The unexpected nature of the onslaught of the Coronavirus pandemic and its deleterious effects on the quality of life of the citizens of several countries has informed the act of giving by endowed individuals, Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs) and corporate organizations to the needy sectors of the society.
The noble aim is to mitigate the deleterious effects on the victims by the scourge of the virus. Also negatively affected is the running of government machineries across the affected countries. Such kind gestures have therefore, come in form of the distribution of the much-needed raw cash, face masks, hand sanitizers, ventilators and of course, food items.
Not left out of the corporate organizations that have reached out to governments is the nation’s leading brewery giant, Nigerian Breweries Plc. Recently, it announced the donation of six hundred million Naira(N600m) to the federal and some state governments as announced by Ms. Sade Morgan, the Corporate Affairs Director of the company.
Details of this commendable gesture are contained in a letter to Boss Mustapha, the secretary to the federal government who also happens to be the be the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Details were however provided by NB Plc’s Managing Director, Jordi Bel. As indicated, the sum of N250m donation goes to the federal government through the Coalition Against COVID-19(CA-COVID). N250m cash donation goes to eight state governments’ Task Force against COVID-19. Lagos and Ogun states are to receive N100m and N50m respectively as the frontline states in the fight against the virus. Five other states such as Kaduna, Oyo, Enugu, Abia and Imo will each get N20m.
Furthermore, relief materials worth N100m have also been provided. These include the provision of 5 double-cabin vehicles meant to be used by the National Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) for their operations involving the movement of materials and personnel in states such as Lagos, Ogun and Kaduna states.
Interestingly, the cost of fuel, maintenance and drivers’ salaries will be made available by NB Plc. Not done, it has gone ahead to make available Personal Protective Equipment including face masks,500 gowns and 141,000 units of hand sanitizers to be distributed across the states most affected by the coronavirus. Added to these is the supply of malt, energy and soft drinks to several COVID-19 NCDC Centres across the country.
And in the face of uncertainty with regards to jobs, the MD, Bel has given the assurance of the protection of that of its 3,000 staffers.
It is worthy of note that the HEINEKIN, the parent company of NB Plc has also reached out to the International Red Cross for the supply of relief materials to the victims of COVID-19 in countries across Africa, Asia and America.
And here in Nigeria it has advanced the concept by advocating responsible consumption of its people-friendly products. On education, it has supported Felix Ohiwerie Education Trust Fund, it has supplied potable water to several communities, encouraged youth empowerment and talent development.
Over the decades, it has come up with spectacular talent shows in the fertile fields of music and dance, movies and essay writing to discover hitherto unknown talents. Its Gulder Ultimate Show(2004-2014) remains one of the most memorable. Back in 2004, the spell-binding and thrilling reality search made a millionaire out of Ezeugo Egwuagwu who smiled home with the sum of N3m as the first-ever first prize winner.
Its Star beer promotions, brought iconic crooner, KCee into the music limelight. Its Maltina Dance All competition is Nigeria’s premier Dance TV reality show. Beginning from 2006, participating family members go through highly creative yet energetic dance training as provided by professionals.
At the end, the winning families smile home with mouth-watering and prestigious prizes with the first prize winners getting brand new , exotic car and counting millions of Naira. At the regional level, winners boast of clinching home theatre, flat screen TV sets and high tech phones.
its Legend Extra Stout Real Deal promotion has gone a long way towards boosting consumer experience. Faithful fans are hosted across different cities courtesy of its flagship consumer engagement platform. There they are thrilled by A-list artistes such as Harry Song, Timaya, 9ice, OritseFemi to small Doctor from Aba to Ibadan,Abuja to Abakaliki, Onitsha to Jos, Umuahia to Owerri.
In addition, its brand ambassadors such as the delectable Nollywood diva, Dakore Akande and iconic musician Burna Boy have not been found wanting when it comes to connecting NB Plc’s top brands to the teeming consumers.
The point being made here is that predicated on its strong bond between the ccoprate giant and the Nigerian public what it has done in reaching out to both the governments and the public deserves much commendation. And it serves as a source of inspiration to other companies operating in Nigeria.
Looked at from an enlightening perspective, it is noteworthy that the donations came from thorough, thinking through processes. Giving out gifts that span the spectrum of money, face masks, fuel, vehicles, and payment of salaries make them much more useful to the recipients.
As we pray for the end of the Coronvirus, the states and federal government should be ready to reciprocate these great gestures by way of providing stable power supply, good access roads and sustainable security to all the companies involved. The money and items so donated should be judiciously expended. The company pays taxes, so reaching out with additional relief measures to the needy at this time, is worthy of emulation.
Kudos to NB Plc! You have proved that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
– Baje is a public commentator and analyst