The Lagos State government has unveiled the biofortified blending machine and biofortified rice to tackle growing micronutrient deficiencies in the state.

The launch of the biofortified rice was held at the Lagos State Rice Mill, Imota, Ikorodu, on Friday.

The biofortified blending machine is the sixth of its kind in the country.

The special adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on agriculture,  Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the milestone achievement was possible due to the visionary leadership of the governor  in enhancing food sustainability in the state.

“Today, we mark another key milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhance food and nutrition security for the people of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

“Thanks to the visionary leadership of our Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State is now home to one of the largest rice mills in Africa, equipped with state-of-the-art milling technology and expert knowledge.

“We take immense pride in producing some of the finest rice in Nigeria, and today, we are pushing this legacy even further.

“In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimised to produce high-quality fortified rice.

“This achievement positions us among the very few rice mills in Nigeria with the capacity to fortify rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12,” Mr Fashola said.

He added that the state would address the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge in the country.

“This is no small feat. By fortifying our rice, we are not only meeting the growing demand for rice in the country, but we are also addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge for many Nigerians.

“We are proud to be part of a solution that can make a tangible difference in improving the nutritional quality of food available to our people,” the special adviser said.

Also, Emmanuel Audu, the permanent secretary, at the Lagos State ministry of agriculture and food systems, said the Lagos State government has taken strategic steps to ensure food security and sustainability over the years.

“This rice mill is known as the Rolls-Royce of all rice mills globally.

“And we thank Gov. Sanwo-Olu for investing so much in terms of resources and oversight to ensure that this rice mill remains top-notch and remains number one.

“This event that we have here today is another milestone to the fact that Lagos State Government will not rest upon its oars, but will continue to strive for excellence in every form and in every sector of the economy.

“Further, I would like to speak to all our women that when you go out there to the market to buy rice, there is only one brand of rice that you should look out for. Look out for the Eko Rice brand.

“The Fortified rice, the Classic rice, and, of course, the Eko Rice itself. These are top-quality products that you can consume for your health and well-being,” Mr Audu said.

On her part, the special adviser to Mr Sanwo-Olu on health, Kemi Ogunyemi, represented by Sarah Balogun, said the biofortified rice is a commendable achievement of the government.

“I extend my congratulations to the entire commission as you launch the newly formulated rice.

“This initiative is truly commendable, and it will help to conquer some of the nutrition deficiencies faced in our communities.

“It will also go a long way in supporting healthier living and improving food quality. May this effort continue to yield positive impact and greater achievements ahead,” Ms Ogunyemi said. 

(NAN)