The Lagos State government has struck a partnership with a private company to drive awareness and inspire action towards food security and sustainable agriculture.
A statement released in Lagos said the partnership is done through the state ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the leadership of Abisola Olusanya. The partnership with Origin Tech Group is designed to modernise food storage and processing among other services.
The collaboration aligns with the theme of the 2024 World Food Day, which is “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”. The theme highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat food insecurity through local initiatives, sustainable farming, and community engagement.
According to the statement, “One of the landmark projects under this partnership is the Lagos Food Security System and Logistics Hub (LHP). In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food security and executed by Origin Tech’s construction arm, Rhema Projects, this smart central market system is designed to modernise food processing, storage, and distribution in Lagos.”
The statement added that”The LHP Hub addresses the growing demand for safe and nutritious food in the state by ensuring efficient storage and repackaging of fresh produce and dry goods, ultimately reducing food waste and improving availability across the state.”
It also stated that “Aligned with the Lagos State Government’s 5-Year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, which targets 40% food self-sufficiency by 2025, Origin Tech Group has been at the forefront of this mission.
“Origin Tech Group’s Mid-Level Market initiative is an innovative solution aimed at transforming food accessibility and affordability in Lagos State. By establishing strategically located Agro hubs, this initiative directly connects consumers to fresh farm produce at fair prices, cutting out the middlemen and enabling farmers to earn more for their efforts.”
Launched in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, these hubs serve as well-organized centers for sourcing fresh vegetables, fruits, tubers, meat, and other essential food items from local farms. The first of these markets opened in Mushin and has already sparked discussions about its potential to enhance food security, stabilise prices, and offer Lagosians fresher and more affordable produce.
Origin Tech Group restated its commitment to solving critical food distribution challenges in the Agri-tech space by creating a seamless link between rural farmers and urban consumers
Prince S. J. Samuel, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group ably represented by Adebayo Awoniyi-Adeoshun, Group Head of corporate: Communications and Strategy, while speaking about the partnership at these events, highlighted the transformative potential of Agro mechanisation.
Adeoshun reaffirmed that ‘’At Origin Tech Group, we remain resolute in our commitment to food security. Origin Tech Group represents more than just an Agri-mechanisation business – it is a blueprint for Nigeria’s agricultural future. By integrating mechanization, agronomy services, and youth engagement, we are creating opportunities that will drive economic growth and food self-sufficiency in Nigeria and Africa.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the partners for their commitment to the Agriculture and food security of the state. He mentioned the State’s involvement in building the biggest logistics food hub in Nigeria.
The Group then called for collective action to secure a food-sufficient Nigeria through strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Government and other key stakeholders, the company remains committed to building a greener, more sustainable future for all Nigerians.
“With the continued implementation of projects like GHAPP and the Lagos Food Security System and Logistics Hub, the Middle-Level Markets (MLM), Origin Tech Group is poised to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable food production. The partnership is far-reaching and goes beyond mere advocacy, Origin Tech Group is actively supporting small-holder farmers by providing the essential tools, modern machinery, and post-harvest management systems necessary to boost productivity and build sustainable food systems,” the group added
The world food day features a week-long activity in collaboration with key stakeholders to emphasize the role of sustainable practices in addressing food security challenges.
The activities incorporated a World Media Parley, a symbolic sensitisation, and an awareness walk across major communities within the government and business districts of Alausa and Ikeja, Stakeholder engagement with farmers tagged Eko Food Systems Champions Summit, Secondary School Debate and a Grand Finale which incorporated exhibition of various agricultural farm produce, farm implements and a celebration at the Police College in Ikeja on October 16, 2024, which focused on empowering individuals, families, and communities to adopt urban farming, home planting hubs, and community gardens as crucial steps toward self-sufficiency and resilience. It was a colourful closing ceremony especially the fair that had farmers, and exhibitors from across all the LGA and LCDAs across Lagos as well as neighbouring communities, selected individuals and groups were also presented with special recognition awards for their exceptional demonstration of the efforts aimed at promoting the essence of the World Food Day.
