As a business, Nigerian Bottling Company has deliberately entrenched the principle of corporate social responsibility in the fabric of its operations from manufacturing to community engagement. This it does by promoting sustainable development in order to create value for its business and society. This includes providing products that meet the beverage needs of consumers, fostering an open and inclusive work environment, conducting business in ways that protect and preserve the environment as well as contribute to the socio-economic development of its host communities.
Indeed, the company is committed to sustainable development of its host communities through life changing projects to improve the quality of lives of the people.
Against the backdrop of constant calls for private sector support and partnership in developing education in Nigeria as the business of education is too big and important to be left in the hands of government alone, NBC has committed enormous resources to the sector.
The company has renovated and commissioned classroom blocks for pupils who cannot afford the cost of private schools in Warri, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Lagos and Abuja, creating a more conducive atmosphere for learning and teachers interaction with the students.
According to the Managing Director, Jim Lafferty the gesture was in keeping with the company’s deep commitment to promoting quality education in Nigeria and help deserving Nigerian children actualise their potential.
Lafferty explained that, “the projects are part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aimed at contributing towards quality education by uplifting public schools’ infrastructure. We want pupils to take full advantage of the unique opportunities of quality education to achieve their goals and also help the overall growth of the country.”
In the same vein, the Head of Public Affairs and Communication, Yanju Olomola noted that government needed strategic partnerships with corporate institutions to deliver quality education, saying that the company has invested in educational infrastructure to fast-track rapid development of education in the country.
“We believe we can contribute and invest in today for their tomorrow. We have 13 plants and 59 depots all over Nigeria and it is a huge task trying to meet the needs of all the communities but, we believe that we are part and parcel of the communities where we operate and that is why we try to listen to their needs and work towards meeting those needs. Because the needs are many and varied, we focus on major areas of intervention like water, youth development, education and so on.”
She stated that the company is particular about the growth and development of communities around its operations and sees the child as a critical but often forgotten stakeholder in whose hands lie the future of these societies and is therefore committed to contributing as its resources will permit into the development of these children.