The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has boasted that his administration has empowered 1, 786 women and youths in different agriculture value chains across the state as part of the efforts of the state government to create jobs.
The governor made this disclosure in Alausa, Ikeja during the inauguration of the women and youth empowerment program facilitated under the Lagos State Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support project (APPEALS).
APPEALS is a Federal Government of Nigeria -World Bank Assisted program implemented in six participating states of Cross River, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi and Lagos.
It is a six-year project expected to run between 2017 and 2023 to enhance agricultural productivity of small and medium scale farmers and improve value addition along priority value chains in the participating states.
Sanwo-Olu congratulated the 1, 786 people for being the first set of beneficiaries of the agricultural intervention, adding that the state is strongly committed to enhance the agricultural productivity of small and medium-scale farmers and improve the agricultural food value chain.
As you are aware, the APPEALS project is a tripartite agreement between the Lagos State government, the Federal Government and the World Bank.
“Agriculture will offer our people, especially our youths and women, the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, families, communities and nation.”
The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya while speaking, explained that the project would create competitive advantages for youths to boost the state’s economy.
“It is pertinent to note that the APPEALS project is directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations as well as the THEMES agenda of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by exploring and investing in the youth and innovation of technology to create competitive advantages in ensuring Lagos attains a 21st-century economy,” she said.
