SIAT Group Celebrates Legacy and People at Forward Event

SIAT Group, a leading African agro-industrial conglomerate and majority shareholder of Presco Plc, recently hosted its 'SIAT Forward' event. The gathering was an intimate and carefully curated celebration of the group's legacy, leadership, and the people who have been instrumental in shaping its journey.

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We are gathered this evening not simply to mark an occasion, but to celebrate a milestone. For decades, this Group has grown across borders and generations through the vision of the founding family and the dedication of those who came before us and those who have carried that vision forward.

Themed "Legacy, Leadership & the Future," the event convened SIAT’s founding family, retired Directors, Board members, company executives, financial partners, and other stakeholders. It served as a platform to reflect on the Group’s history, recognize those who built and sustained the business, and celebrate the continuity of a legacy that has evolved across generations, countries, and communities.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Saroafrica International Limited and Chairman of Presco Plc, Rasheed Sarumi, spoke about the milestone, stating, "We are gathered this evening not simply to mark an occasion, but to celebrate a milestone. For decades, this Group has grown across borders and generations through the vision of the founding family and the dedication of those who came before us and those who have carried that vision forward."

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When I think of the legacy of SIAT Group, I don’t first think of hectares and tons of palm oil. I think of people, because ultimately, this business was built over many years.

Marie Vandebeeck, speaking on behalf of the founding family, emphasized the human element of SIAT's success. "When I think of the legacy of SIAT Group, I don’t first think of hectares and tons of palm oil. I think of people, because ultimately, this business was built over many years," she said. Vandebeeck highlighted that building successful companies in challenging environments is SIAT's greatest achievement, driven by a belief in the future and a philosophy that became the company's DNA, particularly evident in Presco's development through decades of persistence and investment.

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Many of you in this room were part of building that story. Today is about saying thank you to those who built it, stayed, served, and to those who continue to carry it forward. We do not stand as something new, but as something continued.

She further noted the role of exceptional Nigerian organizations and the conviction that building a world-class agricultural business in Africa was possible, despite inherent risks and uncertainties. Vandebeeck expressed pride in the many talented individuals who joined, stayed with, and developed within the company, assuming significant responsibilities.

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Often, in places where building successful companies requires more than capital and ambition, this is the greatest achievement of SIAT. Above all, you need to believe in the future. This philosophy became the DNA of SIAT, and nowhere is it more visible than in Presco.