The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to agricultural development and food security with the donation of 60 modern smoking furnaces and 40 foldable ponds to farmers during the grand finale of the 2025 Eco World Food Day in Lagos.
The event with the theme 'Hand in hand for better food and a better future' was part of the global commemoration of UN World Food Day, an annual initiative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that aims to promote awareness and collective action towards sustainable food systems.
The fair, held at the Police College, Ikeja, brought together farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, corporate partners and policy makers to strengthen collaboration in building a food-secure Lagos.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended the US Foundation and its partners for their continued role in advancing agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of farmers.
“Feeding a megacity like Lagos requires innovation, bold investments, and strong partnerships. Our Administration is deeply committed to ensuring that Lagos remains food secure despite geographic barriers, and we recognize the important role such partnerships play in achieving that goal,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The ECO World Food Day celebration serves as a platform for public and private stakeholders to showcase concrete solutions to food system challenges.
Also Read: BATN Foundation celebrates UN World Food Day at the 2025 Eco World Food Day Fair
The initiative targeted smallholder farmers who have completed the Foundation's technical and agribusiness programme, providing them with climate-smart equipment to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the quality of food processing.
“Our impact is nationwide; we have reached over 1.7 million beneficiaries and support over 300,000 farmers across all 36 states and the FCT,” said Yaroub Al-Bahrani, Board Director of BATN Foundation.
“Food security cannot be achieved alone; it requires every stakeholder including the government, private sector and civil society to work hand in hand towards a shared future,” he said.
BATNF Board Director Odiri Erewa-Meggison summed up the theme of the 2025 World Food Day, saying collaboration is at the heart of sustainable agriculture.
He said, “Eco World Food Day exemplifies how purposeful partnerships can drive national progress. Our contribution of 30 modern smoke furnaces and tanks represents our continued promise to equip farmers with the tools for success, empowering them to build climate-resilient, commercially viable agribusinesses.”
Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the fair provided a dynamic marketplace where farmers and cooperatives, supported by foundations and state agencies, sold fresh produce directly to residents at affordable prices, connecting producers and consumers while promoting affordability and local value addition.
