The Lagos State Government has deepened its commitment to promoting innovation and empowering women in the agricultural sector.
This was evident at the grand finale of the Most Beautiful Farmer Competition, where women in agriculture were honoured and supported for their contributions to the State’s food system.
Speaking at the event held at Ikeja, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, commended the organisers and participants for showcasing agriculture in a creative and inspiring way. She stated that the initiative reflects the resilience and enterprise of farmers who continue to redefine the face of agriculture in Lagos State.
In her words: “This competition goes beyond physical beauty; it celebrates the creativity, resilience, and enterprise of our farmers who are redefining agriculture in Lagos State. You have truly showcased the beauty in agriculture.”
Ms. Olusanya appreciated the Farm Junction Foundation and its partners for their vision and dedication to the project, noting that it had been developed over a year and a half to align with the State’s drive to celebrate excellence in agriculture.
She further revealed that the contestants will also be featured at the grand finale of the forthcoming World Food Day Celebration, where they will be recognised for their contributions to agricultural development in the State.
The Commissioner encouraged young people, especially women, to embrace agriculture as a viable and rewarding career. She reiterated that the Lagos State Government will continue to create opportunities that make agriculture sustainable, modern, and attractive to all.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, described the Most Beautiful Farmer initiative as a creative approach to rebranding agriculture and making it appealing to the younger generation. He noted that the competition aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to empower youths, promote agripreneurship, and strengthen the State’s food system for sustainable growth and food security.
Dr. Fashola commended the contestants for their dedication and innovation, stressing that their efforts prove that agriculture is not just a profession but a passion capable of transforming lives and communities. He encouraged them to build on the visibility and recognition the competition has brought, assuring that the State Government will remain a strong partner in advancing programmes that spotlight excellence in agriculture.
In addition, the Coordinator of the Most Beautiful Farmer (MBF) Initiative, Barrister Michael Madogwe, said the event is more than a competition—it is a platform for empowerment, recognition, and transformation. He explained that the initiative celebrates the modern-day woman in agriculture who is shaping the future of food security in Lagos and beyond.
According to him, women in agriculture have long been unsung heroes working behind the scenes, and the Most Beautiful Farmer project aims to give them the recognition they deserve while highlighting their vital role in feeding the nation. He expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and Food Systems for their support in making the initiative a success.
In her keynote address, the Director of Special Projects for MBF, Mrs. Dumebi Oluwole, stated that the Farm Junction Foundation marks the beginning of a movement dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs for a sustainable future. She noted that through initiatives like the Most Beautiful Farmer Project, the Foundation is promoting innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
Mrs. Oluwole emphasized that true empowerment begins when women are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead transformation within the sector. She added that the initiative has redefined the concept of beauty in agriculture, linking it not to appearance but to excellence, tenacity, and innovation.
She commended the contestants for their courage and entrepreneurial drive, noting that their stories are inspiring a new generation of women to view agriculture as a modern and rewarding profession.
Reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment, Mrs. Oluwole said the MBF Project aims to educate women on modern farming practices, promote agribusiness as a profitable career, and drive sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. She expressed optimism that the Foundation’s efforts will yield lasting initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and enhance food security across Lagos and Nigeria.
In recognition of excellence, Oluwasun Evelyn Areo emerged winner of the competition and won a Truck valued at ₦15,000,000 while Balikis Salaudeen and Oluwaseun Obadan emerged first and second runners-up, receiving ₦2,000,000 and ₦1,000,000 respectively. Each of the other contestants received ₦250,000 in recognition of their participation and commitment.
Press Unit
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems & Food Systems
10/10/2025
