Cadbury Nigeria @60: Lagos to lead the implementation of new industrial policy

 

Photo Caption:

The Leadership Team of Cadbury Nigeria Plc with Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, who doubles as the Special Guest of Honour at the celebration of Cadbury's 60th anniversary and employee cultural diversity initiative, over the weekend in Lagos. 

By Kayode Olopade 

The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose has stated that the state has prioritised implementation of a new Industrial Policy designed to create a more enabling environment for businesses. 

The Commissioner, who represented the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at a Cadbury Nigeria Plc @60 event noted, "As part of our administration’s agenda to make Lagos a globally competitive 21st-century economy, the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, is leading the implementation of a new Industrial Policy designed to create a more enabling environment for businesses."

According to her, the policy prioritises infrastructure, investment incentives, industrial clusters, and public-private collaboration.

"We look forward to working closely with Cadbury Nigeria and other key stakeholders to ensure this policy translates into tangible outcomes, greater productivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity for all.

"On behalf of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, I bring you warm greetings and appreciation for your continued investment and operations in Lagos. Mr. Governor places great value on private sector players, especially manufacturing companies like Cadbury Nigeria, who serve as the engine of Lagos State’s economy, creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and supporting community development," the Commissioner said. 

The Commissioner, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the BRA NAN WAZOBIA DAY 2025 celebration put together by Cadbury Nigeria, noted that WAZOBIA DAY is a day set aside to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a nation of over 200 million people, with over 250 different ethnic groups. It is part of Cadbury Nigeria’s commitment to creating a fun and inclusive workplace.

The acronym, BRA NAN WAZOBIA, represents languages used by the major tribes in Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, and Nigeria, all in West Africa.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria, Mrs Oyeyimika Adeboye, said the Company was able to achieve this milestone due to its determination and focus, irrespective of the economic downturn. 

Adeboye noted that Mondelez International, Cadbury Nigeria’s parent company, is called the global snacking giant, as it has lots of products that have yet to be introduced into the Nigerian market, such as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Chocolate, Biscuits.

"WAZOBIA DAY initially celebration started in Nigeria, but later included Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire colleagues, to demonstrate our unity in diversity, as the business has footprints across West Africa,” Adeboye said. 

“This year’s edition is special because Cadbury Nigeria turned 60 in 2025.” 

On his part, the Human Resources Director, Cadbury Nigeria, Dr Wole Odubayo, stated that the Company places high premium on its employees and ensures that they are meaningfully engaged while at work, through effective work-life balance.

“BRA NAN WAZOBIA is one of the several initiatives that we have put in place to boost employee engagement not only in Nigeria but also across West Africa, where we have a presence,” Dr. Odubayo added.

Also speaking, Mr. Owen Akinwande, Manufacturing Director, Cadbury Nigeria, noted that employees have been the focus of the Company, adding that the workers are passionate about their duties, that is why it has remained afloat, despite the daunting operational environment. 

According to Akinwande, “We have been able to maintain our strong position in the market due to the commitment of all our staff.”