In alignment with its ‘Brew a Better World’ sustainability initiative, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigeria’s leading brewing company, has planted over 340,000 indigenous trees and restored more than 350 hectares of degraded forest in the Olokemeji Forest over the past five years. This effort was made in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry.
The Olokemeji Forest Reforestation Project, implemented in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aims to promote environmental stewardship and contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable ecosystem management.
This achievement was highlighted during a joint meeting among representatives from Nigerian Breweries Plc, the Ogun State Government, and IITA, where stakeholders reviewed the project’s progress and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaborative efforts toward environmental restoration and sustainable land management.
During the meeting, Uzodinma Odenigbo, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, stated that this initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability in the communities where the company operates.
‘At Nigerian Breweries, sustainability is central to our operations and the value we create. The restoration of over 350 hectares of degraded forest and the planting of more than 340,000 indigenous trees illustrate what can be achieved through strategic partnerships. Beyond restoring ecosystems, we are investing in a healthier environment and creating opportunities that will benefit surrounding communities for generations to come,’ he said.
In his remarks, Engineer Oludotun Taiwo, the Honourable Commissioner for Forestry in Ogun State, praised the collaboration between the Ogun State Government, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and IITA, emphasising that such partnerships are vital for preserving the state’s forest resources and promoting sustainable development.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Engr. Oludotun Taiwo, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry; Dr. Adekunle Oyesanwen, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry; Uzodinma Odenigbo, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc; Danjuma John-Ekele, Corporate Affairs Manager (West) of Nigerian Breweries Plc; Oluseye Olokun, Sustainability and CSR Manager of Nigerian Breweries Plc; and Franklin Angermund, Manager of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Namibia Breweries Limited.
In addition to reforestation, the Olokemeji Reforestation Project has enhanced biodiversity, strengthened climate resilience, and improved watershed protection within the forest reserve. The initiative has also created alternative livelihood opportunities for surrounding communities through beekeeping and vegetable farming, while enhancing access to clean water by providing community boreholes.