The Lagos Ministry of Agriculture says it generated over N1 billion internal revenue in 2021 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this at the 2021 Lagos Food Fest held on Sunday at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ms Olusanya said the ministry generated the revenue for the first time, saying, “So, I appreciate those that have gone over and beyond in this year 2021 to deliver food security to the state. For the first time in the history of the ministry, we have crossed over a billion naira in IGR.”

She added, “It has never happened before. We need to appreciate our people. So, we feel that it’s imperative that we give them some form of appreciation. So I would implore my cabinet members and colleagues to quickly give the people the award.”

Speaking on the importance of the event, Ms Olusanya explained that it was a platform for Lagosians to relax and unwind with their families during the festive season.

According to the commissioner, the food festival is a follow-up on the success story of the five editions of the erstwhile annual Lagos Seafood Festival, held between 2012 and 2020.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the special guest of honour at the event.

The governor prepared fried seafood rice with celebrity chef, Diary of a Kitchen Lover and Big Brother Nigeria winner, Whitemoney to the admiration of all those present during the food fest.

The Food Fest was spiced with various entertaining activities, including a fashion show, music by Ayra Starr, Wande Coal, and Sheyi Shay, while fish farmers displayed fresh and processed seafood.

(NAN)