As part of its commitment to youth and community empowerment, non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing giant, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), has donated a Youth Centre to Irete community, in Owerri, Imo State.
The handing-over ceremony of the newly constructed NBC/Irete Youth Centre took place at Umuoyo Village, Irete, Owerri, Imo State recently.
Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, the Regional Public Affairs Manager for NBC, East and Central Region, Ekuma Eze, said, “The donation of the Irete Community Youth Centre is borne out of the need to ensure youths within the community and environs are engaged positively, and are able to sharpen their knowledge and skills through the opportunities that the NBC Irete Youth Centre provides.” He added that NBC believes the youth are a critical part of the community, hence the strong need for youth empowerment and development, towards the achievement of our national economic growth.
Reacting to the kind gesture, the Traditional Ruler of Irete Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Ethelbert Ekwelibe commended Nigerian Bottling Company Limited for the laudable initiative which he noted would have far reaching positive impact on the youth of the community. The Traditional ruler further urged other corporate entities to emulate NBC’s admirable contributions to youth empowerment, while advocating for optimum use of the facility by the youth in the community.
The NBC/Irete Community Youth Centre is equipped with internet enabled computers, a resource centre and a fully furnished hall, with audio visual facilities that can be used for seminars, workshops and training programmes. NBC is reputed for investment in the well-being of its communities through its intervention programs in the areas of youth empowerment, educational support, communitydevelopment and provision of potable water amongst other value adding legacy projects.