The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation(BATNF) is clocking 20 years this year.
The Board Chairman of the Foundation, Adebisi Lamikanra, stated this at a press conference in Lagos, held to herald the foundation’s 20th-anniversary celebration.
Lamikanra stated that since its inception in November 2002, the foundation has worked tirelessly towards fostering the growth of rural farming in the country.
According to her, the foundation remains steadfast in its drive to craft solutions to the problems associated with food security in the country.
She said, “We are aware of the challenges facing our nation regarding food availability and security. The food inflation in the country has undermined the efforts of our farmers.
“In the face of these, we remain steadfast in our commitment to making a tangible and lasting impact. Through strategic initiatives and unwavering dedication, we have continued to touch the lives of millions.”
Also, a board member of the foundation, Yarub Al-Bahrani, declared that the foundation had invested N4 billion in rural farming in the last 20 years.
He further stated that the foundation had supported more than 3,000 rural farmers with agronomic best practices, with over 1.7 million people indirectly benefitting from BATN Foundation’s initiatives.
Reeling out the foundation’s plans for the future, another board member, Odiri Erewa-Meggison said plans were already underway to plant at least 30,000 trees within the next two decades.
She added that the foundation would seek to broaden its partnerships to foster targeted support for young people, women, and children.
The General Manager of the foundation, Oludare Odusanya, stated that the foundation would be hosting a fete on Wednesday, May 15, to celebrate its achievements in the last two decades.