Ribena Partners Firm, Launches ‘Good Value School Programme’

Nutritional fruit drink, Ribenam, has partnered with Bridges to Goodness (B2G) Projects, to bring ‘Good Value School Programme’, targeted at young ones to boost their behavioural values and inculcate healthy habits in them.

According to the company, the initiative which also seeks to contribute to the process of nation building would be delivered in over 500 schools across the country.

Announcing the initiative, Marketing Director, Suntory Beverages and Foods, Mrs. Rosemary Akpo, pointed out that the programme was a national initiative strategically put together, especially now that young people in Nigeria were faced with challenges capable of stunting development.

She stated that the grassroots initiative would also go a long way in moulding right leaders for tomorrow.

“This is an initiative that we have launched as we look forward to commemorating this year’s International Children’s Day. We are working at ensuring the programme spreads across the nation which was why we are partnering with B2G, in this first of its kind program. We are proud that we are supporting the efforts of the parents, guardians and the government to produce young people that will grow with the kind of values that will positively affect lives and also make them relevant in the scheme of national development”, Akpo said.

As part of the activities the firm has announced that there would be an intra-school contest and awards which will roll out on April 24. The award was designed to honour and inspire young people, irrespective of status or background whose lives and activities demonstrate an enduring commitment to qualities associated with good values and character. The brand Manager of the firm, Essien Ekemini explained that the programme would involve over 500 schools in its pilot stage with the pupils who will be requested to participate and compete at different levels leading to the grand finale. Anytime from now, the market will avail Nigerians with cheap tomato and tomato paste products.

This is as the Federal Government announced a new policy aimed at boosting the production of the product, improve value chain and attract more investment.

According to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelama, the tomato sector policy was developed and being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

He added that the policy was targeted at increasing local production of fresh tomato fruit required for consumption and processing; increase local production of tomato concentrate and reduce post-harvest losses.

Presently, the price of the Tomato has remained on the high side in the market which left consumers with no cheaper option.