Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lauded the state’s annual food festival for its transformative impact, noting that it has empowered numerous entrepreneurs over the past six years while bringing families together to celebrate Lagos’ rich and diverse food culture.
Speaking on Sunday at the 2025 Lagos Food Festival held at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, the governor participated in cooking and tasting seafood rice with stir-fried spinach. The festival, themed “Taste Beyond Borders,” featured a wide array of local and international delicacies, live music, and interactive activities for residents.
“The Lagos Food Festival is part of the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems. They have carried out many initiatives in agriculture and food security, empowering entrepreneurs and supporting innovators in the food business,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Beyond that, this festival allows families to come out, enjoy themselves, and experience the exhibition of various food cultures. Food is one of the ways we tell the Lagos story.”
The governor emphasized that the festival not only promotes entrepreneurship in catering and food services but also fosters unity and cultural appreciation across the state. “I cooked seafood rice with stir-fried spinach and tasted my own cooking. The festival is about families coming together, encouraging people in the food industry, and showcasing the uniqueness of Lagos,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu also visited an art exhibition featuring about 40 wall paintings by local artists, describing the works as a reflection of Lagos’ creativity. “We must continue to lift people up and encourage different skills and professions so that Lagos can remain safe and a home for everyone,” he said.
Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, described the festival as a celebration of Lagos’ cultural diversity and culinary heritage. “Lagos Food Festival celebrates everything Lagos — our culinary culture, traditions, entertainment, and all that makes Lagos what it is. Food embodies our diversity,” she said.
Olusanya noted that the festival provides exposure for food value chain actors, giving emerging entrepreneurs a platform to gain recognition. “Many stars have emerged from the festival simply because the governor cooks, tastes their food, and offers words of encouragement,” she said, adding that the festival also consolidates the ministry’s interventions over the years and celebrates those involved in ensuring food availability across the state.
The event attracted members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, public office holders, political and traditional leaders, celebrity chefs, youths, vendors, and tertiary students. Several participants showcased their culinary skills, with winners receiving prizes for their exceptional creations.
