A day with Ade Adefeko, By Simbo Olorunfemi

It is easy to get drenched in the flood of negativity that has taken over the space, especially with all that is going on, both home and abroad.

It is as if that push to have the roof irretrievably cave in is one that we will never get over. From covid-19, to covid-induced disruptions, surge in terror and crime within, the war in Ukraine, and the unprecedented inflationnary push around the world.

Then comes the flood, triggering a situation of complete chaos, with repercussions that we are yet to fully appreciate.

It is easy to pack up on hope and simply pick on the paddle of despondency in wading through a flood that seemingly neither knows the beginning from the ending.

Yet, there is always that silver lining. That assurance that no matter how dark it might get, the sun will still make its way back to offer us a chance at a new beginning.

Earlier today, I was at Transcorp Hilton for the launch of the Seeds for the Future Foundation and
Educational Grant by Olam Agri which had the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Special Guest of Honour.

The story of Olam is familiar to many. The story of a seed birthed in Nigeria decades ago that has now become a multi-billion Dollar global enterprise. Proof that the Nigerian soil is fertile, as the Vice President put it. The story of Nigeria’s largest non-oil exporter. The story of an enterprise that has refused to sink in the flood of negativity that has enveloped our land, taking huge strides in backward integration in the field of Agriculture.

Yet, none would have faulted Olam if it had been downbeat today. It was only a few days ago that the company reported that over $15 million worth of planted crops are under water as flood has submerged its 4,500 hectares of farm seated on its 13,500 hectares land in Nassarawa State.

Olam also fears serious damage to its infrastructure worth $8 million. Full extent of damage will only be known when the water recedes. But Olam did not invite us to Transcorp Hilton for lamentation. Rather, it was to launch new seeds for the future of Nigeria. A strong message that we must hold on to hope, no matter how high the flood gets.

Also met Amina today. Vast. Knowledgeable. Daring entrepreneur who has chosen to leave behind the ‘comfort’ of life abroad to invest in Agriculture in Nigeria, taking on such a huge and revolutionary project, fired by the belief that it is incumbent upon us to sow with eyes on tomorrow, for generations unborn.

Whereas water has taken over the land, it was a world of difference sharing the better part of the day with men and women with fire in their belly and unshaken belief in Nigeria.

No doubt, the water will eventually recede. No doubt, some dreams would have been washed away, some irretrievably submerged.

Yet we must find the strength to not give up. We must find the courage to birth new dreams, pick up on old dreams and find ways to breathe life into them.

That, for me, is the story of Olam. That is the point made today by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in his presence and words. That is what strikes me most in the audacious and inspiring story of Amina. That is what is most remarkable about my Brother and friend, Ade Adefeko . The unshaken resolve to believe, hold on and work hard for the good and prosperity of Nigeria.

It is the dedication to be inspired by the dreams and opportunities, refusing to get drowned in the flood and the negativity in its wake, but continuing to work hard to make the best of today for the sake of tomorrow.

For God. For Family. For Country.