The Agrithon 2025 competition was launched in June with 1,000 agriprenuers but was further shortlisted to 36 applicants following various vigorous exercises.

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems in the state, Ms Abisola Olusanya, reiterated the Agrithon essence and continued support of the government to ensure food sustainability in the state.

Olusanya said the 2025 edition witnessed over 1,000 business case submissions.

“So in the Agrithon 2025 call up, we had over 1,000 business case submissions. We have done the first pitch where applicants pitched and undertook written examinations and oral interviews.

“They have had mentorship programmes as well and we have had physical farm visits or business visits to also verify and so many other things have gone on in the background for us to come to this grand finale.

“The quality of pitches is far better than what we expected. Obviously, we expect the best of the best to come but we have seen people who are actually driving solutions that are critical to the food industry.

“We have people who have patented equipment for poultry, for aquaculture and many other businesses here.

So for us, we see it as the right way to go. We see it as the right solution base for a lot of the issues we have in the food and agribusiness space.

“And we also see it as an opportunity to link and connect those who otherwise do not have the network to be able to help them advance and scale their businesses.

“So for us, we see it as the fulcrum of all that we have been working on, to support the youth and help them grow, scale up and more importantly, create that ecosystem where the language they understand is being spoken and why they feel heard,” Olusanya said.

The Commissioner disclosed that all the finalists at the grand finale would get funding and support from the government if they meet the parameters for qualification.

“We have N150 million plus additional funding that was made available by our sponsors, and we are using all of this to ensure that as many people as possible are supported.

“We would love for everyone pitching here at the finale today, all 36 of them to get funding.

“But we had physical assessments, which we believe some people did not scale throughout all based on what they pitched to us and what we physically saw.

“We had the examination assessment as well to help to understand how well versed are they in business. You cannot tell me that you are a business owner and you don’t even understand the simple metrics around profits, around revenue, around your cost structure,

“So in putting all of the numbers together, we will still arrive at the final decision, but we would love to be able to give at least everybody here,” the commissioner said.

She further reiterated the continuous support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in promoting food security in the state.

She  noted that the selection of the applicants was free and fair.

“So under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we see this as one of the legacies of his administration that we believe that in years to come, we would have billionaires, enterprise shakers, and, people that can change an entire industry emanate from this.

“Last year, we did N100 million. This year the quality of what we expect to see is what we are getting, and we believe that by God’s grace, next year we will even do bigger and better, because we now want partnerships from the private sector to also help to ensure that we can reach more people.

“And you can see the selection is free and fair. Put in your entry. If you make it, you will be here. And we have people from all over Nigeria. It is not only people residing in Lagos.
“We have people from Ogun. We have people from Anambra. We have people from diverse cultures represented here at the Lagos Agrithon.

“And the reason for it is that we believe that even if you don’t have a farm or your business is not located in Lagos, we believe that the majority of your customer base is still in Lagos,” she said.

The commissioner said the state government would continue to pursue initiatives that would boost food security.

“Whatever solution it is, you are driving at, at least a minimum of 60 per cent of your customer base is in Lagos. So, we see that as we are here for everybody.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will continue to give that support because we understand that the Lagos food systems needs everyone’s collective efforts,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma