Speeches

Rebranding And Celebration Of Forty-Five Years Anniversary In Nigeria Of Syngenta Nigeria Limited

Dec 3, 2009 - I am very delighted to be here today to share the joy of celebrating the success story of Syngenta Nigeria Limited. Let me first congratulate the Chief Executive Officer, the management and the entire staff of Syngenta Nigeria Limited on today’s anniversary celebration and rebranding programme. And coming at a festive period like this and a period when organizations take inventory of their achievements in the year makes the occasion the merrier.

It is indeed an auspicious moment and a period of joy and celebration to share with you knowing that for forty-five years your company has grown to become one of the foremost pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies in the nation. I am also happy that you have recognized the important place that Lagos has played in the growth of your company over these years. It further confirms the confidence that investors have in our growing economy in Lagos.

I particularly want to congratulate you for your dedication, commitment and tenacity to the goals and missions for which the company was established forty-five years ago. It is a manifestation that the management is focused in bringing to reality the vision of producing and providing quality products and services to the benefits of the citizens in our nation.

I am sure that this vision must have also helped and informed your constant repositioning initiatives for more challenging opportunities. And it is no wonder then that these repositioning efforts have always come with it increased customer satisfaction and market acceptability, considering the challenging business environment in our society coupled with the competitive chemical and pharmaceutical market industry in Nigeria. Quite commendably, your company has constantly held sway and earned consumers confidence in your products through these years.

As your company celebrates forty-five years in the industry, your decision to rebrand your business is an indication that you are indeed determined to sustain the commitment and dedication for which you have been known over the years. Let me say, that this new repositioning or rebranding should as a matter of fact help you in delivering better food for a better world through outstanding crop solutions which is your main vision. And it will also help your goal which is to be the leading global provider of innovative solutions and brands to growers and the food and feed chain.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this forum to once again assure investors and the business community in general that we are sensitive to some of the challenges you face and shares your concern. This is why we are working to ensure that basic infrastructural facilities are provided to help you grow your business. I believe that the success story of Syngenta is a testimony to our efforts to provide an enabling environment for business.

We in Lagos State are ready to continue to support your vision because of the positive impact you are having on the society particularly in the area of providing better nutrition and the promotion of good health lifestyles among our citizens. You are helping us in our quest and campaign for better health care delivery with the quality of your products. We also cherish your contributions in promoting agriculture and putting smiles on the faces of farmers through your agricultural products.

Once again, as you celebrate forty-five years of doing business in Nigeria, I do commend you and it is my pleasure to join you in today’s celebration mood and I pray that God will continue to help you grow from strength to strength particularly now that the world is experiencing economic challenges in businesses forcing many to close shops and downsize their workforce.

I am convinced that with the dynamic, visionary and dedicated management, your organization will continue to provide the leadership in effectively directing and co-ordinating the affairs, activities and programmes of the company to attain these greater heights.

I believe strongly that your rebranding effort now will also translate into improvement in the quality of products; increase customer’s confidence in your company and will also lead to unprecedented growth and expansion of your business. We shall also be glad if your rebranding efforts will also help in creating more job opportunities for many of our youths thereby alleviating poverty in the State.

On a final note, I must not end without reminding you of your Corporate Social Responsibility. Lagosians will be positively influenced towards your rebranding efforts as you touch the lives of more people around you. And of course, your prompt discharge of your obligations in the State must continue to stand you out among other corporate citizens.

I congratulate the entire management and wish you better days and success in your efforts at providing better products and promoting sound health and nutrition among our citizens.

Thank you for your kind attention.

“Eko O ni baje!”

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE