28/07/2026
UNFORGETTABLE EVENT!
Updated: Friday, March 25, 2011
Coca-Cola Commissions Renovated Classroom Blocks at Olukeye Primary School
It was a day of celebration, excitement, and gratitude as the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Plc, the producer of Coca-Cola products in Nigeria, officially commissioned the newly renovated classroom blocks at Olukeye Primary School, Asejire, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, March 25, 2011.
The renovation project, which involved two blocks of six classrooms, was undertaken as part of NBC's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving educational infrastructure and promoting sustainable development in its host communities.
Government Commends NBC's Commitment to Education
The Governor of Oyo State at the time, Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, represented by the Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Adesoji Adejumo, praised the Nigerian Bottling Company for partnering with the state government to improve public education through the provision of quality infrastructure.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the governor acknowledged NBC's significant investment in renovating the school and expressed the government's appreciation for the company's commitment to educational development.
He said:
"At this juncture, I wish to express the sincere gratitude of the Oyo State Government to the Board of the Nigerian Bottling Company for partnering with us in providing infrastructural facilities in our schools by committing substantial resources to the renovation of these classroom blocks as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility."
The governor also recognized the contributions of other individuals and corporate organizations supporting educational development across the state. He appealed to the Asejire community, the management of Olukeye Primary School, and all stakeholders to protect and maintain the newly renovated facilities for the benefit of future generations.
Furthermore, he encouraged other corporate organizations to emulate NBC by partnering with the government in creating a more conducive learning environment for children.
Headmistress Describes the Occasion as Unforgettable
The Headmistress of Olukeye Primary School, Mrs. Margaret Olafisoye, described the commissioning ceremony as an unforgettable milestone in the history of the school.
Expressing her appreciation to the Nigerian Bottling Company, she said she felt privileged that such a remarkable development took place during her tenure.
According to her:
"Before now, the learning environment was not conducive. However, with NBC renovating the two classroom blocks, teaching and learning will now take place under much better conditions. This will undoubtedly improve the academic performance of our pupils and enable them to compete favourably with their peers."
While appreciating the renovation, Mrs. Olafisoye appealed for additional support in the form of classroom furniture, including pupils' desks and chairs, teachers' tables and chairs, and other essential teaching materials needed to enhance learning.
Community Leaders Express Appreciation
The Baale of Asejire, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Bottling Company for responding to the community's long-standing appeal for the renovation of the school.
He remarked:
"I will never forget what the Nigerian Bottling Company has done for our community. For many years, we appealed for the renovation of these classroom blocks. Whenever the youths informed me that part of the roof or another section of the buildings had collapsed, I felt deeply saddened. Today, I am filled with joy because our school has been transformed, and other communities now admire what NBC has accomplished here."
Similarly, the Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Mufutau Bakare, expressed confidence that the improved learning environment would lead to higher academic standards and increased school enrolment. He noted that many parents who had withdrawn their children because of the poor condition of the facilities would now be encouraged to return them to the school.
NBC Reaffirms Its Commitment to Host Communities
Speaking at the event, the Plant Manager of NBC's Asejire Plant, Mr. Adetunji Shotunde, explained that the renovation project resulted directly from feedback received from members of the host community.
He emphasized that the initiative reflected NBC's commitment to being a socially responsible corporate organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in the communities where it operates.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Manager of the Asejire Plant, Mr. Akin Osinowo, stated that supporting community development was one of the company's core responsibilities. He expressed confidence that the improved classrooms would provide pupils with a better learning environment and help shape them into future leaders.
Representing the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Jim Lafferty, the Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Mrs. Yanju Olomola, expressed delight at the successful completion of the project.
She noted that NBC has maintained a long-standing presence in Nigeria, particularly in Oyo State, and remains committed to investing in education because today's children are tomorrow's leaders.
In her words:
"We believe in investing today for a better tomorrow. With 13 plants and 59 depots across Nigeria, meeting the needs of every community is a significant responsibility. Nevertheless, we see ourselves as an integral part of the communities where we operate. We listen to their needs and work towards addressing them. While the needs are numerous and diverse, our major areas of intervention include education, water, youth development, and other community-focused initiatives."
A Day of Celebration
The commissioning ceremony concluded with joyful celebrations as pupils, teachers, parents, and members of the Asejire community expressed their appreciation through songs, dances, and prayers for the continued growth and success of the Nigerian Bottling Company.
The event marked a significant milestone in the history of Olukeye Primary School, symbolizing the positive impact that meaningful partnerships between government, corporate organizations, and local communities can have on improving educational opportunities for future generations.
