The Mandilas Group Limited has highlighted its economic footprint in Nigeria as it marked its 75th anniversary of operating in the country.
At the landmark celebration held on Saturday, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Ms Ola Debayo-Doherty, said the group has contributed to various sectors of the economy and fostered growth.
Tracing the historic journey of the company, Debayo-Doherty noted that Mandilas Group, founded in 1950, has evolved from a small business to a leading player in its industry. According to her, over the past 75 years, the company has grown, adapted, and evolved to meet the changing needs of customers while maintaining its commitment to excellence.
She credited the company’s founder, John Basil Mandilas, the first naturalised Nigerian, for his vision that paved the way for Mandilas to thrive in a post-colonial environment.
“Mandilas has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, adapting to changing market trends and consumer needs while maintaining its legacy as a trusted business partner,” Debayo-Doherty said.
The GCEO reminisced about Nigeria’s economic challenges, including the Structural Adjustment Programme of the 1980s that led many businesses to leave the country, saying that despite these hurdles, Mandilas persevered, maintaining its operations and ensuring the payment of salaries through various economic fluctuations.
She also spoke proudly of Mandilas’ legacy as a distributor of iconic brands, such as Carrier HVAC systems, Transicold Refrigeration and Cold Chain Solutions, and Toyota, and its reputation for quality after-sales service with a network of workshops across the country.
She added, “As we give thanks for how far we have come, we also look ahead with renewed purpose to shape the next 75 years, guided by the values that have sustained us so far: integrity, care, accountability, reliability, respect for people and excellence.”
Debayo-Doherty assured that with a strong foundation and a commitment to excellence, Mandilas is poised to continue making significant contributions to the country’s economy for years to come.
