Lagos Reiterates Commitment to Supporting Food Entrepreneurs

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s dedication to promoting innovation and supporting individuals and groups working to strengthen the state’s food security system.

The governor gave the assurance on Sunday at the 2025 Lagos Food Festival held at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, themed “Taste Without Borders.”

He noted that over the past 11 months, the state government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has implemented several interventions and empowerment programmes that have positively impacted agribusiness entrepreneurs and stakeholders across the food value chain.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the ministry has recorded significant achievements this year by empowering numerous entrepreneurs, as part of ongoing efforts to provide food business innovators and aggregators with opportunities to grow, become self-reliant, and thrive. He added that the festival also serves as a family-friendly platform where residents can experience and celebrate diverse food cultures and cuisines across Lagos.

The governor highlighted the role of food as a powerful medium for storytelling, creativity, and cultural expression, noting that the event opens doors for young talents, supports businesses, and drives transformation within the sector.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, described the festival—now in its fifth edition—as a true reflection of Lagos’ identity, particularly its rich culinary heritage blended with entertainment.

She explained that the festival provides an avenue for food entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and expand their businesses beyond local boundaries. Olusanya added that Lagos’ diversity and multicultural nature are well expressed through food, making the Lagos Food Festival an ideal platform to celebrate all actors within the state’s food value chain.

She further noted that the initiative has helped spotlight emerging talents over the years, especially through the governor’s direct engagement with food entrepreneurs, which has inspired growth and innovation across the sector.