The Lagos State Government, through the State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), has called for the adoption of integrated urban farming solutions to address food insecurity and promote sustainable food systems across the state.

This call was made during a one-day Stakeholders’ Workshop on Urban Agriculture held at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin. The workshop aimed to sensitise Heads of Agriculture Units from the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), as well as environmental health officers, on the strategic importance of urban agriculture.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya—represented by Dr. Rasheed Macaulay, Director of Veterinary Services—stressed the urgency of promoting urban agricultural land use and increasing grassroots awareness. She said that cascading this knowledge with the right education and technical support was vital for building a sustainable food future.

“Integrating agriculture into urban landscapes reduces reliance on external food sources, cuts down transportation costs, and improves access to fresh, nutritious produce,” Olusanya said. “The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and its agencies, is fully committed to this vision. We are developing enabling policies, strengthening extension services, supporting innovation, and partnering with local councils to scale up urban farming across the state.”

She also noted that urban agriculture must evolve from small pilot schemes to being embedded in schools, homes, markets, and faith-based institutions.

LSADA Programme Manager, Mr. Alade Aliru, highlighted the benefits of cultivating food close to where it is consumed. He explained that this approach reduces the environmental impact of food transportation while fostering greener, healthier cities.

“This workshop is designed to engage stakeholders on the opportunities and practical strategies for implementing urban agriculture in their local communities,” Aliru said. “From backyard gardens to vertical farms and container planting, urban agriculture is becoming a key part of our evolving food ecosystem.”

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Emmanuel Fatai Audu—represented by Director of Fisheries, Mr. Daisi Agarrey—emphasized that rapid urbanisation has placed immense pressure on land and food systems. He described urban farming as a strategic response.

“Urban agriculture is no longer a choice—it is a necessity,” Audu stated. “It’s not just about growing food; it’s about building healthier communities, greener environments, and resilient livelihoods.”

The workshop forms part of Lagos State’s broader commitment to sustainable development and environmental resilience through innovative agricultural practices.

The Lagos State Police Command has granted bail to Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, following an investigation into a viral video showing him holding what appeared to be a gun-like object during an encounter with a content creator.

Pastor Adefarasin voluntarily turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday and was subsequently interrogated.

In a statement, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the object in question was not a firearm but a stun gun, a non-lethal device classified as prohibited anti-riot equipment.

“Pastor Paul Adefarasin, who turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command over a viral video where he was seen holding a gun-like object against another road user, was interrogated and has provided a cautionary statement to police investigators,” Hundeyin stated.

He added: “The object seen in the viral video has been confirmed to be a stun gun. While it is not a lethal weapon or firearm, it falls under the category of prohibited anti-riot equipment.”

Pastor Adefarasin has since been granted bail as investigations into the incident continue.

Rapid Response: Lagos CP Says Police Now React Within 5 Minutes

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olorundare Jimoh, has said that the command’s response time to crimes such as robbery and public order violations has been reduced to just five minutes.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Jimoh stated, “Our response time to crime is now less than 10 minutes. We have even brought it down to five minutes. Once we receive a call, we are there within five minutes.”

He assured residents of Lagos that the state remains safe and secure, adding that proactive policing has helped prevent many violent crimes before they occur.

“In most cases, we reach criminal elements before they can cause harm. And for crimes that do occur, our detection is swift, serving as a deterrent to others,” he said.

Jimoh noted that the Lagos Police Command has significantly curtailed violent crimes and successfully eliminated traffic robbery within the state.

On State Police and Security Funding

Commenting on the broader issue of security in Nigeria, CP Jimoh expressed reservations about the push for state police, insisting that adequate funding of the Nigeria Police Force is a more effective solution.

“State police is not the answer to our security challenges,” he asserted. “The real issue is proper funding, which the Federal Government is already addressing. Many advocates for state policing overlook the fact that unitary policing works effectively in other parts of the world.”

He also highlighted improvements in police conduct, saying that officers have become more professional and responsive over time.

On the Upcoming Local Government Elections

Regarding the July 12, 2025, local government elections in Lagos, CP Jimoh said the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) would determine whether a restriction of movement would be enforced.

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“Any restriction will be based on the electoral body’s directive. However, if there’s a credible threat to the election, we may enforce a limited restriction—not a total lockdown. We are prepared to deploy enough personnel to ensure a smooth and peaceful election,” he stated.