Kanday Venkateswarlu, a UAE-based entrepreneur and packaging technologist, has been honored with the title of Honorary Chief by the Anambra State Government in Nigeria. This prestigious award is given to foreign nationals for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s progress. Venkateswarlu, originally from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh in India, is only the third Indian to receive this honor in the past 52 years.
Venkateswarlu’s journey began with a diploma in Printing Technology from the Government Institute of Printing Technology, Secunderabad, India. His career took him from Dubai to a role at the Reserve Bank of India’s currency printing press before he identified the potential in Nigeria’s packaging industry. In 2008, he moved to Nigeria, addressing the country’s packaging material shortage, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
In 2010, Venkateswarlu returned to Dubai and joined a leading packaging company, helping bridge supply gaps in Nigeria and extending services to 25 African countries. By 2021, he co-founded Fortune Pack Labels Industry LLC in Umm Al Quawain with Rajesh Vemuri, Executive Director. The company now supplies billions of labels to several African countries, specializing in high-quality label manufacturing for sectors including food, beverage, dairy, healthcare, and aviation.
Speaking to Packaging MEA, Venkateswarlu said, “The honor from Anambra State is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the growing role packaging plays in supporting economic growth across Africa. I’m proud to contribute to Nigeria’s development by delivering high-quality packaging solutions.” His commitment to providing reliable and affordable packaging solutions continues to bolster economic progress in Nigeria and beyond.