Guinness promotes Business Integrity and Ethics

Guinness Nigeria Plc. launched in grand style the 4th edition of Pathway of Pride, the organisations annual business Integrity and Ethics awareness and training initiative which will last several weeks.

 The theme for this year is ‘Building on our reputation…acting with integrity every day and everywhere’.

 “For us at Guinness Nigeria, People Performance and Reputation form a sacrosanct tripod that ensures that we continue to win in Nigeria.

“If any one of those legs is removed then we have a problem. Reputation is a very important part of that equation and if we are not winning in that area we cannot expect to win as an organization.

Business integrity is not optional but part of the very fabric of our everyday organization. There is no alternative to doing the right thing.” said Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Guinness Nigeria Plc. Mr. Seni Adetu.

 The event was very well attended mainly by employees of the company as well some other key stakeholders.

The occasion was graced by special guests, Managing Director, Renaissance Group West Africa and Non-Executive Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ms. Yvonne Ike. Head, Transparency and Anti-Corruption, UN Global Compact, Ms. Olajobi Makinwa and Convention on Business Integrity (CBi), Mr. Ike Ilegbune.

Delivering the keynote address and emphasising on leaving a lasting legacy, Ms Yvonne Ike, said: “The example that we set with our children is very important. It is not up to anyone else but up to us to do what we can, to make the right choices and ensure that in our space, we take the right path always.”

Yvonne made other stronger points about building an organisation known not only for excellent products or services but also with a reputation for standing against bribery and corruption.  

Ms. Makinwa, commented on the importance of doing the right thing especially in line with legal repercussions. “Many times people commit crimes in Nigeria and don’t understand the impact of their actions according to the laws of other countries. Certain laws in the UK and the US means that if you do the wrong thing in Nigeria and travel abroad for a holiday you may not come back because you could be arrested according to the laws of the land”

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ilegbune said, “Integrity is not just a virtue that we should hold as individuals but it is important that it translates into our business operations as well.

“Integrity is more than a virtue that we hold because of our religious or moral affiliations; it is actually a critical part of sustained business prosperity.

“It is in the everyday decisions that we make, it is in recruiting the right people, in conducting due diligence with our suppliers and vendors, it is in making sure that every decision we take is the right one when it comes to our business operations. That is what sets one apart as a business with integrity.”