Stakeholders in Ojokoro Urge Focus on Food Production to Combat Hunger

Stakeholders in the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State emphasized the need for residents to prioritize food production over real estate development to address hunger concerns. This call to action was made during the Lagos State House of Assembly’s 9th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held simultaneously across the state on Friday. The meeting’s theme was “Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming.”

Mr. Emmanuel Olotu, the representative for Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency II at the Lagos Assembly, highlighted that the escalating hunger crisis necessitates a shift in focus toward food production. “The clamour for food sufficiency has been on the increase, hence the need for all residents and stakeholders to prioritize food production, using all available land spaces and homes,” Olotu stated.

He noted that food insecurity has become a pressing issue, urging concerted efforts to tackle rising food prices and scarcity. The lawmaker mentioned that the House had created an enabling environment for agriculture through legislation, such as the anti-open grazing law, to protect farmlands.

Olotu called for a comprehensive approach to food production that accommodates climate change and economic variables while providing access to healthy food. “Our farming capacity has to be widened, involving everyone, including the youths, with the skills and resources to drive agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship within every community,” he said.

Mr. Omolade Balogun, who delivered a lecture on the meeting’s theme, emphasized that food production is a collective responsibility. He urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) to leverage their comparative advantages in agriculture and suggested that council chairmen declare days for residents to showcase their home-grown produce.

Shakin Agbayewa, Deputy Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Lagos State, criticized the trend of prioritizing land for estates over agricultural use. He stressed the need for policy revisions to allow farmers access to land, citing security challenges as a significant concern. “The government must help us to bring back our farms and ensure security on those farms,” Agbayewa stated.

Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Hammed Tijani, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting food production initiatives, particularly amid economic challenges. He highlighted the need for all residents, including the youth, to engage in agricultural activities.

Former Lagos lawmaker Mr. Rasheed Makinde expressed concerns over the reliance on white-collar jobs, advocating for urban agriculture as a viable solution. Alhaja Silifat Olujimi, the Iyaloja General of Ojokoro LCDA, urged residents not to wait for large plots of land before starting to farm.

The meeting gathered various community stakeholders, including traditional, religious, and political leaders, youth groups, and artisans, all united in the mission to enhance food security in the region.