The BATN Foundation and the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems have reaffirmed their commitment to improving food security, strengthening farmers’ livelihoods and building a resilient agricultural sector following the conclusion of the 2026 Eko World Food Day celebration.

The event, held on Friday, October 16, at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja, brought together government officials, farmers, agripreneurs, financial institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

With the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” the celebration featured exhibitions, market linkages, knowledge-sharing sessions and stakeholder engagements focused on addressing food security challenges and creating economic opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat outlined the state’s target of increasing food sufficiency from approximately 20 per cent to 40 per cent of its food demand through a five-year agricultural and food systems roadmap.

He said the strategy prioritises infrastructure and markets, production and processing, human capital development, innovation and farmer support.

Planned interventions include a central food security and logistics hub, middle-level agricultural produce hubs and last-mile distribution networks to strengthen the movement of food from producers to consumers.

Hamzat commended the BATN Foundation and other development partners for supporting the state’s agricultural development agenda. He stressed that sustained collaboration was essential to building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable food system.

Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, outlined the administration’s efforts to strengthen the agricultural value chain through investments in agricultural training, mechanisation, processing, livestock development, aquaculture and food distribution infrastructure.

She explained that the initiatives reflect a shift towards an integrated agricultural system in which farmers, processors, traders, logistics providers, financial institutions and consumers contribute to food security.

For the BATN Foundation, the Eko Farm Fair demonstrates how long-term partnerships can address food security challenges while generating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.

Speaking at the event, Ruth Owojaiye, Board Director of the BATN Foundation, highlighted the results of the organisation’s partnership with the Lagos State Government.

She said the initiative had improved the livelihoods of more than 4,000 smallholder farmers since 2019, engaged over 10,000 shoppers and facilitated millions of naira in income for participating farmers.

According to Owojaiye, the Eko World Food Day demonstrates how collaboration can expand economic opportunities for farmers and agripreneurs while strengthening connections across the agricultural value chain.

She also reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development, disclosing that it had invested more than ₦5 billion in empowerment initiatives and reached over 1.9 million beneficiaries.

The interventions include agricultural training, input support and improved access to water.

Owojaiye stressed that achieving lasting food security would require continued investment in women, young people, rural communities and smallholder farmers. She said they needed access to knowledge, resources, technology and partnerships to thrive within the agricultural economy.

The 2026 Eko World Food Day celebration highlighted the role of partnerships in connecting farmers, young agripreneurs, consumers and investors to economic opportunities. The event also emphasised the potential of stronger agricultural collaboration to generate lasting economic value while advancing food security.

Source: CSR Reporters