….opens application for Agrithons 2025 June prospective participants

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has announced a large grant pool of ₦150 million to be awarded to at least 35 promising agrifood startups and teams across key value chains in the food systems as part of boosting food security in the state.

This is coming as it opened applications for “LAGOS AGRITHON 2025”, contest for prospective participants which commenced on Monday, June 2, to end on June 27, 2025.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Bisola Olusanya, made the remarks on Monday, during a media conference to announce commencement of Agrithons 2025, in collaboration with the Lags State Employment Trust Fund, LSTEF, held at Aluasa, Ikeja.

Olusanya noted that with the state population projected to exceed 30 million by 2035, the growing demand places immense pressure on Lagos food systems, supply chains, and affordability.

According to her, “Today, we stand at a critical juncture, as Nigeria’s economic and population centre, Lagos consumes more food than any other state in the country. Yet, it produces less than 30 per cent of its food needs.

“The future of food in Lagos is not just an agricultural issue – it is an economic, environmental and social imperative

“Despite rapid urbanisation and limited arable land, Lagos holds several untapped opportunities in agriculture and food production that can significantly boost food security, drive economic growth, and generate employment.

“These opportunities span a wide range of innovative and scalable solutions: Urban and vertical farming (such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and rooftop gardens) to maximise production in space-constrained areas. Aquaculture and fisheries, leveraging the state’s coastal and inland waterways for fish farming and processing facilities.

“Agro-processing and value addition, converting raw produce into market-ready products for both local and export markets. Food supply chain and logistics development, improving food storage, distribution, and market linkages to reduce post-harvest losses, and vegetable and horticultural crop production, focusing on high-demand produce where Lagos has a comparative advantage.

“Modernisation and expansion of urban food markets, enhancing food access and creating platforms for smallholder farmers.

“Agritourism ventures, such as farm tours, eco-farms, and food festivals to attract visitors and diversify rural income streams, among others.

“However, within the challenges of food insecurity, climate change, and urban constraints lie powerful opportunities to innovate, reimagine, and build a smarter, more resilient agrifood ecosystem.

“Lagos must act boldly-leveraging policy, partnerships, and innovation to secure the future of food for its people, this is why Lagos Agrithon was born.

“Lagos Agrithon is more than a contest. It is a movement. A platform for bold ideas, for youth-led innovation, and for scalable solutions that tackle the food challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Starting today, Monday, 2nd June, we open applications for “LAGOS AGRITHON 2025”.

“This year, we are proud to announce our large grant pool of ₦150 million, which will be awarded to at least 35 promising agrifood startups and teams across key value chains in the state’s food systems.

“Building on the success of last year, where we supported 26 youth-led agribusinesses with ₦100 million, the 2025 edition expands the programme to include virtual and physical pitch sessions, a mentorship hub to strengthen business models and sharpen execution, and a grand finale, where the winners would be announced during the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0, our flagship platform for connecting agrifood innovators with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.”

Olusanya listed those eligible for the contest as youth between 18 and 40 years old with startups between 0 and 0–5 years, operating in the agriculture or food systems space and must be a Lagos-based or creating measurable impact in Lagos.

Others are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and enrolled with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASRRA, solving a real, well-defined challenge in the food or agriculture sector. Food production and processing across the value chain, precision farming, agri-fintech, and digital innovation, among others.

“These are not just priority areas they are the frontlines of our fight for a food-secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven Lagos. Applications will be judged on innovation and originality, feasibility and contextual relevance, market viability and impact potential, sustainability and eco-alignment, presentation clarity and team strength.

“Lagos Agrithon 2025 is not just a programme. It is a strategic response to a real and growing challenge. It is an investment in the minds and hands that will feed our future.

“On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, I call on our young innovators, development partners, investors, educators, and the media to join us in making this movement a success.”

Olusanya, however, added that interested participants must complete the online registration form and submit a pitch deck that clearly explains the problem they are solving, their solution, and the impact they hope to achieve, while full details are available on the Lagos Agrinnovation and Ministry websites.