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By Lukman Olabiyi
The beneficiaries of the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project in Lagos State have commended the government and the World Bank on their various initiatives on food security.
The beneficiaries, who were farmers gave the commendation during the media tour of Lagos APPEALS Project intervention sites and unveiling of success stories in different parts of the state.
APPEALS Project is a World Bank-assisted programme supported by the Federal Government and six participating states in Nigeria, which includes Lagos State.
During the media tour to different farms and APPEALS Project in Badagry, Ojo and Alimosho on Thursday, the Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RFAN), Lagos State chapter, Mr. Raphael Hunsa expressed gratitude to Lagos State APPEALS Project for assisting farmers at Gberefu farm site, said the project has boosted the productivity of farmers in the state.
The President of Lagos State Catfish Allied Farmers Association (LASCAFAN), Mr. Sejiro Oketojinu, who spoke on behalf of aquaculture farmers in Badagry, also commended Lagos APPEALS Project’s team for providing an enabling environment and seedlings for them to grow from private consumption of their goods to production for export purposes.
Also speaking, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oloyede, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Farmers at Ojo Barracks commended Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Lagos APPEALS Project for the assistance to the wives of the military officers in the barracks in the area of aquaculture and poultry.
“We are so happy to tell you that even when our husbands are not around, we are busy. We are on the farm and we are making money and keeping the home front. We are no longer liabilities to our husbands. We are grateful to the APPEALS Project,” she said
Lagos State Project Coordinator of APPEALS Project, Mrs. Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo, said the government’s interventions and support of relevant stakeholders to farmers in various clusters had ensured sustainable business alliance, improved productivity, employment, investment opportunities, and food sustainability in the state.
She said through the Lagos APPEALS Project, aquaculture, poultry, and rice farmers in various clusters across communities had been supported with good access roads, farm inputs, cages, water tank treatment plants, and cottages to preserve freshness.
Sagoe-Oviebo said the state government understands and appreciates the importance of the project and its impact on ensuring food security, therefore, the state would continue to provide the necessary support for the farmers even after the project ends.
The beneficiaries of the Lagos APPEALS Projects cut across aquaculture, poultry and rice farmers in various clusters across communities, which included Ikorodu, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and other areas in Lagos State.
