Olam Agri, a prominent agribusiness entity in Nigeria with a focus on food, feed, and fibre, has recently reiterated its dedication to fortifying local agriculture value chains. This reaffirmation comes in the wake of significant recognition received at the prestigious Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (NBLA), an event meticulously designed to honor outstanding business leaders and organizations that have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in enterprise across the nation.
During the latest edition of the NBLA, Ashish Pande, the Country Head of Olam Agri Nigeria, stood out as a beacon of leadership, securing the coveted title of the Most Admired CEO in the Agriculture sector. This accolade was not merely a nod to Pande’s individual achievements but rather a testament to Olam Agri’s positive impact on the agriculture sector and its proactive support for the economic development agenda laid out by the Federal Government.
In response to the noteworthy recognition, Ashish Pande, represented by a formidable team of top-level executives from Olam Agri at the awards ceremony, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to the organizers of the awards for this recognition. The award underlines Olam Agri’s rising investments across the agriculture value chains.” Pande further expounded on the nature of these investments, framing them within the overarching goal of realizing a food and nutrition-secure and sustainable Nigeria. This commitment is encapsulated in the Seeds for The Future (SFTF) initiative.
Pande shed light on the multi-faceted approach of the SFTF initiative, delineating its five pivotal levers. These include supporting farms and farmers, facilitating broader education and skill development for the youth, empowering indigent women, advocating for health and nutrition nationwide, and actively engaging in efforts to reduce carbon emissions in Olam Agri’s business operations.
Beyond the accolades, the strategic investments made by Olam Agri are instrumental in enhancing productivity across various segments, encompassing rice milling, wheat milling, animal feed and poultry, edible oil, tomato, and cotton production. Simultaneously, these investments play a crucial role in the socio-economic landscape by generating thousands of employment opportunities for the local populace, thereby contributing to community development.
Frank Aigbogun, the visionary organizer of the NBLA and Publisher of Businessday Newspaper, provided insight into the rationale behind these awards. He pointed to a positive economic outlook for Nigeria, as recently indicated by a top rating agency, Moody. In light of this optimistic forecast, the awards aim to celebrate and acknowledge leaders and companies that consistently navigate the complex business environment, actively contributing to the overall growth of the economy.
Conclusion: Olam Agri
These accolades not only recognize the leadership prowess of Ashish Pande and Olam Agri but also underscore the broader significance of businesses and leaders who, in the face of challenges, demonstrate resilience and courage in steering their enterprises towards success. Their endeavors not only align with national economic objectives but also serve as beacons of inspiration in the dynamic landscape of Nigerian business, as reported by guardian.ng