Tuesday, February 9th, was agog with excitement, as Originals took their positions in line to welcome the Nigerian Air Force to Origin HQ. The visit started with a ground tour of the Duka Assembly Line, led by the Managing Director, Prince S.J Samuel, where the eager team of engineers welcomed the decorated officers. Flanked by Wing Commander Bisong and Flying Officer Anyogu, Air Vice Marshal Jemitola was particularly impressed by the level of innovative work coming out of Duka. The MD shared the remarkable story of Duka with our guests and how the team was able to quickly turn their space into a decent vehicle manufacturing facility, within a short period of time, and how in doing so, the Duka team was able to commence production on the Last Mile Bus Project for the Lagos State Government. A feat deserving of praise.
As they stepped out of Duka and into OAW, the officers couldn’t help but marvel at the creativity, resourcefulness and resilience of the team and its successes, despite the state of the economy.
At Origin Automobile Works, the fascinated officers inspected the Origin FL704 and 804 tractors and farm implements up-close. With our Government’s push for more agricultural investments and opportunities, the officers quickly recognized the great value and promise the OAW company holds in improving farm productivity and changing the game in the agric sector.
From OAW, the officers were led to Origin Furniture’s factory, where Covid-compliant furniture are being put together for the corporate world and the interior of classrooms, improved with sturdy functional desks. As the officers inspected the factory, their respect for the Group grew, Air Vice Marshal Jemitola was quoted saying, “I have great respect for anyone with the ability to establish this type of company. It is a great achievement”
Just when the officers thought they’d seen it all, they were taken to the Vegefresh facility where “ready-to-eat food” is produced and packaged in beautifully branded sachets. It’s a known fact that the Nigerian Army is still fighting insurgency in the Northern part of the country and that getting food supplies to the soldiers at the forefront of the fight can be a challenge. A potential partnership between NAF and Vegefresh could be on the horizon.
The tour ended with a quick stop at the store and then the office building, where the management team officially welcomed the officers.
The visit ended at the Conference room with a Management team presentation to the NAF on the goals of a potential partnership. Exciting times ahead!
