The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged women across the state to embrace urban agriculture as a strategic means to boost food security, enhance household nutrition, and promote environmental sustainability.
EpeInsights gathered that Dr. Sanwo-Olu made the call during an exclusive interview with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) at the Lagos State House, Marina, as part of activities commemorating LSADA’s 30th anniversary.
Highlighting the power of home-based farming, the First Lady emphasized that lack of land should not deter anyone from growing their own food. “You don’t need a large plot of land to grow food,” she said.
“With buckets, old tyres, and containers, anyone can start a home garden. Fish farming and vegetable cultivation are great options that can thrive within limited spaces.”
She further advocated for the adoption of hydroponics, a soil-less farming method ideal for urban dwellers. “Hydroponics allows people living in apartments or areas with minimal space to grow food efficiently,” she explained.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu also drew attention to the “Every Home a Garden” project — an initiative aimed at encouraging households to cultivate food using simple and accessible methods. This project supports the Renewed Hope Initiative led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which seeks to empower women and youth nationwide through agricultural development.
“As part of this initiative, we’ve been mandated to establish Young Farmers’ Clubs in schools and communities,” she disclosed. “These clubs are not only educational but also practical, offering tools such as seedlings, buckets, wheelbarrows, and fertilizers to encourage hands-on participation.”
The First Lady, a self-professed lover of nature, shared her personal joy in gardening. “There’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing life emerge from a seed, it teaches patience, responsibility, and hope.”
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to food resilience, she highlighted the ongoing development of Food Hubs and Agricultural Innovation Hubs across the state’s five divisions. “These hubs aim to improve access to fresh produce and strengthen the agricultural value chain,” she said.
To underscore her personal commitment to urban agriculture, Dr. Sanwo-Olu gave the LSADA team a tour of her home garden, where she grows vegetables and operates a small-scale fish farm.
In recognition of her support and contributions to urban agriculture, LSADA presented the First Lady with a 50kg capacity fish smoking kiln, a token of appreciation and encouragement for her advocacy.
