CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 167

#Health: Medical Practitioner Advises Diabetic Patients to Avoid Pebbles in Their Feet

Dr Salihu Mohammed of General Hospital, Minna, Niger, has advised diabetic patients to avoid pebbles or other objects from being stuck in their feet to avoid infections. He said that most problems relating to feet infection with the people living with diabetes arose from lack of care. The medical practitioner also said that daily inspection of the feet was essential to the general health of diabetic patients.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Monday, February 13, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Niger Signs N300m Contract to Digitise Radio

The acting General Manager, Radio Niger, Mr Andrew Achanya, has said that the state government had signed N300million contract to ensure the digitilisation of the station. Achanya disclosed this on Monday, in commemoration of ‎World Radio Day with the theme for 2017 edition, “Radio is You”‎.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Monday, February 13, 2017

#Agric: Dangote to Launch 25,000 Hectares of Rice Outgrowers Scheme in Sokoto

Dangote Rice, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, is to launch in Sokoto, Sokoto State, its multi-million naira 25, 000 hectares of rice outgrowers scheme, with a prospect of hundreds of thousands of jobs for rural communities’ residents.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Monday, February 13, 2017

#Infrastructure: NCDMB Votes $100m for Contractor Finance, Others

The Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is to set aside $100 million for Project Finance, Asset Acquisition & Contractor Finance under its Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF).

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Monday, February 13, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Firm Buys Paints and Coatings Manufacturers from AMCON

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has sold the fourth largest equity stake in Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria (PCMN) Plc to Bizfeat Ventures Limited. Details obtained by The Nation indicated that AMCON, the bad-debt resolution corporation floated by the government, transferred its 7.4 per cent equity stake in PCMN to Bizfeat Ventures through a negotiated cross deal at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), where PCMN is quoted.

Published by the Nation Newspaper on Monday, February 13, 2017

#IndustryPulse: School Feeding – FG Releases N844.7m to Seven States

The Federal Government has so far released N844,360,550 for the commencement of the Homegrown School Feeding, a component of its Social Investment Programme, in seven states across the country. The states that have received funding to begin the scheme include Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Zamfara.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: S’West Govs in Ekiti, Brainstorm On Agric, Security, Education

Governors from all the states in the South-West geopolitical zone on Monday met in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, and agreed to give quality education to the youths to ensure moral standards are maintained in order to enhance the zone’s development.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#Economy: FG Targets N5tn from Asset Sales

The Federal Government is looking at generating as much as $16.4bn (N5tn at N305 to the dollar) through asset sales in the next four years to reduce the burden on the public budget.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#Economy: Reps to Inaugurate Tactical Committee to End Recession

The House of Representatives will on Tuesday inaugurate a tactical committee to arrest the country’s current economic recession. The Committee would liaise with relevant stakeholders in the sector to achieve this goal.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#Power: Power Firms Owe Consumers Explanation for Estimated Billing – Fashola

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said that the power distribution firms should explain to consumers the basis for estimated billing, which they subject them (consumers) to and when it will end.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#Oil: NNPC Increases Petroleum Products Importation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation on Monday announced measures to sustain the nationwide supply of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and Dual Purpose Kerosene.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#Oil: Angola Overtakes Nigeria as Africa’s Top Oil Producer

Despite recording the biggest increase in output among its peers in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Nigeria has again lost its Africa’s top oil producer status to Angola after it regained it in November last year.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#Environment: P’Harcourt Pollution – FG Declares Emergency, Shuts Firm

The Federal Government on Monday declared the air pollution problem in Port Harcourt and its environs as an emergency that needed to be addressed urgently. As a result, it issued a notice to temporarily shut down an asphalt processing plant in Port Harcourt that was oozing out thick smoke in a bid to bring the situation under control.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

#Agric: Bauchi to Revive Moribund Fertiliser Blending Company

The Bauchi State government on Monday said that it will soon revive its fertiliser blending company so as to make the commodity available to farmers in the state and beyond. Speaking during a tour of the company in Bauchi, the newly appointed chairman‎ of the firm, Bappah Aliyu Musa, promised to make it profitable.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#Economy: Success of Eurobond is Proof the Economy is Recovering

The federal government has said that the massive demand for its $1 billion Eurobond, which was oversubscribed by 780 per cent, was a demonstration of the strong market appetite for Nigeria and indicative of the confidence by the international investment community in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#Empowerment: FG Begins Disbursement of Social Intervention Funds

The federal government has commenced disbursement of interest-free loans to the latest accredited beneficiaries of Market Moni, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) targeting market women, traders, artisans, youth and farmers.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Union Bank Commences Activities to Mark 100th Year Anniversary

Activities heralding the commemoraton of the 100th year anniversary of Union Bank of Nigeria commenced yesterday in Lagos. The anniversary is being marked five years after the bank was acquired by a new international investor group in 2012. Following this, the new management team led by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, embarked on a transformation programme to reposition the financial institution with the objective of becoming a leading provider of quality financial services in Nigeria.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#Empowerment: FG Doles out N70m to 56 Local Inventors

The federal government yesterday rewarded Mr. Ezekiel Izuogu with N10million and 55 other inventors with N60million for their efforts in the manufacture of unique scientific inventions and innovations.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#Economy: FG to Float Savings Bond for Nigerians, Says DMO DG

The Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr.  Abraham Nwankwo, yesterday disclosed plans by the federal government to float the Savings Bond before the end of the first quarter.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#IndustryPulse: NIRSAL, Nigeria Railways Begin Movement of Grains by Rail

The Nigerian Incentive Based Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) in collaboration with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) yesterday inaugurated a unique scheme to move grains from the northern part of the country to markets, industrial zones and ports in the South.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#Power: US Announces Fresh Grant of N241.6m to Support Nigeria’s Power Sector

The United States of America has reiterated her commitment to the development of Nigeria’s power sector with the announcement of a fresh grant of $767,512 (N241.6million) to support the development of renewable energy in Nigeria.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#Environment: FCT Minister Tasked On Abaji Gully Erosion

Residents of Wadata community in Abaji Area Council have appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Muhammad Musa Bello, to come to their aid in tackling a gully erosion that has been threatening their houses in the area.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 16, 2017

#Agric: Dangote to Launch 25,000ha Rice Project in Sokoto

Dangote Rice, a subsidiary of Dangote Group is set to launch on Wednesday 25,000 hectares of rice outgrower programme in Sokoto. The project is expected to provide hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities for inhabitants of the rural communities, according to a press release from the African Press Organisation. A pilot is set to begin with 500 hectares by Gonroyo dam, in Goronyo community.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 16, 2017

#IndustryPulse: NIOB To Proffer Solution To Building Challenges

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has said the association would work in finding lasting solutions to building challenges in the country. The Chairman of the institute’s FCT Chapter, James Ogbagha said the institute’s forthcoming annual general meeting billed to hold in Abuja in April is tailored to provide the techniques of business development, but it is not just about developing our businesses alone, it also has patriotic commitment to national development.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 16, 2017

#Agric: 36 Jigawa Communities Lose Farms to Chinese Plantation

Thirty six communities in Jigawa state have lost their farmlands covering 12,000 hectares to a Chinese company for sugarcane plantation. The state government gave the farmlands to Messrs Lee Group- based in Kano for N2.1 billion.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 16, 2017

#Empowerment: Group Empowers 600 Women To Start Business In Nasarawa

A total of 600 women, including widows in Nasarawa received various cash donations to start businesses of their own to enable them become self-reliant. The national chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Buhari Charity Organisation (BCO), Abuja, Suleiman Modibbo Masaka, who made this known yesterday in Keffi while briefing newsmen on the year 2017 plan of the group, said the organisation has disbursed N6 million to empower widows, orphans and the needy to enable them to be self-reliant and to contribute their quota to national development.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 16, 2017

#IndustryPulse #Technology: E-Payment Transactions Hit N51.8trn –CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says   the value of electronic payment transaction had increased from N27.56 trillion in 2012 to N51.8 trillion in 2016, indicating 88 per cent increase.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 16, 2017

#IndustryPulse: FCTA to Eliminate Multiple Taxes – Minister

The FCT Administration has put machinery in motion to harmonize taxes in the Federal Capital Territory to reduce cases of multiple taxation. The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, stated this yesterday while receiving members of the Hotel Owners Forum, FCT chapter in Abuja.

Published in the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 16, 2017

#Health: New Malaria Vaccine Provides 100% Protection in Clinical Trial

Scientists have discovered an effective vaccine that offers up to 100 per cent protection from malaria. German researchers at the University of Tübingen in collaboration with the biotech company, Sanaria Incorporated, have demonstrated in a clinical trial that a new vaccine for malaria called Sanaria PfSPZ-CVac has been up to 100 per cent effective when assessed at 10 weeks after last dose of vaccine.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 17, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Ambode, Ikpeazu, Obaseki Decry High Unemployment Rate

Prominent Nigerians, which include governors of Lagos, Abia and Edo states, Akinwunmi Ambode, Okezie Ikpeazu and Godwin Obaseki, have decried the high rate of unemployment in the country. They warned that unless something urgent and decisive in terms of right government policies, collective responsibilities and strict anti-graft measures are taken, the country may be heading for disaster.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 17, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Health Workers Protest In Lagos, Threaten Strike

Health workers under the umbrella body of National Union of Allied Health Professionals yesterday at the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Lagos, protested over corruption and what they described as continued discrimination among the medical professionals and dichotomy in medical laboratory services across the country.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 17, 2017

CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 166

#Awards: Ambode, Commissioners, Others Get UNILAG Alumni Awards

University of Lagos Alumni Association has given Awards of Excellence to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State commissioners Ashade Akinyemi Jeremiah, Oluwo Olawale Wasiu, Akintola Benson Oke and Abdul-Akeem. Others include; Abdul-Lateef, the MD/CEO of Dock Management Nigeria Ltd, Hon. Moshood Adegoke Salvador, GMD/CEO Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr Taiwo Adeniji, MD Studio 24 Nig. Ltd and Mr Ifeanyi Oputa.

Published by the Vanguard Newspaper on Monday, February 6, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Air Peace Flies into Accra February 16

All is now set for the launch of Air Peace’s daily Lagos-Accra-Lagos flights. The inaugural flight scheduled for February 16 marks the beginning of the realisation of the carrier’s plan to expand into different regional and international destinations, including Abidjan, Douala, Dakar, Niamey, South Africa, Dubai, Mumbai, Guangzhou-China, Atlanta and London.

Published by the Vanguard Newspaper on Monday, February 6, 2017

#Health: WHO Urges Early Detection of Cancer, As 80,000 Die Yearly in Nigeria

With over 8.8 million cancer deaths recorded globally yearly out of which an estimated 80,000 are Nigerians, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has called on specialists to pay special attention to early diagnosis of cancer, because most oncological diseases are curable, if identified early.

Published by the Vanguard Newspaper on Monday, February 6, 2017

#Awards: GTBank Named Best Bank in Africa for Corporate Governance

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, has been awarded ‘Best Corporate Governance, Africa’, in the Financial services category at the 2017 Corporate Governance Awards. The event, organized by the Ethical Boardroom Magazine, recognizes outstanding companies who have exhibited exceptional leadership in the area of governance and professional ethics.

Published by the Vanguard Newspaper on Monday, February 6, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Ogun Students Embark On Mass Protest

The Save TASUED and Fund Education Coalition (STAFEC), a group of student organisations across the country, has embarked on mass protest Monday morning The group yesterday said the cancellation of the mass protest earlier fixed for Monday by the ace artiste, Tuface Idibia, will not affect its mass action slated for same period in Abeokuta, against what it termed poor educational policies of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

Published by the Vanguard Newspaper on Monday, February 6, 2017

#Economy: FG Gets $600,000 to Resuscitate 6 IDCs Into Industrial Clusters

The Federal Government has said that it secured a grant of over $600,000 from the African Development Bank AfDB, for predevelopment study towards the conversion of six out of the 23 Industrial Development Centres, IDC, to Industrial Clusters in the country.

Published by the Vanguard Newspaper on Monday, February 6, 2017

#Economy: Nigeria’s Economy in Deep Crisis, Osinbajo

Abuja Bureau Chief & Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday told Nigerians protesting the severe economic hardship and hunger across the country that their message has been well received by the federal government. 

Published by the Vanguard Newspaper on Monday, February 6, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: LAUTECH – ASUU Demands Release of Visitation Panel Report

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has called on the two owner state governments to release the visitation panel report on the institution. This was contained in a statement issued by its Chairman, Dr Biodun Olaniran, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

#Event: Buhari, Onu, To Attend 28 ECCIMA Trade Fair in Enugu

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, will be special guests at the 28th edition of Enugu International Trade Fair. The President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, made this known in Enugu on Tuesday. Chime said that the fair would hold between March 31 and April 10.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

#IndustryPulse: NAFDAC Gets Two-Week Ultimatum To Register SMEs

The Federal Government on Tuesday directed NAFDAC to register all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) exhibitors at the ongoing 1st Nigeria Food Safety and Investment Forum within two weeks. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, gave the order at the forum organised by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Lagos.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Niger Delta Youths Back Kachikwu’s Reforms, Peace Efforts

An assembly of Niger Delta youth leaders on Tuesday applauded the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, for his relentless efforts at restoring peace to the region. The group, Niger Delta Youth Leaders Assembly (NDYLA), also pledged their support for the minister in achieving President Muhammadu Buhari’s new roadmap for the oil sector and the Niger Delta.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

#Energy: Kebbi to Install 200 Solar Plants Soon – Gov Bagudu

Kebbi State is currently negotiating to put up a 200MV Solar plant which will aside ensuring stable power supply, reduce unemployment and guarantee development, governor, Atiku Bagudu has assured.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#StakeholdersAction #Infrastructure: Niger Govt Decries Poor State of Federal Roads

The  Niger  State  government  has cried out  over  the  poor  state of  federal  roads  in the  state. The state’s  commissioner for  Information , Mr Jonathan  Vatsa in an interview  with  LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, described  the condition of federal roads in Niger State as  terrible.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Al-Makura to Reorganise Non-performing Govt Agencies

Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has said that the state government is set to reorganise non-performing government agencies, just as he said others would be phased out completely. Al-makura made this disclosure yesterday while on inspection tour of ministries and agencies in the state with a view to fine tuning modalities on how to make them effective and proficient in service delivery.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#Infrastructure: Ortom Flags off Construction of Feeder Roads in Guma

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom yesterday inaugurated the construction of a 51.5 kilometre feeder roads linking several communities of Tse Abi Ginde-Tse Pevi -Agenke, Tse Hyom Tomatar among others in Guma local government area of the state in fulfilment of his rural transformation agenda.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#StakeholdersAction #Environment: Landmark Varsity Launches ‘Stop Bush Burning’ Campaign

The Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State has embarked on an anti-bush burning campaign to stem losses arising from such fires in the country. The university’s vice chancellor, Prof. Aize Obayan disclosed this during the inauguration of the anti-bush burning campaign organised by the institution in Omu-Aran, Irepodun local government area of the state.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#Business: FG Assures Of Cooperative Licensing To Boost ASMs

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi has said that the ministry is working on a cooperative licensing arrangement for Artisanal and Small Scale Miners (ASMs). The minister said this is to help give the ASMs  better capacity to operate competitively in the sector and globally.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Kano Govt Begins Basic Education Week to Assess Sector

Kano State government has launched the maiden edition of Kano basic education week held at the Coronation Hall at the government house in Kano. The event, which will run throughout the week, is also the 1st of its kind in the country where stakeholders will focus their attention on achievements and challenges facing basic education in the state with a view to preferring long lasting solution to improving education in the state.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Biofuels to Become Nigeria’s Source of Forex – Kachikwu

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has highlighted the inherent potentials in the nation’s biofuels industry, declaring that if properly harnessed, the sector will soon become a major source of earning foreign exchange.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#Agric: FG to Boost Fish Sector with Agric Value Chain Programme

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination and commitment to boost the Fish Sector in the Agricultural Value Chain Programme. Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri who made this known said the move is geared towards achieving the diversification of the economy and to increase homegrown food production, self-sufficiency and food security.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#Power: NASS Queries N2.7trn Power Sector Expenditure

The National Assembly yesterday  queried the utilisation of N2.74 trillion invested in the nation’s power sector from 1999-2015, saying the sector depreciated increasingly, despite the huge investment.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#Empowerment: Tunde Kelani Set To Train Filmmakers

Ace movie director, Tunde Kelani is set to train a new set of students to become filmmakers and authority in the media space this February 2017. The legendary director has been in the industry for decades and has become the standard for most new filmmakers. His works such as ‘Ti Oluwa Ni le’, ThunderBolt, Oleku are still talked about till today even though they are over 20 years old.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#Investment: FG to Provide Incentives to Investors in Critical Sectors

The federal government is set to provide incentives and the necessary logistics support to investors whose areas of interest are in the development of the agriculture and energy sectors as well as industrialization in Nigeria.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

#Health: Seven New Cases of Lassa fever Reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi

Seven new cases of Lassa fever have been reported in three states namely: Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi, with four, two and one cases respectively in the weekly report collated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Published by This Day Newspaper on Thursday, February 9, 2017

#Business: MTN Expects Annual Loss Due to Fine on Nigerian Subsidiary

MTN Group expects to report a full-year loss due to a $1billion regulatory fine in Nigeria and for under-performance both in Nigeria and South Africa, the company said yesterday. MTN had agreed in June to pay Nigeria a N330 billion (1.05 billion dollars at the time) fine for missing a deadline to cut off unregistered SIM cards from its network.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Thursday, February 9, 2017

#Health: Nigeria Records 12,000 New Cases of Obstetric Fistula Yearly

At least, 12,000 new cases of obstetric fistula are recorded among Nigerian women every year, with majority of the victims not knowing there exist free surgical treatment for the health condition, a Clinical Associate, Fistula Care Plus, Dr. Suleiman Zakariya, has said.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Thursday, February 9, 2017

#Agric: Notore signs MoU with Cross River State on 255,000 Metric ton-Producing Rice Mill

Notore Chemical Industries Limited, in a committed mission in securing food sufficiency in Nigeria, has signed agreement with the Cross River State Government to help establish a 255,000 metric ton-producing international rice mill and a 20,000-hectare rice farm in the state.

Published by This Day Newspaper on Thursday, February 9, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Workers, Activists Protest Against Poverty in Abuja, Lagos

Workers coordinated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress and right activists took to the streets of Lagos and Abuja yesterday to protest against what they described as worsening human condition in the country.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#Economy: Insecurity, Government Inaction Threaten FDI Inflow, say Envoy, OPS

Afraid that Nigeria might not be able to attract the needed foreign investments for her economic development if she continues to pay lip service to socio-economic commitments, the Consul General of the United States, John Bray and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to implement policies that could woo investors to the country.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#Infrastructure: ‘Over 108m Nigerians Are Technically Homeless’

The Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR) yesterday cautioned that urgent attention should be given to the housing shortage in the country which has made over 108 million Nigerians technically homeless.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#Partnership: Cross River Seeks Synergy between NDDC, Niger Delta Govs for Development

To ensure sustainable development in the Niger Delta, the Cross River State government has called for cooperation between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and governors in the region.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Waste Managers Protest against New Sanitation Policy in Lagos

The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAN) yesterday pleaded with the Lagos State House of Assembly to protest against the proposed Cleaner Lagos Initiative. The initiative will replace the state monthly sanitation exercise.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#IndustryPulse: IBM Invests $70m, Targets 25million Jobs in Nigeria, Others

IBM is investing $70 million in building much-needed digital, cloud, and cognitive Information and Technology (IT) skills to help support a 21st century workforce in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and other parts of Africa.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#Economy: Nigeria Seeks Reversal of EU’s Ban on Beans Export

Plans are in top gear by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) to get the European Union EU lift its ban on exportation of beans from Nigeria to its member countries.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#Innovation: Vodacom, Kaduna to Launch ICT For Development Initiative

Vodacom has partnered with Kaduna State in Nigeria to launch an ICT for development initiative. The project will support mass service delivery in healthcare, education and agriculture through the deployment of tailored ICT solutions to promote greater efficiency in each sector.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

#Technology: Facebook Partners Nigerian Groups For Safer Internet

Facebook is partnering with public sector agencies and non-governmental organisations from Nigeria and across Africa under the rallying call “Be the change: unite for a better Internet”. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the people who use Facebook. Every day people come to Facebook to connect with people and issues they care about, and they should be able to do so in a safe, secure environment,” said Akua Gyekye, Public Policy Manager Facebook, Africa.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, February 10, 2017

CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 165

#Partnership: Ebonyi Partners FG on Manpower Development

The Ebonyi State commissioner for health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike weekend said that the state is partnering with the tertiary healthcare in the state to redeploys some of their health staffs to the rural areas to improve qualitative healthcare delivery.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#Education: 70 Students Receive UK Based Social Worker Scholarship in Edo

It was celebration galore as over seventy students from selected secondary and tertiary institutions across the 18 local Government Areas of Edo State, last weekend emerged lucky winners of the bursary award of Hon Alile Coalition Initiatives.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#Award: NGO to Honour COAS, Govs, Others for Selfless Service

A non-governmental organization (NGO) Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) is set to honour the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Tukur Buratai, governor, Nyesom of River state, governor Willi Obiano of Anambra, governor Jebrilla Bindow of Adamawa State.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Polytechnic Lecturers Commence Nationwide Strike Today

Polytechnic lecturers, under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), will begin a nationwide one-week warning strike from today, Monday, over what they termed failure of government to implement the NEEDS assessment report of July 2014.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#Environment: Nigeria, Chad Seek $50bn Aid to Recharge Shrinking Lake Chad

Nigeria and the Republic of Chad are seeking a $50 billion aid for the recharging and refilling of the drying Lake Chad. The two countries have solicited the support of the African Union (AU) and international donors to raise the fund.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#Investment: Investors Lose N436bn in IPOs Of Quoted Companies

Investors in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) who bought shares in the Initial Public Offer (IPO) of quoted companies have lost more than N436 billion in seven years. LEADERSHIP’s findings in the IPO market showed that of 47 stocks listed between 2008 and 2014, only seven currently trade above their listing prices while 38 trade below their listing prices. The other two remain flat.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#Business: FMBN Approves N9bn Mortgage Loans, Posts N2.7bn Profit

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has disclosed that N9 billion has been approved by the federal government through the bank for the creation of 1,244 mortgage loans across the country under the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#IndustryPulse: ‘BoI Funds Only Bankable Ventures Not Religious Activities’

To address concerns and misrepresentation of intent among stakeholders, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has reaffirmed its mandate of supporting only bankable ventures that aid industrial growth and promote economic development.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#Business: Unity Bank, Oando, Stanbic, 27 Others Spur NSE’s N36bn Weekly Gain

Stock investors in the shares of Unity Bank, Oando, Stanbic IBTC and 27 other companies reaped from capital appreciation making their stocks to contribute majorly to a record market gain last week.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#Investment: Dangote Explores Investment Opportunities In Zambia, Other African Countries

Nigerian multi-billionaire investor, Aliko Dangote, has expressed the desire of his group to further consolidate on his existing investments in Zambia and other African countries by exploring opportunities in the energy and agriculture sectors.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Food Dealers Lament Multiple Taxations on Federal Highways

The Amalgamated Union of Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria have cried out against the alleged collection of multiple taxations on federal highways. National president of the Union, Alhaji Muhammadu Tahir raised the alarm at a meeting of the Union in Abuja, yesterday.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Monday, January 30, 2017

#IndustryPulse: $1.75bn Oil Blocks - NNPC, CBN, DPR Get One-Week Ultimatum to Produce Documents

The House of Representatives on Monday gave the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria a one-week ultimatum to produce documents on various controversial Oil Prospecting Licences and Oil Mining Leases worth over $1.75bn. Also affected are the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#MSMEs #Empowerment: LASG Creates Platform to Support SMEs, Artisans

The Lagos State Government said on Monday that it would partner Service City and Microsoft to create a platform to support operators of small and medium-scaled enterprises and artisans in the state. The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, spoke at the Service City/Microsoft Digital Literacy workshop for SMEs and artisans in Lagos State.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#Innovation: Lagos Inaugurates Feedback Portal

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday inaugurated the Citizens Relations Management (CMR) portal to help the government to get feedback on its policies and welcome suggestions on how things can be done better. Ambode said the portal, Citizen Gate, which could be accessed on citizengate.lagosstate.gov.ng, was introduced to enhance e-governance.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Jos Communities Reject Polio Vaccine, Want Food Instead

Some communities in Jos North Local Government of Plateau have refused to participate in the ongoing immunisation exercise against polio, citing hunger as their reason. “The communities have shunned entreaties by the immunisation officers; they say the vaccine should be replaced with food,” Mrs. Hannatu Davat, a local immunisation officer, told the News Agency of Nigeria, in Jos on Monday.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#Economy: Naira Reverses Loss after Dropping To 500/Dollar

The naira dropped against the United States dollar from 498 to 500 at the parallel market during the early trading hours on Monday, crossing the critical threshold currency analysts had predicted. Foreign exchange traders linked the development to relative scarcity of the greenback in the forex market.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Airlines Sell N330bn Tickets in 10 Months

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said on Monday said foreign and domestic airlines operating in the country sold tickets worth over N330bn between January and October 2016. The Director-General, NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, said this at a meeting with stakeholders to review the past year and plan for the current year, adding that the airlines sold tickets worth over N385bn between January and December 2015.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Nigeria Generates 97% Tourism Revenue from Domestic Travel

Nigeria generated 97 per cent of its tourism revenue from domestic travel in 2016, a new report has confirmed. According to the report, while domestic travel accounted for 97 per cent of the country’s tourism revenue in 2016, foreign travel made up the remaining three per cent.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#Power: Budgit Asks For Power Sector Project Funds’ Details

A non-governmental organisation that advocates transparency in governance, BudgIT, has called on the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to declare details of the funds it had expended on capital projects as contained in the 2016 budget.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#Partnership: AXA Mansard, Uber Collaborate On Insurance Cover

AXA Mansard Insurance has partnered Uber to announce an innovative insurance policy to cover riders while on the road.

With this partnership, AXA Mansard will provide insurance cover against death, permanent, total or partial disabilities, medical and funeral expenses to riders during any trip with Uber in Nigeria.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, January 31, 2017

#StakeholdersAction: Students Set to Protest Fees Hike in Ogun

A coalition of students’ organisations under of Save TASUED and Fund Education Coalition (STAFEC) has concluded plan to stage a mass protest in Abeokuta, Ogun State on February 6, against what it described as the continued neglect of education, especially the tertiary education sub-sector in the state.

Published by the This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 1, 2017

#CSR: Midwestern Oil, Gas Donates Classrooms to Community

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Midwestern Oil and Gas, in collaboration with SunTrust Oil Company Limited, recently built and donated blocks of 12 classrooms to Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale, Delta State.

Published by the This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 1, 2017

#Partnership #Empowerment: British Council Partners Ekiti Federal Varsity on Capacity Building

The British Council (Nigeria) has indicated its willingness to partner the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in the area of capacity building for staff and students through scholarships and grants for the growth of the young institution.

Published by the This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 1, 2017

#Award: American Varsity Honours Nigerian Professor

The California Southern University, USA has admitted a Nigerian, Professor Adesoji Adesugba into the Sigma Beta Delta International Honour Society in business, management and administration.

Published by the This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 1, 2017

#IndustryPulse: Nigeria’s Manufacturing Index Declines in January

The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 48.2 index points in January 2017, indicating a decline in the manufacturing sector during the review period. The index averaged 45.2 in the last twelve months, and had grown in December 2016 after recording declines for 11 consecutive months.

Published by the This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 1, 2017

#Investment: FG Plans to Issue $300m Diaspora Bond by June

The federal government plans to raise $300 million by selling a diaspora bond targeting Nigerians living abroad, one of the book runners on the deal, First Bank told Reuters on Tuesday. The bond, which will have a maturity of five to seven years, is expected to be issued by June, the bank said. Nigeria has asked Goldman Sachs and Stanbic IBTC Bank , the local unit of South Africa’s Standard Bank , to advise it on the sale of the maiden bond. It also appointed United Bank for Africa as one of the bookrunners on the deal.

Published by the This Day Newspaper on Wednesday, February 1, 2017

#Empowerment #Agric: Dogara Trains 803 Women, Youth on Agriculture

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, has sponsored the training of 803 women and youth on agriculture at the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Gombe state.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2017

#Empowerment: FG Dredges Typha-Grass from Nguru River to Create Millions Job In Yobe

The Federal government, through ecological office, Ministry of environment, has commenced dredging of Typha grass that has taken over Hadeijia- Jama`are river basin, along Nguru wetland, in Yobe state.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2017

#Partnership: Commodity Exchange Partners NOA on Farmers’ Education

The Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have agreed to conduct a national public enlightenment programme on the operations of the exchange. The Managing Director/CEO of NCX, Mrs Zaheera Baba-Ari, who visited the NOA headquarters in Abuja, said the core objective of the exchange hinged on the provision of an efficient and transparent trading platform for the sale and appropriate pricing of Nigerian agro-commodities.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2017

#IndustryPulse #Agric: Abandoned Zobe Dam Crippling Dry Season Farming in Katsina

With the constant call for diversification into agriculture by the federal government, irrigation farming remains a key component for achieving self-sufficiency in food production. Most advanced countries hold unto irrigation farming, which forms an integral part of achieving sustainable food security and consequently, food sovereignty of their people.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2017

#IndustryPulse: FCT Council to Establish Microfinance Bank

The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has said he is considering establishing a microfinance bank to boost the council’s revenue and render services to residents.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2017

#Agric: BUA To Establish 200,000 Tones Rice Processing Plant In Jigawa

The BUA group yesterday revealed that it will solicit for government’s support to establish another 200,000 rice processing plant on the banks of Hadejia river basin in Auyo, Jigawa State, in addition to the already existing one in Kano.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2017

#Technology: GSM Subscribers Jumped By 135m in 11 Yrs – NBS

The number of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) subscribers in Nigeria increased by 135 million in the past 11 years. The Nigeria Telecommunications Sectors Report released recently by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Abuja showed that the country’s subscriber’s base jumped from 19.51 million in 2005 to 135 million in 2016.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2017

#Health: LASUTH Patients Cry Out Over Missing Drugs

Distraught patients at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) have lamented that drugs purchased for their treatment are being stolen and resold by medical personnel.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Friday, February 3, 2017

#Infrastructure: FG Set For Dredging Of River Benue – Transport Minister

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Thursday, said the contract for the dredging of the critical part of River Benue has been awarded and that work will commence soon. Disclosing this at the 2017 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, the minister said project was a fall out of the decision of the federal government to maximise the use of the resources of 12 major rivers in the country.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Friday, February 3, 2017

#Oil: FG to Retain 75% Import Duty Rebate at Oil and Gas Free Zones

The managing director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA),Mr Umana Okon Umana has given the assurance that government will retain incentives that have been put in place to attract investment in the oil and gas free zones across the country. He said the incentives were specifically designed to support investors operating in the zones.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Friday, February 3, 2017

#Infrastructure: 16, 000 Civil Servants to Benefit from FG’s Mass Housing Scheme

The hope of 16, 000 federal civil servants to having access to affordable homes may soon come to pass following a statement by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, that about 16,000 federal civil servants who participated in the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) Property Fair are to benefit from the first phase of the mass housing scheme.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Friday, February 3, 2017

#Empowerment: NCAA, ICAO Begin Certification of Abuja, Lagos Airports

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in conjunction with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has commenced the implementation of the AFI Plan Aerodrome Certification Project for Abuja and Lagos Airports.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Friday, February 3, 2017

#Investment: CBN Raises N177bn via Treasury Bills At 18.5%

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday raised N177.22 billion through the sale of a one-year treasury bill with yields matching the inflation rate in the country to lure investors. With inflation figure for December 2016 put at 18.55 per cent, the apex bank sold the one-year bill yielded 18.54 percent, far higher than the central bank’s benchmark interest rate of 14 percent.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Friday, February 3, 2017

#Oil: Nigeria Saves $500m from Crude Oil Sale, Purchase in 1 Year-NNPC

Barely one year after the introduction of Direct Sale-Direct Purchase (DSDP) strategy for the lifting of crude oil allocated to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) instead of crude swap, the nation have saved over $500 million as well as constituent availability of refined products.

Published by the Leadership Newspaper on Friday, February 3, 2017