The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has unveiled activities for the 2026 World Food Day celebration, with about 3,500 agricultural value-chain stakeholders expected to participate.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
Fashola said the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” aligned with the state’s food systems transformation agenda and called for greater use of innovation, technology, research and sustainable practices across the agricultural value chain.
He said innovation was essential for Lagos given its growing population and increasing food demand, adding that the state would focus on improving agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening processing and storage, expanding food distribution networks and improving market access.
“The food security we desire tomorrow will ultimately depend on the innovations we promote, the investments we make and the partnerships we build today,” Fashola said.
He said the ministry would deepen collaboration with farmers, private-sector investors, development partners, research institutions and technology providers, while empowering farmers and agripreneurs, promoting youth participation and leveraging technology and data.
Fashola said the celebration would feature a road walk, Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition and a grand finale, with stakeholders expected to showcase agricultural produce and equipment.
He said the road walk would hold on Oct. 8 from JJT Park to Allen Avenue Roundabout and back, starting at 8 a.m.
The Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition would hold on Oct. 14 at Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, from 10 a.m.
He said the grand finale would hold on Oct. 16 at the Ikeja Police College Parade Ground, with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Special Guest of Honour.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Audu, urged farmers, food vendors, traders and other agricultural stakeholders to participate fully in the celebration.
Audu said the road walk would demonstrate the commitment of food system stakeholders to sustainable food production across Lagos State.
World Food Day is observed annually on Oct. 16 to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945 and promote efforts to tackle hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.
