By Adedapo Adesanya
One of Nigeria’s leading players in the agricultural value chain, Olam Nigeria, has joined the efforts of private sector organisations to support state governments by providing food and medical relief materials to Nigerians during the coronavirus outbreak.
Residents of Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, Ogun, Kano, Delta, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Cross River States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have been marked as the beneficiaries of the programme.
The parent company of Crown Flour Mills, OK Foods, and Caraway, made the move to augment government initiatives geared towards alleviating the pain and disruption to the daily lives of citizens by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on the initiative, the Country Head, Olam Nigeria, Mr Mukul Mathur, stated that the current situation in the country was a crisis that calls for urgent attention of capable hands.
And as part of its responsibilities, it was joining the effort by distributing relief materials across several states of the federation, especially targeting the most vulnerable in the society, during the shutdown of activities.
“We realize the effect this will have on Nigerians, especially the vulnerable in the society, many of whom earn daily wages, and whose incomes are closely tied to ongoing economic activities, which for now have been halted.” He said.
Mr Mathur added that the relief items to be distributed across various locations in Nigeria include edibles such as Mama Pride rice, Tasty Tom noodles, OK biscuits and Crown pasta.
“In addition to the food items, the company recognizes the urgent need to support all health workers on the frontline with medical supplies and kits which will include thermometers, masks, hoods, goggles, medical overalls and rapid test kits. This is to be donated to NCDC.
“It is our belief that our humble contribution will support the overall effort in combating the pandemic as we continue to hope life returns to normalcy as soon as possible,” he added.
Modupe Gbadeyanka