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

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the special guest of honour at this year’s Lagos Food Fest, themed, “A Taste of Lagos”.

NAN reports that 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 Seyi Shay, while fish farmers displayed fresh and processed seafood.

Olusanya said that the Ministry generated the amount for the first time with the support of its staff and thanked its officials for going over and beyond in 2021 to ensure food security in the state.

She said that 13 officials of the ministry who were outstanding during the year were recognized and honoured.

“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.

“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,” she said.

Speaking on the importance of the Food Festival, 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, which was held between 2012 and 2020.