BY SALIF ATOJOKO
LAGOS – The Corporate Relations Director and Company Secretary of Guinness Nigeria, Mr Rotimi Odusola, has said the company was committed to educating its customers on responsible consumption of alcohol.
Odusola said this during a courtesy visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
He said the communications team of Guinness decided to visit NAN to strengthen the relationship between the two organisations, and find out opportunities for further collaboration.
“We will be looking forward to opportunities for a stronger partnership,” he said.
Odusola said as a company that placed high value on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it was imperative to educate people around responsible consumption of alcohol.
In line with this, he said the company was partnering the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to educate motorists on responsible consumption of alcohol.
“We have a good relationship with other bodies, like the FRSC, through which we highlight our message of responsible consumption of alcohol.
“We want to also be able to pass across the message that we are a responsible corporate entity,” said Odusola.
He said Guinness Nigeria also emphasised diversity and inclusion in its operations, intended to bring in more women into the Guinness community, and also support businesses operated by women.
“For us to have a sustainable business, we have to contribute to the sustainability of the society. So, sustainability to us goes beyond gender issues,” he said.
Odusola also debunked earlier claims in the media that Guinness Nigeria was relocating to Ghana.
He said rather than relocate the company’s head office to Ghana, the company had completed a new head office complex in Ikeja, which would soon be inaugurated.
“We are opening a new office in Ikeja in a few weeks, which will put a lie to claims that said we are about to move to Ghana. Rather than closing offices, we are expanding our operations to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Corporate Communication Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs Ayodele Alabi, said the company, with its range of products, was in a better position to harness the benefits of the AfCFTA.
Also, Sustainable Development and Diageo in Society (DIS) Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs Olanike Onokoya, explained that the sustainability initiative of the company entailed empowering people in various communities, especially women.
The Head of Lagos Operations, NAN, Mr Ephraim Sheyin, appreciated the willingness of Guinness to partner NAN, and the fact that the company was increasing its investments in the country.
“You have interest in Nigería. When you have a problem, either as an individual, company or country, you need your friends to help resolve the problem.
“It is good to hear that you are not moving to Ghana. Stay in Nigería, let us see how to resolve issues that we might have in the country,” he said.
Shenyin said that NAN was ever ready publicise the partnership between Guinness Nigeria and the FRSC.
“We have offices in all locations, and we provide contend for every media organisation, with over 2,000 subscribers.
“We look forward to working with you; we will do whatever we can to make your business a success.” (NAN)
