Yemisi Izuora
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday officially opened the 10th Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria Conference and Exhibition, emphasizing the state’s commitment to industrialization, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability.
While speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Government, highlighted Nigeria’s projected growth into Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050, making the Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria event crucial for shaping the future of the continent.
The Governor commended the exhibitor’s role in fostering innovation, technology, and investment in agro-processing, food production, packaging, and plastics.
He also emphasized Lagos’ strategic position as a hub for agribusiness, food processing, and manufacturing, offering endless opportunities for innovation.
Sanwo-Olu outlined several initiatives aligned with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, including the development of the Lagos Food Systems and Logistics Hub, a cutting-edge food hub in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, designed to enhance food storage, processing, and distribution.
He also mentioned the Imota Rice Mill, the largest rice mill in Sub-Saharan Africa, which processes over 32 metric tons daily and has created thousands of jobs.
Furthermore, the governor highlighted the state’s support for small and medium-sized enterprises in agro-processing and packaging through financing and technical support.
He also stated the importance of waste management and sustainability, promoting plastic recycling and responsible waste disposal practices across Lagos.
He urged participants to seize the opportunity to forge partnerships, innovate solutions, and drive sustainable growth, ultimately shaping the future of agribusiness, food security, and environmental responsibility in Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa.