To further consolidate their commitments to boosting agricultural productivity across the country, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) yesterday partnered with the Lagos State Government to mark the World Food Day in a grand style. This year’s event was indeed significant as the synergic collaboration came at a time the Lagos State Government restated its commitments to repurpose, adopt new policies and programmes in a bid to foster a sustainable production of nutritious foods and farmers’ participation.
Tagged Lagos Food Fair/World Food Day, the well-attended event held yesterday, Sunday, 16 October, 2022 at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos. It had in attendance dignitaries and an excellent parade of brands in the agribusiness, including a large turnout of smallholder farmers from across the 37 Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Jaji commended all the farmers for taking the initiative to celebrate a productive day like the World Food Day. She also recognised businesses and individuals whose efforts have made a positive impact in the agriculture business value chain over the years. She particularly recognised and awarded BATNF, Stanbic IBTC, and others for their genuine interest and support in driving agricultural productivity and improving the wellbeing of smallholder farmers through their transformative interventions.
Characteristically, Stanbic IBTC, a member of Standard Bank Group, this year, was visibly represented at the event as part of its commitment to supporting the government in driving agricultural productivity and boosting food production in the country. It is noteworthy that Stanbic IBTC Bank’s consistent strategic collaborations with governments and enterprises have come handy towards the achievement of the full potential of the nation’s agriculture. Recall that agriculture used to be the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy until the advent of crude oil at a commercial level. The 2019 edition of the Lagos Farm Fair till date has been supported by the bank.
Beyond exhibitions of farm produce and livestock, the event created a makeshift market for the farmers to trade and showcase their stock. Transactions were fast and real time. The event was filled with pomp and pageantry and exhibitors from across the LCDAs in Lagos used the opportunity to socialise and connect. The air was filled with festivities and excitement as the farmers, clad in beautiful attires, sang and danced. They chanted various victory songs to celebrate and showcase their bountiful harvest to their audience some of whose agricultural interventions have helped to transform their livelihood and businesses.
Also, it is worthy of note BATNF has been consistent with its strategic interventions with smallholder farmers. These interventions have helped to move their farming operations from subsistence to commercial level across the agriculture value chain. Recall that the Lagos Farm Fair is an initiative of the BATNF in partnership with the Lagos State Government to commemorate the World Food Day, which is celebrated on October 16, annually.
This year’s World Food Day celebration was well attended and celebrated and it truly lives its theme of Leave No One Behind, Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life. Also in attendance was the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abiola Olusanya, top officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, executives of corporate organisations, farmers and shoppers.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
