Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo, the dynamic representative of Ikorodu Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has called on youths and property owners in his constituency to actively embrace agriculture as a viable tool for ensuring long-term food security and economic resilience.
The appeal came during the 9th edition of the Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held at his constituency office in Ipakodo, Ikorodu West LCDA, on Friday, May 31, 2025, under the theme:
“Enabling Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming.”
The event, which held simultaneously across all 40 state constituencies, drew an impressive array of traditional rulers, political leaders, community heads, and youth representatives, emphasizing its significance and the widespread concern over food sustainability.
Key Dignitaries Present
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HRM Oba Bashiru Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo
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Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State
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Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, Former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly
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Dr. Adeola Jokomba, Lagos State APC Scribe
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Otunba Olasunkanmi Tijani, Divisional APC Chairman
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Chairmen of Ikorodu LGAs and LCDAs: Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Hon. Adeola Banjo, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju
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APC Chieftains, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Artisans, Market Associations, Youth Groups, and Students
Hon. Ogunleye’s Address: A Call to Action
In his address, Hon. Ogunleye emphasized that food security is a national imperative requiring multi-dimensional solutions involving both government and the grassroots. He noted the need for increased youth participation and modernization of farming practices to withstand climate pressures and economic volatility.
“Food security is not just about having food on the table today. It involves affordability, accessibility, and nutritional value. We must reform and strengthen our agricultural systems by empowering the youth with tools, knowledge, and access to land,” he stated.
He encouraged constituents who own unused land to allocate such for agricultural purposes, while sharing personal anecdotes of his lifelong commitment to farming, despite his business and political responsibilities.
“I grew up farming and never stopped. Agriculture is a noble endeavor that can uplift communities and drive national growth,” he added.
Supportive Voices from the Stakeholder Forum
Former lawmaker Hon. Sanai Agunbiade reinforced the importance of home-grown farming, emphasizing that beyond household sufficiency, it also offers income-generating opportunities. He advocated for the revival of Agricultural Science clubs in schools and stronger compliance measures for private institutions.
Youth leader Prince Soyiga Adeshina, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, called for rehabilitative agricultural training for arrested youths, alongside provision of land for farming initiatives.
Another contributor, Mr. Olorunyomi Caleb, appealed for government-supplied tractors to enhance mechanized farming, while Mrs. Olayinka Stephens from the Ministry of Agriculture presented a technical lecture on innovative and sustainable farming practices.
A Vision for Food Sustainability
The parley concluded with a renewed sense of purpose to tackle food insecurity through collaboration, community engagement, and youth empowerment. The interactive format allowed constituents to air their views and offer suggestions directly to their elected representative, making it a valuable feedback loop in democratic governance.
Hon. Ogunleye’s leadership in prioritizing agriculture as a strategic solution to hunger, unemployment, and inflation continues to resonate across Ikorodu and beyond, setting a robust example for other constituencies in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
