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Supporting Nigeria’s food security drive through Eko World Food Day initiative
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Monday, 21 October, 2024, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Lagos
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In celebration of World Food Day, Olam Agri, a leading player in the food, feed and fibre sectors, has reinforced its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s food security by sponsoring a series of impactful events under the Eko World Food Day initiative, donated 500 food boxes to vulnerable communities, and commissioned boreholes to enhance access to clean water for key farming communities.
Key activities to mark World Food Day included the Eko Food Day initiative, sponsored by Olam Agri, highlighted the importance of increasing domestic food production and promoting healthy diets for Lagos State residents. Other activities included a Road Walk organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, a Food Systems Champions’ Summit bringing together agro-industry stakeholders, a Lagos Agricultural Scholars Quiz Competition for secondary school students, and the World Food Day Grand Finale hosted by the Lagos State Governor.
Olam Agri is an essential partner in transforming the Lagos food production landscape. Their robust production, processing, packaging, and distribution capacity plays a critical role in scaling growth across the food value chain. This partnership with the state government is essential for achieving shared goals in food security.
Bisola Olusanya, Lagos State commissioner for agriculture, said, “In addition to sponsoring these transformative events, Olam Agri partnered with the Lagos Food Bank to distribute 800 food boxes, valued at ?13 million, to vulnerable residents. Five hundred of the food boxes went to vulnerable residents of Makoko and Ajegunle and 300 food boxes allocated towards hunger relief in flood-affected areas of Maiduguri, supporting displaced individuals with much-needed food aid.”
Furthering its support for communities, the company 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.
Anil Nair, managing director, Olam Agri Nigeria, said, “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 UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger. 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.”
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