Olam Nigeria Comforts People With Palliatives

Donates Items In Ondo, Osun And Cross River States; Affirms Unity With Government In Fight Against COVID-19

By Aditi Shridhar & Adekola Afolabi
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International agri-business company, Olam Nigeria Ltd, has made a generous donation of relief supplies to Ondo, Osun, and Cross River states to support government efforts in alleviating the suffering caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The company, leading in Cocoa Value Chain in Nigeria, handed 15,000 face masks, 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizers, and 9,600 cartons of Cherie Noodles to the Governors’ offices of the three states in the last week of April. The donation was carried out on April 24, 27, and May 1st in Akure, Ikom, and Osogbo respectively.

Recognizing the humane gesture of Olam Cocoa Nigeria, the state governors and other dignitaries present at the donation drive, deeply appreciated the company for selecting essential items for distribution and contributing enormously to mitigate the adverse effects of lockdown on people.

Cross River State Governor’s wife, Dr. Linda Ayade, received the items and lauded Olam for bringing a smile to people’s faces with the donation. In Osogbo, the items were received by the Commissioner of Commerce Industry and Co-operatives, Dr. Bode Olanipekun, who thanked Olam for their good gesture and initiative. Others who graced the event were members of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Cocoa Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (CFAN), and Cocoa Revolution Project.

Dr. Linda Ayade (centre) collecting supplies in Ikom from Olam manager Mr Akinwa Olumide (on her right)

Osun Food Relief Committee Secretary, Jimoh Ibrahim Collecting Supplies in Oshogbo

 Ondo Governor Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu receiving relief items in Akure

Apart from the palliatives, Olam Nigeria is spreading awareness about COVID-19 through radio jingles and billboards. These are primarily aimed at guiding farmers in maintaining good hygiene, social distancing, and other methods of precaution from the virus. Hand-washing stations have also been installed at various locations in cocoa farming communities.

Olam Nigeria’s Country Head, Mukul Mathur said, “Our approach in the fight against COVID-19 is three-pronged. We are supporting the government with food supplies like our Mama’s Pride Rice, Crown Pasta, OK Biscuits, Eggs and Tasty Tom Noodles to alleviate the pain of the vulnerable members of the society at this time. Medical supplies and testing kits, critical for the everyday running of the NCDC Isolation centres, have also been provided. We understand the importance of social awareness, particularly amongst farmers, is critical to ensure safe and timely planting which guarantees sustained food security; and in the case of Cocoa exports – revenues to support economic stability for the country. We continue to sensitize and run awareness campaigns with radio jingles in local dialects targeted at farmers.”

Admiring Olam for their endeavors to upgrade people’s lives, Ondo state governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said his administration is investor-friendly and would always support Olam in boosting their investment in the state.

Olam sets up billboard across States to spread awareness about precautions from Covid-19

Olam cocoa saplings ready for distribution to farmers.

Olam Nigeria’s cocoa division has a wide and growing network of farmers and suppliers in Nigeria.

Currently, this network encompasses over 50,000 farmers across all cocoa-growing regions of the country. The farmers regularly receive training on good agricultural practices to increase their cocoa yields, boost their incomes, and ensure a better future for their children.

Olam’s other pro-farmer activities include the distribution of cocoa seedlings, first-aid boxes, and conducting regular medical check-ups of farmers to help them secure a healthy and prosperous life.

Furthermore, the company provides farmer-friendly infrastructure such as solar dryers and raised platforms to enhance the quality and efficient drying of cocoa beans during the rainy season. They have also been investing heavily in farming communities by installing borewells and supplying them with Personal Protective Equipment and spraying tools.

Jennifer Abuah, Sustainability Head, Olam Nigeria said, “Olam has the unique advantage of being a global agri-business company born in Nigeria – we are fully invested in Nigeria’s past, present and future.”

Even in such unprecedented times in Nigeria, Olam continues to carry out its operations with full precaution in the cocoa-growing regions. They have given their staff face masks and sanitizers and are observing strict protocols in their warehouses with social distancing amidst the work-force.

As Coronavirus spreads across the country, infecting above 2,000 people and expected to disrupt lives in the foreseeable future; corporate social activities like these by illustrious corporations such as Olam Nigeria are giving a ray of hope to the society by moving the needle in a positive direction.

From Left – Mr Bhawani Singh Jodha, Mr Arunkarthick AshokKumar and Ms Prerna Bhatiya of Olam lead the donation drive in Osun and Ondo states

Dr. Linda Ayade demonstrating the importance of hand-washing in Ikom

Farmers undergoing training in Osun State in December 2019.

By Aditi Raman Shridhar