Olam Food Ingredients (Ofi), a cashew manufacturing company in Kwara State, has pledged to continue supporting farming communities within its supply chain, with a focus on enhancing nutrition and health initiatives. Rajeesh Neelanjeri, the general manager of the agro company, made this commitment during the inauguration of a block of six ultra-modern toilets at Ansarul Islam Community School, Aboto-Oja in Asa local government area of Kwara State.
Neelanjeri emphasized that the donation to the school was driven by the company’s concern for the well-being of farmers in Kwara State. Ofi has consistently partnered with communities to address health and nutrition needs, aligning with their sustainability goals and the cashew trail target of “Promoting good health and wellbeing through the provision of clean water and implementation of proper sanitary conditions.”
He further stated that it is essential to implement sanitation and hygiene measures to ensure the well-being of these communities, with a particular focus on the needs of women, girls, and vulnerable individuals.
The manager affirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening existing relationships and establishing new ones to create a more sustainable and positive environment in society.
In response, Kasali Yakub, the community head and the Alangua of Aboto, commended Ofi for the project and appealed for the company’s assistance in addressing the absence of electricity supply in the area, which has had a socioeconomic impact on the community. He also requested the establishment of an industry in the community due to the significant cashew production.
Fabiyi Bukola, a representative of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) unit of the Public Health in the state Ministry of Health, highlighted the project’s potential to address open defecation issues in the area.
Olam’s commitment to supporting farming communities and initiatives focused on nutrition and health reflects its dedication to sustainable and responsible business practices in the region.
