Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Peter Ndegwa has
once again reiterated the company’s commitment to increase the use of Local Raw
Materials (LRM) such as sorghum and maize which have been part of its sourcing
strategy for over a decade now. He also announced the company’s intention to
raise the use of locally sourced raw materials from 43% to 87% over the next 2
years.
Mr. Ndegwa, who made these known at the formal commissioning
of the water and sanitation project built and donated by Guinness Nigeria Plc
to the Tyowanye Community in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, noted
that move is in line with commitments made by Diageo, Guinness Nigeria’s parent
company, to source 80% of raw materials used in its operations in Africa
locally by 2020. He expressed delight at the interest shown by the Benue State
Government in this initiative.
The Tyowanye water scheme which comprises two solar-powered
boreholes and two blocks of VIP toilets and will benefit over 10,000 people in
the community is one of three major water schemes the company has delivered
this year in collaboration with its NGO partners and is the 35th project
Guinness Nigeria has delivered under its Water of Life initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Benue State, Dr
Samuel Ortom stated that the state government would be delighted to further
partner with Guinness Nigeria in the area of agriculture where the State, known
as the food basket of the nation is able to provide all the agricultural inputs
Guinness Nigeria requires in its operations.
The Governor also expressed his gratitude over the newly
constructed water scheme. He stated that the water facility will support the
government’s drive to improve health and hygiene for Benue state citizens,
adding that “as we know, water is life, so he who brings water brings life.
Guinness Nigeria has brought ‘life’ to this community through this project and
we are very grateful for this intervention’’. He enjoined the community to
protect the investment and use it judiciously to ensure its continued
sustainability.
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