|
The Nigerian Field Society |
||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
Report on the trip to Apapa Flour Mills
September 7th, 2007 On Friday, September 7th, 2007, a group of about 25 old and new members of the Nigerian Field Society ventured out for an afternoon tour of the Golden Penny Flour Mill in Apapa, one of the largest flour mills operating in Lagos. Our group, led by very delightful and competent Matthias Wolandt, met at the WASCO jetty and headed out in two motorized boats to the Apapa Boat Club. We cruised through the Port of Lagos, with Matthias pointing out several sights and land-marks along the way. The boats went past the Beachland area where we quickly picked up a few more adventurers. It was very interesting to get an up-close view of this busy port and the massive shipping industry that is so vital to the survival and comfort of all of us who live in and around Lagos. I very much enjoyed this part of the trip not only because it gave us an opportunity to see an area of Lagos not easily visited by many, but also the pleasure of feeling the fresh air and wind blowing through our hair as the boats raced across the waves. After docking in Apapa and boarding two buses provided by the European International School (EIS), we were shuttled a short distance to the site of the Golden Penny Flour Mills. Once there, our group divided in half and we were each led through three or four floors in different buildings viewing massive machines in constant motion washing, sorting, sifting, grinding, and transporting the grain. Two very knowledgeable employees conducted a "flour-in-hands" tour explaining in detail the entire production process from start to finish, turning raw wheat into edible flour and other by-products for man and beast. This massive plant covering a large area of land in Apapa operates twenty-four hours a day and provides employment for 1800 workers, mostly Nigerians. We were all amazed at the cleanliness within the plant itself, the adherence to strict operating standards, and mostly by the fact that it was totally mechanized with modern functioning equipment all operated by computers - and not a broken-down part in sight. This wheat - grown in the United States, shipped through the Port of Lagos, completely processed and packaged at this Golden Penny Flour Mill in Apapa, will now be distributed throughout all of Nigeria to feed millions of people. Very impressive! At the conclusion of the tour we were all sent away more knowledgeable - and happy with a bag of semolina as a parting gift. Now back on the busses for a short drive to the dock, and then a refreshing and scenic boat ride back to the Lagos Yacht Club for a little relaxation and socializing. We all enjoyed our beverages of choice, delicious hors d'oeuvres, good company and interesting conversations as we watched the sun begin to set out over the harbor. A good time was had by all – join us next time! Melody Vincent (USA)
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
| ŠThe Nigerian Field Society | ||||||||||
Lagos Branch
