In a significant step toward enhancing educational infrastructure in Lagos State, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, has commissioned a newly built block of classrooms and other facilities at Okegun-Odofin Junior High School, Ibeju-Lekki. This project, executed in collaboration with the Lagos State government’s “One Community At A Time” (OCAT) initiative, aims to provide a conducive learning environment for students in the local community.
During the handover ceremony to the Lagos State Government, Hans Essaadi, Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries Plc Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, represented by Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, emphasized the company’s commitment to educational development in Nigeria. Essaadi highlighted that the new school structure, which includes a block of classrooms, a principal’s office, staff rooms, and toilet facilities, addresses the educational challenges faced by students who previously had to travel long distances to access education.
“This project represents a significant advancement in our educational journey, providing our children with a safe and accessible environment for learning within their community,” said Essaadi. He further noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Secretary of State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, expressed profound appreciation to Nigerian Breweries Plc for their partnership in improving the quality of education in the state. Salu-Hundeyin underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving progress and development across various sectors, including education.
She encouraged community stakeholders to take ownership of the new school facilities and ensure they are well-maintained and secure for the students. “Education is at the core of this administration’s agenda, as we understand that the future of Lagos State depends on the quality of education we provide for our children,” she added.
Folashade Jaji, the initiator of the “One Community at a Time” (OCAT) program, explained that the initiative was designed to bring development to local communities across the state. She expressed gratitude to Nigerian Breweries Plc for their support in realizing the vision of improving educational facilities in underserved areas.
Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, also commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for their continuous support in providing essential amenities for residents within the local government area.
The “One Community at a Time” initiative is a comprehensive, community-based program that focuses on sanitation, health, education, and recreation to achieve sustainable development in underserved communities across Lagos State.
About Nigerian Breweries Plc:
A member of the HEINEKEN Group, Nigerian Breweries Plc is the pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria. Incorporated in 1946 as Nigerian Brewery Limited, the company made history in June 1949 when the first bottle of STAR lager beer rolled out of its Lagos brewery bottling line. Today, Nigerian Breweries Plc boasts a diverse portfolio of 19 high-quality brands, including Heineken, Desperados, Maltina, Life, Amstel Malta, Gulder, Fayrouz, and Legend, produced from 9 breweries and distributed nationwide. The company has received numerous awards for product quality, marketing excellence, innovation, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.
