Lagos, Oct. 11, 2024 (TheGavel) — Stakeholders from Mushin Constituency in Lagos State have called on residents to remain patient amid rising food prices and to consider adopting homestead farming as a viable solution to alleviate the ongoing food crisis in the country.
The appeal was made during the 9th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting for Mushin Constituency 1, held in Mushin, Lagos State. The stakeholders expressed optimism for better days ahead and encouraged both youth and healthy individuals to embrace the practice of homestead farming, which involves growing food at home to combat food shortages.
Mr. Samuel Olaleye, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the state’s commitment to addressing challenges within the food sector. He highlighted that the youth population is abundant enough to engage in agriculture. “What we need now is to encourage homestead farming, which means bringing food production to our houses and immediate environment,” he stated.
Olaleye noted that many households have spaces suitable for cultivating crops or raising animals. He stressed that if Nigerians utilize their available environments for food production, it would significantly reduce the pressure on market vendors and help lower food prices. “Lagos State has about 22 million mouths to feed every year, three times a day. It is our collective responsibility to work, no matter how small, to produce farm goods,” he added.
Former Federal Lawmaker, Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, also addressed the gathering, urging constituents to remain patient with current challenges. He reassured attendees that the discussions on agriculture would offer solutions to the food crises affecting the nation. Solomon referenced improvements in infrastructure, stating, “If we recall, before Tinubu’s administration, we were all clamoring for good roads, but now our roads are being fixed, and more will continue to be repaired.” He expressed confidence that the government’s agricultural interventions would yield positive results.
Mr. Muri Afolabi, an artisan from Mushin, echoed the need for improved infrastructure, specifically urging authorities to repair the worsening road conditions at Shiloh. He remarked that the industrious youth in Mushin possess valuable ideas that could contribute to agricultural development if they are included in the implementation of the agricultural schemes.
Afolabi thanked the authorities for their efforts to address the food crises, stating that these initiatives would greatly benefit the community and improve the overall well-being of its residents. (NAN)
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