Yemisi Izuora
Nestlé Nigeria has donated two water boreholes to Orile-Imo community, located next to its Flowergate Factory, near Owode-Egba in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, this singular gesture has given relieve to about 10,000 community members which now have access to safe and clean water.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon said: “We are committed to improving access to water and sanitation across our value chain. We believe there is a clear and compelling economic case for businesses to demonstrate leadership by addressing lack of access to safe water in rural areas.”
He also said that the WHO estimates that every person needs 50 to 100 litres of fresh water per day to meet their basic daily needs. But, more than 63 million people in Nigeria still don’t have access to safe water. Lack of access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene can cause illness or death, impairs productivity, and restricts markets for some products and services.
Improved water availability and access is essential for rural development and quality of life in the communities Nestlé depends on for manufacturing and for raw material supply.
In his response, His Royal Highness, Oba Matthew Kolawole Olubiyi, Olu of Orile-Imo thanked Nestlé Nigeria for the donation. He recalled that the company in 2013, renovated two blocks of six classrooms at St Paul’s Anglican Nursery and Primary School, the only school in the community. He stated: “Nestlé is an exemplary corporate citizen that cares about the wellbeing of the communities from which the company draws agricultural commodities and local labour.”
In appreciation of Nestlé’s contribution to the economic and social development of the Orile Imo community, Oba Olubiyi announced that the council of chiefs and the entire community unanimously decided to honour Nestlé Nigeria Managing Director with the prestigious title of Taiyese (someone who makes the world a better place to live in) of Orile Imo and his wife, Anita Gordhon with Yeye Taiyese of Orile Imo.
According to a statement signed by the head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager Nigeria, Samuel Adenekan, Nestlé is also raising awareness on water conservation through its sponsorship of ‘Project WET’, a global water education programme implemented in schools. To date 3,275 children and 161 teachers have benefited from it.
These activities are part of Creating Shared Value, the company’s way of doing business. This is based on Nestlé’s firm belief that for a company to prosper over the long term and create value for shareholders it must create value for society, he said.