Reinforcing Commitment to Nigeria’s Food Security through Impactful Initiatives  

In celebration of World Food Day 2024, Olam Agri reinforced its commitment to Nigeria’s food security through a series of impactful initiatives, including food aid distribution, water infrastructure projects, and public awareness campaigns. Precious Ugwuzor writes that in partnering the Lagos State government under the Eko World Food Day initiative, Olam Agri sponsored community events, provided 800 food boxes to vulnerable residents, and commissioned boreholes in farming communities to enhance access to clean water, thus reflecting the company’s dedication to sustainable food systems and align with the UN’s goal of zero hunger

As a reflection of its dedication and commitment to sustainable food systems, Olam Agri recently marked World Food Day 2024 with a show of support for Nigeria’s food security efforts, driving a range of initiatives under the Eko World Food Day program in Lagos State. 

With activities centered on promoting local food production, addressing food insecurity, and supporting vulnerable communities, Olam Agri demonstrated its ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and community development in Nigeria. 

The company’s contributions, which included sponsoring events, distributing food aid, and improving water access in farming communities, reflect its mission to enhance food security and align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The theme of this year’s World Food Day, celebrated globally on October 16, underscored the importance of equitable food systems and the universal right to food. 

Olam Agri, a leader in the food, feed, and fiber sectors, used the occasion to emphasizs Nigeria’s need to bolster domestic food production and promote healthier diets, especially in urban centers like Lagos. 

By sponsoring the Eko World Food Day program, Olam Agri contributed to a well-coordinated campaign aimed at raising awareness and mobilising action around food security in Lagos State.

A Multi-faceted Approach to Food Security

Olam Agri’s involvement in the Eko World Food Day initiative extended beyond financial support; the company actively participated in various activities to engage the public and stakeholders.

 Key events included a Road Walk, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, which attracted hundreds of participants, all advocating for improved food systems and healthy diets. By bringing together farmers, policy-makers, and residents, the Road Walk underscored the importance of grassroots participation in the food security agenda.

Furthering its commitment, Olam Agri sponsored the Food Systems Champions’ Summit, an event that convened leaders from the agro-industry, government agencies, and NGOs to discuss solutions for strengthening Nigeria’s food systems. 

This summit served as a platform for stakeholders to share insights and best practices, which are essential for addressing systemic issues in the country’s agriculture sector. 

In addition, Olam Agri sponsored the Lagos Agricultural Scholars Quiz Competition, an educational event aimed at inspiring secondary school students to explore careers in agriculture. The competition not only tested students’ knowledge but also helped to create a pipeline of future leaders in the food and agriculture sectors.

The culmination of these activities was the World Food Day Grand Finale, which was hosted by the Lagos State government  and celebrated the contributions of various stakeholders to the state’s food security. 

During the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Bisola Olusanya, praised Olam Agri’s involvement, describing the company as “an essential partner in transforming the Lagos food production landscape.” Olusanya noted that Olam Agri’s extensive production, processing, and distribution capacities are critical in expanding the food value chain in Lagos State, a partnership she sees as instrumental in achieving the state’s food security objectives.

Supporting Vulnerable Communities with Essential Food Aid

A significant part of Olam Agri’s World Food Day activities was its collaboration with the Lagos Food Bank, through which it distributed 800 food boxes valued at 13 million naira to vulnerable residents. 

The food boxes, which contained staples like rice, grains, and other essential items, were targeted at individuals and families facing food insecurity. In the densely populated neighborhoods of Makoko and Ajegunle, 500 food boxes were distributed to assist low-income residents who often struggle to afford basic food supplies.

 These neighborhoods, like many urban communities in Nigeria, face the dual challenges of poverty and limited access to nutritious food options, making food aid an essential intervention.

Additionally, Olam Agri directed 300 food boxes to flood-affected areas in Maiduguri, where natural disasters have displaced thousands of residents and created acute food shortages. 

By reaching these flood-hit communities, Olam Agri provided immediate relief to families grappling with the aftermath of environmental challenges. This support aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda, which emphasises providing safety nets for vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

Anil Nair, Managing Director of Olam Agri Nigeria, expressed the company’s commitment to these initiatives, emphasising that “the right to food and nutrition is fundamental to inclusive growth.” 

He noted that Olam Agri’s contributions aim to expand access to quality, nutritious, and affordable food for all Nigerians, a vision that reflects both Olam Agri’s social responsibility goals and the UN’s SDG of zero hunger. 

Nair added that the company’s social investment projects, such as sponsoring the Eko World Food Day and distributing food boxes, are part of a broader effort to address hunger and promote food security across Nigeria.

Infrastructure Investments in Farming Communities

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Olam Agri took significant steps to improve water access in farming communities where the company operates. As part of its World Food Day initiatives, Olam Agri commissioned boreholes in Baure and Agon, two key farming communities in Nasarawa State that are central to the company’s rice and sesame production units. 

These boreholes are expected to provide clean drinking water to residents, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and supporting the overall health of the communities.

Access to clean water is essential for agricultural productivity, as it helps reduce the risks associated with poor sanitation and enables farmers to focus on food production rather than spending time and resources on sourcing water.

 Olam Agri’s investment in these boreholes is a step toward creating a more resilient agricultural base in Nasarawa, which in turn supports the broader goals of food security and sustainable development. This initiative highlights the interconnectedness of food and water security, especially in rural farming areas that are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

By prioritising both immediate and long-term needs through projects like borehole installations, Olam Agri demonstrates an understanding that food security is not only about increasing food availability but also about creating supportive infrastructure that enables communities to thrive. These water projects will aid in reducing water scarcity issues that often hinder agricultural productivity and compromise the health and welfare of local populations.

Building a Food-secure Future through Partnerships

Olam Agri’s World Food Day activities underline the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable food systems. Anil Nair emphasised this in his remarks, expressing gratitude to the Lagos State government for their collaboration on initiatives aimed at improving food security.

 The company’s partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community organisations have allowed it to implement programs that address both immediate food needs and long-term development goals.

Beyond its work in Nigeria, Olam Agri operates with a global vision for transforming agriculture and food systems. With its comprehensive value chain spanning over 60 countries, Olam Agri plays a significant role in addressing the food demands of a growing global population. 

As a subsidiary of the Olam Group, the company benefits from decades of experience and a strategic focus on sustainable development, which includes a commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of zero hunger.

This alignment with global standards for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices has earned Olam Group recognition, including inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index, which highlights companies with robust ESG performance.

 Olam Agri’s adherence to these principles reflects its commitment to not only serving the communities it operates within but also setting industry standards for sustainable and responsible agriculture.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria continues to confront food insecurity challenges, Olam Agri’s World Food Day efforts offer a model for impactful, community-centered engagement. The company’s dedication to enhancing food security through multi-faceted approaches—ranging from immediate food aid to long-term infrastructure projects—highlights the holistic approach needed to achieve food security for all Nigerians. Through these initiatives, Olam Agri reaffirms its mission to reimagine agriculture, foster inclusive growth, and contribute to a sustainable future for Nigeria’s farming communities and beyond.