The marble halls of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island transformed into a greenhouse of ideas as Lagos PR Fest 2025 unfolded, its theme “Urban Farming for Food Security” bearing fruit in unexpected ways. The event blossomed into more than just a conference when Agriculture Commissioner Abisola Olusanya received the prestigious PR Fest Award, her recognition symbolizing Lagos State’s growing commitment to agricultural innovation. But the real showstopper emerged when Barr. Olusola Sowemimo, founder of Ope Farms, dropped a bombshell declaration that sent ripples through the audience: “Anyone who brings chemicals to my farm will go to jail.”
Sowemimo’s journey from California’s organic farming conferences to training over 2,000 Nigerians in chemical-free agriculture read like an agricultural thriller. “They told me organic farming wasn’t a ‘Nigeria thing’,” she recalled, her voice tinged with the satisfaction of proving naysayers wrong. Her demonstration of homemade pesticides and revelation about poultry waste’s nutritional value had attendees scribbling notes furiously. The practical advice – from repurposing damaged buckets to producing liquid soap and honey – transformed the session into a masterclass in sustainable living.
Commissioner Olusanya’s representative, Mrs. Buki Idowu, revealed Lagos’ ambitious plans to professionalize food handling while creating agricpreneur opportunities for women and youth. The commissioner’s award underscored the state’s innovative partnerships with private sector players revolutionizing urban farming.
As the panel session featuring agricultural experts like Samson Ogbole and Rafiat Gawat unfolded, the message became clear: Nigeria’s food future lies in its balconies, backyards, and abandoned spaces. NIPR Lagos Chairman Samuel Ayetutu’s closing remarks planted the final seed: “This isn’t just talk – it’s a call to action.” With Olabisi Onabanjo University walking away with the N100,000 student prize, the event proved that when communication meets agriculture, the harvest can feed both body and mind. Lagos PR Fest 2025 may have ended, but the organic revolution it championed is just taking root.
