Royal Fathers Commend NBC on Fifa World Cup Trophy

Royal Fathers of the host communities of Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Plc have commended the company for giving them opportunity to share in the excitement of the Fifa World Cup Trophy tour of Nigeria. The multinational company who is the official bottlers of Coca-Cola products had given the Royalty a VIP treatment experience of a close-up view of the coveted World Cup Trophy at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos recently.
The icon of the world soccer elicited great excitement and funfair among football fans, royalty, school children and Nigerians in general as it berthed in the country. The Trophy is on a 70-day unprecedented tour of Africa to enable thousands of Africans personally see the real solid-gold Cup in anticipation of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.                                    
Speaking at the event, His Royal Highness, Dr. Aiwerioghene O. Iduriase , the Enogie of Eyaen, Edo State noted that NBC has a great relationship with its host communities. “NBC has proved to be a great company who has the interest of its host community at heart. It is the only company who thought it wise to make us part of today’s lifetime experience. We are proud of NBC for maintaining good working relationships in our community as well as other communities where it operates. It has implanted indelible marks in our community’s well being and development,” he enthused.
 The Royal Father further stated that, NBC has contributed immensely to the country’s economy and human development through job creation and generation of local businesses that supply its operations. “The company has been able to deliver on its social and environmental responsibilities through the pursuit of two core principles: continuous improvement and sustainability. We therefore implore other companies to emulate NBC and work towards the advancement of their host communities,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr.) O. G. B. Odum , the Paramount Ruler of Oginigba, Port Harcourt , Rivers State poured encomiums on NBC for the opportunity it gave the Royal Fathers to have a personal close-up view of the soccer icon. “This gesture has written NBC in gold sand of time. This shows that the company is thinking ahead of how to better its host communities. My kingdom is proud to associate with NBC,” he stated.
According to His Royal Highness, “Today’s event is a sign of great working relationships that will tie up my kingdom and the company. We look forward to a more long standing partnerships with NBC, especially to help our youths actualize their potentials.”   
Mrs. Yanju Olomola , head, Public Affairs and Communication of NBC,  noted that the no other sporting event captures the world’s imagination as FIFA World Cup. The Trophy is a great global icon that generates excitement, holds the entire public under its spell and breaks down barriers among countries. “NBC is delighted to be part of the world’s most popular sport as well as the Trophy tour. It has afforded us the opportunity to bring people together to share in the excitement and lifelong experience. We call on all Nigerians to welcome and celebrate the glistening gold icon,” she added.
Mrs. Olomola said that, NBC is committed to maintaining good working relationship with its host communities. According to her, “Corporations are indispensable in sustainable development. Without active contribution from the private sector, there can be little enduring social or environmental progress. This explains why NBC is committed to meeting the need of the public and gain the trust of all corporate stakeholders--investors, employees, consumers and communities.”
She further revealed that NBC is able to impact its host communities through a well structured mission statement on community. She enumerates: “Invest time, expertise and resources to provide economic opportunity, improve the quality of life and foster goodwill in our communities through locally relevant initiatives.”
Nigerian Bottling Company Plc is one of the few multinational organizations that had its beginnings in Nigeria. From a small family owned operation at inception, it has grown to become the predominant bottler of alcohol-free beverages in Nigeria, responsible for the manufacture and sale of over 33 different Coca-Cola brands.