Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has come out to say that for Lagos State to become a 21st Century economy, his government will uphold Smart-Agriculture driven by innovative technologies in tandem with international standards.

Babajide revealed that agriculture can boost the state Gross Domestic Product, GDP, aid establishment and growth of small scale industries in every value chain and provide jobs for the youths and women.

Having his say at the maiden edition of the “Eko City Farmers” market, in Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos, Sanwo Olu disclosed that the main motive is to make sure food security and safety are guaranteed for the over 22 million people residents in the state.

He added that the state government will continue to do everything possible to restructure its agricultural sector.

His words, “The State Government will not relent in its efforts to restructure the agricultural sector as there is a need to uphold Smart-Agriculture driven by innovative technologies by bench-marking on international standards for produce markets befitting of Lagos State.

“We are committed to optimally harnessing our comparative advantage in agriculture to grow our GDP, support the establishment and growth of small scale industries in the value chain as well as provide employment for our teeming youths and women.”

“The Eko-City Farmers’ Market initiative was designed as a monthly market to be hosted on the last Sunday of every month. Through this initiative, we will ensure that Agriculture Produce Markets are managed by in conformity with best global standards and practices and also provide a platform for farmers both within the state and from the entire South-Western region to display their products and to also curtail huge post-harvest losses being experienced presently.”

“We plan to develop the Eko City Farmers’ Market into an international Food market and innovation exchange platform.

“We have put in place machinery to ensure the development of a delegate database for the farmers market to develop market linkages for each value chain, and ultimately develop what would be known as the Eko Farmers Community database.

“The Eko City Farmers’ Market is not just a typical farmers market or event. Ours is a 21st-century experience. We have committed modern thinking with specialized local experiences. We have also developed a first of its kind online market linkage opportunities for our farmers.”