We’ve spent over N4b on community devpt projects, impacted 1.7 million Nigerians, since inception —BATNF

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) said it has spent more than N4billion on projects across communities in Nigeria and impacted about 1.7 million Nigerians since its inception two decades ago.

Giving the foundation’s scorecard in Lagos at a media briefing held in Lagos, one of its Board members, Mr Yarub al Bahrani, stated that since its establishment, the foundation has also impacted over 300,000 smallholder farmers and invested in over 300 community development projects across states of Nigeria and the FCT.

He stated that one of the focal areas of the foundation has been on safe drinking and hygienic water for farmers, to which, he added, BATNF had developed over 105 solar-powered boreholes to ensure beneficiaries have access to safe water.

Bahrani however explained that the foundation was able to record those feats through its partnership with over 100 stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, private sector organisations and other industry stakeholders by leveraging resources, expertise and networks, amplifying its impact and reach.

The Board Chairperson, BATNF, Adebisi Lamikanra, noted that the foundation had made tangible impact in the lives of rural smallholder farmers, women and youth, promoting economic growth and improving livelihoods in the last 20 years.

Reflecting on the foundation’s 20-year journey, General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, stated that the foundation had been privileged to partner with rural communities in Nigeria, witnessing first-hand the power of knowledge acquisition and economic empowerment.

“This journey has been incredibly fulfilling and we take great pride in the positive impact we have made thus far,” he added.

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