Nigeria’s Vice President, Profesdor Yemi Osinbajo has restated government’s commitment to an environment that is conducive for businesses to grow.
Professor Osinbajo spoke in Lagos at a dinner to mark the 70th anniversary of Coca-cola in Nigeria.
He said, “As a government our commitment to creating an environment that allows the private sector to innovate and thrive remains active and sincere, despite the challenges.
“And we will continue to work with businesses across the broad spectrum of our dynamic economy to ensure that we do this with a clear view of the opportunities and problems of the day.”
Commending the board, management, and staff of Coca-Cola for their hard work and dedication, Osinbajo assured the company of government’s partnership as it makes its strides.
The Vice President also disclosed that he has been a consumer of Coca-Cola for several years.
“I drank several bottles of coke daily for many years. As a matter of fact from 1975 to 2017, I drank at least 2 bottles of coke a day.
“By my calculation even discounting 2 years, I have had 29,200 bottles of coke in my lifetime, so far. I do not know what the world record is but I must be a contender.”
Coca-Cola to invest $1billion in Nigeria
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Bottling Company, Segun Akpata announced that the company would investment $1billion dollars in the next five years.
Akpata said that the expansion of the company’s manufacturing plants across Nigeria has witnessed over $1.7billion in the last few years.
He commended the family of A.J Leventis for keeping faith in Nigeria since 1951 when Coca-Cola was brought in Nigeria.
In his recorded video message that was presented at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Mr. Zoran Bogdanovic, said despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, that the company still sees opportunities to continue to invest in Nigeria.
“As always we are ready to play our part as a trusted partner in addressing these problems and investing in the economy in order to stimulate economic growth and further increase Nigeria’s appeal as an investment destination,” he said.
Highlight of the event was the recognition of 70 stakeholders in the company who were represented by seven persons.
Confidence Okwuchi
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