Lagos to use other states for cultivation of rice

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday said the government is in the process of acquiring an estimated 32,000 hectares of farmland for rice cultivation in seven states.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke in Lagos, on the occasion of this year’s Grand Finale of the World Food Day in Lagos, listed the states to include Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and Kebbi as well as Lagos.

He noted that a key component in the food security programme of the state government is the 32-metric ton per hour capacity Integrated Rice Mill in Imota, which is expected to be completed and commissioned in the next seven months.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folasade Jaji, noted that when completed, the mill would ensure sustainable supply of wholesome rice at an affordable price to the populace in Lagos and help to reduce rice importation into the Nigerian economy.

He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration with the theme: “Our Actions Our Future: Healthy Diets for a Zero Hunger World,” spoke to the need for a collective action towards not only increasing food production, but also ensuring that adequate attention was paid to the quality of food being consumed.