Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigeria’s foremost brewing company in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has restored more than 350 hectares of degraded forest land and planted over 340,000 indigenous trees at the Olokemeji Forest Reserve over the past five years.
The milestone forms part of the company’s “Brew a Better World” sustainability agenda, which places environmental stewardship at the heart of its operations. Through the Olokemeji Forest Reforestation Project, the collaboration has focused on advancing biodiversity conservation, strengthening climate resilience, protecting watersheds, and promoting sustainable land management in the area.
The progress was reviewed during a joint stakeholder engagement bringing together representatives of Nigerian Breweries, the Ogun State Government, and IITA, where all parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaborative environmental restoration efforts going forward.
Speaking during the engagement, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo, disclosed that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability in the communities where the company operates.
Speaking at the engagement, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo said the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability in the communities.
“At Nigerian Breweries, sustainability remains central to how we operate and create shared value. The restoration of over 350 hectares of degraded forest and the planting of more than 340,000 indigenous trees demonstrate 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.
Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun Taiwo, commended the sustained collaboration between the state government, Nigerian Breweries, and IITA, describing such partnerships as essential to preserving the state’s forest resources and driving sustainable development.
The engagement was attended by the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun Taiwo, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, Dr Adekunle Oyesanwen, alongside other senior officials of the ministry, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo, the Corporate Affairs Manager (West), Nigerian Breweries Plc, Danjuma John-Ekele, the Sustainability and CSR Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Oluseye Olokun and the Manager, Public Affairs and Sustainability, Namibia Breweries Limited, Franklin Angermund.
The Olokemeji project has delivered wider environmental and socio-economic benefits within surrounding communities.
The initiative has contributed to improved biodiversity and climate resilience while supporting the protection of the forest’s watershed. It has also created alternative livelihood opportunities for members of neighbouring communities through activities such as beekeeping and vegetable farming.
In addition, the project has supported improved access to clean water through the provision of community boreholes, further extending its impact beyond environmental restoration.
Through the continued partnership, Nigerian Breweries and its stakeholders are seeking to strengthen long-term ecosystem conservation while supporting sustainable livelihoods and building greater resilience among communities around the Olokemeji forest.
