme, unveiling a ₦200 million funding pool aimed at supporting young agripreneurs and innovators developing solutions across the agricultural and food systems value chain, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative is designed to provide young innovators with access to funding, mentorship, strategic partnerships and business networks to transform innovative ideas into viable agribusiness ventures.
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She explained that the Lagos Agrinnovation Club and Agrithon were established to address key challenges facing youth-led agricultural enterprises, including inadequate access to finance, markets, technical expertise and growth opportunities.
According to Olusanya, Lagos remains Nigeria’s innovation hub and one of Africa’s largest food markets, making it imperative to strengthen the state’s agricultural innovation ecosystem to drive food systems transformation.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the food security agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stressing that agriculture is being repositioned as a comprehensive food systems sector capable of generating employment, attracting investment and stimulating economic growth.
The commissioner highlighted several reforms undertaken by the state government, including the transition from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the implementation of the Lagos Food Systems Roadmap and programmes such as the Produce for Lagos Initiative and the Agrinnovation Club.
Olusanya said previous editions of Agrithon have produced entrepreneurs who expanded their businesses, secured investments and created jobs beyond initial expectations.
She described the 2026 edition as the most ambitious so far, featuring a ₦200 million grant pool and a rigorous selection process that will include screening, pitching sessions, due diligence and assessments by industry experts.
The commissioner encouraged innovators working in food production, processing, logistics, cold chain management, mechanisation, climate-smart agriculture, biotechnology and digital farming to participate in the programme.
She also appealed to private investors and development partners to support efforts aimed at strengthening Lagos’ agricultural innovation ecosystem.
In his remarks, resource person Kamil Olufowobi urged young entrepreneurs to move beyond planning and focus on execution, noting that discipline, consistency and strong professional networks are essential for success.
He advised participants to remain resilient, embrace continuous learning and view setbacks as opportunities for growth in their entrepreneurial journeys.
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