The chairman of the SONA group of Industries, Mr. A. K. Mirchandani during an interview session with newsmen at his office.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The recent economic and social hardships imposed by the prevailence of the Covid-19 pandemic to some have presented an opportunity for a different world view on issues and have strengthened thier resolve to surmount challenges in order to forge ahead.
A group of media persons caught up with the chairman of the Sona Group of Industries, Mr. A. K. Mirchandani at his office and he fielded some questions. The man who has had over forty five years of experience in various businesses (nine companies) in Nigeria gave several insights on how he and his team have been able to weather the storm as far as manufacturing and distribution of goods are concerned over the years.
Inside one of the factories where plastic products are made.
He said that he and his team have had very good corporate relationships with the government, the chamber of commerce and the people of Nigeria over time and hope that the cordial relationships continue. He also added that the group of companies directly employ over 7,000 persons and another 6,000
persons who are indirectly employed, he admitted that the Covid-19 pandemic brought about tough situations, but that it also brought with it an opportunity to reassess one’s industrial and commercial strategies and make adjustments where necessary.
Mr. Mirchandani with some of his staff.
Mr. Mirchandani says that his companies source over 85% of raw materials locally and foresees a future where 100% of the raw materials are locally sourced as they continue to expand because of the inherent opportunities provided by Nigeria and Nigerians.
The chairman says that the secret of their success lay in their belief that despite the challenges posed by some level of insecurity in the country, that the opportunities presented by nature and the people of Nigeria give them the impetus to strive harder in coming up with new ideas on how to surmount these challenges.
The process of plastic wastes being palletised.
Mr. Mirchandani advises Nigerians to be united and stand together as one and to look at backward integration in solving their economic development matters as unity gives a big strength. He also advised that Nigerians look for those things that can be produced locally as he noted that Nigeria has dignity and should not be going cap in hands to borrow from other nations noting that her human and material resources are enough to take her to her economic dreamland. He noted that everyone of their products has the inscription ‘Proudly Made In Nigeria’ on its pack.
The chairman being awarded by the CEO of Seaflypo news magazine, Babatunde Aremu.
The chairman also spoke about their garbage to gold policy where waste materials are locally converted to new finished products.
The pressmen were shown round the factories within the Industrial Complex where plastic products are made as well as the printing section and the recycling plant where plastic wastes are recycled and made into new products.
Mr. Mirchandani used the opportunity to wish the people of Nigeria a happy 62nd Independence Day Celebration and also expressed the hope that the country will over the next few years reach her full potentials.
The Group Chairman was also honoured with the Seaflypo News Best Business Mogul of the year 2022 Award.The Award was presented to Mr. Mirchandani at the official headquarters of Sona Group at Sango Ota, Ogun state on Tuesday by the Publisher / CEO of Seaflypo News Mr. Babatunde Aremu after the interview session with the journalists present.
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