NBC moves against open defecation

The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) has pledged to support the Federal Government to end open defecation in the country.

Consequently, NBC has in partnership with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), commissioned the WASH facilities in Idumagbo and Oyingbo communities in Lagos State.

The project, which is aimed at ending open defecation by 2025 is one of the social development initiatives powered through the one-million-euro donation made by the NBC’s parent company, the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.

Speaking at the commissioning of a 10 rooms toilet facility equipped with bore-hole, over-head tank, water taps, bio-digester and sanitary facilities, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, NBC, Mrs. Soromidayo George, said the company had a long-standing history of pioneering sustainable development projects as part of its commitments to give back to communities.

George said the projects were embarked upon to provide support to thousands of people in Nigeria who lacked access to clean water, good sanitary environment for healthy living.
The project was part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6).

George added that the company set up the facilities to support the Federal Government’s drive to eliminate open defecation by 2025.

Corporate Affairs & Community Partnerships Manager, NBC, Jerome Oyebanji, described the target as a tall order, noting that it would only be achieved through partnerships by improving public health in the country.

Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, NBC, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, said the company would continue to make a difference in different communities across the country.

Also, OPS-WASH National Coordinator, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, extolled the NBC’s efforts towards water sustainability and expressed delight in the collaboration between the organisations.