BY ABIOLA ABIODUN ALABI
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), has emphasised the need to embrace technology-driven agricultural processes to enhance and sustain food security across the state.
This call was made during the 2025 Pre-Season Training, organised for agricultural extension agents, enumerators, and representatives of farmers’ groups. The training, themed: “AI-Powered Urban Agriculture in Lagos State: Enhancing Agricultural Extension Services for Increased Food Production,” aims to equip participants with innovative strategies for the upcoming farming season.
Declaring the two-day training open, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the programme was designed to build the capacity of field officers on the objectives and methodologies of management training plots, demonstration farms, and on-farm adaptive research planned for the year.
Acknowledging the critical role of extension officers in the agricultural value chain, Ms. Olusanya advocated for improved welfare packages for them and encouraged wider use of social media to showcase their activities and successes.
“AI or not AI, what matters most to me is the people who are responsible for deploying any technology required by our farmers. The people must be in the right frame of mind,” she stated.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, described the gathering as an opportunity to reinforce the backbone of Lagos State’s agricultural sector – its farmers and extension officers.
He noted, “Agriculture is no longer solely about manual labour and traditional methods. It is now about intelligence, efficiency, and adaptability. In a fast-changing world, integrating Artificial Intelligence into agriculture is not optional; it is essential.”
Dr. Fashola emphasised that smart agriculture, powered by technologies like AI, enables predictive farming, climate-resilient crop management, and optimal resource utilization. “In Lagos – a state known for its energy, dynamism, and innovation – it is only fitting that we lead Nigeria’s transition into a new era of agritech-driven food production,” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu, stressed that the era of hoes and cutlasses is over, especially in commercial agriculture. “The world has moved on. Today, it’s about technology. Mechanization has evolved into precision agriculture and other smart tools that ensure maximum yields,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Project Manager of LSADA, Engr. Aliru Alade, represented by Mrs. Aderonke Toju-Tubi, Director of Rural Institution Development, highlighted the importance of the annual training as a platform to prepare stakeholders for the new farming season.
He stated, “The theme of this year’s training reflects the Lagos State Government’s forward-thinking vision to harness technology and transform agriculture, especially within our rapidly evolving urban environment.”
Engr. Alade also acknowledged the continued support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing strategic policy direction that has consistently propelled farmer-centered initiatives across the state.
