In a call for greater environmental responsibility, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, has encouraged those involved in the agricultural value chain, including farmers, food processors, and marketers, to exercise judicious use of water resources.
This call to action occurred during a road walk organised by the Lagos State Government as part of their World Food Day celebrations. The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind.”
World Food Day, marked annually on October 16, is an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations aimed at promoting efforts to combat food insecurity.
Commissioner Olusanya emphasised the increasing scarcity of water resources due to various environmental and human activities. She stressed that conserving water is crucial, as it is essential for sustaining life and food production. She further emphasised that the theme of this year’s celebration underscores the significance of water resources in agriculture, given that water is becoming an increasingly limited resource.
Olusanya stated, “It is, therefore, a privilege as a ministry to be part of the story about how water utilisation can be done in a way that you can utilise the same water for different purposes through recycling.”
She urged everyone involved in the agricultural value chain, whether as farmers, processors, or marketers, to utilise water resources responsibly, recognising that water is indispensable for life and food production.
The commissioner expressed her gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to advancing agriculture in Lagos State and stated her belief in the government’s capacity to further transform the agricultural sector in the region.
Olusanya extended an invitation to the public to join the farmers on October 16 for the grand finale of the World Food Day celebrations, which will include the opportunity to purchase farm produce at affordable prices and interact directly with farmers.
Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Board Director of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, emphasised the importance of conscientious water usage in order to maintain a sustainable environment. She highlighted the foundation’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which they operate, including their collaboration with state governments like Lagos.
Erewa-Meggison shared, “We have collaborated with Lagos State for five years consistently, and we have been able to impact about 2,000 farmers and 5,000 shoppers. We are celebrating 20 years of the foundation and this foundation is giving back to the community.”
She encouraged the public to contribute to the creation and preservation of a sustainable world and to drive the changes needed for a better future. Erewa-Meggison stressed the critical role of water in our lives, particularly within the context of environmental sustainability.
She said, “I join my voice with the commissioner in saying that in the world that we are now, where we are looking at how we can impact the environment in a more sustainable manner.”
Erewa-Meggison underscored the importance of being conscious about water usage, the way people lead their lives, treat one another and prepare for the future and the generations to come. She praised the state government for its commitment to creating a positive impact.
