Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday joined thousands of residents at the 2025 Lagos Food Festival, personally participating in the cooking and tasting of seafood rice with stir-fried spinach, as the state once again used food, culture and entertainment to showcase its rich diversity and creative energy. The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, was held at the popular Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island and attracted a wide cross-section of Lagosians from different backgrounds.
The festival, themed Taste Beyond Borders, was designed to highlight the multicultural identity of Lagos through cuisine, music and artistic expression. From early hours of the day, the park came alive with colourful displays, food stalls, live performances and cooking demonstrations that reflected local and international culinary influences. Residents, tourists and food enthusiasts moved from stand to stand, sampling delicacies and engaging with chefs and food entrepreneurs who represented different cultures that have shaped the Lagos food landscape.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who actively took part in the cooking session, said the Lagos Food Festival was more than a leisure event, describing it as a platform for family bonding, cultural exchange and economic empowerment. Speaking after cooking and tasting his meal, he said the festival was deliberately created to bring families together, allow people to unwind, and give residents an opportunity to experience food from different cultures as a way of telling the Lagos story.
According to the governor, food remains one of the strongest expressions of identity in Lagos, a city known for its diversity, resilience and innovation. He noted that the festival provides a unique opportunity to celebrate this identity while supporting those who work tirelessly in the food value chain. He stressed that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has in the past six years empowered numerous entrepreneurs and innovators within the agriculture and food sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the ministry has carried out various activations and interventions aimed at strengthening food security, supporting small and medium-scale businesses, and creating sustainable opportunities for people in the catering and hospitality industry. He said the festival is one of the ways government consolidates these efforts by offering visibility and encouragement to food business owners who are contributing to the state’s economy.
He said the ministry has continued to provide platforms for innovators in the food business to thrive, adding that the festival allows Lagosians to enjoy themselves while appreciating the richness of the state’s culinary heritage. He described the event as a celebration of families, entrepreneurs and culture, noting that food is a powerful tool for storytelling and unity in a city as complex and dynamic as Lagos.
The governor also highlighted the entertainment aspect of the festival, which featured live music performances that kept the atmosphere vibrant throughout the day. He said combining food, music and art creates an inclusive environment where people from different walks of life can feel welcome and connected. According to him, such initiatives help reinforce Lagos as a city that values creativity, leisure and community spirit alongside economic growth.
Beyond the food festival, Governor Sanwo-Olu also attended an art exhibition in Lagos on Sunday, where about 40 artists were engaged in painting murals on walls. He described the exhibition as a strong representation of the creativity that defines Lagos and said the government remains committed to supporting artists and creative professionals across the state. He emphasised the need to encourage different skills and professions so that Lagos can continue to be a safe, inclusive and thriving home for all.
The governor said art, like food, plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of Lagos and projecting its image to the world. He noted that supporting creative industries helps create jobs, promote tourism and foster social cohesion, adding that the government will continue to provide opportunities for creatives to showcase their talents.
Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, described the Lagos Food Festival as a celebration of everything that defines Lagos. She said the festival brings together culinary culture, tradition, entertainment and innovation, reflecting the state’s diversity and multicultural nature. According to her, food is the embodiment of Lagos values, and the ministry sees itself as the curator and custodian of that identity.
Ms Olusanya explained that the festival also serves as a platform to celebrate and uplift actors across the food value chain, from farmers and processors to chefs and vendors. She said the event gives exposure to food entrepreneurs, many of whom have gained recognition and opportunities simply by participating and receiving encouragement from the governor and other leaders.
She noted that over the years, several food entrepreneurs have emerged as stars after showcasing their skills at the Lagos Food Festival. According to her, the festival helps solidify the ministry’s interventions by bringing together all stakeholders in a celebratory environment that recognises their contributions to food availability and security in Lagos.
Ms Olusanya said the government believes that celebrating food is a way of celebrating the people who make it possible for millions of Lagosians to eat every day. She stressed that the festival reinforces the importance of agriculture, food systems and innovation in sustaining the state’s growing population.
The event attracted members of the Lagos State Executive Council and House of Assembly, as well as current and former public office holders, political and traditional rulers. Celebrity chefs, youths, vendors and students from tertiary institutions across the state also attended in large numbers, adding to the energy and diversity of the gathering.
Throughout the day, participants displayed their culinary skills in various competitions and demonstrations, with some winning prizes for creativity, presentation and taste. For many young people and students, the festival served as both inspiration and exposure, offering insight into opportunities within the food and hospitality industry.
Residents who attended the festival described it as a refreshing experience that combined culture, relaxation and learning. Many praised the organisation of the event and the opportunity to sample different cuisines in one location, while others said it strengthened their appreciation for the diversity that defines Lagos.
The 2025 Lagos Food Festival once again positioned Lagos as a city that celebrates its people through culture and creativity. By bringing together government, entrepreneurs, families and creatives in one space, the event reinforced the idea that food is not just about sustenance, but also about identity, economy and community. As the state continues to grow, initiatives like the Lagos Food Festival remain central to preserving its story and ensuring that progress is shared, inclusive and rooted in culture.
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