By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Olam Agri Nigeria has been praised for its contributions to agriculture and the food production landscape in Lagos.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State, Ms Bisola Olusanya, noted that the company’s robust production, processing, packaging, and distribution capacity plays a critical role in scaling growth across the food value chain.
According to her, the partnership between the state government and Olam Agric is “essential for achieving our shared goals in food security,” commending the firm for sponsoring some transformative events.
In commemoration of World Food Day on October 16, Olam Agri partnered with the Lagos Food Bank to distribute 800 food boxes, valued at N13 million, to vulnerable residents.
It was learned that 500 of the food boxes went to vulnerable residents of Makoko and Ajegunle and 300 food boxes were allocated towards hunger relief in flood-affected areas of Maiduguri, supporting displaced individuals with much-needed food aid.
The organisation said it donated the items to reinforce its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s food security. The company also commissioned boreholes to enhance access to clean water for key farming communities.
Furthering its support for communities, Olam Agri has committed boreholes in Baure and Agon, two key farming communities in Nasarawa where the company operates rice and sesame units to be commissioned this October.
These boreholes will provide clean drinking water, enhance food security, and boost agricultural productivity by reducing the risks of waterborne diseases and improving overall community health.
“The right to food and nutrition is fundamental to inclusive growth. We are committed to expanding access to quality, nutritious, affordable food for all Nigerians. Our social investment projects, such as sponsoring the Eko World Food Day, distributing food boxes, and commissioning boreholes, directly contribute to the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger,” the Managing Director of Olam Agri Nigeria, Mr Anil Nair, stated.
“We are grateful to the Lagos State government for the opportunity to collaborate on improving local food production.
“Our efforts during World Food Day underscore our commitment to supporting critical initiatives that strengthen food security in Nigeria,” he added.