…holds social impact stakeholder dinner
Reckitt, a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, recently hosted a series of significant events during the visit of its Global CEO, Kris Licht, to Nigeria. The visit highlighted Reckitt’s commitment to improving public health and hygiene nationwide through strategic initiatives and impactful collaborations.
The CEO’s stay in the country began with an audience with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 27, 2024. Licht shared the company’s plans for Nigeria with the president and reaffirmed Reckitt’s commitment to public health and Social Impact initiatives.
This was followed by a momentous occasion at Reckitt’s Agbara Factory, celebrating its 44th anniversary on May 29, 2024. Distinguished guests, including Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, representing the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON; HRH Oba Lukman Agunbiade, Olute III, Alagbara of Agbara; the Chairman of Reckitt Nigeria Ltd, Chief Olu Falomo; and the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, George Onafowokan, graced the event. The celebration also included commissioning the new Jik Sachet line, highlighting Reckitt’s dedication to providing accessible hygiene solutions for Nigerian households.
Reckitt’s Agbara Factory, established in 1980, has played a pivotal role in producing essential hygiene and health products like Dettol, Harpic, Jik, and Mortein. These products have significantly contributed to the company’s mission of creating a cleaner, healthier world. Speaking at the event, Her Excellency Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele highlighted Reckitt’s positive impact on the local community, job creation, and innovation. Kris Licht, Reckitt’s Global CEO, praised the team’s dedication and the factory’s high-quality output, which supports both business and community health initiatives.
The celebrations continued with the Social Impact Stakeholders Dinner in Lagos, a prestigious event attended by notable dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders. His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, President and Founder of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Toyin Saraki, and other key figures gathered to acknowledge Reckitt’s contributions to public health and hygiene. Governor Sanwo-Olu applauded Reckitt’s initiatives, stating, “Reckitt exemplifies the Nigerian spirit and the unwavering determination of businesses here. They go beyond producing excellent products; they’ve become a driving force for change.”
The Stakeholders Dinner showcased Reckitt’s flagship social impact initiatives, including the Clean Naija campaign and the Hygiene Quest. The Clean Naija initiative focuses on improving hygiene standards across Nigeria through education and community engagement, while the Hygiene Quest aims to educate 10 million children by 2035. Reckitt’s Harpic End Open Defecation initiative has also significantly promoted proper sanitation practices and provided access to clean toilets in underserved communities.
The Stakeholders Dinner also served as the closing ceremony for the Fight for Access to W.A.S.H Accelerator Programme. This programme has empowered six innovative social businesses. Each received seed funding of 6.3 million Naira, totalling 37.8 million Naira, to implement their WASH projects. The programme provided five months of intensive boot camps, over 30 hours of skill-based volunteering, 36+ hours of dedicated mentorship, and continuous guidance from Reckitt mentors.
In his speech, Kris Licht reaffirmed Reckitt’s commitment to Nigeria, declaring, “Access to clean water, hygiene products, and healthcare should be a human right, not a privilege, and that’s what we are working on.”
Celebrating the 44th anniversary of the Agbara Factory, hosting the impactful Social Impact Stakeholders Dinner, and the successful WASH Accelerator Programme all mark a significant chapter in Reckitt’s mission to protect, heal, and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a healthier Nigeria.
These events highlight Reckitt’s achievements and further prove the company’s unwavering commitment to driving positive change across Nigeria. Reckitt remains dedicated to creating a cleaner, healthier world by fostering innovation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.
