Lagos Lines Up Walk, Quiz and Finale for 2026 World Food Day

The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has unveiled a road walk, a scholars' quiz competition and a grand finale to mark the 2026 World Food Day, with about 3,500 stakeholders from various agricultural value chains expected to take part.

 

Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture, announced the programme at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

 

World Food Day is observed every year on Oct. 16 to mark the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1945. The day also gives the global community an opportunity to renew its commitment to fighting hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.

 

Fashola restated the Lagos State Government's commitment to food security and to ensuring that residents have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious and affordable food.

 

He said this year's theme, "Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow," was in line with the state's food systems transformation agenda.

 

"Beyond the commemoration, World Food Day serves as a rallying point for governments, development partners, farmers, private-sector actors, researchers, innovators and communities.

 

"This is for them to work together towards sustainable food systems and a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe, nutritious and affordable food.

 

"The theme for this year's celebration, 'Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,' is both timely and reflective of the direction of the Lagos State Government's food systems transformation agenda.

 

"It calls for a renewed commitment to harnessing innovation, technology, research and sustainable practices across the agricultural value chain," he said.

With the state's population growing and demand for food rising, Fashola said innovation was no longer an option for Lagos but a necessity.

 

He said the state must find smarter ways to raise agricultural productivity, cut post-harvest losses and improve processing and storage. It would also strengthen food distribution networks, widen market access and create decent jobs, he added.

 

"The food security we desire tomorrow will ultimately depend on the innovations we promote, the investments we make and the partnerships we build today," Fashola said.

 

The special adviser said the ministry would deepen its collaboration with farmers, private-sector investors, development partners, research institutions and technology providers.

 

He said it would also empower farmers and agripreneurs, encourage youth participation, make use of technology and data, and support efficient food systems.

 

"In essence, 'Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow' is not merely a theme; it is a call to action for all of us.

 

"It is a call to build today the food systems we want to see tomorrow," he said.

 

Fashola said 3,500 value-chain stakeholders were expected to showcase agricultural produce and equipment during the celebration, which will feature a road walk, the Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition and a grand finale.

 

> World Food Day 2026: Lagos schedule

 

> Road walk · Thursday, Oct. 8 · 8 a.m.

> From JJT Park, opposite the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, to Allen Avenue Roundabout and back.

> Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition · Wednesday, Oct. 14 · 10 a.m.

> Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin.

> Grand finale· Friday, Oct. 16 · 10 a.m.

> Ikeja Police College Parade Ground. Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is Special Guest of Honour.

 

Fashola thanked the ministry's partners for their support towards a successful World Food Day celebration in Lagos. He urged stakeholders to take part in the events and asked the media to give the activities adequate coverage.

 

The ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Audu, called on farmers, food vendors, traders and other stakeholders in agriculture to participate fully.

 

"We are commencing the World Food Celebration with a walk on Thursday, here at Alausa.

 

"It's not just a walk but also it is to demonstrate that our food system champions in Lagos State are very healthy and are up to the tasks.

 

"We want to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring sustainable food production in the better breadth of Lagos State," he said.

 

Audu also thanked the governor for supporting the ministry's projects and plans.

 

"That's why we have been successful since they began," he said.