Nicolaas Vervelde, managing director/chief executive, Nigerian Breweries plc, a foremost brewing firm in Nigeria, has promised to continue to invest in the South-East region of the country.
Vervelde in his address at the commissioning of block of six class-rooms/library built and donated by NB plc, to Ubachima Primary School, Awo-Omamma, Imo State, also announced that the brewing giant, has invested N3 billion to upgrade facilities at the Awo-Omamma Brewery, less than one year after its merger with Consolidated Breweries.
Consequently, with the injection of fresh funds, Awo-Omamma Brewery has been upgraded from a unit production line facility, to a multiple line facility, producing about 7 different products.
This is also as the firm invested N18 billion in the expansion of its Aba Brewery in 2014.
Represented at the event by, Kufre Ekanem, corporate affairs adviser, NB plc, Vervelde stated that the project built under the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Educational Trust Fund is in support of the effort of Imo State Government to enhance the standard of education in the State.
The NB plc Chief Executive appreciated the positive efforts of the Imo State Government in revitalizing the educational system in the State, pointing out that the Government alone cannot carry the developmental burden, hence its support.
The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund was established in 1994 to play an active role in funding education research development as well as encourage academic excellence in Nigeria.
Consequently, with the completion and commissioning of the block of six classroom and library, at Ubachima Primary School, Awo-Omamma, the host community has joined the league of beneficiaries of the fund.
According to Vervelde, “There is no gainsaying the fact that education remains the greatest legacy to be bequeathed to any child and key to sustainable development of our country. As our contribution to this, Nigerian Breweries continues to invest towards the improvement of various aspects of education around the country.
“In line with our philosophy of winning with Nigeria, our company has over the years been active in supporting Nigeria’s national development aspirations. This is exemplified by our continuous identification and response to major challenges confronting the Nigeria nation through social investments, especially in the areas of education, “he affirmed.
He urged the community, teachers and pupils of the school to protect the investment for sustainable use.
GODFREY OFURUM
