Coca-Cola system celebrates 70 years in Nigeria, invests N560b in 5 years
By Abimbola Mohammed
In commemoration of its seventy years’ anniversary and in furtherance of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), Coca-Cola system Nigeria, comprising Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited and Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd, has embarked on plans to invest N560 billion in Nigeria in a bid to support and provide more job opportunities in the country.
This was made known during a recent press briefing in Lagos, where the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), Mathieu Seguin noted the company’s determination to invest in the country as part of its celebration.
Speaking on the Coca-Cola system’s impact in Nigeria, Seguin said: “Since 2007, we have invested $1.7 billion in the country and we will be investing an additional N560 billion in our operations in Nigeria. In the last five years, the Coca-Cola system has also supported the creation of 58,000 jobs along its value chain.
“As we continue to grow, we have been very deliberate about investing heavily to make a positive impact in the lives of people in communities where we work and operate. We believe that our business is only as sustainable as the communities in which we do business, and this is why we have mainstreamed sustainability into every aspect of our business.”
He mentioned that in the last 10 years alone, the Coke System has invested more than 9 billion naira in lifting the living standards of communities where it does business in Nigeria, through locally relevant initiatives. “Some of the areas we have had the most impact have been in education and youth development, women empowerment, water, environmental sustainability, sports and the promotion of commerce and entrepreneurship.”
Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria, Alfred Olajide, said: “Anniversaries are an important part of life. They remind us of important events, both personal and cultural. This celebration not only gives us an opportunity to look back at the brand’s storied history in Nigeria but is also an opportunity to highlight our plans for the future. This milestone anniversary is a testament to the possibilities and shared opportunities we have created in this great country.”
He continued: “Beyond an anniversary, this is a story of a company building and establishing long-lasting relationships with diverse groups, individuals, and organisations in a bid to ensure a better-shared future; it is years of system investments that have ensured the oiling of this country’s economic gears; it is years of initiatives that have ensured and fostered community resilience in communities seeking our intervention; it is years of instilling hope, open happiness, positive feelings and the magic of community in audiences.”
While giving the vote of thanks the Public Affairs & Communications Director, Amaka Onyemelukwe noted: “As a brand, the mission remains to refresh the world and make a difference and that difference is not just where we do business but where our consumers do business.
“Wherever the max miles that we deliver our products, we always put in our best to connect with people and try to make a difference in their lives.”
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