Affordable Rice Distribution Initiative
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to commence the distribution of Eko Rice at affordable prices to residents starting next week. This initiative, aimed at addressing food affordability and enhancing food security, was revealed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, during the 2024 Lagos Food Festival held at Muri-Okunola Park, Victoria Island.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who attended the festival alongside other dignitaries, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to scaling up small businesses, particularly in the food value chain, both locally and globally.
Lagos Food Festival 2024: “A Taste of Culture”
This year’s Lagos Food Festival, themed “A Taste of Culture,” showcased an array of culinary delights, including seafood, local and African delicacies, fruit juices, and drinks. The event featured prominent attendees, including royal fathers led by the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal; political leaders, including APC chieftains led by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; and a cross-section of industry leaders, market stakeholders, and residents.
Supporting Small Businesses and Agripreneurs
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the role of the Lagos Food Festival in fostering small businesses and promoting Agripreneurs. He noted that the festival provides a platform for small-scale food vendors to showcase their products, scale up their businesses, and gain exposure in the culinary space.
“For the past five years, Lagos Food Festival has been a key platform for food vendors and Agripreneurs to engage with a growing audience. While it’s fun-filled, the primary focus is on supporting small businesses and driving their growth,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Food Security and Sufficiency Goals
Commissioner Olusanya outlined the state’s progress toward achieving food sufficiency by 2025, in line with its five-year agricultural food systems roadmap (2021-2025). She highlighted the importance of connecting farmers and food producers directly with consumers through platforms like the Food Festival.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that food prices are lower and continue to support Lagosians across all sectors,” Olusanya stated. “Our efforts include developing market infrastructure and supporting farmers to meet our 2025 food sufficiency goals.”
Eko Rice Distribution Plan
Olusanya provided updates on the imminent availability of Eko Rice in Lagos markets. She explained that processing is ongoing at the state’s rice mill, and additional volumes are being prepared for distribution.
“In the next one and a half weeks, Eko Rice will be available in markets at affordable prices. While I cannot provide an exact price yet, I assure Lagosians that it will be cheaper than prevailing market rates,” she said.
The initiative aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s plans to import necessary inputs to enhance local rice processing and reduce production costs.
Conclusion
The distribution of Eko Rice is a testament to the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving food security, supporting small businesses, and ensuring affordable food options for residents. As the initiative rolls out, it is expected to provide relief to Lagosians and strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain, fostering growth and sustainability in the sector.
