The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to agricultural development and food security with the donation of 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.

The event, themed “Hand in Hand, For Better Food and Better Future,” was part of the United Nations World Food Day global commemoration, an annual initiative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) aimed at promoting awareness and collective action toward sustainable food systems.

Held at the Police College, Ikeja, the fair brought together farmers, agripreneurs, corporate partners, and policymakers to reinforce collaboration in building a food-secure Lagos.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended the BATN Foundation and its partners for their sustained role in advancing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

“Feeding a megacity like Lagos requires innovation, bold investments, and robust partnerships. Our administration remains deeply committed to ensuring Lagos remains food secure despite its geographical constraints, and we recognize the critical role of partnerships such as this in achieving that goal,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Eko World Food Day celebration served as a platform for public and private stakeholders to showcase tangible solutions to food system challenges.

This year, BATN Foundation, in collaboration with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), officially commissioned and distributed 60 modern smoking kilns and 40 foldable ponds as part of its Fingerlings to Fork project.

The initiative targets smallholder farmers who have completed the Foundation’s technical and agribusiness program, providing them with climate-smart equipment to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food processing quality.

Board Director, BATN Foundation, Yarub Al-Bahrani, said the foundation’s impact is nationwide, reaching over 1.7 million beneficiaries and supported more than 300,000 farmers across all 36 states and the FCT.

According to him, food security cannot be achieved in isolation as it requires every stakeholder including government, private sector, and civil society, working hand in hand toward a shared future.

Board Director, BATN Foundation, Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, underscored the essence of the year’s theme, noting that collaboration is at the heart of sustainable agriculture.

“The Eko World Food Day exemplifies how purposeful partnerships can drive national progress. Our contribution of 30 modern smoking kilns and tanks represents our continued promise to equip farmers with tools for success, empowering them to build climate-resilient, commercially viable agribusinesses,” she stated.

The fair, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, provided a dynamic marketplace where smallholder farmers and cooperatives, supported by the Foundation and state agencies, sold fresh produce directly to residents at fair prices, connecting producers and consumers while promoting affordability and local value addition.