Nigerian Breweries complementing govt in uplifting standard of education – Lalong

 *infrastructure worth millions donated to GSTC Bukuru, Plateau

The Governor of Plateau State,  Simon Bako Lalong has lauded the Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc for complementing government’s effort in uplifting standard of education through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

He stated this while speaking at the commissioning of  classrooms, laboratory, toilets and borehole worth millions of Naira donated to Government Science and Technical College Bukuru, South Local Government Council of Plateau State.

Lalong who was represented by the Commissioner of Education, Hon. Joseph A. Mairiga, applauded the efforts of NB Plc.

“This occasion is indeed very significant and timely despite the current economic meltdown of the nation’s economy,’’ he said.

 
Speaking further, he said: “The Nigerian Breweries Plc  has complemented government’s efforts by bravely showcasing yet another enormous corporate social
responsibility to the government and people of Plateau State.

 

“It is our collective desire to re-position education in Plateau State and indeed Nigeria. This befitting structure will surely promote the teaching of science and technology in the school in particular and Plateau State in general,” he assured.

Mairiga added that while the government through the ministry of education will continue to revamp and revitalize education in the state, he called on all public spirited individuals and corporate individuals companies, organization and agencies, to emulate the Nigerian Breweries Plc for not only intervening in education on the Plateau, but a gesture it spreads to some selected states of the federation.
The Commissioner, further applauded the initiative and commitment of NB Plc towards promoting and upgrading the teaching and learning of science and technology subjects in our schools in other to boost scientific innovations in line with world best practice.
“We will continue to partner with you as stakeholders in education by providing the enabling and conducive environment to strive and contribute your quota in the transformation of education development of the state,’’ he added.

In his speech earlier, the Managing Director Nigeria Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde who was represented by the Regional Business Manager Mr. Anthony Ohiro, stated that, they have gathered there at GSTC Bukuru to commission and handover the school structure constructed by Nigeria Breweries Plc.

“This project adds to several other school projects that our company had embarked upon over the last five years across the North for the benefit of our immediate host communities and other locations where we do business,” he pointed out.

Furthermore, Mr Vervelde added that, “it is worthy to note that we turned 70 years last month. Within this period we have grown our business to the first highest capitalized stock on the Nigeria Stock Exchange; invested over N175 billion in developing world class brewing facilities in the last 5 years.

“Supported in the country’s food security through our over N1 billion sorghum value chain project where we sponsored research into the development of higher yield sorghum seeding, raising farmer yielding from one to 4.5tons per hectare over five years period.

“Invested into cassava value chain to increase cultivation and industrial utilization of the tuber; we support a work force of about 4000 ensuring families have and enjoy the basic means of livelihood; last year on the Plateau, we renovated a clinic block and donated mini theatre equipment and a solar powered energy source to St. Virgilius
memorial health center Namu, in Shendam Local Government Area and in recent years we have built over 182 classrooms,” he said.

He also revealed that their projects are done in diligent pursuit of their core corporate social responsibility goal-winning with Nigeria: by being a responsive and distinguished corporate citizens of the states where they do business.

“You would agree with us that we have made one of the most visible social impact in our contribution to health, education, sport, water and community development projects in recent years.’’