Nigerian Breweries Has Done More For Nigerians, Says Ambode

 

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

 

The Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for its commitment to the economic prosperity of the state and the nation, saying the company has done more than any other company in terms of corporate social responsibility in Lagos State.

Governor Ambode stated this on Tuesday while on a courtesy visit to the company’s headquarters.

While praising the company for being a responsible corporate citizen and highlighted the company’s contribution towards job creation through direct and indirect employment of Lagosians, he charged the management to remain focused on excellent business practices and outstanding corporate governance.

The governor congratulated the company on its 70^th anniversary and emphasized that the company has been part of the development of Lagos since the creation of the state 50 years ago.

He pledged continuous co-operation and partnership between the state and Nigerian Breweries Plc.

“In the last 50 years, you have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State. We are happy you have been part of the success story of this state,” he said as he assured of his government’s support in creating an enabling environment for the company.

In his welcome address, Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc., Chief Kola Jamodu said that Lagos State occupies a special place in the heart of the company’s commitment to “Winning with Nigeria.” This commitment, he maintained, has driven its Corporate Social Responsibility footprints over the years to make several outstanding contributions towards human and infrastructural development in the state, especially in the areas of education, health and security.

The chairman assured that the company would continue to join hands with the governor in the march to make Lagos the cynosure of all eyes.

During the visit, the Technical Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Henk Wymenga highlighted the company’s socio-economic impact in Lagos State to include job creation, prompt and full compliance in payment of taxes which run into several billions of Naira, local sourcing of raw materials including the company’s sorghum and cassava value chain as well as its long term sustainability agenda, “Brewing a Better World.”

On the governor’s entourage during the visit included Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Rotimi Ogunleye; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde and Commissioner for Environment, Babatunde Adejare.

Others were Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Kehinde Joseph; Commissioner for Special Duties, Seye Oladejo and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Fariudeen Akpoju.

A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Government and Nigerian Breweries Plc. on the ‘One Lagos Fiesta’.

Governor Ambode signed on behalf of the state while Chief Jamodu signed on behalf of Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The company also donated two security patrol vans to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund during the visit while Governor Ambode planted a commemorative tree in the premises of the company’s Lagos brewery.