BATN Foundation, Lagos State Renew Commitment to Food Security at Eko Farm Fair 2026

The BATN Foundation and the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and building a more resilient agricultural ecosystem following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Eko World Food Day celebration.

Held on Friday, October 16, at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja, the event brought together government officials, farmers, agripreneurs, financial institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to explore practical solutions to food security challenges under the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”

The celebration, which featured exhibitions, market linkages, knowledge-sharing sessions, and stakeholder engagement, reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing food security challenges while creating economic opportunities across the agricultural sector.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat highlighted the state’s ambition to increase food sufficiency from approximately 20 per cent to 40 per cent of its food demand through a comprehensive five-year agricultural and food systems roadmap.

According to him, the roadmap prioritises infrastructure and markets, production and processing, human capital development, innovation, and farmer support. Key interventions include the development of a central food security and logistics hub, middle-level agricultural produce hubs, and last-mile distribution networks.

Hamzat commended the BATN Foundation and other development partners for supporting the state’s agricultural development agenda, noting that sustained collaboration remains critical to building a food system that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the administration’s efforts to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain through investments in agricultural training, mechanization, processing, livestock development, aquaculture, and food distribution infrastructure.

She noted that these initiatives reflect a strategic shift towards treating agriculture as an interconnected ecosystem where farmers, processors, traders, logistics providers, financial institutions, and consumers all play vital roles in ensuring food security.

For the BATN Foundation, the success of the Eko Farm Fair reflects the growing impact of long-term partnerships in addressing food security challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.

Speaking at the event, Ruth Owojaiye, Board Director, BATN Foundation, highlighted the impact of the Foundation’s partnership with the Lagos State Government, noting that since 2019, the initiative has improved the livelihoods of more than 4,000 smallholder farmers, engaged over 10,000 shoppers, and facilitated millions of naira in income for participating farmers.

She said the Eko World Food Day demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating economic opportunities for farmers and agripreneurs while strengthening connections across the agricultural value chain.

Owojaiye further reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development, revealing that it has invested more than ₦5 billion in empowerment initiatives and reached over 1.9 million beneficiaries through interventions such as agricultural training, input support, and improved access to water.

She stressed that achieving long-term food security will require continued investment in women, youth, rural communities, and smallholder farmers by providing them with the knowledge, resources, technology, and partnerships needed to thrive within the agricultural economy.

Ultimately, the 2026 Eko World Food Day celebration underscored the importance of connecting people to opportunities. From smallholder farmers and young agripreneurs to consumers and investors, the event demonstrated how stronger partnerships can create lasting economic value while advancing food security for all.