The Lagos State Government says it is working to strengthen its collaboration with the Port Novo-based Songhai agricultural models, for an increased agricultural production in the state.
Special Adviser on Food Security to Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, Mr Sanni Okanlawan, said this in an interview, on Wednesday, in Lagos.
Okanlawan said he observed that the Songhai agricultural models in Port Novo, Republic of Benin, embraced 100 per cent organic farming methods when he visited there recently.
The farm was also generating bio-energy from animal wastes, he said.
“Our journey to Port Novo was very enriching. We have a Songhai agricultural model in Badagry, which we thought needed up-scaling.
“So, we decided to go back to the roots; which is based in on experiences from Port Novo , the capital of the Republic of Benin.
“It is a model of agric that embraces 100 per cent organic farming, which is also a capacity and resource centre.
“In Songhai, renewable energy is generated from animal wastes and this can be replicated in Nigeria.
“I am glad to say Lagos State is already doing that in Songhai, Badagry,’’ the aide to Gov. Ambode said.
According to him, nothing goes into waste at the Songhai agricultural model. Fish waste-water, animal dunks and weeds are converted into some other useful materials.
“It is a model of farming that has to do with zero waste, up to water used in breeding fish.
“Such water is recycled for other uses, as plants thrive very well in waste water from fish ponds,’’ Okanlawon said. (NAN)