Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited (SBC) has strengthened its relationship with the Apapa-Iganmu community in Lagos State with the unveiling of the renovated Sari Primary Health Centre. The facility was rehabilitated in partnership with the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and unveiled recently before traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and company executives. This intervention has historical significance for SBC, as Apapa-Iganmu hosted the facility where the first bottle of 7UP was produced in Nigeria in 1960.
The renovation included the maternity ward, construction and equipping of a laboratory, and installation of solar power infrastructure. These upgrades are expected to improve maternal and primary healthcare while providing a safer and more functional environment for patients and health workers. The intervention aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, one of SBC’s seven priority sustainability goals. According to SBC Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Sari El-Khalil, host communities remain central to the company’s growth.
El-Khalil emphasized that giving back has remained part of SBC’s heritage, reflected in initiatives such as the Pepsi Football Academy and Seven-Up Harvard Business School Scholarship, which has sponsored 16 Nigerians to Harvard Business School. He stated that everything SBC does is part of the community and everything the community does is part of SBC. The company’s communities and people are a pillar of its strength, and their well-being matters to SBC.
The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba Abdulfatai Oyeyinka Aremu, Aromire II, described the relationship between SBC, the El-Khalil family, and the community as one built on trust and shared responsibility. He noted that the relationship has grown through this period beyond business into one built on trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of the people.
Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Jimoh Olawale Saliu, also described the project as another demonstration of SBC’s commitment to its host community. He noted that the health centre rehabilitation builds on earlier interventions, including the Plastic Waste for Product initiative, launched last year to tackle plastic pollution while creating economic opportunities.
For residents, the impact of the renovation is improved healthcare access through a better maternity section, a new laboratory, and more reliable electricity. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the community, and stakeholders have commended SBC for its commitment to community development and social investment.
The renovation of the Sari Primary Health Centre is part of SBC’s efforts to give back to its host community and contribute to the well-being of its people. The company’s commitment to community development and social investment is reflected in its various initiatives, including the renovation of the health centre, which is expected to improve healthcare outcomes in the community.
Key points
- Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited has renovated the Sari Primary Health Centre in Lagos State, Nigeria, in partnership with the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area.
- The renovation included the maternity ward, construction and equipping of a laboratory, and installation of solar power infrastructure.
- The project is expected to improve maternal and primary healthcare outcomes in the community.
