The inaugural Lagos Agrinnovation Summit, themed “Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation,” has underscored the transformative potential of innovation in agriculture. Held at the University of the Witswatersrand, the summit brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and agripreneurs to tackle Nigeria’s agricultural challenges.
A key highlight was the keynote address by Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince Samuel J. Samuel, who championed innovation as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural future.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, opened the three-day event with a rallying call for innovative practices to build resilient food systems and combat food waste.
He emphasized the role of youth in driving agricultural transformation, stating, “Their energy and ideas are the catalysts for progress.” Governor Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to creating a sustainable agribusiness ecosystem that addresses local food needs while positioning Lagos as a continental leader in food security.
Prince Samuel’s keynote struck an inspiring tone, advocating for cluster farming as a strategy to reduce waste, maximize efficiency, and bolster food security. “No place on Earth provides greater opportunities than Nigeria, especially in agriculture,” he said, urging young Nigerians to see agriculture as a viable path to economic empowerment. He highlighted agriculture’s multidisciplinary nature, stating, “Agriculture connects everything—you must be an engineer, economist, and innovator to succeed.”
Prince Samuel further described agriculture as a 10 billion dollar opportunity in Lagos alone, thanks to the city’s robust logistics and production infrastructure. Addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity and climate change, he called on stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s potential to become a global leader in sustainable food systems.
The summit also celebrated the Lagos Agrinnovation Club, an initiative that fosters collaboration among young agripreneurs. In a significant show of support, the Lagos State government awarded 100 million naira in grants to 25 finalists of the Lagos Agrithon program. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, underscored the importance of inclusivity, saying, “This space is for everyone, especially our youth, who are redefining the face of agriculture in Nigeria.”
Prince Samuel’s address was enriched with global insights, drawing on data from organizations like the FAO and WFP. With the global food market valued at 8 trillion dollars and sustainable food demand rising, he urged Nigeria to seize this opportunity. He also encouraged youth to embrace resilience, preparation, and mentorship, stating, “Each of us has challenges to overcome—the key is to remain steadfast and seize opportunities.”
Origin Tech Group’s contributions extend beyond advocacy. As a leading agricultural value-chain conglomerate, the company has been a vital partner in transforming Nigeria’s agritech and food systems. Aligned with Lagos State’s Five-Year Agricultural Roadmap, Origin Tech Group aims to increase local food production and self-sufficiency from 18 to 40 percenty through innovative partnerships.
The group has also collaborated with the Federal Government on the Greener Hope Large Scale Mechanisation Agriculture Productivity Programme, GHAPP), a landmark initiative designed to modernize farming, reduce post-harvest losses, and significantly boost crop yields. GHAPP, a joint effort between the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Sanitation, and Origin Tech Group, is poised to revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria.
As the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit concluded, it left a clear message: with innovation, collaboration, and commitment, Nigeria can transform its agricultural landscape, fostering food security, economic growth, and sustainable development. Origin Tech Group remains a key driver of this vision, aligning cutting-edge technology with strategic investments to position Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse.