Guinness Nigeria Plc said it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to take its responsible drinking campaign to every part of the country.
A statement by the company’s Corporate Communications Manager, Olayinka Edmond, on Sunday in Abuja said the MoU signed at NYSC headquarters was entitled “DrinkIQ Campaign”.
At the ceremony, Managing Director of Guinness, Peter Ndegwa, said that the company was committed to creating awareness about responsible drinking of alcohol in Nigeria.
Ndegwa, represented by the company’s Corporate Relations Director, Sesan Sobowale, added that the organisation was also committed to promoting enjoyment in drinking of alcoholic brand as part of healthy life style in Nigeria.
He said that the company appreciated that alcohol was not an ordinary commodity, adding that alcohol consumed moderately and responsibly by adults who chose to drink could be part of a balanced lifestyle.
According to him, Guinness is also aware that misuse of alcohol can cause serious problems for individuals, communities and the society.
“This is why we have used a variety of programmes to promote a culture in which adults who chose to drink can do so responsibly.
“We have worked in partnership with government, individuals, NGOs and other companies to tackle alcohol misuse, including excessive drinking, drinking while driving and under-age drinking.
“We have also taken measures to ensure that our products are advertised and marketed responsibly, that is why we will not issue an advert without clearly stating that it is not for people under 18,” he said.
According to the managing director, DrinkIQ Campaign is built around providing consumers with information, promoting rigorous company and industry standard for responsible marketing, supporting effective programmes and partnership.
“This is to promote alcohol education and to tackle misuse by advocating effective evidence-based policy.
“In line with our commitment to creating awareness about responsible drinking, Guinness Nigeria will be partnering NYSC to deliver Drink IQ training sessions, targeted at corps members and ultimately, the general public,” he said.
In his remarks, Director-General of NYSC, Brig-Gen. Sule Kazaure, said that the society had been negatively affected by the effects of irresponsible drinking.
