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Tag: Lagos State

  • Tinubu making Nigeria great again – Lagos lawmaker

    Tinubu making Nigeria great again – Lagos lawmaker

    Mr Temitope Adewale, a lawmaker in Lagos State, has said President Bola Tinubu is working assiduously  to make Nigeria great again.

    Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said this  in a statement issued on Monday, after a visit to the President in Lagos.

    According to him, Tinubu’s effort to reduce poverty in Nigeria is yielding results as economic indices point to the country’s steady growth.

    Adewale, the Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, said that the government deserved commendation for working to ensure that “Nigerians heave a sigh of relief.”

    “The administration has spread projects across the 36 states of the federation with an ultimate aim to better the lives of the citizens.

    “It was a son’s visit to his father. He remains a father I am proud to associate myself with and I can tell you that the President needs to be praised.

    “We had very fruitful discussions and I am happy that the President is excited about the progress of the country.

    “Asiwaju is happy that the nation is improving rapidly in terms of economic, social, financial and infrastructural rejuvenation.

    “What strikes me about the President is not the formality of the visit, but the simplicity of his presence.

    “Asiwaju’s humility, warm laughter, ability to listen and speak from the heart reminds me that true leadership goes beyond titles. It’s about how you make people feel,” Adewale said.

    According to him, In two years, the Nigerian currency has remained stable and that the hitherto volatility of the foreign exchange is disappearing.

    He said that the administration had continued to tighten every noose that made the economy porous in the past.

    “For the first time in many years, we now have refineries that are refining fuel for local consumption.

    “Just recently, the President announced incentives to boost technical education in the country,” Adewale said.

    He said that the country was experiencing the desired breath, compared to what the administration met on ground in 2023.

    According to him, before the coming of Tinubu ,the the country was burdened by huge debts with debt servicing taking almost all revenue.

    He said Foreign Direct Investment(FDI)did not look good as it  fell  from $2.2 billion in 2014 to $0.47 billion in 2022.

    “The story continues to change as promised and as contained in the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda. The governors, irrespective of party lines, now enjoy better allocations from the centre.

    “Now, you can understand why those in the opposition are pushing closer to the President and finding our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) more attractive.

    “President Tinubu is poised to meeting the yearnings of the citizens,” Adewale added.

  • Massive defection hits Lagos PDP as leaders decamp to APC

    Massive defection hits Lagos PDP as leaders decamp to APC

    Spokesman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, has dumped the main opposition party in the state for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Amode, along with other PDP chieftains, announced his defection at a news conference on Monday in Ikeja, the State capital.

    Speaking, Amode said he and other defectors were motivated and inspired by the visionary leadership of the 2023 State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who had earlier moved to APC.

    “It is with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility that we stand before you today to announce a pivotal decision; one that marks a significant turning point not just for us as individuals, but for many committed political stakeholders who have journeyed with us over the years.

    “Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the state level to allign with His Excellency Jandor to decamp en masse to the APC.

    “The PDP, both at the national and state level, has lost its way. The party has deviated from the founding ideals that once made it the largest and most respected political platform in Africa.

    “Today, its future is riddled with tension and uncertainty.The PDP is in a coma and may not survive unless urgent measures are taken,” Amode said.

    According to him, the tenure of the defectors within the PDP had been lengthy and eventful, characterised by both achievements and setbacks.

    He said that majority of the defectors  had the privilege of serving PDP in various capacities, worked for  change and did their best  for their former party

    He said: “However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course.

    “This decision has not been made lightly. It  reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.”

    Amode said that PDP in Lagos, under the leadership of Mr Philip Aivoji, had been fractured and disunited.

    “Poor leadership and a lack of cohesion have cost us dearly. Today, we, alongside several former PDP candidates at various levels, national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, formally resign from the PDP and align ourselves with the APC.

    “We have submitted our letters of resignation to our respective ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and the state leadership of the PDP.”

    Amode ,who noted that the decision to leave PDP was no  driven by personal ambition,said  defecting to APC was to serve the society better.

    “We are determined to work with our new partners in the APC to deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of our great state.

    Speaking, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time State PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, said that the defectors were determined to follow the progressives to make the state better.

    Also speaking, a former  State PDP Deputy Chairman, Chief Ola Apena, said PDP had no relevance in the state anymore.

    “PDP is dead. There is no more PDP. The party is in complete limbo and we don’t know whether it will  be  up,”he said.

    Speaking on behalf of  2023 PDP  State House of Assembly Candidates, Mr Ibrahim Balogun, who flew the party’s flag in Kosofe, said he wasted time by staying in PDP for 18 years.

    “We will work for Tinubu in 2027. We are going en masse into APC. Jandor is a visionary leader to follow because he is a man of the people,” Balogun said.

    Speaking , Adediran, who congratulated the defectors, said, ” We have successfully collapsed the entire structure of the PDP into APC now.

    “There is no point in belonging into a political party that has no determination and purpose of winning elections. PDP is a social club, not interested in winning.

    “Lagos State PDP leadership is ensure that the party does not win and the party had been doing this for over two decades now, wasting people’s destiny.

    “I congratulate these PDP leaders for joining me in APC. PDP is a sinking ship. In Nigeria of today, there is no other viable platform apart from APC,” Adediran said.

    Other PDP leaders, who dumped the party for APC included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives Candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

    Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who dumped the party included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1);Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1); Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

    Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and  Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

    Mr Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government;Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye,media aide to  the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected.

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu opens up on rift with Tinubu

    Gov Sanwo-Olu opens up on rift with Tinubu

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has opened up and addressed the perceived rift between him and President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu on Sunday hosted Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at his private residence in Lagos, where Governor Sanwo-Olu was also in attendance.

    Speaking thereafter, the Governor stressed there was nothing at all between him and the President.

    When asked if there is any discord between him and Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu quipped: “did you see any discord? Can’t you see? There is none”.

    Recall that President Tinubu snubbed Governor Sanwo-Olu at a recent event in Lagos as seen from a video that surfaced on social media.

    Tinubu, on his arrival at the venue of the event, greeted all other All Progressives Congress (APC) governors present but ignored Sanwo-Olu even when the Lagos Governor tried to reach out to the President.

    Addressing the matter further, Sanwo-Olu said: “There are people that believe that they are more catholic than the pope. There are things that you see…people…they cry more than the bereaved.

    “You know…father and son…you know…are things we will always ensure that we clear. There is nothing at all.

    “He is my father. He is my leader and then we are grateful that he has given us the audience today to come in and say hello to him”.

    Sanwo-Olu lauds Tinubu as Lagos gets additional rail coaches

    Meanwhile, in other news, Governor Sanwo-Olu on Sunday thanked President Tinubu for his support towards transport reforms in Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation while  inspecting newly-imported rolling stock for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line project, at the National Theatre Train Terminal,  on Sunday.

    Describing the arrival of the coaches as a significant milestone, the governor said the development would boost the state’s efforts in delivering an efficient and modern rail service.

    He said that the delivery of the rolling stock was made possible through the support of the Federal Government.

    He said that the commitment of the Tinubu administration to Nigeria’s infrastructure development was commendable.

    “We are here today to inspect the newly-delivered coaches for the Blue Line project. These are brand-new coaches. It is part of our ongoing commitment to improving public transportation.

    “We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support. His vision and encouragement have made this possible.

    “This whole funding and the capacity for us as a state government to have embarked on this very transaction was made possible by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who supported us financially and extensively in the procurement of this additional rolling stock,” he said.

    According to him, the new coaches will complement existing ones and help to reduce turnaround time, thereby significantly cutting travel time for millions of Lagos residents.

    The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to its THEMES Plus Agenda.

    He  pledged to complete the rail project on schedule, adding that the trains would meet the highest standard of safety and comfort.

    “With this new set, we are doubling the capacity that we currently have on the Blue Line.

    “This means that once they are scheduled, you will see a reduction in journey time, you will see a faster turnaround in journey time, and you will see a more reliable and predictable train experience on the Blue Line.” he said.

    The Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, were at the event.

    The Blue Line rail project, being implemented by LAMATA, stretches from Marina on Lagos Island, through Mile 2,  to Okokomaiko, with stations on  key corridors.

  • LASTMA apprehends hit-and-run driver after death of pedestrian

    LASTMA apprehends hit-and-run driver after death of pedestrian

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has apprehended  a driver who allegedly attempted to run away after  causing an accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

    Bakare-Oki said that the lone accident involved a black Toyota Tundra with registration number FST 222 HV and occurred at the Mosalasi Roundabout on New Ipaja Road.

    “Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle, speeding, veered uncontrollably off the carriageway, mounted the pedestrian walkway, and fatally struck a woman who died instantly from the impact.

    “The momentum of the vehicle subsequently propelled it into a nearby private premises known to be engaged in the sale of livestock, where it inflicted significant structural damage to the perimeter fence and an adjoining advertising billboard.

    “The driver, upon realising the gravity of the calamity he caused, made a frantic attempt to flee the scene.

    “However, thanks to the prompt, coordinated and courageous intervention of officials from LASTMA. The suspect was swiftly apprehended and restrained,” he said.

    He added tha LASTMA operatives handed the driver over to security personnel from the Gowon Estate Command, who were present at the scene of the incident.

    “The remains of the deceased woman were respectfully relinquished to officers of the Nigeria Police Force for requisite procedures.

    “Subsequent developments confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing rigorous interrogation by police authorities as part of an ongoing and thorough investigation into the incident,” he said.

    The LASTMA boss expressed sadness  over the loss of life and condoled with the bereaved family.

    Bakare-Oki charged motorists  to subject their vehicles to routine safety checks, with particular emphasis on the integrity of braking systems.

    He said that adherence to traffic regulations was not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative to safeguard lives and property.

    “The Lagos state traffic management authority remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing traffic laws and promoting road safety culture throughout the state,” he said.

  • Federal High Court sets date to end manual filing of cases in Lagos division

    Federal High Court sets date to end manual filing of cases in Lagos division

    The Federal High Court of Nigeria says that the final date for the manual filing of new cases in the Lagos Judicial Division will end on June 20 as the e-filling platform will become operational from June 23.

    A statement by the Chief Registrar of the court, Mr Sulaiman Hassan, said that all cases instituted prior to the go-live date would, however, continue to be processed manually, until judgment was delivered.

    “Any lawyer who, either deliberately or inadvertently, understates the amount claimed, or incorrectly declares the number or type of documents filled, thereby causing an under-assessment of prescribed fees, shall be liable to pay the balance due together with a penalty in the sum of ten thousand naira (N10,000) for each filling.”

    Hassan also said that to ensure a seamless transition, all legal practitioners are required to obtained their legal mail accounts before the go-live date.

    He said this was because possession of a legal mail address was a mandatory prerequisite for access to the e-filling platform.

    “Lawyers can visit https://nigerianbar.ng and apply for their Legal Mail. Documents that require an oath must be submitted to the court via the e-affidavit platform (https://affidavit.courts.gov.ng) and the deponent must appear before the commissioner for oaths for the administration of the oath.

    “It shall be necessary for each law chamber to upload all relevant documents relating to its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on the e-filling platform, while creating the chambers’ profile,” she said.

    The chief registrar also said that a two-day interactive session on the e-filling system would be convened to further shed more light on how it can be done seamlessly.

  • Lagos to amend kingship, chieftaincy laws

    Lagos to amend kingship, chieftaincy laws

    The Lagos State Government has commenced a comprehensive review of the Obas and Chiefs Law of 2015 to address gaps in the existing laws.

    The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), made the disclosure on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Alausa, Ikeja.

    The commissioner described the review as a deliberate move by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to modernise the law in line with the current realities and good governance.

    Pedro lamented the erosion of respect for traditional institutions, blaming it on a combination of misconduct, proliferation of unverified chieftaincy titles, and prolonged litigation over succession rights.

    “Our royal fathers remain symbols of cultural continuity and community leadership.

    “But today, with due respect, the institution is under threat from land grabbing, unlawful upgrades, and chieftaincy titles not rooted in the community’s customs,” he said.

    The commissioner added that the review was aimed at addressing gaps in the existing law and redefining the roles of traditional rulers to include conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and partnership in community development.

    According to him, the proposed amendments will formally recognise traditional rulers as partners in maintaining law and order, mediating disputes, and conveying government policies to grassroots communities.

    “The law must evolve. Our Obas can help reduce crime by mediating disputes, gathering public feedback, and promoting community initiatives.

    “Also,there is a need to restore integrity to the process of conferring chieftaincy titles. Only persons of proven honour and community ties should be eligible.

    “This process is about partnership, not imposition as we want a law that preserves heritage while promoting justice, peace, and good governance.” he said.

    Many traditional rulers across the state attended the meeting and made inputs on the proposed amendment.

    They unanimously urged the state government to give them one month to study the proposed bill to give quality feedback.

    The traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, called for greater legal clarity on the status of divisional and provincial chieftaincy councils.

    He urged the state government to act against individuals falsely parading themselves as Obas.

    “We want a clear legal distinction between traditional and provincial councils. We have reported impostors multiple times, yet no action has been taken.This must stop,” he said.

    The tradition ruler also objected to any attempt to alter the current leadership structure of the State Council of Obas, which recognises four vice-chairmen from the state’s four traditional divisions.

    He insisted that local Chief Transit Committees should be consulted before any appointments are made at the state level, urging the government to ensure chiefs are not excluded from the ongoing reform.

    Shotobi requested one month for traditional rulers to review the draft law and return with coordinated input.

    He also asked for a legal framework to give recognition to traditional dispute resolutions handled within palaces.

    “Our decisions are sometimes ignored in court due to lack of legal backing. We need enabling laws to make our rulings count,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Hammed Oyenuga, said the forum presented a rare chance for collaboration among stakeholders in traditional governance.

    “This gathering presents a unique opportunity for robust dialogue, reflection, and collaboration as we seek to strengthen the law that directly impacts our revered traditional institutions and the communities they serve,” he said.

    Oyenuga further said that the law must be updated to align with contemporary realities, while respecting cultural heritage.

    The meeting ended with a consensus for further deliberations within four weeks before the final amendments are submitted.

  • Lagos APC inaugurates campaign council for LG polls

    Lagos APC inaugurates campaign council for LG polls

    The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a 40-member campaign council ahead of the July 12 Local Government Elections.

    APC spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Oladejo said the council is chaired by Alh. Babatunde Balogun, immediate past APC Chairman, with Mr Razak Ajala appointed as Secretary.

    He noted that the council is divided into six directorates: Mobilisation, Finance, Security, Media and Publicity, Electoral, and Special Duties.

    The directorates are led by Oyinlomo Danmole, Olufemi Daramola, Dr Razak Balogun, Oluseye Oladejo, Ademola Sadiq, and Dr Lateef Ibirogba.

    Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Abimbola Hundeyin have been appointed as co-ordinators for Lagos West Senatorial District.

    Mr Abayomi Daramola and Mrs Bolanle Olusanya are to co-ordinate Lagos Central and East Senatorial Districts, respectively.

    Chief Sunday Aboyade and Mr Fatai Ayoola will serve as Deputy Co-ordinators for Lagos West Senatorial District.

    Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, congratulated council members, urging them to begin work immediately as the election draws near.

    He urged the team to campaign across all parts of the state to ensure strong voter mobilisation for the APC.

    Ojelabi also encouraged them to highlight the achievements of local governments in Lagos to attract voter support.

    In response, Balogun assured the party of his team’s commitment to delivering on their assignment.

    He pledged that the council would lay a solid foundation for APC’s success in the 2027 General Elections.

    Balogun said the council’s membership includes representatives of various party interest groups and stakeholders.

    According to him, the team features women, youths, artisans, non-indigenes, lawmakers, cabinet members, and state APC executives.

  • Lagos police arrests 23 teenagers terrorising Mushin

    Lagos police arrests 23 teenagers terrorising Mushin

    The Police Command in Lagos State has detained 23 suspected miscreants responsible for the assaults, harassment and stealing from shops and residents in Mushin area of the state.

    The command’ s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Hundeyin said that the teenage suspects, ranging from age 14 to 16 years, were apprehended on Monday at Ishaga, Awolowo and Ojuwoye areas of Mushin.

    “The command appreciates the feedback and concerns raised by members of the community regarding the recent incidents of daylight assaults, harassment and stealing from shops and from innocent members of the public on the streets by the suspects.

    “These reports have informed a thorough review of our operational tactics and strategies,” he said.

    Hundeyin revealed that the command had deployed additional operatives to Mushin to checkmate the activities of the miscreants and apprehend them.

    “In response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has promptly deployed more Police tactical squads, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and other Conventional Police Teams specifically to Mushin and the adjoining areas to bring them to Justice.

    According to him, total normalcy has been restored to Mushin and all other parts of the state.

    “Lagos residents are encouraged to go about their lawful businesses and other activities without fear or apprehension.

    “In addition, the Area Commander covering Mushin has been directed by the CP to meet with the two local government chairmen covering the entire area.

    “They have mapped out strategies to further strengthen our security deployment to ensure optimum security and protection of the residents and traders,” he said.

    The spokesperson said that the raids of the criminal hideouts, identified black spots and slums where the criminal gangs were hiding would continue until the areas are completely rid of the hoodlums and miscreants.

    According to him, the suspects are currently being investigated and they will soon be charged to court.

    The image maker said that CP Jimoh has assured the people of Mushin and the entire state that their safety and security remain a top priority.

    Hundeyin, also urged residents not to hesitate to reach out to the nearest police station if they see or hear anything suspicious around them as officers and men of the command had been charged to respond swiftly.

  • Police detain 6 wanted gang members, recover pistols

    Police detain 6 wanted gang members, recover pistols

    Operatives of the  Police Command in Lagos State have apprehended six suspected gang members,  wanted for terrorising  communities in the state.

    The commmand’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this  in a statement on Monday.

    He said the suspects, between the ages of 28 and 48 were apprehended during a routine patrol on Thursday.

    “The operation is part of the command’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and enhance public safety.

    “The suspects were intercepted and questioned but failed to provide satisfactory information regarding their movements and identities, raising suspicion.

    “A thorough search led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 17 live cartridges, and an unregistered 1999 Toyota Camry, ” he said.

    Hundeyin said that further investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a notorious gang previously listed on the police watchlist for operating across several locations within the Lagos metropolis.

    According to him, the suspects are currently cooperating with investigators and have provided useful information to help uncover additional leads and identify accomplices.

    “Investigations are ongoing as the command intensified efforts to ensure that all criminal elements are brought to justice.

    “Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly, ” he said.

    The image maker said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating crime across the state.

    “The commissioner  urges residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

    ”He assures the people of Lagos that the command remains fully dedicated to protecting lives and property, and to upholding peace and security throughout the state,” Hundeyin said.

  • Lagos govt opens application for N150m Agrithon competition

    Lagos govt opens application for N150m Agrithon competition

    The Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has officially launched the application portal for the Lagos Agrithon 2025 for youths in the state.

    The state’s commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this at a press briefing on Monday in Lagos.

    Lagos Agrithon is an agricultural hackathon that provides a unique platform for startups to pitch their groundbreaking solutions to get access to funding, potential investors, mentorship and enhanced visibility across the agricultural value chain in Nigeria.

    It is aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and overall efficiency in agriculture.

    The Lagos Agrithon started in 2024 to address the challenges of food insecurity, and climate change in agrifood ecosystem.

    Olusanya noted that the Lagos Agrithon was borne out of the need to address the challenges in agriculture sector with innovative ideas and pitches.

    She said the portal for application of the Lagos Agrithon competition open on June 2 to June 27 for all eligible agriprenuers.

    “It is with great optimism and purpose that I welcome you to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems for this important briefing, the official launch of LAGOS AGRITHON 2025.

    “Lagos must act boldly – leveraging policy, partnerships, and innovation, to secure the future of food for its people, this is why Lagos Agrithon was born.

    “Lagos Agrithon is more than a contest. It is a movement. A platform for bold ideas, for youth-led innovation, and for scalable solutions that tackle the food challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

    “Starting June 2,  we open applications for LAGOS AGRITHON 2025. This year, we are proud to announce our large grant pool of ₦150 million, which will be awarded to at least 35 promising agrifood startups and teams across key value chains in the state’s food systems,” Olusanya said.

    The commissioner also reiterated that applicants must meet the necessary requirements to be considered for the application.

    “Building on the success of last year, where we supported 26 youth-led agribusinesses with ₦100 million, the 2025 edition expands the programme to include: virtual and physical pitch sessions, Mentorship hub to strengthen business models and sharpen execution.

    “At the Grand Finale, the winners would be announced during the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0, our flagship platform for connecting agrifood innovators with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.

    “Youths between 18 to 40 years old with start-ups between zero to five years operating in the agriculture or food systems space, Lagos-based or creating measurable impact in Lagos are eligible to apply.

    “They must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and enrolled with LASSRA.

    “The kind of ideas we are looking for are climate-smart and sustainable agriculture, food production and processing across the value chain, precision farming, agri-fintech, and digital innovation, post-harvest storage, logistics, and food traceability,” the commissioner said.

    She added that interested participants must complete the online registration form and submit a pitch deck that clearly explains the problem they are solving, their solution, and the impact they hope to achieve.

    “Full details are available on the Lagos Agrinnovation and Ministry websites.

    “Lagos Agrithon 2025 is not just a programme.

    It is a strategic response to a real and growing challenge. It is an investment in the minds and hands that will feed our future.

    “On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, I call on our young innovators, development partners, investors, educators, and the media to join us in making this movement a success.

    “Let us shape the future of food systems in Lagos together,” she said.

    On her part, Mrs Feyisayo Alayande, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), urged the youth to take advantage of the Lagos Agrithon.

    “We were impressed by the calibre of pitches we saw at last year’s Agrithon competition.

    “We are proud of the good work the Agric. ministry is doing in Lagos State, from crop farming to animal farming, it just made us realise that there is a lot of work to be done.

    “I urge all the youth out there to bring their A-game to this competition do not take this opportunity for granted.

    “If you are unable to pitch your agribusiness appropriately, get someone to help you, you can even get a mentor to help boost your chances,” Alayande said.

    Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Audu, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, said the selection process of eligible agriprenuers would be done in fairness.

    “This year, we invite everyone without discrimination, so far your business is in Lagos and you are impacting Lagos.

    “Come take advantage of this opportunity, and we are ready to provide not just the funding, but also available to provide the technical expertise that you require to take your agribusiness, to the next level,” Audu said.