In the festive spirit of the holiday season, Chief A. K. Mirchandani, the Chairman and CEO of Sona Group of companies, a prominent conglomerate deeply ingrained in over seven sectors of Nigeria’s economy, has emphatically reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to contributing significantly to the nation’s growth. He envisions expanding the group’s influence across pivotal sectors, thereby catalyzing the much-anticipated development of the country.
As part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Chief Mirchandani hosted an extravagant Christmas party for children in Sango Ota, Ogun State, underscoring the importance of giving back to society. Having resided in Nigeria for over four and a half decades, Chief Mirchandani expressed profound admiration for the Nigerian people, portraying the country as a remarkable place to live. His dedication to supporting educational endeavors stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative role of education in both personal and national development.
Discussing future plans for increased investment, the seasoned entrepreneur disclosed a keen interest in the agricultural sector. He emphasized efforts to bolster the production of local yields, catering to both domestic consumption and international export. The group’s diverse industries, spanning recycling, food production, solar power, electricity, and gas, reflect a commitment to local development and investment.
Speaking about the foray into agriculture, Chief Mirchandani outlined initiatives such as palm oil and coconut oil production, highlighting the group’s efforts to create industries based on local commodities. He emphasized the economic potential of Nigeria’s arable lands and advocated for diversification into agriculture to ensure self-reliance in the face of changing global dynamics, noting that crude oil, a traditional economic mainstay, is not an infinite resource.
“The group has a number of industries. What we look for is local, we do recycling. In the food segment, we make raw materials for other manufacturing companies. We are also going into solar power. We are currently into electricity and gas. So, there is a lot we are investing in. We are now going into agriculture. We are producing palm oil and coconut oil. We brought high breed coconut from India. Each tree can produce 400- 600 coconuts. Our job is to convert these coconuts into oil because vegetable oil comes from coconut. Coconut oil is very healthy Apart from that, it can be exported. So, we try to create an industry based on a local commodity which can create foreign exchange”.
Expressing his passion for job creation, Chief Mirchandani stressed the significance of the government’s role in fostering a conducive business environment. He called upon the government to encourage investors by providing such an environment and facilitating easier access to finance. While acknowledging support from governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Industries, he urged the government to implement more programs that simplify the financial landscape, as cheaper finance would significantly enhance the country’s export drive.
“I have been in Nigeria and have spent more than 40 years here. I will like to see that we can do something for people and give them the respect that they require. Jobs are very important and the government should increase the support for agriculture. With Agriculture we can produce so enough food. Nigeria has got rich land. Nigeria can produce enough to eat and export” he added.
Chief Mirchandani’s sentiments reflect a profound dedication to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. His call for increased support for agriculture, job creation, and a business-friendly environment underscores a vision for a thriving and self-reliant nation.
