Unilever Gets Global Commendations on Business Strategy

Fast-moving consumer goods company, Unilever Nigeria Plc, has been commended for its business sustainability plan which has kept the company glowing and growing over the years.

The commendation came as the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Hon. John Howell paid a courtesy visit to the company’s Head Office in Lagos.

Speaking on the company’s performance, Howell recognised that the company’s present strength was largely due to its principle of sustainability which was not only laudable but worthy of emulation by other profit-oriented organisations.

He noted that the approach which has proven to be outstanding cuts across several areas to include environment, health, job satisfaction for workers and more.

“This model of operation is laudable and should be emulated, I am particularly impressed with the fruitful collaborations this is building, particularly with Freedom Foundation NGO. The British Prime Minister is also aligned with partnerships of this nature. She spoke about it at the UN and called on the organised private sector’s participation to complement government’s drive to end trafficking around the world,” he said.

Responding, Vice President, Supply Chain, Unilever West Africa, Sid Ramaswamy, appreciated the envoy’s visit which he said was timely and impactful. On the business approach, Ramaswamy maintained that it had favourably influenced the organisation’s mode of operations, adding that the company was chiefly concerned about its environment as well as making positive impacts through social missions.

In her remark, the Executive Director of Freedom Foundation, Uzoma Dania, expressed gratitude to the company for being supportive towards the realisation of the foundation’s goals and objectives.

Pioneer Brewing Company in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries Plc., has restated its commitment to the development of Nigerian students in this year’s edition of its ‘Beyond the School’ initiative.

The initiative which was cosponsored by Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund is put together for students in public senior secondary schools and designed to expose students to career options as well as factors to consider before making a career choice. Beyond this, the programme was also established to motivate and boost students reading habit towards career goals achievement.

Speaking at the event which was graced by secondary school students in Lagos Education District Four, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Kufre Ekanem, further explained that the initiative was introduced to complement other initiatives of the company targeted at the education sector.

He thus called on the students to take advantage of the career guidance information provided to them, which was in line with best practices, to achieve their full potential.

While addressing the students, a senior consultant with Thistle Praxis Consulting, Emilia Asim-Ita, advised them to dream big but should base their career choice on passion and interest to boast of a bright future.

“The knowledge you have now will help to guide you on the disciplines that are passionate and dear to you and you must also strive to develop those skills that will aid in achieving success in your chosen discipline ”

In her presentation, Managing Director of Bestman Games, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe, offered the students personal finance tips on saving, investing and spending. She counseled the students to be diligent, prudent and keep good company.

Also speaking, Mr. Gbubemi Fregene popularly called Chef Fregz, urged students to take advantage of education to be on a higher pedestal in their career paths.

He said: “Life is about your passion, but education is important. The relationship is symbiotic because it is actually your education that will determine how far you go with your passion.”

This year’s edition drew students and teachers from Iponri Estate Senior High School; Stadium Senior High School; Onitolo Community Senior High School; Iganmu Senior Secondary High School and Adebola Baptist Senior High School, all in Lagos Education District Four.

The event also saw students from the schools compete in a game of Monopoly where they won various prizes