6th June, 2017
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said diversification of the economy, especially in the area of agriculture is key to growing the nation’s economy.
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami said this while declaring open capacity building workshop for Agricultural Personnel of the 57 councils in Lagos held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
According to the commissioner, diversification in the agricultural sector would help to boost food production to feed the nation.
He said the agenda of the current administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was to boost food production, adding that no nation could survive without food.
“No nation can survive without food. God created us to survive with food; therefore, food production is key and germane to move the nation forward. I advise you to be good participants so that you can impact the knowledge gathered here on others when you get back to your council,” he said.
Folami said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had touched virtually all sectors of the economy, recalling that the state government partnered with Kebbi State to come up with LAKE Rice at cheaper prices for the masses.
Imploring them to take the workshop seriously, the commissioner said by now, the nation should be thinking more on exporting produce rather than importing, while charging the youths to go into agriculture as there were no jobs out there anymore.
Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Community Affairs, Fola Padonu said the workshop marked one of the major milestones in the concerted efforts to tackle some of the challenges associated with food security at the community or grassroots level.
He said the ministry recognized the fact that one of the major pillars of tackling the problems associated with food security at the community level, was to have a virile agricultural and food related delivery services at the third tier of government, being closest to the people.
In his paper, titled: “Building for Effectiveness: Necessity for Organisational and Attitudinal Change,” Steve Adetoyese said leadership must remember that the attitude and habits of her workers could make or mar establishment work.
“They must therefore help their workers to build capacity for effectiveness through habits and attitudinal change, skill acquisition and self-development. Workforce upgrade and development will ensure realization of organizational goals and effective service delivery. Maintaining a positive attitude is the key to personal success in life. Since your thinking has a direct bearing on your performance, your thinking must be based on sound input,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Conference 57 and also the Sole Administrator, Bariga Local Council Development Area, Mr. Sanya Oshijo appreciated the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for putting in place measures to ensure effective food security for the populace, adding that it would lessen the pressure on importation of food items.
He added that the capacity training would increase the economic value of the State as he assured that the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas would key into the process and ensure food security and its sustenance in the State.
While promising that participants would deliver more efficient services after the training, the Director of Community Agriculture in the Ministry, Mr. Dapo Olakulehin thanked the State Government for the opportunity given to the Department to benefit from the capacity Training Workshop for all the Agric Personnel in various Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.