In order to boost local food production, the Lagos State Government says it is now set to revive a 279-hectare Lagos Food Production Centre, formerly known as the Songhai Food Production Centre in Avia, Badagry.
The State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who made this known over the weekend in Badagry while on a site inspection tour of the Centre, explained that this was necessary in preparation for the take-off of the State Government’s two food centres designed to attain food sufficiency.
The Governor pointed out that reviving the 279-hectare Food Production Centre, originally acquired by the State Government in 2012 for a commercial agricultural project, would encourage organic farming using simple biological methods to enhance production outputs with a model, based on new approaches and farming systems that rely heavily on the combined inputs from local experiences, indigenous technology, business communities and research institutions.
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According to him, focusing on local food production would increase agricultural production to meet the food needs of the State’s growing population, transform agriculture to commercial and export-oriented production while at the same time generating employment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu added that some of the agricultural projects to be developed for commercial production at the Centre include fishing, poultry, piggery and agro-forestry among others.
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Sanwo-Olu reckon that apart from delivering wholesome food items, training and creating employment, the Lagos Food Production Centre would also provide raw materials for the Agro-Industry, new environmental products and services, and feedstock for renewable energy supply.
The Governor added that the project will give rise to similar agro-allied businesses to open up Badagry’s economy for more growth, while also boosting its tourism business.
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