By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In celebration of the 2023 World Food Day under the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind,” the Lagos State Government organized a Road Walk and Quiz Competition for public schools. The event was aimed at raising awareness of the vital role water plays in food production and the need to conserve this precious resource.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, announced these events during the Quiz Competition among Public Schools in Lagos State held at Adeyemi Bero, Alausa, Lagos on Thursday.
Ms. Olusanya stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was committed to inspiring young minds to consider careers in agriculture, with the goal of having hundreds of thousands of young individuals engaged in the sector by 2027.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of the event’s theme, highlighting the fact that water is becoming a scarce resource. She encouraged students to consider how water, despite being visible in rain and floods, is a critical yet limited resource, especially for agriculture, which utilizes a significant portion of available water.
Ms. Olusanya stressed the necessity of recycling water to ensure there is enough for household use, consumption, and agricultural needs.
She called on students to recognize the significance of water in their lives, as life itself is heavily dependent on access to clean water. The Commissioner urged students to educate their siblings and parents on the importance of water conservation.
At the Ministry of Agriculture, numerous programs aim to promote the benefits of studying agriculture. The Lagos Agric Scholars Programme introduces smart systems for poultry, aquaculture, and horticulture in schools, while other initiatives focus on different aspects of the agriculture sector.
Ms. Olusanya underscored the pervasive role of agriculture in daily life. From clothing made of cotton to hair creams and car tires, various products are linked to agriculture.
She informed students that some of the world’s biggest companies are agro-based, utilizing products like wheat and cocoa in their operations. This illustrates that agriculture encompasses several value chains and sectors.
The Commissioner emphasized the inclusivity of the agriculture sector, welcoming people from various fields to participate. She stated that the government would provide a conducive environment to encourage young individuals to explore opportunities in agriculture.
During the Quiz Competition, Obele Community Senior High School emerged as the winner, with Agidingbi Senior Grammar School in second place and Alaro Senior High School in Epe securing third place.
The event celebrated World Food Day by emphasizing the vital role of water in food production and encouraging students to consider careers in the agriculture sector. It also highlighted the need for responsible water management to ensure a sustainable food supply for future generations.
