The Lagos State Government is set to launch a series of critical stakeholders’ forums across the state’s five administrative divisions, aiming to engage directly with farmers, assess their needs, and collaboratively identify sustainable solutions to their most urgent challenges.
EpeInsights reports that the General Manager of the Lagos State Agricultural Input Supply Authority (LAISA), Mrs. Olufolake Oluyemi, revealed this initiative while speaking on a radio programme at Ikeja.
Mrs. Oluyemi noted that her initial direct engagements with farmers, following her appointment as the Accounting Officer at LAISA, have provided valuable insights into the real challenges facing the agricultural community. She noted that these interactions offered farmers an essential opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the government.
She also emphasized the Babajide Olusola administration’s commitment to food security, affirming that LAISA’s main mandate is to procure high-quality agricultural inputs at wholesale prices and distribute them to farmers at affordable rates.
“Under my leadership, LAISA is committed to direct engagement and understanding,” said Mrs. Oluyemi. “The days of assuming we know what farmers need are over. These forums across the divisions reflect our new approach. We understand that the needs of farmers in riverine communities like Badagry might differ greatly from those in other areas of the state.”
Mrs. Oluyemi further explained, “For example, while our fishermen in Badagry are asking for access to affordable fishing nets and boat engines, our crop farmers are urgently requesting seedlings and other critical supplies ahead of the planting season.”
Since taking office about six months ago, Mrs. Oluyemi has been implementing a series of innovative initiatives to improve the livelihoods of farmers. These initiatives include fostering close relationships with cooperative societies to facilitate the procurement of agricultural inputs through thrift mechanisms. Additionally, LAISA is developing a dedicated mobile application that will allow farmers to easily access and purchase agricultural inputs online.
She expressed her gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State for his continuous support of the agency, and also praised the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Ruth Abisola, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, for their ongoing collaboration in advancing the agricultural sector in Lagos.
