The Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has pledged N25 billion to the Produce for Lagos Programme—the largest private sector contribution to the initiative.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday at Lagos House, Ikeja, during the launch of the Produce for Lagos Programme and the N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund.

The programme aims to boost food security, fix supply chain gaps, and improve access to agricultural produce across Lagos State.

Elumelu praised the Lagos State Government for taking what he called a transformative step toward economic inclusion.

He highlighted the initiative’s potential to curb youth unemployment by involving young people in productive agricultural activities across the state’s arable land.

“This initiative will tackle the root causes of joblessness. Agriculture has the power to employ millions—if we invest the right way,” Elumelu said.

“We at Heirs Holdings are committing N25 billion to support this food systems transformation. We will work hand-in-hand with the Lagos State Government to scale its impact by creating jobs.”

Elumelu stated that the N25 billion commitment would be disbursed through the United Bank for Africa.

He also announced a separate N1 billion donation to the Lagos State Government during the event.

Earlier at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, launched the N500 billion Uptake Guarantee Fund, designed to transform the state’s food system, tackle hunger, and drive inclusive economic growth.

Sanwo-Olu said the initiative addresses vulnerabilities revealed by COVID-19, climate change, and global supply chain disruptions.

He stressed the need for greater self-reliance, noting that Lagos consumes more than half of the Southwest’s total food output.