Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Government has called for applications for the 2025 edition of Agrithon contest with a N150 million grant to support innovation and boost agricultural production in the state.
Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, made the disclosure at a press briefing on Monday in Lagos, adding that the grant will be awarded to at least 35 promising agrifood startups and youth – led teams across the state.
Applications for the grant opens from June 2 to June 27, 2025.
“Lagos Agrithon is more than a contest. It is a movement. A platform for bold ideas, youth-led innovation, and scalable solutions that tackle the food challenges of today and anticipate those of the future.
Olusanya emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative amid rising pressure on Lagos’ food systems.
“Despite being the largest consumer of food in Nigeria, Lagos currently produces less than 30% of its food requirements. As the state’s population is projected to exceed 30 million by 2035, ensuring food security has become an economic, environmental, and social imperative.
“Agrithon 2025 is focused on identifying and accelerating transformative solutions across several high-impact areas. These include innovations in urban and vertical farming, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and rooftop gardens; advancement in aquaculture and fisheries; and improvements in agro-processing and value addition.
“The initiative also seeks novel approaches to post-harvest storage and food logistics, as well as enhanced horticulture and vegetable crop production.
“Other priority areas include the promotion of agritourism and eco-farming, the empowerment of youth and women-led agribusiness ventures, and the integration of climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices. Lagos Agrithon also encourages cutting-edge work in agri-fintech, precision farming, and digital innovation, as well as solutions aimed at improving market access and food affordability for urban populations.
For applicants to qualify, she said that one must be a young entrepreneur between 18 to 40 years, leading a startup between 0 and 5 years old within the agriculture or food systems sector.
Olusanya further stated that eligible ventures must be based in Lagos State or demonstrate measurable impact within the state and such must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA).
Interested applicants are required to submit an online registration form along with a pitch deck detailing the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, and the anticipated impact of their innovation.
According to the Commissioner, “Beyond funding, Agrithon 2025 will provide a robust support ecosystem. This includes virtual and physical pitch sessions, access to a dedicated mentorship hub, and participation in a Grand Finale event that will bring together investors, policymakers, industry experts, and top-performing agripreneurs. This event will serve as a premier platform for showcasing the most promising innovations in the state’s agri-food sector.
“This is a strategic response to a real and growing challenge. It is an investment in the minds and hands that will feed our future,” Olusanya emphasised, while calling on partners, educators, the media, and investors to rally behind the initiative.
She also noted that previous winners of the Agrithon are not eligible for this edition and urged aspiring young agripreneurs to visit the Lagos Agrinnovation and Ministry of Agriculture websites for full details and to apply.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Feyisayo Alayanda, encouraged youth in the state to take full advantage of opportunities like Agrithon 2025 to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state’s food systems and broader agricultural sector.
The launch event was attended by Mr. Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Directors from the Ministry, Representatives from LSETF, Private sector partners, and a wide array of young agricultural entrepreneurs.
