Friday 19 February 2016

CSR News Summary Issue 126

#Agric: Nigeria to Export Rice by 2019

Rice farmers in Nigeria are expected to commence exportation of the product by 2019 when the local consumption would have been met.

Country Manager, Afex Commodities Exchange Nigeria, Mr. Ayodeji Balogun, said local farmers in the country would in three years commence exportation of rice.

Balogun said during a briefing yesterday in Abuja that the organisation in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has initiated a system that would link rural farmers directly to both local and international market.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#IndustryPulse: NAICOM To Enforce Corporate Governance, Commence Risk Based Supervision

The insurance industry regulatory authority, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will commence the implementation and enforcement of the Corporate Governance Code as from April 1, 2016.

The corporate governance code was introduced in the insurance industry since 2009 but has not been strictly enforced.

The commencement of the enforcement of the code is therefore seen as a major step by Commission toward full implementation of its Risk Based Supervision (RBS), a globally accepted supervisory model that will launch Nigerian insurance industry into the main stream of global best practice standard.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#CSR: Redeemed Church Holds Economic summit

As part of what it termed ‘corporate spiritual responsibility’ to its host community, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victory Chapel, Lagos Province 21, is set to hold a one-day economic summit on February 20.

The event will take place in the church auditorium in Magodo G.R.A Phase II.

Themed “Thriving in a Period of Economic Uncertainty”, the organisers said the summit was inspired by the current economic realities confronting members of the church and the Nigerian society at large.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Agric: Anambra, ABX, Others Begin $5.2bn Agro-Allied Export to EU

Anambra State Government and ABX World, a Nigerian based courier/Cargo company, in collaboration with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), have commenced export of agro-allied produce to European countries. The export is valued at over $5.2 billion annually.

ABX World is an EU certified (EUC) cargo agent, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) “Authorised Cargo Agent”.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Event: Digital Africa 2016 to Focus on Internet of Things

Intense preparations for the successful hosting of the 2016 edition of the Digital Africa conference and exhibitions have commenced, with the organisers promising to make this year’s edition the biggest in the history of the 4-year old annual gathering of major, medium, and niche players in the broad ICT sectors.

This year, the organiser said they would focus on Internet of Things (IoT), since it has become a global driver for technology innovation in the 21st century.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#CSR: Health Trust Limited Supports Less Privileged Children

Total Health Trust Limited (THT) has given gift items needs in a bid towards living up to its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The company presented food stuffs, beverages among others items to the pupils with special needs at Ojuwoye Community Primary School and Special Education, Mushin, Lagos State recently.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Investment: Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers to Partners SEC on Investor Education

The Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers (IAPM) has pledged to collaboration with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to deepen investor education as part of efforts to attract more investors to the nation’s capital market.

Many retail investors are hesitant to return to the stock market due to the losses recorded during the downturn in 2008 and 2009.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Investment: Jovago Gets $84m Investment Boost

In a move aimed at boosting its activities in Africa, Jovago. com, a foremost hotel booking website and AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management have announced a partnership to develop the expansion of Jovago in a new round of $84 million funding.

The companies said in a statement that the partnership would further ensure the expression of the business and strengthen the brand in major cities across Africa and Asia.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Agric: Afreximbank, NEXIM announce intervention program to revive Nigeria’s cocoa sector

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) are to implement an intervention programme in the cocoa sector to revive and help it re-emerge as the country’s top non-oil export foreign exchange earner, the two institutions announced at Afreximbank’s headquarter in Cairo.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Power: Lagos State Government to add two more IPPs this year

Lagos state government has said that it is adding two more Independent Power Project (IPPs) in addition to the five already in existence to power markets, schools and others critical infrastructure in the state through the state government’s “Light up Lagos” project.

Akinwunmi Ambode governor of Lagos state, through his commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olawale Oluwo communicated this to journalists, last week at a press briefing, in Ikeja.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Sonia Foods set to become market leader in Tomato production

Sonia Foods Industry Limited, a wholly owned Nigerian company and manufacturer of Sonia Tomato Paste in making major improvements to its shagamu, Ogun State factory plant as part of an ongoing plant to meet growing demand for its products and maximize efficiencies.

The capital improvement project, valued at more than $8 million, will create more jobs likewise enhance the product quality  of its flagship product, Sonia Tomato Paste and its entire product chain, comprising of Sonia seasoning cube and Sonia baking powder.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#IndustryPulse: CBN licenses Parkway Projects as PSSP

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a license to Parkway Projects Limited to operate as a Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) in Nigeria.

Having satisfied the systems and operational requirements as prescribed by the CBN, and aligned with international best practices, the CBN granted a PSSP license to Parkway Project.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Philanthropy: Group donates materials to LEA School

A non-governmental organisation, Global Crystal Mentoring, has donated over 300 textbooks to the pupils of LEA Primary School located in Zhiko Byazhin, a remote village in Kubwa, Abuja.

The educational materials which included books on agricultural science, home economics and computer studies for students in primary 1 to 6 were presented to the pupils by the coordinator of the NGO, Segun Oladipo.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Economy: Equities market gains as investors show interest in large caps stocks

Nigerian equities market gained a huge N408billion last week as investors interests in largely capitalised stocks peaked when compared to the preceding trading week level.

Market analysts linked last week’s gain partly to investors renewed move to take position in value stocks driven by their expectation of companies full year 2015 results this months.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#MSMEs: SMEDAN pushes for SME bank to boost inclusive growth

Umar Bature Masari, director-general of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), has said that the agency is pushing for a small and medium enterprise (SME) bank to ensure an all-inclusive growth in the economy.

According to Masari, the targeted inclusive economy is expected to capture more SMEs in the economy’s prosperity net.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#MSME #EMPOWERMENT: NASME to set up Women Entrepreneurship Group

…targets dialogue with relevant authorities on biz environment

In a bid to enhance the business activities of Nigerian women and prepare them to tap into various funding windows in and outside the country, the new leadership of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) is planning to set up a special group called NASME Entrepreneurship Group.

This was disclosed by the newly elected president and chairman of council, Degun Agboade, at a press briefing, weekend in Lagos.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Empowerment: CBN – EDC trains 1,434 entrepreneurs, disburses N120m

Prompted by the need to create wealth and generate employment opportunities for jobless Nigerians through development of entrepreneurship and business plans, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in conjunction with Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) and Oyo state government has graduated 1,434 entrepreneurs in various categories of business ventures.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#MoU #Power: Siemens reiterates commitment to 10,000mw MoU deal with FG

Worried by the current instability in the power supply, Siemens Nigeria Limited has again reiterated its commitment to fully implement the memorandum of understanding (MoU) it signed with the Federal Government.

The MoU focused on developing 10,000 megawatts (MW) power generation capacity and build up of a service workshop for heavy-duty gas turbines in Nigeria.

Published in the Businessday Newspaper on Monday, 15th February, 2016

#Agric: Kano to distribute 5000 irrigation pumps to farmers

KANO State government has purchased 5, 000 irrigation water pumps for onward distribution to local farmers across the state.

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who explained that the pumps were brought at cost of N242. 5 million, said it was part of his administration efforts to revitalise and priorities agriculture in the state.

The governor disclosed this during the visit of the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Audu Ogbe, to Kura Town in the state.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#MSMEs: Microfinance loan to SMEs hit N151bn


AS part of efforts to uplift the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), microfinance banks have loaned out about N151 billion ($755 million) to the sector so far.

President of National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), Valentine Whensu, stated this during the visit of the National Executive Council (NEC) and Chairman of Board of Trustees of NAMB to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#ICT: Stakeholders chart roadmap for ICT-driven robust economy

NO doubt, the future is already here because Nigeria and every country in the world are leveraging on technology to solve issue ranging from crime, migration and service access. With this in mind, the Federal Ministry of Communications recently organised a two-day maiden communications sector retreat at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan to raise the standard and charts way forward. Although, the event has come and gone, but the aftermath of it will be imprinted on the sands of time.

The forum was tagged: ‘Continuing Innovation while innovating continuity: Creating a smart digital Nigeria’.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016


#ICT: Firm develops App for parents to shop for schools


A new application known as School Compass has now been developed by a Lagos-based IT firm to help Nigeria parents shop for choice schools for their children from a wide range of options.

The school marketing platform according to Mr. Yomi Ojo, MD, Mycodes Limited now parades over 250 schools including primary and secondary schools from about 10 states across Nigeria.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#ICT: Jigawa adopts e-learning tablets for schools

THE Jigawa State Government has approved the use of e-learning tablets in public schools after its five-week pilot test.

About 1, 000 students, 61 teachers and 27 student-technicians were trained in the art of e-learning and e-teaching programme held in Dutse the state capital, according to a statement by the state government.

The state Governor, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, had directed that over 8,000 e-learning tablets/computers, tagged, e-Mallam, be distributed to all senior secondary school students and teachers in the state, the statement said.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#Power: Power supply drops by 1,589MW

POWER supply to households and businesses across the country has plunged by 1,589.69 megawatts since the nation achieved its peak generation of 5,074.70 MW on February 2.

Electricity supply on Sunday, February 14, dropped to 3,485MW from the 3,558.39MW generated that day, data obtained from the Federal Ministry of Power on Monday showed.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#Economy: Naira plunges to record low of 345/dollar

…‘Currency shouldn’t be allowed to fall this low’
THE naira tumbled to a record low of 345 against the dollar at the parallel market on Monday, extending its depreciation from nine to 11 per cent in less than two weeks.
The naira had hit a record low of 338 against the greenback on Friday, a day after the Bankers’ Committee announced plans to stop providing foreign exchange for school fees and medical bills payment.
The naira, which has been on a free fall in the past few weeks, fell steadily from 310 last week Monday to 335 on Thursday at the parallel market.
Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#Energy: FG, IOCs, banks in talks over $4bn debt

NIGERIA is in talks with oil majors and banks to raise capital for new drilling and to repay up to $4bn in debt that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has accumulated over years of management.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, told Reuters that he wanted to increase crude oil output to 2.5 million barrels per day by the end of this year. Currently, the country pumps 2.3 million bpd.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#Event: FIRS chairman, PwC, others for economic summit


THE Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, and the Head, Tax Services, PwC, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, are among dignitaries and economic experts scheduled to speak at one-day economic summit in Lagos.

The summit, tagged, “Thriving in a period of economic summit”, will address issues relating to tax revenue and the citizens; changes in business models and how businesses can source for foreign exchange amid the current scarcity, according to a statement by the organisers.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#Empowerment: Zakat Foundation empowers 21,038 people

ZAKAT and Sadaqat Foundation has disbursed the sum of N111m to 21,038 beneficiaries across the South-East, South-South, and South-West regions of the country.

The Executive Director, ZSF, Abdullahi Shuaib, said the disbursement was meant to cater for medical and economic needs of the beneficiaries.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#ICT: FG to harmonise ICT development in varsities


THE Federal Government plans to consolidate ICT interventions and deployments in universities and other tertiary institutions across the country.

The Acting Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Friday.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#Innovation: UK-based Nigerian invents keyboard for local languages


A United Kingdom-based Nigerian, Adebunmi Adeniran, has developed a keyboard to support and enable writing at least 12 Nigerian languages correctly and applying correct signs and tones to give instant meaning to the reader.

Adeniran said the keyboard invention was part of efforts to ensure that she brought back the glory associated with communication in local dialects in Nigeria.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#CSR: Firm lifts postgraduate students with N5.4m scholarships


DUFIL Prima Foods Plc has offered scholarship worth about N5.4m to 12 Nutrition and Dietetic postgraduate students in the country.

The gesture, the company said, was part of its contributions to the manpower development of Nigerian youths.

The target, it added, was to train high-level nutrition and dietetic manpower development in the country.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

#Agric Ooni: how cocoa can restore our fortune

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has said cocoa and other agricultural produce can take Nigeria out the woods.

He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Ooni said: “I am working with the minister of Agriculture. We have assembled over 200,000 youths within 30 days. We are encouraging them to go back to the farm.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#ICT: Fed Govt to launch two new satellites

THE Federal Government is acquiring and launching two satellites into orbit in the next two years, Minister of Communications and Technology, Mr. Adebayo Shittu said yesterday.

The minister added that talks were on between the Federal Government and some foreign partners on the financing of the NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3 satellites to support the NigComSat-1 in orbit.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Nigerian, South African regulators approve Dangote, Tiger Brands’ acquisition deal

ALL appeared set for the return of former Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) Plc, now rebranded Tiger Branded consumer Goods (TBCG) Plc, to its former name and its founding majority shareholder, Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s Dangote Industries Limited (DIL).

Reliable source in the know of the transaction said regulatory authorities in Nigeria and South Africa have approved the deal between TBCG’s majority core investor, South Africa’s Tiger Brand and the second major shareholder, DIL to sell Tiger Brands’ majority equity stake to DIL.
Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016 

#Event: Securex West Africa exhibition holds March 1

THE Securex West Africa Exhibition and Conference will hold from March 1-3, 2016 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.

In a statement, its Director of Programmes, Dr. Adewale Balogun, said the security market in Nigeria is worth about $4billion and the rapid development in construction projects, cyber security infrastructure and residential housing developments is driving the industry forward despite the difficulties faced by the falling oil prices.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#Stakeholder Action: ‘Assist govt with ideas’

GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Tuesday appealed to Lagosians to support his government with good ideas and constructive criticisms that would accelerate the development of the state.

The governor said this at the inauguration of the Office of Civil Engagement in the state, adding that his administration established the platform to constantly engage residents of the state.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#Economy: Dollar scarcity pushes naira to 352

THE acute scarcity of foreign exchange, especially the United States dollar, made the naira to fall further on Tuesday to 252 against the greenback at the parallel market.

The increasing pressure on the naira is caused by high demand for the dollar by importers and speculators, foreign exchange dealers said.

The local currency had weakened to 345 at the parallel market on Monday, having hit 338 last Friday as importers scrambled for the dollar to meet overseas obligations.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#Investment: ‘Diaspora investment can create jobs’

THE Chairperson of the Nigeria in the Diaspora Organisation, UK South, Mrs. Henrietta Abraham, has said that the Nigerians in the Diaspora can create jobs through investment in the economy.

In her presentation during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United Kingdom and made available to our correspondent, she pointed out that Nigerians in the Diaspora were highly skilled and at the peak of their professions in their host countries.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#IndustryPulse: FirstNation receives IATA operational safety certificate

THE International Air Transport Association has presented FirstNation Airways with the IATA operational Safety Certificate for aligning its operations with internationally recognised best practices in aviation safety.

The certificate was presented to the airline’s Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Chimara Imediegwu, by IATA’s Area Manager, South West Africa, Mr. Samson Fatokun, in Lagos.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#Technology: Automedics connects motorists, technicians in new platform

AUTOMEDICS Limited has introduced a new platform through which motorists can interact with auto technicians to address whatever challenges the may be facing with their vehicles.

Automedics led by Kunle Shonaike, has been running a radio show during which people call in to complain about their malfunctioning vehicles and receive advice from experts on how to fit them.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

#Agric: Plateau Govt Partners UNIJOS TO Boost Food Production

The Centre for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering of the University of Jos and the Plateau State government has express willingness to partner with farmers in the state to boost food production in the country.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Agric: NIFFRR Designs New Master Plan For Nigeria’s Self Sufficiency On Fish, Aquatic Resources

The National Institute for Fresh water Fishery Research NIFFR New Bussa has engaged stakeholders for a master plan to strengthen value chain operations towards self sufficiency in fish production in Nigeria.

The executive director of NIFFR Dr Agustine Okaeme represented by director, project, Dr Nathaniel Bankole stated this at the meeting with the stakeholders at the head-quarter of the research institute in New Bussa, Niger state.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Housing: NAGIS To Map Out Land For Proposed FG Mass Housing Scheme

Nasarawa Geographic Information Service (NAGIS) is to map out land for the proposed mass housing scheme of the federal government.

Media aide to Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura, Ahmed Tukur, made this known on Tuesday in Lafia adding that NAGIS will be engaged to work out the master plan for the land after the aerial survey of the proposed area to make it easy for the federal government to commence work immediately.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Education: SUBEB Partners ESSPIN To Enhance Primary Education in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN) has stepped up efforts to boost primary education by laying a solid foundation at basic level.

The permanent secretary SUBEB, Malam Ibrahim Sambo stated this at the opening of a two-day workshop for education secretaries from 23 LGAs on Wednesday.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Health: 9 States Get 800,000 RDT Kits For Malaria Diagnosis

For quick diagnosis of malaria and subsequent treatment, nine states have been earmarked to receive 800,000 Rapid Diagnostic Therapy (RDT kits.

The kits were donated by US-Based diagnostic device maker, Alere, and the non profit organisation, Malaria No More. It is part  of two million kits the US government has promised to provide in the next two years under the US President’s Malaria Initiative.

Published in Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 21th October, 2015

#Safety: FRSC, Oil Marketers Partner On speed Regulations

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and major oil marketers have reached an understanding on speed regulations as the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has thrown its weight behind the policy of speed regulation in Nigeria.  It said that it also supports all others safety policies aimed at creating safer road environment in the country.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016


#Health Lassa fever: Asaba Begins Sensitisation Campaign

Determined to kick out lassa fever in Asaba and environs in Delta State, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, has organised a sensitisation campaign in Asaba to create awareness on the deadly disease.

The sensitisation campaign organised by the FMC awareness Committee on Lassa fever has the theme, “kick out Lassa fever”.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#CSR #Philanthropy: Over 784 Patients Benefit From TEPNG, NNPC Free Medical Programme

Over 784 patients have so far benefited from an ongoing one-week mass free medical programme jointly organised by the Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPNG) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), for communities in Oil Mineral Licence (OML) 58 in Rivers State.

Deputy managing director of TEPNG, Mr. Nicholas Brunet, disclosed this yesterday while speaking at the formal flag-off of the programme at General Hospital, Ahoada, headquarters of Ahoada-East local government area of the state.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#CSR: Airtel Adopts Yahaya Hamza Primary School Zaria

Leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Networks Limited, has announced the adoption of Yahaya Hamza Primary School, Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of its education initiative, Adopt-a-School.

The adoption was announced yesterday 16th, 2016, in Kaduna when the company’s Director of Communications & CSR, Emeka Oparah, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Educatio, Dr. Shehu Usman Adamu in his office.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#CSR: BANC & All Gives Scholarship To 10 Secondary School Students

Banc & All, a printing and publishing company in Nigeria, yesterday gave scholarship to 10 students of the Junior Secondary School, Kubwa, FCT, in its Scholarship Scheme Programme.

Speaking during the event, the chairman of the organisation, Mr Atilola Odudare stated that the company since its inception took a decision to give back to the community, where the company operated in hence decided to invest in children who are leaders of tomorrow.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#SolidMineral: Metal Exporters To Partner Govt On Solid Minerals Development

The Association of Metal Exporters of Nigeria have expressed its readiness to partner with the government in the development of the solid minerals sector.

At a press briefing recently in Lagos the association called on the federal government to provide the enabling environment for the development of the sector.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#IndustryPulse: 7Energy Secures US$100m Additional Equity Capital

Seven Energy International Limited, a leading integrated gas company in the South East, with oil and gas interests in the region, has secured a $100 million new equity capital.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Power: 50m People In Africa To Connect To Electricity By 2020

With the United States (US) president, Barack Obama, signing into law an initiative under the Power Africa Scheme, there is hope in the horizon to bring electricity to 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020

The US Government has made financial commitments of $7 billion to support the scheme which it says in turn has drawn a further $43 billion in investment pledged from other public and private partners.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#CSR: ExxonMobil Offers N57bn Education Support Under CSR Initiative

ExxonMobil has said that it has, in the last four years, spent over N57 million to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation/Mobil Producing Nigeria (NNPC/MPN) Joint Venture (JV) secondary school scholarship targeted at indigent students from Akwa Ibom State.

Similarly, the JV has committed N4 billion on undergraduate scholarship to Nigerian students and the company said that 50 per cent of this amount or N2 billion went to students from Akwa Ibom State.

Published in the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Security: Nigeria, US renew security pact

The Nigerian Army yesterday renewed bilateral ties with the United States of America with the inauguration of a training pact to professionalise Nigerian security forces.

Declaring open a special training programme for the 145 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, said the ties has led to several joint initiatives, one of which was the commitment of the US and her military to assist Nigeria professionalise her security forces.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Power: Zamfara connects 87 villages to national grid

Zamfara state government has connected 87 villages to the national grid under its Rural Electrication Programme, the state commissioner for rural and community development Alhaji Lawali M Liman has said.

Speaking with Daily Trust in Gusau, Alhahi Liman said the programme was designed to provide electricity to the rural communities across the 14 local government areas of the state and the project had reached 75% completion.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Agric: Kano approves N1bn as loan to rice farmers

Kano state government yesterday stated that it has approved a soft loan of N1 billion to rice farmers in the state as part of the state’s effort to encourage rice farming for economic sustainability.

This was disclosed by permanent secretary, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture Hajiya Binta Rabi’u during the official commissioning of rice policy platform facilitated by Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI) in collaboration with German International Cooperation (GIZ).

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#ICT: Lecturer forms computer program

A lecturer with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Dr. Kayode Ojo has created a software application, AutoCAD meant to improve students’ performance.

Ojo who finished his postgraduate studies in Malaysia said that the AutoCAD was a software application used in the preparation of blue prints in architecture, construction and manufacturing and other engineering plans.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, 18th February, 2016

#Infrastructure: Face-lift for MMA as Nigeria builds new terminal

THE Federal Government has begun measures to give a face-life to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos with the construction of a multi-billion naira new terminal building and a five-storey office complex with a modern car park facility, which are nearing completion.

The new terminal which would be linked to the new old one will facilitate the airlifting of about 24 million passengers yearly, while the new car park will take 1,500 cars daily.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 19th February, 2016

#Economy: Naira Plunges to N391/$1 on Parallel Market

The naira sustained its downswing on the parallel market arm of the foreign exchange market as it closed at N391 to dollar in Lagos yesterday, as against the N370 to a dollar it closed on Wednesday.

This was confirmed by currency traders situated at Apapa and Broad Street in Lagos. The current traders further attributed continuous depreciation of the naira on the parallel market to dollar scarcity.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Friday, 19th February, 2016

#Agric: Dangote’s Rice Outgrowers Scheme to Employ 10,000 Rural populace

As the federal government turns attention to agriculture to ease the pressure on the economy and create jobs, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the weekend flagged off his multibillion Naira 8000 hectares of Rice Outgrowers Scheme in Hadejia, Jigawa state as part of his partnership with governments at all levels to reduce food imports

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Friday, 19th February, 2016

#AID: EU Pledges to Assist Nigeria Diversify Economy

The European Union (UE) has promised to assist Nigeria attract a requisite investments that could aid ongoing efforts to diversify her economy as crude oil prices continue to fluctuate

Head of Delegation and EU Ambassador in Lagos, Mr. Mitchel Arrion, who spoke at the opening of the African Build Exhibition Lagos on Tuesday, acknowledged that Nigeria is going through a very tough time given the recent dwindling revenues as a result of the dwindling crude oil prices.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Friday, 19th February, 2016

#Health: Fidson Healthcare Partners GB Pharma for Better Pharmaceutical

Leading Nigerian pharmaceutical company, Fidson Healthcare PLc, has recently made a giant leap toward addressing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical needs by entering into an agreement with the American company, GB Pharma Holdings.

Their business agreement is expected to provide Fidson with the guidelines it needs to establish its foothold within the US and to develop strategic relationships with other business entities.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Friday, 19th February, 2016

#Investment: S’African Retailer Exits Nigeria on Import Restrictions

South African retailer, Tru-worths has pulled out of its Nigerian business citing import restrictions, its chief executive said on Thursday.

This, according to Reuters could be a sign that President Muhammadu Buhari’s attempts to boost local industry are hurting foreign investment.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Friday, 19th February, 2016