Stakeholders in the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have called on residents to prioritize food production over real estate development to combat hunger. This declaration was made during the Lagos State House of Assembly’s 9th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting, held in Ojokoro as part of a statewide initiative involving all 40 constituencies.
The theme of the meeting 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 the urgency of addressing hunger and the rising need for food sufficiency. He stressed that stakeholders must shift their focus towards maximizing food production by utilizing available land and home spaces effectively.
Olotu remarked that the growing hunger crisis necessitated a concentrated effort to tackle rising food prices and scarcity, labeling food insecurity as the “number one” issue facing residents.
He noted that the Lagos Assembly has taken steps to foster a conducive environment for agricultural activities, including the passage of laws such as the anti-open grazing law, which aims to protect farmlands.
Emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, Olotu advocated for home-grown farming that can withstand climate change and other economic challenges. He urged for increased involvement from the youth, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to drive agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship within their communities.
“To achieve these goals, our farming capacity has to be widened, involving everyone, including the youths,” Olotu stated, reinforcing the call for collaborative efforts in enhancing food production.