The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has strengthened its commitment to agricultural development and food security by donating 60 modern smoking kilns and 40 foldable ponds to smallholder farmers during the grand finale of the 2025 Eko World Food Day Fair in Lagos.
Held at the Police College, Ikeja, and themed “Hand in Hand, For Better Food and Better Future,” the event was part of the United Nations World Food Day global commemoration, which promotes awareness and collective action toward sustainable food systems.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, lauded the BATN Foundation for supporting farmers’ livelihoods and enhancing agricultural productivity. “Feeding a megacity like Lagos requires innovation, bold investments, and robust partnerships. Our administration recognises the critical role of initiatives such as this in achieving food security,” he said.
The BATN Foundation, in collaboration with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), commissioned and distributed the climate-smart equipment through its Fingerlings to Fork project. The initiative targets smallholder farmers who have completed the Foundation’s technical and agribusiness program, helping them reduce post-harvest losses and improve food processing quality.
Board Director Yarub Al-Bahrani highlighted the Foundation’s nationwide impact, noting that it has reached over 1.7 million beneficiaries and supported more than 300,000 farmers across all 36 states and the FCT. “Food security cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society toward a shared future,” he said.
Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Board Director of BATN Foundation, added that the year’s theme underscores the importance of partnerships in sustainable agriculture. “Our contribution of modern smoking kilns and tanks reflects our promise to equip farmers with tools for success, empowering them to build climate-resilient, commercially viable agribusinesses,” she stated.
The fair also served as a dynamic marketplace where smallholder farmers and cooperatives, supported by the Foundation and state agencies, sold fresh produce directly to residents at fair prices. The initiative not only enhances local value addition but also strengthens connections between producers and consumers, promoting affordability and inclusive economic growth in Lagos.
