On July 27, 2023, Nigerian Breweries, NB Plc celebrated Chief Kola Jamodu on his retirement after 15 years as the chairman of the board. The event was a send-forth dinner with family, friends and former workers and the official handover of the mantle to the new chairman.
It was held at Jewel Aeida event centre in Lagos and had many dignitaries such as the deputy governor of Lagos state, Obafemi Hamzat, Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, former governor of Cross River state, Senator Donald Duke, current chairman of NB Plc board, Mr Asue Ighodalo, MD of NB Plc, Hans Essaadi and many others in attendance.
The event started with the arrival of the guests and their photo sessions with friends and colleagues on the red carpet. It followed with the MC’s welcome of the celebrant and his family and the national anthem. Next come the opening remark by the MD/CEO, Mr Essaadi.
Prior to the start of the event, City people had a brief chat with the MD/CEO about his working with the ex-chairman, he explained that it’s not easy to be the chairman for 15 years which he met and worked with him for 2 years. “I love Chief Jamodu, he’s a man full of wisdom. He took Nigerian Breweries from an already established company to one of the biggest businesses in Nigeria and as well in Africa.
“A wonderful achievement of wisdom, resilience, and determination from the chairman, and it has made NB what it is today we wish him the best, fantastic family time and he can come back to us as often as he wants, because the door is always open for him, which he knows,” he said.
On his part, Mr Asue Ighodalo, the current chairman said that he learnt a lot from the past chairman and believes God will bless and guide the chairman in whatever he decides to do after his retirement. “He’s been our chairman for 15 fantastic years and he’s led the company as we have expanded, grown all over the country.
If you look back and see when he became the chairman, we had about 5 or 6 breweries, and today we have over 20, then you be able to understand the remarkable work he has done. We’ve grown and expanded, and we’ve definitely become the biggest brewer in Nigerian and the top 3 in Africa. It’s been a remarkable tenure and we are really proud of the work he has done.
“I wish him all the best, he’s a great man and I wish him long life and good health, I wish him all the best,” he said.
The event continued with a dance drama, which was followed by the history of the chairman. A tribute from Roland Pirmez, Heineken President for Africa Middle East and Eastern Europe was read.
It was followed with entertainment by comedian, Basketmouth who cracked the guests with lots of jokes. It was quickly followed by songs from the NB All-Star Choir. The night was concluded with sumptuous dinner, tributes and a toast by the current chairman, Mr Ighodalo.
A vote of thanks was made by the celebrant, Chief Jamodu. He said that he was fortunate to work with the most talented individuals in the industry. “The success we have achieved as a team is a testimony to their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to excellence.
I’m deeply grateful for their support and their collaboration. Since I joined 17 years ago, it has been a very exciting and eventful journey. I found it a privilege working with seven CEOs and MDs, I can mention a few of them, I had Festus Odibe, who was in my seat when I joined, present CEO, Hans Assaadi and many others before me.
I feel proud and honoured that we together, brought our experiences to bear and ensured that we stand tall and equal. It’s not easy, but in spite of all the challenges, we remained resolute and became a brewery to be reckoned with in the industry. I thank you all for coming and God guide and bless all of us,” he said.
The event came to a close with a presentation of gifts, photos and entertainment.
By Benprince Ezeh
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