Friday 22 January 2016

CSR News Summary Issue 124

#Philanthropy: How Odili Foundation fast-forwarded Xmas for Abuja IDPs  

For the over 903 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the camp located in New Kuchingoro, behind Games Village in the  Kaura District, Abuja, Christmas came to them a week before the celebration on Saturda, December 19, 2015. It was the day Atimoh Odili Foundation, an Abuja based non-governmental organisation, visited the camp to show love to these Nigerians whose lives have been devastated by the insecurity in the country’s North East region.
 
Published in the Vanguard Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#Philanthropy: Oritsejafor’s Christmas boxes for 486

Eagle Flight Micro Finance Bank Limited, Warri, Delta State, in collaboration with the Word of Life Bible Church, marked its 10th year anniversary with the donation of six brand new cars, 20 tricycles, 100 grinding machines and 360 bags of rice to poor Nigerians.

Published in the Vanguard Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#Health: Lassa Fever Spreads to 10 States, FG Confirms 35 Deaths

The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed that out of the 76 victims of Lassa fever outbreak, 35 had lost their lives.

This disclosure came as panic spread across the country with 10 states said to be battling to curtail the spread of the disease.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#Empowerment: Etisalat Empowerment as Niche Strategy

Six years starting operation in Nigeria, promoters of the Etisalat’s brand has consistently leveraged empowered to impact on the economy.
Like other major operators in the Global System of Mobile (GSM) Communications sector, the promoters of the telecom brand have consistent in their efforts to grab substantial part of the telecommunication market since it started operation a few years ago. As at the time it got license of operation, not a few Nigerians dismissed it as an organisation that was coming into a saturated market.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#HEALTH: Lassa fever infection on the rise in Nigeria

The number of people infected with Lassa fever has increased, as 40 people have died in Nigeria across 10 states, Isaac Adewole, health minister, said on Friday.

In his words, “The total number (of suspected cases) reported is 86 and 40 deaths, with a mortality rate of 43.2 percent. So far, laboratory tests have confirmed that 22 of the 86 suspected cases were Lassa fever and results were expected on the remainder.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#POWER: EGBIN POWER ASSURES ON AGGRESSIVE EXPANSION PROGRAMME

The Board of Egbin Power Plc has restated its commitment to carrying out its transformation and expansion programme on the plant to accelerate the nation’s drive towards sustainable power supply.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#BUSINESS: Stock market indices down by 0.87%

Market indicators of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday depreciated further by 0.87 percent amid profit taking.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the All Share Index shed 237.79 points or 0.87 percent to close at 27,028.39 against 27,266.18 achieved on Thursday.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#BUSINESS #AID: CBN guarantees Dangote Group of support to get FX for $14bn refinery financing

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it will assist the Dangote Group to access foreign exchange (FX) to facilitate its 14 billion refinery project.

The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, said this during a tour of the refinery projected to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, on Sunday at its location within the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.
 
Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: First Bank expands African footprint, unveils FBN Bank Senegal

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc and Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand today unveils FBNBank Senegal, formerly registered as International Commercial Bank (ICB).

This unveiling is part of the integration process following the agreement reached by First Bank and International Commercial bank Financial Group Holdings Ag (ICBFGH) for the acquisition of a 100 percent equity interest in ICB Senegal.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#AGRIBUSINESS: Indorama begins countdown to inauguration of $1.4 billion new fertilizer plant in PH

Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemical Limited (IEFCL), Port Harcourt, a sister company to Indorama Eleme petrochemicals has begun countdown to the inauguration of its US$1.4 billion 1.4 million metric tons (MT) new fertilizer plant in Port Harcourt, which is slated for this first quarter (Q1 2016).

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: Union Assurance becomes Ensure Insurance Plc
Union Assurance Company Plc has successfully obtained the approval of both the Corporate Affairs Commission and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to formally change its brand identity to Ensure Insurance Plc.

The brand known as Union Assurance Company Pls is now ‘rested’ and in its stead is a selfless, responsive, innovative and ambitious brand now known as Ensure Insurance Plc.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#SME: NASME pledges to re-position SMEs in Ogun, engage 30,000 graduates in farming

Having emerged as the new chairman of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) in Ogun State, Yemi Oshifodunrin has pledged to swing into action and re-position micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, with a view to creating massive jobs for unemployment residents.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Charity: Succour for Abuja IDPs as FIRS donates relief materials

Buoyed by the quest to keep delivering on corporate social responsibility to the public, the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) under the leadership of its chairman, Babatunde Fowler on Thursday donated several relief materials ranging from food item, toiletries and host of others to the internally displaced persons living in the Durumi camp in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: Bashir Haliru Binji appointed as acting MD of NAIC

Minister of agriculture and rural development has appointed Bashir Haliru Binji as the acting managing director/CEO of Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) with effect from January 2, 2016.

His appointment is sequel to the resignation of Bode Opadokun, the former managing director of the Corporation.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#SDGs: Rivers plans sustainable employment programme

Rivers State government says it will soon come up with a policy framework that will sustain employment generation and reduce unemployment among, especially the people of the state.

Ephraim Nwuzi, commissioner for employment generation and economic empowerment, who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, pointed out that the present out that the present administration in the state would create a conducive economic environment that would engender growth and empower the citizens with diverse employment skill via vocational training, apprenticeship, entrepreneurial and others schemes.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: CBN Pledges to Provide Dangote Refinery with Forex

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN has pledges to meet the foreign exchange requirements for the importation of equipment to the Dangote refinery, petrochemical and fertilizer plant, which is being constructed by the Dangote Group at the cost of almost $14 billion.

Speaking yesterday at the project site in Dangote Free Trade Zone in Lekki area of Lagos, the Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, stated that when completed, the project would generate $6 billion for Nigerian economy yearly.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Health: Lassa Fever, Lagos Calls for Vigilance, Personal Hygiene

As part of efforts to prevent the spread of Lassa fever to Lagos State, the state government has called on its residents to avoid contact with rats and store foods in rat proof containers, as well as cook them properly before eating.

In a statement by the state Ministry of Health, it said residents should observe good personal hygiene, including hand washing with soap and running water regularly, adding that wastes must be disposed properly in other to discourage rodents from entering the house.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#CSR #Health: Etisalat, Traffina Maternal Health Campaign Pictures

Etisalat Nigeria, in partnership with a non-governmental organisation, Traffina Foundation for Community Health, recently held a Community Support Initiative themed, “Etisalat Maternity Health Platforms (ETIMATHEPs)”. This was a 4-day programme that featured talks on maternal health delivered by a team of medical experts as well as distribution of free Safe Delivery Kits which contained items and consumables that women need during delivery.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Economy: Nigeria Can Still Borrow to Fund Developmental Projects, Say Experts

Economic analysts have said with a debt to groo domestic product (GDP) ratio of 12 percent, Nigeria can still raise funds from the bond market to finance developmental projects.

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Christine Lagarde, who was in Nigeria last week reportedly cautioned the federal government against borrowing, but instead look at increasing value added tax (VAT) and other means to raise funds to finance the 2016 budget.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Business: Foreign Exchange Restrictions, Manufactures Decry Scarcity of Raw Materials

Manufacturers of Tomato paste products in Nigeria have decried the shortage of the triple concentrate tomato paste a major ingredients in the Nigeria market.

The manufacturers blamed the shortage of the ripple concentrate used in the production of packed tomato paste, on the listing of triple Concentrate among the 41 items banned from accessing foreign exchange from the official window by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#ICT: With Dwindling Oil Prices, ICT Will Save Nigeria’s Economy, Says Ekeh


The Chairman of Zinox Group, Mr. Leo-Stan Ekeh, has said that in the face of the dwindling global oil prices, investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is the only solution that will save Nigeria’s economy from total collapse.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: BGL Group Summoned by SEC over Fresh N2.9bn Complaints by Investors

The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has invited BGL Securities Limited, BGL Assets Management Limited and their sponsored individuals to appear before the SEC Administrative Proceedings Committee (SEC APC) to provide answer to fresh complaints from various investors.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#MSMEs: E-commerce, Ecobank Enlists 62 SMEs on MyMall Platform

Ecobank Nigeria is expanding its impact on the e-commerce industry by establishing MyMall Nigeria with over 62 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operators already enlisted on the platform.

MyMail is an online trading platform essentially for SMEs operators to sell and market their goods and services. It is designed for all categories of products and can be accessed from any part of the world.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: CWG Plc Announces Changes in Executive Leadership Team

The Board of Directors of Computer Warehouse Group Plc (CWG) has appointed Mr. James Agada as its new managing director and chief executive officer.
Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: AIB Elects TVC Director as Exco Member

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has elected the Director of Radio Services, TVC/CBS Nigeria, Mr. Richmond Dayo Johnson as a member of the Executive Committee of the Association for a two-year team, starting this month.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: Union Assurance Plc Changes Its Name to Ensure Insurance


Union Assurance Company Plc has announced that it has obtained the approval of both the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to formally change its brand identity to Ensure Insurance Plc.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016z

#Award: Elshcon Group Clinches CILT Award

A frontline member of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Elshcon Nigeria Limited has clinches the Best Practice Transport/Logistics prize at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport CILT Nigeria Awards for Excellence.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Charity: Osinbajo, Belgore to Grace Premiere of Airtel Touching Lives Season 2


The wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice S.M.A. Belgore, GCON, among others high profile invitees, have confirmed they would attend the premiere of Airtel Touching Lives Season Two billed to hold on Thursday this week in Abuja.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Health: Oral-B Raises Brand Profile with 2016 Dental Tips


The Oral-Care brand of Procter & Gamble, Oral-B, has restated its commitment to the continual improvement of the overall oral health of the Nation. According to the promoters of the brand, Oral-B’s mission is to enable all Nigerians to have stronger and healthier teeth, going into 2016 and beyond.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Aviation: Katsina Airport Terminal to be Unveiled Soon


The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Saleh Dunoma has said the Katsina airport terminal would be unveiled any moment from now, as work at the terminal has been completed.

He said FAAN would continue to prioritise safety and security in line with international best practices.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Infrastructure: NBC Moves Digitisation from Dream to Reality

…For the Digital Switchover project, 2015 ended on a high note in spite of minor setbacks

The year started with the hope that the Federal Government would fund the approved N51 billion digitization budget for digital infrastructure development, acquisition and distribution of Set-Top-Boxes (STB) to indigent citizens, national publicity, as well as other critical components of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting essential to meeting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) deadline of June 17, 2015. The sharp decline in Government revenue, which began towards the end of 2014 as a result of the fall in crude oil prices meant that the Government was simply unable to make the available due to competing priority needs.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#CSR: Monitoring and Accountability 2020 Impresses Stakeholders

A multi country CSR initiative Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 (PMA 2020), powered by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has shared the result of its second round survey in Abuja with family planning stakeholders in Nigeria.

The data was believed by some stakeholders to represent progress made under the Nigerian government’s LARC Strategy for 2013-2015

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Stakeholder Action: Digital Switchover, Stakeholders Allege Lack of Transparency in Award of Contract for Set-up-Boxes

Players in the telecommunications industry at the weekend alleged lack of transparency and due process in the award of contracts for the supply of set up boxes for the digital switchover by the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Investment: Chinese Auto Firm to Set up Assembly Plant in Calabar

A Chinese truck manufacturing company, SINO Truck of China, has completed arrangements to establish arrangements an assembly plant in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

This was disclosed recently when the company’s Head of African Division, Mr. John Wang, paid the state Governor, Profession Ben Ayade, a courtesy call in his office in Calabar.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Health: Lassa kills one in Edo, spreads to Imo

The Lassa fever which is ravaging 10 states of the country has claimed its first casualty in Edo State.

The Commissioner for Health in Edo, Dr. Eregie Aihanuwa, who confirmed this during a press conference on Monday, also noted that five persons were hospitalised after showing the symptoms of the deadly disease.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#POWER: Fashola unveils 10-point agenda for power sector

…Schedules monthly meetings with Gencos, Discos, investors

MINISTER of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola has unveiled a 10-point agenda aimed at reforming the nation’s power sector.

According to Fashola, the agenda include public engagement, especially around electricity tariffs; collection, payment and debts; and generation capacity and maintenance.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Technology: NASSI to set up 37 technology villages in states, FCT

…FG building large, strong economy-Onu

THE Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) is to establish technology villages in the 36 states of the federation and looks forward to creating over two million job opportunities within two years with support from relevant government agencies and financial institutions.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

Industry Pulse: Ambode swears in Fagbohun 8th LASU VC

LAGOS State Government, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday administered the oath of office on Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun as the Eighth Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU).

At the ceremony, the governor said his administration will ensure that all the students in state government-owned institutions of learning get quality education which will make them become wealth creators and innovators capable of contributing positively to the nation.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Housing: A laudable housing initiative

In furtherance of the plan to reduce the nation’s housing deficit put at 17 million, the Federal Government has unfurled a programme for the construction of 40 blocks of 12 flats each, in each of the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who reiterated government’s determination to build houses in all the states of the federation and the FCT, said the buildings would be delivered in one year. Each state and the FCT will get 480 flats making a total 17,760 flats for the whole country.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Industry: Proposed salt plant excites C’ River communities

COMMUNITIES in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have commended plans by the state government to establish a salt plant in the state.

The communities, which included Okpoma Gabu and Ijegun said government’s effort was a fulfilment of the age-long dream of establishing a salt industry in one of the villages that have large deposits of salt mineral.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Environment: Oil spillage spreads grief in Bayelsa

TOWARDS the end of 2015, two communities in Bayelsa State, Oruma in Ogbia Local Government Area and Ikebiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area were in the throes of crude oil spill, which inflicted pains on the people and disrupted their means of livelihood.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

Investment: BUA divests from Flour Milling in US$275m deal

BUA Group, one of Nigeria’s largest foods and infrastructure conglomerates has announced the divestment of its flour business to Olam International in a deal worth USD275million.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

Philanthropy: Foundation donates equipment to hospital

The Samuel Adegbite Foundation (SAF) has donated 10 units of Electric Suction Apparatus to the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

The suction machines are emergency medical equipment meant to save lives.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Empowerment: 10 varsities centres get World Banks’s $70m grant

THE Nigerian University System (NUS) has secured over $70 million as grant from the World Bank to fund its 10 Africa Centres of Excellence (ACEs).

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, who said this in Abuja on Monday, added that African universities submitted proposals where 19 centres were selected out of which Nigeria secured 10 with support funding from the World Bank.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Unemployment #Empowerment: Website for jobs launched in Abuja

THE AEI Network Ltd has launched a website to provide jobs for the unemployed.

Launching the site in Abuja, its Managing Director, Mr. Akwaowo Injang, said the initiative was to offer an avenue for graduates to undergo customised marketing training, based on the company’s field operational modules.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Agric: Fed Govt to assist Kwara in agric

FEDERAL Government is to assist Kwara State in rice expansion programme to boost food sufficiency.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who spoke yesterday in Ilorin when he visited Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the state was identified with rice and cassava production.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Power: NNPC, GACN, NGC promise improved gas supply to power plants

STAKEHOLDERS in the petroleum industry have promised to intensify efforts to resolve bottlenecks associated with gas supply to the power sector.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Infrastructure: Lagos votes N17.5b for construction of 114 roads

LAGOS State Government yesterday flagged of the construction of 114 inner roads spread across all the 20 Local Government councils and 37 Local Government Development Area (LGA/LCDAs).

The project, estimated at the cost of N17.5b, is the first phase of the state government’s plan to fix all roads in the state and is expected to be completed within six months. The project would commerce simultaneously in all the councils within the next seven days.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#MSMEs: Ekiti begins disbursement of N500m SMEs loan

EKITI State Government will today begins the disbursement of N500 million Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) loan to 4,519 beneficiaries.

The N500 million is the first tranche of the N2 billion the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earmarked for the support of small and medium scale enterprises in the state.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#BUSINESS: NDIC releases framework for insuring non-interest banking deposits

THE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has developed a framework for insuring liabilities on non-interest banking deposits in the country.

The development was sequel to the successful take-off of the non interest banking in Nigeria, through the current initiatives of Ja’iz, Stanbic IBTC and Sterling Banks.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Philanthropy: Etisalat donates computers to boost ICT literacy in Zaria. 

ETISALAT has donated 30 desktop computers to boost information and Communication Technology education at the Nuhu Bamali Primary School in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The telecommunications firm presented the computers to the school management led by the Headmistress, Hajia Asmau Mohammed Lawan, during a recent commissioning of facilities which also include blocks of renovated school building.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Power: Schneider Electric, NAPTIN collaborate to bouy local capacity in power sector

SCHNEIDER Electric, in partnership with the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN), has buoyed the local capacity in the power sector, with the graduation of trained electricians at the NAPTIN Ijora regional training centre, Lagos.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Energy: Lonadek moves to equip oil operators with cost engineering skills

LONADEK Oil and Gas Consultants Limited (LONADEK) has unfolded plans to organise an Integrated Cost Engineering, Estimating, Planning and Scheduling (AACE) programme to enhance project management in the oil and gas sector.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Resources: Govt set to take over Ajaokuta, other privatised steel firms

The Federal Government will before the end of this first quarter of the year take over the Ajaokuta Steel Company located in Kogi State as well as other government-owned steel firms that were privatised in the past

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Stakeholder Action: UNEP Report, Ogoni poised for ‘road demonstration’

The people of Ogoni would be trooping out for road demonstrations across the country early February if the Federal Government failed to commence the implementation of the environmental impact assessment report of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, on Ogoniland.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Agriculture: Olam, InViovo seal pact to penetrate agro-allied sector

OLAM International Limited (“Olam”) and leading French feedstock company InVivo Animal Nutrition & Health (“InVivo NSA”) have announced the sealing of a consulting agreement to jointly develop expertise in animal feed in Nigeria.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#MSMEs: BoI, NASME to partner on improved financing for SMEs

TO further improve access of small and medium enterprises to financing, the Bank of Industry and Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) have sought measures to address financing gaps in the SME sector.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Philanthropy: Rotary Donates $35 million To End Polio Worldwide

Rotary has announced a whopping $35 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, including another $15 million to support polio eradication efforts in five African countries.

This was contained in a press release distribution by the African Press Organisation (APO) on behalf of Rotary and made available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

Sustainable Development: FG Okays $200m World Bank Loan For Lagos

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved the sum of $200m for Lagos State to enable it complete some of its infrastructural development projects.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola pointed out that this is not a new loan as it was approved in 2010

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Power: Schneider, NAPTIN Boost Local Capacity In Power Sector

Schneider Electric in partnership with the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) has graduated its first set of trained electricians at the NAPTIN Ijora regional training center.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016 

#Philanthropy: Egbin Power Donates Training Equipment To UniAbuja, Others

Egbin Power Plc has donated specialised training equipments to engineering faculties of four Nigerian universities as a way of grooming engineers of the future.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Security: UK deploys forces to train Nigerian troops fighting B/Haram

The United Kingdom is to deploy a team of military trainers to Nigeria to instruct forces fighting the Boko Haram militants in the north east.

A statement by the British High Commission spokesman in Abuja, Joe Abuku said more than 35 personal from the second Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R ANGLIAN) would be deliver infantry training to Nigerian military personal tackling the extremist group.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Power: Power firms struggle to survive as banks fail to invest

There are indications that local power firms comprising Generation companies (Gencos) and Distribution companies (Discos) are having hard time accessing funds from banks to expand their investments two years after they took over the assets from government.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#MSMEs: Fidelity Bank SMEs deposit liability in excess of N120bn

Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s most capitalised financial institutions, says it intends to intensify support for Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a number of unique initiatives geared towards raising their level of competitiveness in a challenging business environment.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Economy: GE to cut 6,500 jobs in Europe

General Electric plans to cut 6,500 jobs in Europe over the next two years, including 765 in France and 1,300 in Switzerland, the company said on Wednesday.

A GE spokesman in France said GE was sticking to its pledge to create 1,000 net jobs in France in the next three year as part of its acquisition of Alstom’s energy business.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016


 #Philanthropy: How Odili Foundation fast-forwarded Xmas for Abuja IDPs  

For the over 903 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the camp located in New Kuchingoro, behind Games Village in the  Kaura District, Abuja, Christmas came to them a week before the celebration on Saturda, December 19, 2015. It was the day Atimoh Odili Foundation, an Abuja based non-governmental organisation, visited the camp to show love to these Nigerians whose lives have been devastated by the insecurity in the country’s North East region.
 
Published in the Vanguard Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#Philanthropy: Oritsejafor’s Christmas boxes for 486

Eagle Flight Micro Finance Bank Limited, Warri, Delta State, in collaboration with the Word of Life Bible Church, marked its 10th year anniversary with the donation of six brand new cars, 20 tricycles, 100 grinding machines and 360 bags of rice to poor Nigerians.

Published in the Vanguard Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#Health: Lassa Fever Spreads to 10 States, FG Confirms 35 Deaths

The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed that out of the 76 victims of Lassa fever outbreak, 35 had lost their lives.

This disclosure came as panic spread across the country with 10 states said to be battling to curtail the spread of the disease.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#Empowerment: Etisalat Empowerment as Niche Strategy

Six years starting operation in Nigeria, promoters of the Etisalat’s brand has consistently leveraged empowered to impact on the economy.
Like other major operators in the Global System of Mobile (GSM) Communications sector, the promoters of the telecom brand have consistent in their efforts to grab substantial part of the telecommunication market since it started operation a few years ago. As at the time it got license of operation, not a few Nigerians dismissed it as an organisation that was coming into a saturated market.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Sunday, January 10th, 2016

#HEALTH: Lassa fever infection on the rise in Nigeria

The number of people infected with Lassa fever has increased, as 40 people have died in Nigeria across 10 states, Isaac Adewole, health minister, said on Friday.

In his words, “The total number (of suspected cases) reported is 86 and 40 deaths, with a mortality rate of 43.2 percent. So far, laboratory tests have confirmed that 22 of the 86 suspected cases were Lassa fever and results were expected on the remainder.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#POWER: EGBIN POWER ASSURES ON AGGRESSIVE EXPANSION PROGRAMME

The Board of Egbin Power Plc has restated its commitment to carrying out its transformation and expansion programme on the plant to accelerate the nation’s drive towards sustainable power supply.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#BUSINESS: Stock market indices down by 0.87%

Market indicators of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday depreciated further by 0.87 percent amid profit taking.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the All Share Index shed 237.79 points or 0.87 percent to close at 27,028.39 against 27,266.18 achieved on Thursday.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#BUSINESS #AID: CBN guarantees Dangote Group of support to get FX for $14bn refinery financing

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it will assist the Dangote Group to access foreign exchange (FX) to facilitate its 14 billion refinery project.

The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, said this during a tour of the refinery projected to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, on Sunday at its location within the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.
 
Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: First Bank expands African footprint, unveils FBN Bank Senegal

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc and Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand today unveils FBNBank Senegal, formerly registered as International Commercial Bank (ICB).

This unveiling is part of the integration process following the agreement reached by First Bank and International Commercial bank Financial Group Holdings Ag (ICBFGH) for the acquisition of a 100 percent equity interest in ICB Senegal.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#AGRIBUSINESS: Indorama begins countdown to inauguration of $1.4 billion new fertilizer plant in PH

Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemical Limited (IEFCL), Port Harcourt, a sister company to Indorama Eleme petrochemicals has begun countdown to the inauguration of its US$1.4 billion 1.4 million metric tons (MT) new fertilizer plant in Port Harcourt, which is slated for this first quarter (Q1 2016).

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: Union Assurance becomes Ensure Insurance Plc

Union Assurance Company Plc has successfully obtained the approval of both the Corporate Affairs Commission and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to formally change its brand identity to Ensure Insurance Plc.

The brand known as Union Assurance Company Pls is now ‘rested’ and in its stead is a selfless, responsive, innovative and ambitious brand now known as Ensure Insurance Plc.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#SME: NASME pledges to re-position SMEs in Ogun, engage 30,000 graduates in farming

Having emerged as the new chairman of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) in Ogun State, Yemi Oshifodunrin has pledged to swing into action and re-position micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, with a view to creating massive jobs for unemployment residents.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Charity: Succour for Abuja IDPs as FIRS donates relief materials

Buoyed by the quest to keep delivering on corporate social responsibility to the public, the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) under the leadership of its chairman, Babatunde Fowler on Thursday donated several relief materials ranging from food item, toiletries and host of others to the internally displaced persons living in the Durumi camp in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: Bashir Haliru Binji appointed as acting MD of NAIC

Minister of agriculture and rural development has appointed Bashir Haliru Binji as the acting managing director/CEO of Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) with effect from January 2, 2016.

His appointment is sequel to the resignation of Bode Opadokun, the former managing director of the Corporation.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#SDGs: Rivers plans sustainable employment programme

Rivers State government says it will soon come up with a policy framework that will sustain employment generation and reduce unemployment among, especially the people of the state.

Ephraim Nwuzi, commissioner for employment generation and economic empowerment, who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, pointed out that the present out that the present administration in the state would create a conducive economic environment that would engender growth and empower the citizens with diverse employment skill via vocational training, apprenticeship, entrepreneurial and others schemes.

Published in the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

INDUSTRY PULSE: CBN Pledges to Provide Dangote Refinery with Forex

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN has pledges to meet the foreign exchange requirements for the importation of equipment to the Dangote refinery, petrochemical and fertilizer plant, which is being constructed by the Dangote Group at the cost of almost $14 billion.

Speaking yesterday at the project site in Dangote Free Trade Zone in Lekki area of Lagos, the Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, stated that when completed, the project would generate $6 billion for Nigerian economy yearly.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Health: Lassa Fever, Lagos Calls for Vigilance, Personal Hygiene

As part of efforts to prevent the spread of Lassa fever to Lagos State, the state government has called on its residents to avoid contact with rats and store foods in rat proof containers, as well as cook them properly before eating.

In a statement by the state Ministry of Health, it said residents should observe good personal hygiene, including hand washing with soap and running water regularly, adding that wastes must be disposed properly in other to discourage rodents from entering the house.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#CSR #Health: Etisalat, Traffina Maternal Health Campaign Pictures

Etisalat Nigeria, in partnership with a non-governmental organisation, Traffina Foundation for Community Health, recently held a Community Support Initiative themed, “Etisalat Maternity Health Platforms (ETIMATHEPs)”. This was a 4-day programme that featured talks on maternal health delivered by a team of medical experts as well as distribution of free Safe Delivery Kits which contained items and consumables that women need during delivery.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Economy: Nigeria Can Still Borrow to Fund Developmental Projects, Say Experts

Economic analysts have said with a debt to groo domestic product (GDP) ratio of 12 percent, Nigeria can still raise funds from the bond market to finance developmental projects.

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Christine Lagarde, who was in Nigeria last week reportedly cautioned the federal government against borrowing, but instead look at increasing value added tax (VAT) and other means to raise funds to finance the 2016 budget.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Business: Foreign Exchange Restrictions, Manufactures Decry Scarcity of Raw Materials

Manufacturers of Tomato paste products in Nigeria have decried the shortage of the triple concentrate tomato paste a major ingredients in the Nigeria market.

The manufacturers blamed the shortage of the ripple concentrate used in the production of packed tomato paste, on the listing of triple Concentrate among the 41 items banned from accessing foreign exchange from the official window by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).


Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#ICT: With Dwindling Oil Prices, ICT Will Save Nigeria’s Economy, Says Ekeh


The Chairman of Zinox Group, Mr. Leo-Stan Ekeh, has said that in the face of the dwindling global oil prices, investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is the only solution that will save Nigeria’s economy from total collapse.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: BGL Group Summoned by SEC over Fresh N2.9bn Complaints by Investors

The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has invited BGL Securities Limited, BGL Assets Management Limited and their sponsored individuals to appear before the SEC Administrative Proceedings Committee (SEC APC) to provide answer to fresh complaints from various investors.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#MSMEs: E-commerce, Ecobank Enlists 62 SMEs on MyMall Platform

Ecobank Nigeria is expanding its impact on the e-commerce industry by establishing MyMall Nigeria with over 62 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operators already enlisted on the platform.

MyMail is an online trading platform essentially for SMEs operators to sell and market their goods and services. It is designed for all categories of products and can be accessed from any part of the world.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: CWG Plc Announces Changes in Executive Leadership Team

The Board of Directors of Computer Warehouse Group Plc (CWG) has appointed Mr. James Agada as its new managing director and chief executive officer.
Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: AIB Elects TVC Director as Exco Member

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has elected the Director of Radio Services, TVC/CBS Nigeria, Mr. Richmond Dayo Johnson as a member of the Executive Committee of the Association for a two-year team, starting this month.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Industry Pulse: Union Assurance Plc Changes Its Name to Ensure Insurance


Union Assurance Company Plc has announced that it has obtained the approval of both the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to formally change its brand identity to Ensure Insurance Plc.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016z

#Award: Elshcon Group Clinches CILT Award

A frontline member of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Elshcon Nigeria Limited has clinches the Best Practice Transport/Logistics prize at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport CILT Nigeria Awards for Excellence.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

 

#Charity: Osinbajo, Belgore to Grace Premiere of Airtel Touching Lives Season 2


The wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice S.M.A. Belgore, GCON, among others high profile invitees, have confirmed they would attend the premiere of Airtel Touching Lives Season Two billed to hold on Thursday this week in Abuja.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Health: Oral-B Raises Brand Profile with 2016 Dental Tips


The Oral-Care brand of Procter & Gamble, Oral-B, has restated its commitment to the continual improvement of the overall oral health of the Nation. According to the promoters of the brand, Oral-B’s mission is to enable all Nigerians to have stronger and healthier teeth, going into 2016 and beyond.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Aviation: Katsina Airport Terminal to be Unveiled Soon


The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Saleh Dunoma has said the Katsina airport terminal would be unveiled any moment from now, as work at the terminal has been completed.

He said FAAN would continue to prioritise safety and security in line with international best practices.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Infrastructure: NBC Moves Digitisation from Dream to Reality

…For the Digital Switchover project, 2015 ended on a high note in spite of minor setbacks

The year started with the hope that the Federal Government would fund the approved N51 billion digitization budget for digital infrastructure development, acquisition and distribution of Set-Top-Boxes (STB) to indigent citizens, national publicity, as well as other critical components of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting essential to meeting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) deadline of June 17, 2015. The sharp decline in Government revenue, which began towards the end of 2014 as a result of the fall in crude oil prices meant that the Government was simply unable to make the available due to competing priority needs.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#CSR: Monitoring and Accountability 2020 Impresses Stakeholders

A multi country CSR initiative Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 (PMA 2020), powered by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has shared the result of its second round survey in Abuja with family planning stakeholders in Nigeria.

The data was believed by some stakeholders to represent progress made under the Nigerian government’s LARC Strategy for 2013-2015

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Stakeholder Action: Digital Switchover, Stakeholders Allege Lack of Transparency in Award of Contract for Set-up-Boxes

Players in the telecommunications industry at the weekend alleged lack of transparency and due process in the award of contracts for the supply of set up boxes for the digital switchover by the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Investment: Chinese Auto Firm to Set up Assembly Plant in Calabar

A Chinese truck manufacturing company, SINO Truck of China, has completed arrangements to establish arrangements an assembly plant in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

This was disclosed recently when the company’s Head of African Division, Mr. John Wang, paid the state Governor, Profession Ben Ayade, a courtesy call in his office in Calabar.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, January 11th, 2016

#Health: Lassa kills one in Edo, spreads to Imo

The Lassa fever which is ravaging 10 states of the country has claimed its first casualty in Edo State.

The Commissioner for Health in Edo, Dr. Eregie Aihanuwa, who confirmed this during a press conference on Monday, also noted that five persons were hospitalised after showing the symptoms of the deadly disease.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#POWER: Fashola unveils 10-point agenda for power sector

…Schedules monthly meetings with Gencos, Discos, investors

MINISTER of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola has unveiled a 10-point agenda aimed at reforming the nation’s power sector.

According to Fashola, the agenda include public engagement, especially around electricity tariffs; collection, payment and debts; and generation capacity and maintenance.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Technology: NASSI to set up 37 technology villages in states, FCT

…FG building large, strong economy-Onu

THE Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) is to establish technology villages in the 36 states of the federation and looks forward to creating over two million job opportunities within two years with support from relevant government agencies and financial institutions.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

Industry Pulse: Ambode swears in Fagbohun 8th LASU VC

LAGOS State Government, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday administered the oath of office on Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun as the Eighth Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU).

At the ceremony, the governor said his administration will ensure that all the students in state government-owned institutions of learning get quality education which will make them become wealth creators and innovators capable of contributing positively to the nation.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Housing: A laudable housing initiative

In furtherance of the plan to reduce the nation’s housing deficit put at 17 million, the Federal Government has unfurled a programme for the construction of 40 blocks of 12 flats each, in each of the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who reiterated government’s determination to build houses in all the states of the federation and the FCT, said the buildings would be delivered in one year. Each state and the FCT will get 480 flats making a total 17,760 flats for the whole country.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Industry: Proposed salt plant excites C’ River communities

COMMUNITIES in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have commended plans by the state government to establish a salt plant in the state.

The communities, which included Okpoma Gabu and Ijegun said government’s effort was a fulfilment of the age-long dream of establishing a salt industry in one of the villages that have large deposits of salt mineral.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

#Environment: Oil spillage spreads grief in Bayelsa

TOWARDS the end of 2015, two communities in Bayelsa State, Oruma in Ogbia Local Government Area and Ikebiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area were in the throes of crude oil spill, which inflicted pains on the people and disrupted their means of livelihood.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

Investment: BUA divests from Flour Milling in US$275m deal

BUA Group, one of Nigeria’s largest foods and infrastructure conglomerates has announced the divestment of its flour business to Olam International in a deal worth USD275million.

Published in the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

Philanthropy: Foundation donates equipment to hospital

The Samuel Adegbite Foundation (SAF) has donated 10 units of Electric Suction Apparatus to the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

The suction machines are emergency medical equipment meant to save lives.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Empowerment: 10 varsities centres get World Banks’s $70m grant

THE Nigerian University System (NUS) has secured over $70 million as grant from the World Bank to fund its 10 Africa Centres of Excellence (ACEs).

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, who said this in Abuja on Monday, added that African universities submitted proposals where 19 centres were selected out of which Nigeria secured 10 with support funding from the World Bank.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Unemployment #Empowerment: Website for jobs launched in Abuja

THE AEI Network Ltd has launched a website to provide jobs for the unemployed.

Launching the site in Abuja, its Managing Director, Mr. Akwaowo Injang, said the initiative was to offer an avenue for graduates to undergo customised marketing training, based on the company’s field operational modules.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 

#Agric: Fed Govt to assist Kwara in agric

FEDERAL Government is to assist Kwara State in rice expansion programme to boost food sufficiency.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who spoke yesterday in Ilorin when he visited Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the state was identified with rice and cassava production.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Power: NNPC, GACN, NGC promise improved gas supply to power plants

STAKEHOLDERS in the petroleum industry have promised to intensify efforts to resolve bottlenecks associated with gas supply to the power sector.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Infrastructure: Lagos votes N17.5b for construction of 114 roads

LAGOS State Government yesterday flagged of the construction of 114 inner roads spread across all the 20 Local Government councils and 37 Local Government Development Area (LGA/LCDAs).

The project, estimated at the cost of N17.5b, is the first phase of the state government’s plan to fix all roads in the state and is expected to be completed within six months. The project would commerce simultaneously in all the councils within the next seven days.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#MSMEs: Ekiti begins disbursement of N500m SMEs loan

EKITI State Government will today begins the disbursement of N500 million Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) loan to 4,519 beneficiaries.

The N500 million is the first tranche of the N2 billion the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earmarked for the support of small and medium scale enterprises in the state.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#BUSINESS: NDIC releases framework for insuring non-interest banking deposits

THE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has developed a framework for insuring liabilities on non-interest banking deposits in the country.

The development was sequel to the successful take-off of the non interest banking in Nigeria, through the current initiatives of Ja’iz, Stanbic IBTC and Sterling Banks.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Philanthropy: Etisalat donates computers to boost ICT literacy in Zaria. 

ETISALAT has donated 30 desktop computers to boost information and Communication Technology education at the Nuhu Bamali Primary School in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The telecommunications firm presented the computers to the school management led by the Headmistress, Hajia Asmau Mohammed Lawan, during a recent commissioning of facilities which also include blocks of renovated school building.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Power: Schneider Electric, NAPTIN collaborate to bouy local capacity in power sector

SCHNEIDER Electric, in partnership with the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN), has buoyed the local capacity in the power sector, with the graduation of trained electricians at the NAPTIN Ijora regional training centre, Lagos.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Energy: Lonadek moves to equip oil operators with cost engineering skills

LONADEK Oil and Gas Consultants Limited (LONADEK) has unfolded plans to organise an Integrated Cost Engineering, Estimating, Planning and Scheduling (AACE) programme to enhance project management in the oil and gas sector.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Resources: Govt set to take over Ajaokuta, other privatised steel firms

The Federal Government will before the end of this first quarter of the year take over the Ajaokuta Steel Company located in Kogi State as well as other government-owned steel firms that were privatised in the past

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Stakeholder Action: UNEP Report, Ogoni poised for ‘road demonstration’

The people of Ogoni would be trooping out for road demonstrations across the country early February if the Federal Government failed to commence the implementation of the environmental impact assessment report of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, on Ogoniland.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Agriculture: Olam, InViovo seal pact to penetrate agro-allied sector

OLAM International Limited (“Olam”) and leading French feedstock company InVivo Animal Nutrition & Health (“InVivo NSA”) have announced the sealing of a consulting agreement to jointly develop expertise in animal feed in Nigeria.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#MSMEs: BoI, NASME to partner on improved financing for SMEs

TO further improve access of small and medium enterprises to financing, the Bank of Industry and Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) have sought measures to address financing gaps in the SME sector.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

#Philanthropy: Rotary Donates $35 million To End Polio Worldwide

Rotary has announced a whopping $35 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, including another $15 million to support polio eradication efforts in five African countries.

This was contained in a press release distribution by the African Press Organisation (APO) on behalf of Rotary and made available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

Sustainable Development: FG Okays $200m World Bank Loan For Lagos

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved the sum of $200m for Lagos State to enable it complete some of its infrastructural development projects.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola pointed out that this is not a new loan as it was approved in 2010

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Power: Schneider, NAPTIN Boost Local Capacity In Power Sector

Schneider Electric in partnership with the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) has graduated its first set of trained electricians at the NAPTIN Ijora regional training center.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Philanthropy: Egbin Power Donates Training Equipment To UniAbuja, Others

Egbin Power Plc has donated specialised training equipments to engineering faculties of four Nigerian universities as a way of grooming engineers of the future.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Security: UK deploys forces to train Nigerian troops fighting B/Haram

The United Kingdom is to deploy a team of military trainers to Nigeria to instruct forces fighting the Boko Haram militants in the north east.

A statement by the British High Commission spokesman in Abuja, Joe Abuku said more than 35 personal from the second Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R ANGLIAN) would be deliver infantry training to Nigerian military personal tackling the extremist group.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Power: Power firms struggle to survive as banks fail to invest

There are indications that local power firms comprising Generation companies (Gencos) and Distribution companies (Discos) are having hard time accessing funds from banks to expand their investments two years after they took over the assets from government.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#MSMEs: Fidelity Bank SMEs deposit liability in excess of N120bn

Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s most capitalised financial institutions, says it intends to intensify support for Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a number of unique initiatives geared towards raising their level of competitiveness in a challenging business environment.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016

#Economy: GE to cut 6,500 jobs in Europe

General Electric plans to cut 6,500 jobs in Europe over the next two years, including 765 in France and 1,300 in Switzerland, the company said on Wednesday.

A GE spokesman in France said GE was sticking to its pledge to create 1,000 net jobs in France in the next three year as part of its acquisition of Alstom’s energy business.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, January 14th, 2016