CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 147

#Economy: Nigeria in recession, says Adeosun, Udoma disagrees

Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who briefed he Senate on the state of the economy, was blunt. She told the law makers yesterday that the country’s economy has entered a recession stage. But her Budget and National Planning counterpart, Udoma Udo Udoma, tried to keep hope alive, saying a recession is still far away.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 22nd July, 2016

#Economy: Nigeria, others lose $23b yearly to products rejection by EU

Continued rejection of non-oil exports from Nigeria and other African countries, especially agro-allied commodities, translates to a yearly loss of $23 billion in earnings, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 22nd July, 2016

#Power: Govt seals deal with 14 firms to generate 1125mw

The Federal Government yesterday sealed a Power Purchase Agreement with 14 firms to generate 1125 megawatts of electricity from solar before the end of next year. This followed the approval by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and evacuation approval from the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 22nd July, 2016

#Empowerment: BoI disburses N426m to youths under the GEF scheme

To further promote entrepreneurial initiatives in a bid to reduce youth unemployment, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has approved N426 million for on-lending to businesses owned by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members under the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF).

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 22nd July, 2016

#Agric: Gombe warns against diversion of fertilizer

Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has warned farmers in the state against diverting fertilizers distributed for the 2016 farming season. Speaking during the distribution and sales of 20,000 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizers to farmers in the state for the 2016 farming season, the Governor noted that the present administration since 2011 has procured over 120,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 22nd July, 2016

#Technology: Avaya, 21^st Century unveil hybrid cloud solutions for W/Africa SMBs

Avaya, a global leader in business communications software, systems and services, announced today a strategic alliance with 21^st Century Technologies to help midmarket companies in Nigeria and West Africa achieve their digital transformation objectives.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 22nd July, 2016

#Technology: Huawei joins initiative to drive Africa’s digital transformation

Huawei has joined the Smart Africa Alliance as Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) advisor and Platinum member at the Smart Africa Board Meeting. The partnership with the Smart Africa Alliance is one of Huawei’s efforts to drive digital transformation in Africa.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 22nd July, 2016

#Economy: Lagos targets N50bn monthly IGR, N1tn budget

The Lagos State Government says it has set a target of increasing the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to N30bn monthly by 2017, adding that by 2018, the IGR will increase to N50bn.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#Education: 168,843 pupils sat for placement test

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board says that no fewer than 168,843 primary six pupils sat for Lagos state placement test into public junior secondary schools on Saturday. The Lagos SUBEB Chairman, Dr Ganiyu Sopeyin, on Sunday said the number included pupils from state-owned public schools, their private school counterparts and others who did not register for the exam.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#Economy: Experts advise against rate hike as MPC meets today

Financial analysts have called on the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria not to increase the Monetary Policy Rate, which currently stands at 12 per cent ahead of the committee’s meeting scheduled for today (Monday) and Tuesday.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Afam Power firm stalled three years after sale

Three years after a prospective core investor, Talevares, paid $64m for Afam Power Plc, the sale of the power plant remains elusive, investigation has shown. The Head of Public Enterprises, Mr Alex Okoh, confirmed this in a telephone interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: CeBIH chairman plans e-payment growth

The newly-elected Chairman, Committee of E-banking Industry Heads, Mr Dele Adeyinka, says he will focus on growing the adoption of electronic payment technologies in the country. He stated this in Lagos after the election of new executive committee members to run the affairs of the association, CeBIH said in a statement on Sunday.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#StakeholdersAction: Stakeholders seek pension fund investment in housing

With the rising housing deficit in the country, stakeholders in the building and construction sector are calling for more investment in housing development from the growing pension fund.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#Empowerment: LAWMA teaches pupils waste to wealth

To ensure a clean and healthy environment in schools and the society, the Lagos Waste Management Authority has advised pupils to seek ways of turning waste to wealth by re-using and recycling. Ata programme organised for pupil recently, with the theme, ‘Recycling: A secured future for our Children’, the Executive Chairman, LAWMA, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejokun, said schools should provide bins to sort their wastes into different categories.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#Infrastructure: Eko Atlantic City gets eight-lane road

Eko Atlantic City, a unique development on the coast of Lagos, has reached advanced stages with the delivery of an eight-lane arterial road that is over 1,500 metres long, according to the developers, South Energyx Nigeria Limited.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#Infrastructure: Work begins on Magodo-Shangisha drainage3

The Lagos State Public Works Corporation has commenced the construction of a major collector drain at Magodo-Shangisha to avert flooding in the area. The Chief Executive Officer, LSPWC, Mr Ayotunde Sodeinde, said work was currently ongoing on the long stretch of the Magodo-Shangisha canal embedded in a gorge in order to ease the flow of rainwater and domestic discharge from residential buildings within the neighbourhood.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: NITDA inaugurates e-Nigeria organising committee

The National Information Technology Development Agency has inaugurated the Local Committee for the ninth eNigeria Conference and Expo, the flagship Information and Communications Technology event hosted by the regulatory and implementing agency.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#Technology #IndustryPulse: Nigeria’s Internet traffic’ll grow six-fold by 2020

A release of the Cisco Visual Networking Index Complete Forecast for 2015 to 2020 has shown that Nigeria’s Internet Protocol traffic will grow six-fold and fixed broadband speed will increase 2.4 fold with an average mobile speed connection of 5Mbps.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Monday, 25th July, 2016

#Economy: Adeosun advocates economic patriotism from Diaspora Nigerians

The Federal Government has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to see the current economic realities in the county as good opportunities to participate actively in the ongoing efforts to reposition the nation’s economy.

Published by the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 26th July, 2016

#Agric #IndustryPulse: We’ve N25bn egg production deal with BoI – Firm

Project managers for the Federal Government’s N25 billion National Egg Production Scheme (NEGPRO), Tuns Farms Limited, yesterday said the firm did not sign any contract with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or the minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh. A civil rights group, Centre for Social Justice, recently sued Ogbeh at the Federal High Court, Abuja, asking him to “release details and copy of the N25 billion contracts he signed with Tuns Farm Nigeria Limited.”

Published by the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 26th July, 2016

#Innovation: FG’ll provide support for innovation hubs – Shittu

The Minister of Communications, Barrister AbdulRaheem Adebayo Shittu, has disclosed the readiness of the Federal Government to do everything possible for the provision of effective support for innovation hubs across the country.

Published by the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 26th July, 2016

#Economy: FG assumes $42.5, 2.2mbpd as benchmarks for 2017 budget

The Federal Government yesterday unveiled its key benchmarks for the 2017 budget pegging oil price at $42.5 per barrel and daily production output at 2.2 million barrels per day.

Published by the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 26th July, 2016

#Infrastructure: FG to link state capitals with railways

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that most state capitals as well as major commercial and production centres will be linked with rail lines. This, according to him, is to ensure rapid socio-economic development, improve the quality of life of Nigerians and promote social and regional integration.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Wednesday, 27th July, 2016

#Health: Assembly expedites private hospital regulation bill

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has given expeditious hearing to the bill seeking the establishment and control of private hospitals and health facilities. The bill has passed the second level reading to committee level.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Wednesday, 27th July, 2016

#Infrastructure: 990 hand pumps for rural areas

The Jigawa State Commissioner for Water Resources, Ibrahim Hannungiwa, said yesterday that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, has commenced the construction of 990 hand pumps in the state.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Wednesday, 27th July, 2016

#Economy: CBN raises interest rate to 14%

Rising from its 251st Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced an increase in the benchmark interest rate by 200 basis points, from 12 to 14 per cent.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Wednesday, 27th July, 2016

#Award: Pepsodent wins 2016 World Oral Health Day Competition

Pepsodent Nigeria has emerged winner in the World Oral Health Day 2016 Challenge both at the continental level, first ahead of 9 countries, and at the global level, first ahead of 31 countries. According to the organizers of the competition, the achievement was measured by the delivery of over one million pledges from a fully integrated campaign across multiple touch points with best-in-class in-market or store and digital activation executed by Terragon Group.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Wednesday, 27th July, 2016

#Health: Hepatitis kills 10 times more than Malaria, HIV, experts warn

Medical researchers have unveiled reasons why Hepatitis kills more people than Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The disclosure came as World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is observed globally, today. The theme for this year’s campaign is: “Know Hepatitis – Act Now”.

#Trade: British envoy pledges stronger trade ties with Nigeria

United Kingdom Trade and Investment Envoy to Nigeria, John Howell has pledged to strengthen trade ties with Nigeria, stating that the British government is ready to invest in the Nigerian economy.

#Power: ECOWAS electricity regulators commence plans for integration

Amidst complaints by Nigerians over the activities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), plans to integrate electricity regulatory activities in the Economic Community for West African States’ region (ECOWAS) have commenced.

#Economy: NBCC urges Nigeria to focus on creativity as a way out of recession

To find a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s economic downturn, the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) yesterday said Nigerians must focus on creativity to avert future challenges.

#MSMEs: AICC to boost SMEs’ growth in Nigeria, others

Nigeria is on high priority, as stakeholders move to boost small and medium enterprises under the platform of the Africa-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC). Africa-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC) was inaugurated in Abuja to boost economic relationship between the continent and Israel.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#Investment: Delta to establish investment agency

Determined to fully harness the investment potential in the state, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday in Asaba announced the intention of his administration to set up the Delta State Investment Development Agency.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#Health #StakeholdersAction: Polio survivors want empowerment

As part of efforts towards a polio free Nigeria, polio survivors are seeking a comprehensive plan for rehabilitation and empowerment of millions of victims of the wild poliovirus. The survivors say they have been largely neglected in the scheme of things and allowed to cater for themselves, while calling on the Federal Government to work out an empowerment scheme for them.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#Health: Radiographers’ board moves to make MRI available to more Nigerians

The Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) has commenced efforts to ensure that the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RMI) services are made available to more Nigerians. To this end, the Board reached out to operators in the private sector of the medical practice and well-meaning members of the public to work with government to ensure that the facility is available on a broader basis.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#Innovation #Agric: Female scientists brainstorm on how to build sector

Female Agricultural scientists and farmers in Nigeria under the aegis of Nigerian Women in Agricultural Research and Development (NiWARD) are seeking better ways to improve the fortunes of the sector. The experts at NiWARD 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and National Conference/Exhibition with the theme, “Challenging the New Frontiers in National Agricultural Transformation: Regional Enlightenment” said that agriculture is the new crude oil for Nigeria because of the falling prices of the commodity.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#Education #IndustryPulse: Lagos gives private schools ultimatum to register

To ensure the delivery of high quality education to pupils in the state, the Lagos State Government has directed proprietors of private schools irrespective of their accreditation status to register their institution at the education district within their area of operation on/before Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#Unemployment: ‘Capacity building, skills acquisition key to curbing unemployment

As the nation grapples with swelling unemployment figures among its youthful population, Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu, says skills acquisition, through vocational training and capacity building among others could help drive down the figures.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#Education: Teacher training, empowerment crucial to effective learning

To achieve impactful teaching and learning, teachers must be empowered, regularly trained in order for them to be abreast of global best practices, and internalize universal core values of the profession. This was the submission of the Founder/President of Edvigor Incorporation (a non-governmental organization committed to teacher-training and development), Mrs Nneamka Enechi, during a five-day teacher training workshop organised for public school teachers in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council Area of Lagos State.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 28th July, 2016

#MSMEs: Govt mulls single digit interest rate regime for SMEs

Relief may soon come the way of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)in the country, as the Federal Government has concluded plans to address the funding challenges experienced in the sector by unveiling a single digit interest rate regime for on-lending to such businesses.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 29th July, 2016

#Economy: Revised MPR- Experts advise against loan restructuring

Worried about the negative impact of the revised Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) on the financial performance of most businesses, experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have advised against restructuring of loan facilities without understanding the conditions.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 29th July, 2016

#Economy: Udoma parleys Chinese EXIM Bank for infrastructure loan

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, has parleyed management of the Chinese EXIM Bank in Beijing, China, on development assistance to fund some critical infrastructure in the country.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 29th July, 2016

#Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs should explore various financing models for sustainability

The Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Waheed Olagunju, has urged young entrepreneurs to leverage available financing I n the global system to grow their businesses. Olagunju made the call on Wednesday in Lagos during a panel discussion by Enactus Nigeria Innovation Summit, themed “The impact of entrepreneurship on the development and sustenance of an emerging economy”.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 29th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Ford to launch DSFL in Nigeria to improve driving skill

Ford is contributing to promoting safe driving in Nigeria as it concludes plans to launch Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) initiative. According to the company, the initiative, which will be introduced next month, is a part decision to roll out programme to more countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 29th July, 2016

CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 146

#Innovation: Innovation Benefits Elude Nigeria As Tech Funding Gap Widens

Lean funding options available to tech start-ups in Africa largest economy may be making it difficult to replicate innovation trends rapidly redefining the global economic landscape. As the world transits to a digital economy, start-ups, which are leveraging technology to offer innovative products and services to a wider array of consumers, are increasingly contending with traditional businesses, which are struggling to serve a burgeoning digital savvy populace.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Power: Singapore Billionaire Signs 250mw Power Deal Fo Nigeria

Singapore’s billionaire, Brian Chang is placing his bet on the Nigerian power sector with an initial 250MW barge mounted gas fired station near Port Harcourt that can be ramped up to 1000MW on the back of proven gas supply.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Industrypulse: Nigerian Ports Strain On Unclaimed Goods, Shrinking Imports

Unclaimed goods are piling up at the Lagos ports, following the directive to implement the new flexible foreign exchange rate policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which has seen duties and tariffs soar over 40 per cent from the application of the rate of N282 to $1 instead of N197 on which letters of credit for the imports were opened.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Empowerment: Youth Empowerment To Unbridle Africa’s Growth Potentials, Says Bill Gates

To exploit the potential of the world’s second largest continent, empowering its teeming youth population must take pre-eminence, says American philanthropist and entrepreneur, Bill Gates. Speaking at the 2016 Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, 61-year old Gates shared his optimism about the future of Africa and the role of its young people in moulding it.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Industrypulse: NAICOM To Roll Modalities For Municipal Insurance Pool In 8 Wks

Modalities for the establishment of a nationwide municipal insurance pool is a key project that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will be working on in the next eight weeks, Insurance Commissioner, Mohammed Kari has indicated.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Industrypulse: Nigeria’s Telecoms Industry Valued At Over $38bn

Nigerian telecoms industry is now valued at over $38 billion in investment profile, Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications, has said. Shittu attributed key driver of the evolution and development of the industry to proactive and responsive policies and therefore tasked stakeholders to work harder to attract more foreign direct investments.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Energy: IEA Attributes OPEC Market Share Gain to Recovering Flows In Nigeria, Middle East

The International Energy Association in its July Oil Market Report (OMR) has stated that record pumping rates in middle rates in the Middle East and recovering flows in Nigeria is helping to consolidate Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) market share.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#CSR: Unity Bank Partners Foundation On Fertility Awareness

As part of key strategic interventions and collaborative initiatives to demonstrate its Corporate Social Responsibility, Unity Bank Plc is partnering Beibei Haven Foundation, a non-governmental organization to organize a ‘Fertility Walk’ in order to raise awareness and funds to assist families with fertility challenges.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Smes#Event: Sterling Bank, NASME Float Workshop For Members

Sterling Bank Plc, in collaboration with Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) will from Monday July 18, 2016, flag off a 3-day Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Workshop for members of the Association. The workshop is scheduled to hold at the Federal Institute for Industrial Research (FIIRO) Oshodi, Lagos.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Investment: Stocks Lose N17bn As Market Awaits More H1 Earnings

Week-on-week (WOW), the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index depreciated by 0.17% to close last week at 28,805.45 points from 28,805.98 points recorded the preceding trading weekend. Also, the market capitalisation stood low at N9.910 trillion, losing N17 billion.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Health: New LASUTH Facility To Reduce Expense On Medical Tourism By $3bn – LASG

The new Critical Care Unit (CCU) inaugurated at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, will reduce Nigeria’s expense on medical tourism abroad by $3billion, the Lagos State government said at the weekend.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Stakeholdersaction: LCCI Canvasses Trade Integration To Enhance Competitiveness

Nike Akande, President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for stronger trade integration between African States in order to enhance competitiveness and increase the capacity to cope with challenges of globalization.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#MSMEs: High cost of diesel frustrating SMEs

The recent increase in the price of diesel across the federation is frustrating Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs), which depend on the product as an alternate power supply due to constant power outage.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#MoU: Abuja Chamber signs MoU with NASSI to create JV

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) with a view to creating joint venture (JV) opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Empowerment: Wema Bank Steers Entrepreneurship With Fashion, Design Week

Wema Bank Plc has announced plans to sponsor this year’s Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week (NSFDW 2016) as part of its vision to boost entrepreneurship in the country. The event will climax with grand finale scheduled for the Indoor Sports Hall, University of Lagos on Friday August 12 and Saturday 13, 2016.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Investment: Investor Confidence To Rise As CBN Settle £697m FX Future Obligation

Investors’ confidence in Nigerian financial markets is expected to strengthen as $697 1-month forwards contract sold by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) matures on Wednesday, analysts have said. “The fulfilment of this commitment is expected to stoke investors’ confidence in the operations of the interbank market going forward,” analysts at Afrinvest Securities Limited said.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Economy#Partnership: Nigeria, Morocco Partner To Unlock economic potentials

To unlock economic opportunities in South-South Corporation between Nigeria and Morocco, experts and think tanks from both economies will be in Nigeria tomorrow (Tuesday) to fashion out soft landing platforms for trade and investment.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Philanthropy: Dangote Donates Food Items To Idps In Abuja

As part of its philanthropic gesture, the Dangote Foundation has delivered food items to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable and the indigent in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The food items, worth millions of naira, was last Thursday presented to the minister of FCT, Muhammad Musa Bello.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Event: ‘Nigeria To Accede To Budapest Convention

As Budapest Convention is geared towards combating computer-related crimes globally, Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communications, says Nigeria will soon accede to the Budapest Convention on cyber-crime, the first international treaty seeking to address internet and computer crimes by harmonizing and improving international cooperation.

Published by the Business Day Newspaper on Monday, 18th July, 2016

#Philanthropy: Hotelier Empowers 100 Widows, Pupils

A Lagos-based hotelier and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Prince Ademola Adunola has distributed foodstuff and textile to over 100 widows. Stationeries were also distributed to pupils from 10 public primary schools in the council area.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Health: Lambo Seeks Increased Health Sector Funding

A former Minister of Health Prof. Eyitayo Lambo has urged the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to health, if the country wanted to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Agric: U.S. Launches $2m Agric Partnership

The United States (U.S.) Agency for International Development (USAID) yesterday launched a $2million agricultural partnership in a move designed to boost the sector.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Economy: Economists Urge CBN To Review Forex Policy

The Nigerian Economist Society (NES) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to review the new foreign exchange (forex) regime, saying some form of managed pegged system is consistent with the structure of the economy. NES also warned that the country may slide into depression, saying the flexible forex regime could not survive in anon-productive economy.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Industrypulse: Nigeria Set For EITI Validation

Nigeria is set for the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to receive a team of independent validators from the international Secretariat of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Oslo, Norway. The team is due in Nigeria to carry out a validation process on the country’s implementation and adherence to the principles of the global extractive industries transparency initiative in the governance of its extractive sector.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#ICT: Shittu Canvasses ICT Regulatory Convergence Framework

The Minister of Communications Technology, Adebayo Shittu, has urged stakeholders in the information communications technology (ICT) sector to be prepared for bold policy reforms and industry re-invention.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Industrypulse: NCC Seeks African Leaders’ Commitment To Broadband Infrastructure

The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has urged African leaders to focus on the development of broadband infrastructure as a way of combating the twin-evil of poverty and debt.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Innovation: Etisalat Unveils E-Learning App

Etisalat Nigeria has launched an improved version of its e-learning application (app), Cliqlite world, as part of efforts to revamp the education sector in Nigeria.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Infrastructure#Economy: Rail to Generate Huge Revenue

The ongoing rail transportation project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has the potential of fast tracking growth in Abuja generating huge revenues for government when it becomes operational, FCT Minister Malam Muhammed Bello has said.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Industrypulse: Zenith Bank Launches Mobile Banking Solution

Zenith Bank Plc has launched a new mobile banking solution to make banking simpler and interesting. The bank’s *966# Eazybanking solution, launched into the Nigerian market, will complement the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) effort to build a cashless economy and enhance financial inclusion.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Infrastructure: Abuja-Kaduna Rail Project for Launch July 26

Minister of Transportation Mr Rotimi Amaechi has said the Abuja-Kaduna rail would be inaugurated on July 26 in Idu, Abuja.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016

#Economy: IMF- Nigeria Heading Towards Depression

The International Monetary fund (IMF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Emefiele yesterday gave conflicting prognoses of the Nigerian economy, with the fund forecasting that the Nigeria economy was likely to contract by 1.8 per cent this year, warning that it was heading towards recession.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#StakeholdersAction: UNICEF, Saraki Raise the Alarm On Acute Malnutrition In Borno

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Senate President Bukola Saraki have raised alarm on the severe malnutrition afflicting one in five children in Borno state, warning that if nothing is done to reverse the humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency 134 children could die every day from starvation.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#Investment: Investor Apathy Continues to Trail Insurance Stocks

Equities listed on the insurance sub-sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have continued to perform below expectation due to prolonged apathy on the sector.

#Business: Firms Cut Administrative Expenses to Survive Tough operating Environment

Faced the rising inflation and other costs of operations, quoted companies have resorted to cutting administrative and personnel costs to maintain healthy bottom line for the half year ended June 30, 2016.

#Agric: Agric Productivity Initiative Launched

Partners For Seed in Africa (PASA) and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HBGF) have formally announced an initiative to improve seed supply in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to help smallholder farmers increase agricultural productivity by improving their access to better seeds and fertiliser.

#Economy: Oando Envisages Lower Earnings on Naira Devaluation

Oando Plc has said it would record lower earnings for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016. In a notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the oil firm said the lower earnings would result from the impact of naira devaluation by the Central Bank of Nigeria that is expected to amount to an unrealised foreign exchange loss arising from United States dollars  (USD) denominated liabilities, outstanding bank trade facilities as well as vendor payables.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#Economy: FG Directs Extension of Anchor Borrower Programmes to 14 States

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its development partners, such as the Bank of Industry (BoI) to extend the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to other 14 states in the country.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#MoU: Ecobank, BoI Sign Deal on Financial Inclusion

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), its Nigerian subsidiary Ecobank Nigeria and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in deepening financial services delivery to micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#Power: Discos- Nigerians Would Have to Choose Between Darkness and Light

Electricity distributing companies in Nigeria (Discos) has said Nigerians would have to choose between working with them to improve the country’s electricity system for their benefit and going back to darkness which they said had been the situation long before they took over from the government. The y insisted the decision of a Lagos Federal High Court to outlaw the 2015 electricity tariff used by electricity distribution companies (Discos) to supply power to electricity consumers across the country was not in the interest of the power sector.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#MoU: BoI, NCDMB Launch $100m Intervention Fund to Boost Local content

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has partnered the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to launch a $100 million fund aimed at boosting local content in Nigeria.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#Philanthropy: Access Bank Makes Extra Donation to UNICEF, Takes Charity Shield to Guards Polo UK

As part of its continued support of UNICEF, Access Bank Group, along with 5th Chukker, hosted the ‘Access Bank Polo Day’ at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor, United Kingdom last Saturday. The annual event is the climax to the high-profile Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament, which is in its ninth year and is aimed at reaching out to and highlighting the plight of vulnerable children and orphans and internationally displaced persons.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, 20th July 2016

#Education: Lagos Digital Library’ll Promote Culture, Education

The Lagos State Government says its digital library project will promote Yoruba history and cultural heritage. It added that the library would offer stakeholders, comprising pupils, teachers and publishers, among others, unlimited access to education materials.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 21st July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Airlines may scale down operations over fuel scarcity

As the scarcity of aviation fuel persists, domestic airlines in the country have said that they may be forced to scale down their operations if nothing is done to ameliorate the situation.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 21st July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Chinese firm to assemble tractors in eight states

The Federal government on Wednesday entered into a partnership with the China-Africa Machinery Corporation to commence the assemblage of tractors in eight states in Nigeria.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 21st July, 2016

#StakeholdersActions: CBN must protect new forex policy –CBN

The President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria , prof Segun Ajibola, says the Central Bank of Nigeria must work to protect the new flexible exchange rate regime against sharp practices.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 21st July, 2016

#Infrastructure: Russian firm to build refinery in Calabar

A Russian firm, Safinet Group, has expressed interest in establishing a 7000-barrels-per-day capacity refinery in Calabar with a plan to increase its capacity to 65,000bpd in the near future.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 21st July, 2016

#Empowerment: Sahara Group to empower 12 million youths

The Executive Director and Co-founder, Sahara Group, Mr Tonye Cole, has said the company will empower 12 million youths through skill acquisitions in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 21st July, 2016

CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 145

#Event: RIMAN Holds National Risk Conference

The Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) will hold its 16th annual national conference and annual general meeting on the 14th and 15th July, 2016, in Lagos. The conference theme is “Global Oil Crisis and Energy Risks in Nigeria”.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Stakeholders move to revive Exportation of Agro Produce

Industry experts have agreed to join forces to revive the exportation of yam, beans, coca and other agricultural produce from Nigeria to the United States and other countries.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#Technology #Partnership: Stanbic IBTC Partners Google on Digital Inclusion

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a member of Stanbic Holdings Plc and Google, have sealed a deal that will enable youths and operators in the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) segment in the country to acquire digital skills for economic advancement.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#Award: Neimeth CEO bags Global Investor Award

The Managing Director/CEO of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Dr Ebere Epkunobi, has won the GSK Inventor Award for two patent applications covering her inventions during her tenure at GSK. Ekpunobi’s invention is related to the discovery of compounds potentially useful for the treatment of a rare disease.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#Award: Remita Bags ‘Most Efficient e-Revenue Service Award’

Remita, the integrated electronic payments and collection platform developed by System specs has been adjudged the “Most Efficient e-revenue Service” at the recently concluded CBN CardExpo Africa Awards 2016.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Red Star Boosts e-Commerce with New Payment System

Red Star Plc, a courier and logistics firm has deployed a solution to manage “Pay-On-Delivery” transactions for online businesses and e-transactions. According to a statement issued by the company, the application, known as “Saddle”, allows instant payment delivery reconciliation, enables customers monitor and track the movement of ordered products until items are delivered. It also allows e-platforms/partner companies to seamlessly receive notifications when orders are placed.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#Oil : Bonga Oil spill- Niger Delta communities raise alarm over Shell’s crude tactics

The shoreline communities and fisher-persons in Delta and Balyesa states affected by the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEOPCo), Bonga Oil Spill of December 20, 2011, yesterday raised the alarm over what they described as attempt by the oil company to apply “same crude divide and conquer tactics” to achieve an unjust solution to the issue of compensation to the victims of the oil spill.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#Partnership: Nigeria, Indian Firm reach agreement on Ajaokuta Steel Company

The multi-billion dollar Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Company will soon come out of bondage following an amicable resolution of the ownership crisis surrounding the company. According to online news website, Premium Times, the parties could reach an agreement when the federal government and Messrs Global Steel Holdings Limited , and Indian firm, meet next month and are scheduled to sign the terms of settlement.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Monday, 11th July, 2016

#Economy: Import duties soar over new forex rules

Duties on shipping business at the ports have shot up astronomically in the wake of the new flexible foreign exchange rate policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Already, the Federal Government has launched the implementation of the new policy, which customs and clearing agents lament has hiked duties by 40 percent.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Oil: Crude oil prices drop to two month low

Revenue from oil may further dip as crude prices declined to two months low yesterday. The development came as indications emerged that the United States shale producers have adapted to lower prices environment.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Economy: Waterways, key to diversifying economy, says NIWA’s new boss

New Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Boss Gida Mustapha said yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to employing the waterways to diversify the economy.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Health: Health reforms reduce infant mortality by 69%, says govt

The Federal Government yesterday said health sector reform has achieved infant mortality reduction from 100 per 1000 live births in 2003 to 69 per 100 live births in 2013.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#StakeholdersAction: Stakeholders want better living conditions for teenage girls

Stakeholders have vowed to continue to promote the Nigerian girl-child to attain her full potentials in the development of the country. The stakeholders gave the assurance yesterday in their various messages to mark the 2016 World Population Day with the theme: “Investing in Teenage Girls” in Abuja.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Health: Govt to set up cancer centres, seeks WHO assistance

The Federal government yesterday said it will set up cancer care centres in its tertiary institutions to reverse the rising trend of medical tourism. It is therefore seeking the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners to actualize the plan.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Manufacturers contemplate exit as production cost rises by over 50%

If the proposed common passport by the African Union becomes a reality, Nigeria may experience another round of exodus of industrial firms to neighbouring countries where the cost of production is cheaper. Specifically, manufacturers decried the rising cost of production, noting that overhead cost incurred in providing alternative infrastructure like power is becoming unbearable for large and small-scale industrial firms who do not have capacity to invest in gas generators.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#StakeholdersAction: Facilitate clean-up of Niger-Delta, don charges govt

Facilitate the tidying up of Ogoniland and other devastated areas of the Niger- Delta and stop looking for foreign help, Prof Wole Soboyejo of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, African University of Science and Technology (AUST) yesterday challenged the Federal Government.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Power: Govt assures of improved solar-powered electricity

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday assured of affordable and improved electricity supply through solar energy. The minister said this in Benin City, Edo State at the opening of 7th stakeholders meeting of the power sector.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Education: Oyo constitutes education reform panel as schools remain shut

Oyo state government yesterday set up  31-member Education Reform Initiative Committee to widen its scope of consultations on the proposed participatory management of public secondary school in the state.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Partnership: Nigeria, South Africa sign pact on post bank, agric

Nigeria and South Africa are planning to sign an agreement on a post bank and agriculture. Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), yesterday in Johannesburg that the Federal Government was exploring the opportunity through a private consortium to link Post Bank of South Africa with NIPOST.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Environment#Award: 29 environmentalists receive encouragement award in Lagos

Twenty-nine environmentalists were honoured with awards at the end of a two-day Africa Clean Up Conference with the theme: “Engaging Local Communities on Best Sustainable Practice in Sanitation and Waste Management”. It was organized by Executive Director, Passion House, Alex Akhigbe in Lagos.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Govt saves N139b from new fuel pricing policy

By pegging the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N145 a litre , the Federal Government has in the last two months saved about N139 billion from subsidy removal.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Oil#StakeholdersAction: Experts urges govt to dialogue with PENGASSAN on oil sector crisis

The Federal Government must dialogue with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as a foil to the persistent crisis facing the industry. The chairman of the Industrial Global Union, Africa Region, Comrade Issa Aremu, wants the dialogue to be aimed at resolving issues that have always recurred.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

#Infrastructure: Lagos spends N115b on capital projects in six months

Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode said yesterday his administration spent over N115.624 billion on capital project between January and June. The Governor, who spoke at the Second Quarter Town Hall meeting at the Muslim Community Praying Ground ion Badagry Local Government, put the first half 2016 budget performance at 70 per cent.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#MSMEs: BoI disburses N5.6b to MSMEs

The Bank of Industry (BoI) disbursed N5.6 billion to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country last year, the Acting Managing Director, Waheed Olagunju, has said. Waheed, who spoke at the Insurance Industry Consultative Council, National Insurance Conference 2016, with the theme, ‘Expanding National Resources and Infrastructure in Challenging Times,’ in Abuja, yesterday, promised to double the figure this year.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Economy: EU earmarks N2.03tr Nigeria, others’ EPA devt

The Commissioner for Industry and Private Sector Promotion at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Mr Kalilou Traore yesterday said the European Union (EU) and its member states have set aside 6.5 billion euros (about N2.03 trillion) to support West Africa’s Economic Partner agreement (EPA) Development Programme for the next five years.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Power Gas-to-Power, others top govt attention

The Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri said in order to make progress in the power sector; gas-to-power and other four topics would be thoroughly discussed in the ongoing second National Council on Power (NACOP) in Kaduna.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Power: BEDC to install additional 10,000 meters

Conscious of the metering gaps existing across various customer classes, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) said it plans to install additional 100,000 meters for domestic and commercial customers this year.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Energy: Funding threatens West Africa gas pipeline project

The West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) yesterday expressed concern over the financial situation of the project which they lamented may stall the implementation of the project.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Economy: CBN takes steps to preserve foreign reserves

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has itemised some of the steps it is taking to stop depletion of the foreign reserves. Speaking during the maiden Financial Journalists’ and Image Makers’ Parley in Lagos, CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Adebayo Adelabu, said the apex bank will continue to maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the naira, adding that the CBN has taken proactive steps check further depletion of the reserves.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Lagos endorses Skye Bank mgt

The Lagos State Government has expressed its confidence on the Board and Management and Leadership of Skye Bank noting that the Bank is safe and in good financial health.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Economy: Niger Delta crisis to worsen banks’ bad loans, says Fitch

Fitch Ratings has said ongoing crisis in the Niger Delta, which has affected oil production in the country, will worsen the volume of non-performing loans in banks. Also, the rating agency has downgraded First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s (FBN) and United Bank for Africa’s (UBA’s) Long-Term Foreign Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IFRs) to ‘B’ from ‘B+’. it, however, said the banks’ outlook remains stable.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Zero duty on aircraft importation, spare parts coming

In a bid to ameliorate the challenges faced by Nigerian carriers, the Federal Government has concluded plans to implement zero-duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) payments on the importation of commercial airplanes and spare parts.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Employment: NDE to create ‘decent jobs’ for Nigerians

From the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) came yesterday cheery news for job seekers. The agency is set to create jobs for the unemployed. Director-General, Kunle Obayan has said the agency is already taking advantage of the decent work agenda of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to create jobs.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

#Economy: SEC seeks media’s collaboration on master plan

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sought the collaboration of media organizations to ensure effective implementation of the Capital Market 10-year Master Plan.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 13th July, 2016

 #StakeholdersAction: Oil Workers Suspends Strike, To Continue Negotiations with FG

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in the early hours of yesterday agreed to suspend its six days old strike after a 12 hour long meeting with the minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and officials of the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Awards: Kebbi SSG Bags Leadership Award from Yauri Emirate Students

The Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar has been honoured with an exemplary leadership award by Yauri Emirates Students Association (YESA), Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Chapter along with other distinguished sons of the emirate.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Economy: Ishaku set up committee on revenue generation

Taraba State Governor, Mr Darius Ishaku has set up a revenue monitoring team across the 16 local government areas of the state to generate funds for the state. Ishaku, while speaking to the revenue monitoring teams yesterday in Jalingo said each team was made up of a special adviser, two senior special assistants and special assistants respectively.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Health: FMC Bida Installs N152m Computerised Tomographic Scanning Machine

The Federal Government has approved the installation of a computerised Tomographic Scanning machine worth N152 million  at the Federal Medical Centre Bida, Niger State  as a bold step to improve tertiary health care delivery in the state.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Health: Reps Decry Deterioration in National Hospital

The House of Representatives is set to conduct an investigative hearing toward restructuring and re-positioning of the National Hospital for better and efficient service delivery. This followed a motion under matters of national public importance sponsored by Hon. Sani Abdu in which he explained that the National Hospital since its upgrade to a Tertiary Referral Hospital and Centre of Excellence in 1999, provided quality services to the public but has in recent times, deteriorated as its service has become one of the poorest in public health institutions in the city.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Oil: OPEC Producer Projects Oil Price Rising To $60 Until 2018

Crude oil will rise to a range of $50 to $60 a barrel until at least 2018 as demand increases and markets absorb an oversupply that’s led to lower prices over the last two years, according to the acting oil minister of OPEC member, Kuwait.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Economy: FG Begins Disbursement of $550m to Sates Today

In its total commitment towards affordable and easy accessibility to healthcare for all Nigerians, the federal government will today begin the disbursement of $550 million to states in collaboration with a scheme referred to as “Save a million lives”, and each state is expected to get $1.5m.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Innovation: African University of Verge of Cancer Breakthrough

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) said it’s hoping to introduce cancer drugs within the next few years, after the drug has undergone animal and human trials.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Health: 700 Pregnant Women Infected, 300 Infants Exposed to HIV in Balyesa

A United States-based non-governmental organisation, PACT, yesterday declared that out of the 50,000 pregnant women tested in Balyesa State for the Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS, 700 pregnant women were placed on antiretroviral prophylaxis and 300 HIV infants exposed. Mr Trevor Maisiri, the Nigerian Director of PACT, made this known during the launch of the second phase of the community based Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PROMOT 11) project.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Stakeholders’Action: Adamawa Health Workers Protest Non-payment of Salaries

Hundreds of health workers employed by the Adamawa State Government on Monday protested the non-payment of their two years salaries. The workers who carried placards with various inscriptions besieged the Health Service Management Board, Yola, demanding explanations for the delay in the payment of their salaries.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Economy: Naira Weaken Further at Interbank, Parallel Market

The value of the naira continued to weaken at both the interbank and parallel market even as liquidity crunch drove overnight interbank rates to double digits. The naira, which had been stable around N282 to the dollar at the interbank market, yesterday declined by 0.35 per cent.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Stakeholders’Action: Stakeholders Kick Against Planned Amendment of NLNG Act

Some stakeholders in the Petroleum Industry have described as a threat to the nation’s economy the plan by the National Assembly to amend the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Act.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Investment: Stock Market Reverses Gains, Sheds N44bn

The Nigeria Stock market closed yesterday on a decline as it reversed gains posted the previous day. The NSE-ASI shed 126.92 absolute or 0.44 per cent to close a close 28,730.42 points. Similarly, the market capitalisation shed N44 billion to close at N9.867 trillion.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Business: Union Dicon Unveils $100m Diversification Plan Into Agro Business

As part of its expansion initiatives, Union Dicon Salt Plc (UDS) has unveiled a $100 million strategy, aimed at transforming the firm into an integrated food manufacturing and Agro-business.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#StakeholdersAction: Agro Dealers Urge FG to Balance N40bn GES Funds

Member, Board of Trustee and national Public Relations Officer to Growth Enhancement Scheme Agro Dealers Association of Nigeria (GESAAN), Akinola Martins, has called on President Buhari, through the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, to pay the balance of over N40 billion owed to the Association.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Agric: Nigeria Launches Agricultural TV Programme

Verdure Vision Limited, publishers of AgroNigeria Magazine, an agricultural communication outfit, is set to launch the maiden edition of her television programme; Agro on TV. The television programme is focused towards attracting greater amounts of public and private sector investment into the Nigerian Agricultural sector, engendering the enactment of policies that support international best practice agriculture in Nigeria, as well as stopping infrastructural decay in the sector.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Empowerment: NTI Begins SMASE CYCLE III National Training

The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) has commenced 2-weeks training for Mathematics and Science subject teachers in the country. The training comprising teachers drawn from Abia, Ebonyi, ekiti, Oyo and Yobe states is the 3rd phase of this 2nd set of teachers under the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) Nigeria Project.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Economy: Economy Running at 40% Loss

The Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, has confirmed the precarious state of the economy saying it was currently running at a 40 per cent loss. He dropped the bombshell yesterday when he appeared before the Senate Joint Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions as well as Finance and Appropriation.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Thursday, 14th July, 2016

#Health: Male circumcision reduced new HIV infections by 90%

Scientists are getting close to ending the scourge of Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) with the announcement that male circumcision and antiretroviral (ARV) drugs “significantly reduced new infections by over 90 per cent”.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: NLNG names Attah new MD

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd has appointed Mr. Tony Attah as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Kudo Eresia-Eke, NLNG’s General Manager, External relations on Thursday.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#Economy: NPA expresses worry over nation’s weak export potential

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has decried the declining activities at the ports, due to weak export potential;. The NPA noted that about 90 per cent of containers shipping goods from other countries leave the shores of Nigeria empty.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#Technology: firms to drive digital transformation in Nigeria, 15 others

Two leading business communications software and outsourcing firms are currently working on helping customers achieve their digital transformation objectives in Nigeria and 15 other African countries.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#Investment: Investors’ wealth depreciates by N28 billion in three trading days

Equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed on a downward note on Wednesday, following price losses suffered by most blue chip companies as investors’ wealth depreciates by N28 billion in three trading days.

 Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#Economy #Infrastructure: Plateau upgrades Jos airport for agribusiness

The Plateau State government has commenced plans for the expansion and development of perishable cargo terminal at the Jos airport. The aim, according to the state government is to improve the evacuation and distribution of farm produce, including livestock, from the state.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#Technology: TechPlus targets Nigeria’s dominance in global ICT ecosystem

For Nigeria to play a major role in global technology space, the need for the country to develop home-grown technologies that can compete favourably has been stressed. Speaking ahead of this year’s technology conference- TechPlus, the Managing Director, Connect Marketing Services, organizers of the event, Tunji Adeyinka, said the world is currently experiencing an explosion of connectivity and innovation in every area of lives, notably education, healthcare, finance and automobile.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#MoU #Innovation: Spectranet takes Internet On-board Aero Flights

Spectranet 4G LTE, in furtherance of its brand evolution journey and commitment to provide world class internet service experience, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Aero contractors. The partnership with the foremost airline company in the country is aimed at providing free internet service to the passengers of Airline at the Murtala Muhammed two airports.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#Technology: StarTimes enhances capacity with Eutelsat for DIT Broadcasting in Africa

StarTimes, one of the fastest growing operators of digital TV networks in Africa, and Eutelsat Communications have concluded new multi-year agreements that set the stage for accelerated roll-out of digital broadcasting services across Africa.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016

#IndustryPulse: CWG launches ATM-as-a-Service Initiative

Computer Warehouse Group Plc has launched Automated Teller Machine-as-a-service, a solution focused on enabling the growth in the financial industry to ensure a more thriving society.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 15th July, 2016