Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural education, innovation, and youth inclusiveness in the agricultural value chain through the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition.
Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, reinstated the state government strategic engagement at this year’s edition of the competition, organised by her ministry.
A total of 28 secondary schools across the State participated in the Quiz Competition which is usually part of the activities commemorating World Food Day in Lagos. Participants showcased their knowledge, confidence, and passion for agriculture.
The event held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together bright students from public secondary schools across the state to showcase their knowledge and passion for agriculture.
Ms. Olusanya, described the competition as a strategic platform for nurturing the next generation of agricultural thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will drive food security and sustainable development in Lagos State.
She emphasised that the initiative reflects the state government’s continuous investment in education and human capacity as vital components of agricultural transformation.
Ms Olusanya noted that the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition was designed to promote agricultural awareness, encourage academic excellence, and inspire young people to explore the numerous opportunities within the agricultural value chain. According to her, the competition seeks to stimulate students’ interest in agriculture, reinforce its importance in national development, and encourage the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable practices.
She stated that the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition is not just a contest but an investment in the future of the state and the nation.
“By inspiring young people to explore the vast opportunities in agriculture, we are preparing a new generation of thinkers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will drive food security and sustainable development,” she said.
The Commissioner explained that participants were tested in key areas such as Crop Production, Animal Science, Fisheries, Soil Science, Agribusiness, and Agro-technology, reflecting the diversity and richness of the agricultural sector and the exciting prospects it offers for innovation and enterprise.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, commended teachers and students from various schools across the state for their enthusiasm and participation in the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition.
He described the event as a unique platform that continually showcases the brilliance, creativity, and growing knowledge of young students in agriculture.
“The Ministry looks forward to the competition every year as an opportunity to discover new talents and assess the progress made in strengthening agricultural education in Lagos State,” he added.
Dr. Fashola encouraged students to take pride in learning about agriculture, emphasising that there is dignity in understanding and practising it. He noted that one does not have to be a professional farmer to contribute to agricultural growth, as everyone can engage in small-scale efforts such as maintaining a home garden or cultivating crops around their schools or residences.
He noted that agriculture is not just a profession, but a way of life, and explained that promoting small-scale agricultural practices among individuals and households can help reduce pressure on the food system while enhancing food availability across the state.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, commended the students for their outstanding performances and intellectual brilliance during the competition. He described the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz as a testament to the state government’s unwavering commitment to developing young minds and promoting knowledge-driven growth in the agricultural sector.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the state’s strategic vision of positioning agriculture as a viable tool for youth empowerment, food security, and sustainable economic development.
