The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, asked food processing and agriculture businesses on Thursday to try to lower their costs under the current economic downturn in order to support the community and guarantee food security in Nigeria.
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According to him, commercial organizations—especially those in the agriculture and food processing industries—should prioritise the survival and sustainability of people over profits at this critical juncture in Nigerian history because the country’s citizens are going through difficult times. Governor Sanwo-Olu made these remarks on Thursday during a courtesy call at Lagos House, Marina, by the Senior Management Team of Olam Agric Nigeria, which is headed by Mr Anil Nasir, the company’s Managing Director/CEO. In addition to highlighting the importance of food security and the support of all well-meaning people and organisations, Sanwo-Olu stated that his administration has taken significant steps to mitigate the effects of economic hardship on Lagos State residents through a number of intervention programs and that he would do more to continue helping the populace.
“Food security and food systems are as critical as people trying to safeguard either medical security or even sovereign security in times of war,” he stated. “This makes agriculture and food processing a critical industry.” These days, food provides the best security available. “On this first day of August, you can observe agitation due to hunger in certain Nigerian streets.” Olam Agric, you have that capacity and that organisation, and you are in a key position.
It shouldn’t be the government alone cutting expenses and offering opportunities for individuals to purchase goods at a discount during a trying time like this. “It should not be about profit-making today; you have to be able to tell your shareholders that you have been in this climate for so long. Let’s enter this market, only pay our expenses, and then let’s move forward. Permit the populace to sense the crucial backing. “Please take this mail back, please.
The private sector must understand that, in certain cases, food security and the global logistical catastrophe brought on by the economic downturn preclude decisions being made only on the basis of value to shareholders. Since we are all joint owners, we must reduce the rate at which we return capital to shareholders. To be able to profit tomorrow, we must survive today. Earlier in his speech, Mr Anil Nair, Managing Director/CEO of Olam Agric Nigeria, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his leadership in Lagos State over the past five years, particularly in the areas of security and ensuring the state is secure for both domestic and foreign investment.
In the food and agriculture sectors, he requested additional collaborations with the Lagos State Government, stating that his business is prepared to increase its investments in the region.
Along with the District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan, and District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Oluwole Kukoyi, who paid him courtesy visits at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu also received the District Governor of Lions Club International District 404B2 Nigeria, Lion Tolulope Ayodeji Senbanjo. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Lions Club International and Rotary International during the two courtesy visits for their humanitarian contributions in important State sectors, especially in the provision of infrastructure in the fields of health, education, and transportation, among others.
According to him, the administration would keep working in collaboration with Rotary International and Lions Club International to provide humanitarian services that will improve the quality of life for Lagos citizens in accordance with the THEMES+ developmental plan, which is in keeping with the humanitarian groups’ basic beliefs.
