CSR News Summary Issue 23

CPC to partner NOA in capacity building

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in Abuja on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for partnership to build capacity to protect consumers.

According to Ify Umeyi, the Director – General of CPC, the partnership is to ensure successful implementation of the CPC’s Products Monitoring and Registration Programme.

Published in BusinessDay Newspaper, on Monday, 9th July 2012

Dufil to partner with states on crop plantation

In line with the backward integration of the Federal Government, De United Foods Industries Limited, makers of Indomie Noodles have started talks with some state governments for plantation of palm trees and other crops for its multi-million Naira Seasoning plant at Ota in Ogun State. he negotiation with the states, mostly southern states, BusinessDay gathered is in furtherance of its attempt to achieve 100 percent of locally sourced material for the production of its product.

The company presently has up to 45 percent locally sourced material and the expansion to its Seasoning manufacturing factory in Ota is part of its objectives towards the full local content production of its noodles brand in Nigeria.

The establishment of the automated factory which operates 24 hours with about 200 staff has saved the company huge sums of money in the importation of materials for the ingredient for its noodles, the Public Relations manager of the company, Tope Ashiwaju said during media tour of the factory in Ota.

Published in BusinessDay Newspaper, on Monday, 9th July 2012

Zinox donates Toyota Hilux to Lagos security fund

Zinox Technologies Limited, on Friday, donated four Toyota Hilux security panel vans to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to help beef up secure lives and properties in the commercial city.

The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who received the keys to the vehicles at the open grounds of Lagos House, enjoined the officers and men who are the beneficiaries must continue to use them for the purpose they were donated. He advised the all security personnels in the state to always remember that the citizens, who provide the taxes and also the vehicles in some cases, should be protected not brutalise.

Fashola thanked Zinox Group for identifying with the security challenges and security successes of the state, adding that the gesture by Zinox group is not only entrepreneurship at its best but also a deep sense of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the organization which is not only taxpaying but employing the people.

Published in BusinessDay Newspaper, on Monday, 9th July 2012

Berger Paints CSR project targets infrastructure development in schools

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Berger Paints Nigeria plc now targets infrastructure in schools. Recently, the first indigenous and one of the leading paint manufacturers in Nigeria donated paint to Handsmaid International Primary School, Ibiade, Ogun State for the beautification of its premises.

Berger Paints believes that this is in line with the company’s mission of remaining an active and responsible corporate member in the business community while also contributing to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

Tor Nygard, acting managing director, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc said the company embarked on the beautification project to demonstrate her commitment to quality education for the Nigerian child.

Published in BusinessDay Newspaper, on Monday, 9th July 2012

World Bank pledges supports for Anambra State

World Bank’s Senior Specialist on education, Mr Tunde Adekola and two professors from Oxford University have been commissioned to undertake an educational study for World Bank, Prof. Clare Leaver and Prof. Andrew Zeitlin, have pledged their support for education development in Anambra State.

The team and the state Governor, Mr Peter Obi came to understudy the educational process in Anambra State with a view of recommending it to other schools in Africa, said the state was increasing its efforts in the education sector

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 10th July 2012

FG Sets Up N200bn SME Guarantee Fund

The Federal Government has announced that the much expected N200 billion small and medium enterprises credit guarantee scheme (SMECGS) fund is now available.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama, who disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, however said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other relevant agencies of government would have to come out with the eligibility criteria for applying institutions.

Ngama who spoke during the second Annual Lecture Series of the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), Abuja Chapter, said that both the SMECGS and the Microfinance Development Fund (MDF) have been established but added that the drawing rights would be based on the viability of the applying institutions.

“I am aware that participants are eager to hear and obtain my commitment on behalf of government on when it will make the development funds and the N200 billion small and medium enterprises credit guarantee scheme established for the subsector available to eligible institutions.

Published in Leadership Newspaper on Tuesday, 10th July 2012

Lagos State guarantees more infrastructural development

The Lagos State Government has assured residents, stakeholders and prospective investors of its determination to grow the economy and develop infrastructures in the state as the present administration continues with the corroboration of its achievements.

Speaking in Lagos at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Lagos State N50 billion fixed rate bond series I and II, which was held by the state’s Debt Management Office, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Adetokunbo Abiru said that the present administration would not relent on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state “since the reward of hard work is more work.”

Abiru explained the commitment of the Lagos State Government to utilise the state’s huge Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the benefit of the masses and investors. “We have on our part as a responsible government, ensured the proceeds from bond are invested into critical infrastructure that can guarantee the expansion of the state’s economic base,” he added.

He stressed that the amount of money allocated to infrastructural development had been adequately appropriated noting that the state’s infrastructure had developed and the people of the state could testify to the fact.

Published in Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 10th July 2012

AFC, AfDB back Cote d’Ivoire’s 270 million euros bridge project

AFRICA Finance Corporation (AFC), in conjunction with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, has concluded the 270 million euros financing of the flagship bridge infrastructure project in Côte d’Ivoire.

The project involves the design, construction, financing, commissioning and operation of a third bridge with three lanes in each direction, across the Ebrié lagoon, connecting Abidjan’s residential Riviera district directly with the commercial district of Marcory.

AFC and the AfDB acted as mandated lead arrangers to the subordinated and senior facilities, respectively, to a syndicate of seven international lenders. AFC provided an aggregate commitment of 40 million euros comprising senior and junior loan facilities, and an equity investment.

Published in Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 11th July 2012

Nigeria, Pakistan to seal pact on SMEs’ development

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) may soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) of Pakistan in areas of cluster development and capacity building for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The development is a fallout of the recent D-8 Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Working Group meeting held in Abuja recently. The partnership, which is being facilitated by the Pakistani High Commission in Nigeria, is in the spirit of the D-8 Group’s objective to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations.

The Pakistani Acting High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ahmed Ali Sirohey explained that the pact would also afford both agencies the opportunity to cross fertilize and interface on areas that would be beneficial to SMEs in both countries.

At a courtesy call on the Sirohey in Abuja, the Director- General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Muhammad Nadada Umar, expressed delight that the Pakistani Government had really lived up to expectations in the area of developing the SME sector in his country, adding that Nigeria has a lot to learn from the experience of the Asian country.

Published in Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, 12th July 2012

Yobe gives schools 58 buses

Yobe State government has distributed 58 vehicles worth N495m to secondary schools. It has also earmarked a monthly overhead maintenance cost of N23,000 each for the fleet of vehicles

The distribution of the vehicles was part of the state government’s measures to solve the problem of transportation in the schools

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Thursday, 12th July 2012

ECOWAS, NEPAD seal pact on €1m capacity building facility for women

The Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) have signed an agreement for the establishment of a €1 million Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs (BIAWE) in the sub-region.

The facility was provided by Spain.

According to the Chairman of ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, while speaking at the agreement signing ceremony at the African Union (AU) Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the project is aimed at eradicating poverty and contributing to economic empowerment of women.

The business incubator project, he added, also seeks to provide capacity building, technical assistance and financial support to emerging rural women entrepreneurs, who face constraints that make it difficult to sustain their businesses.

Published in Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 13th July 2012

FG approves N330m grants for Lagos farmers

As Fashola inaugurate 60 air-conditioned meat vans, co-operative college
THE Federal Government has approved N330 million grants to assist 20,000 farmers in Lagos State, a measure geared towards increasing food production in the country.

Meanwhile, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has inaugurated the first co-operative college and 60 refrigerated meat vans to convey wholesome meat from abattoirs to different areas in the state.

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adewunmi Adeshina who disclosed this at the flag-off of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme, GESS, said the fund would be devoted to acquire fertilizers for the farmers.

Adeshina added that the fund would cover 50 per cent of the cost that would be spent by farmers on fertilizer in the state. He explained that the cost of fertilizer and seed valued at N36,000 would be given to farmers with the farmer paying N18,000.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper on Friday, 13th July 2012

Ekiti council chief provides tools for farmers

The Caretaker Chairman of Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. David Olusoga, has enhanced food production in the council by providing various agricultural implements and aids to individual farmers and groups in the area.

The items included 6 water pumping machines, 300 knap-sack sprayers and 300 units of assorted herbicides.

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Friday, 13^th July 2012

CSR News Summary Issue 22

UNICEF partners Akpabuyo LG against killer diseases

This year’s Maternal and Newborn Child Health Week, at Ikot Nakanda, headquarters of the council was no exception as over 500 mothers turned up wit their children for immunization.

UNICEF Representative Mrs Mureen Zubie-Okolo, stated that UNICEF is going to provide different kinds of interventions within the 10 wards in Akpabuyo Local Government in Cross River State.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper as at Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Yuguda Partners Saudi Firm to Build Cardiac Center

The Bauchi State government has signed a memorandum of understanding with an International Islamic Relief Organization (IIR0SA) based in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to construct a world class cardiac center, which would be the first of its kind in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

Governor Yuguda said his team was working assiduously to ensure that the project was completed within the stipulated one year period so that IIROSA could fulfill its own pledge to set up a world class cardiac center of excellence in Bauchi.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper as at Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Bauchi to Sponsor 53 Physically Challenged Persons to Tertiary Institutions

The Bauchi State government has expressed its readiness to sponsor 53 physically challenged persons to tertiary institutions. The state's Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Alhaji Umar Saleh, stated this while addressing newsmen on activities of the ministry.

"The gesture is part of the state government's policy to empower physically challenged persons in the state", he said.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper as at Monday, July 2nd, 2012

FG Set to Provide 360,000 Jobs

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology and former Governor of Kwara state, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday said the Federal Government is set to provide 360,000 jobs for unemployed youths in the country.

He said in each of the 36 states of the federation, 10,000 youths would gain employment opportunity, saying this would address the problem of unemployment in the country and rekindle the hope of the youths.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper as at Tuesday, July 3^rd, 2012

Women Council Partners NDE on Women Empowerment

National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) yesterday approached the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to fashion out ways on how to empower women especially at the grassroots level.

President of NCWS Mrs. Nkechi Okemini Mba, who led some executive members of the council, said women were always at the receiving end of poverty due to some reasons including cultural practices and lack of education.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper as at Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

Yobe Government Distributes 17,500 Tonnes of Fertilisers to Farmers at Subsidised Rates

In other to reduce poverty and by extension insecurity in the state, Yobe State Government Tuesday subsidised the price of fertilisers by 66.7 per cent to farmers even as it inaugurated the yearly distribution and sales of the subsidised fertilisers.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony Tuesday in Damaturu at the Governor's office, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, said the agricultural sector had been accorded priority by his administration as it remained the portent tool to create more jobs among farmers and achieve national food security.

Published in This Day Newspaper as at Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

 Rivers to establish $140m farm in Etche

Rivers State government has moved to establish $140 million Agro-Industrial Development Project (AIDP) in Etche Local Government Area of the state.

The Executive Director of the Rivers State Development Agency (RSSDA) Mr Noble Pepple said that the project would run in partnership with an Israeli company.

Published in Guardian Newspaper as at Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

Airtel Collaborates With NACA, NAFDAC to Promote Public Health

Airtel Nigeria collaborates with public health sector organizations, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) and the National Agency for Food & Drugs Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) in providing needed public health information. 

Mr. Emeka Oparah, Director of Corporate Communication and CSR, Airtel Networks explained Airtel involvement as arising from its concern with fundamental issues of public good. “Our interventions in public health are akin to the work we are doing with primary education. We are concerned in our interventions in investing in areas of demonstrable long-term benefit to the communities that we serve”.

Published in Guardian Newspaper as at Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

Hypo Bleach partners Lagos over family health promotion

In fulfilment of its brand essence of promoting the health and wellbeing of Nigerian families, MultiPro Enterprises Limited, makers of Hypo Super Bleach, has entered into a partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health on the first round of the “2012 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week.”

According to the organisers, activities at this year’s Lagos event began with the Health ministry administering pentavalent vaccine, a new type of immunisation vaccine that can help protect against the five preventable childhood diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, limulus Influenza and hepatitis B. The ministry described the week-long exercise as only one item in a broad range of services made largely freely available to mothers and young children in the state.

Source: Published in Punch Newspaper as at Thursday, July 5^th, 2012

Honda Trains Okada Riders on Safety Consciousness

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Ltd, recently organised a seminar to train commercial motorcycle riders, popularly called okada, on safety education and awareness.

Managing Director of the company, Toshio Kuwana in his welcome address said over the years, the company has been at the forefront in motorcycle safety education and campaign, which was borne out of the value placed on Nigerians.

Source: Published in Guardian Newspaper as at Thursday, July 5^th, 2012

British High Commission Renovates Sports Facilities in Abuja School

The British High Commission (BHC) has renovated sports facilities in Government Secondary School Tudun Wada, Zone 4, Abuja. This is part of the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Speaking at the event yesterday, the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Andrew Lloyd, said the occasion offered the staff of BHC the opportunity to perform community service and work with each other outside the office environment.

He said the choice of refurbishing sports facilities was tied to the London Olympics this year and added that his country valued the people to people relationship with Nigeria which he noted was the biggest part of the relationship between the two countries.

Source: Published in Leadership Newspaper as at Thursday, July 5^th, 2012

Group Pledges Loans to Biz Women

Network of Entrepreneurial Women Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, an affiliate of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association has promised female entrepreneurs loan window to finance their businesses.

The President of the Cooperative, Mrs Modupe Oyekunle explained that the primary function of cooperative is to promote the economic interest of members by providing credit facilities at fair and reasonable interest rates for provident and productive purposes.

Source: Published in Leadership Newspaper as at Thursday, July 5^th, 2012

Nigeria: FG Gets N43 Billion EU Support for Water, Sanitation

The Federal Government has signed financing agreements with the European Union for projects valued at N43 billion to support government reform efforts in various sectors including water supply and sanitation.

A statement from the union made available to Daily Trust in Abuja noted that the Minister of National Planning Commission, NPC, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, signed the agreement on behalf of government, while Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Dr. David MacRae, signed for the European Union.

Source: Published in Daily Trust Newspaper as at Thursday, July 5^th, 2012

FG Signs MoU With South Korea

The Federal Government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a South Korean Company, Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company Limited, to facilitate the production of 10,000MW of electricity projects in the country.

A statement from Ugwuagwu Anikwe, Special Adviser(Media) to Power Minister, said the Company has undertaken to provide 20 per cent equity in the various projects identified under the scheme, in addition to providing expert advice and guidance on electrical, production and construction of power projects to companies wishing to do business in Nigeria under the agreement.

Source: Published in Daily Trust Newspaper as at Thursday, July 5^th, 2012

Aliyu Lays Foundation for N2.6 Billion Sokoto Water Project

Niger State governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu, has laid the foundation for the N2.6 billion new water intake projects for Sokoto metropolis and environs.

The foundation for the 20 million gallons per day second water intake project was laid at Asare village in Wamakko local government area of the state.

In a remark at the occasion, Governor Babangida Aliyu stressed the need for governors to do more with their resources to further improve the living standard of the people.

Source: Published in Daily Trust Newspaper as at Friday, July 6^th, 2012

CSR News Summary Issue 21

Govt revises policy on micro, small, medium enterprises

According to the Director General / Chief Executive Officer, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Muhammad Umar disclosed that the Federal Government has revised national policy on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enable it contribute to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, Monday, 18^th June, 2012

Ekiti pledges to fight Poverty through Agriculture

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has said that the vision of his administration is to make history in the state and transform it into a destination of choice for investors.

According to him, the state would upscale its involvement in farming and also develop the entire value chain, noting that most of the citizens are currently subsistence farmers as against commercial farmers.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, Monday, 18^th June, 2012

UNICEM, drives partner to clean up filthy environment

The United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited, UNICEM, and traders as well as trailers drivers have embarked on operation – keep – the community Park clean.

The environment Coordinator of UNICEM, Mr John Nya, said the company deemed it necessary to partner operators because of the health hazard the filthy environment could consume

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, Monday, 18^th June, 2012

Lemo Foundation donates N60 million health facility to Nigerian Red Cross

As part of service to humanity, Tunde Lemo Foundation (TLF) recently, Ogun State, donated N60 million ultra – modern clinic to the Nigerian Red Cross.

The founder of the foundation, Mr Tunde Lemo, said the health facility is one way of assisting humanity, stressing that it would go a long way to meeting the health needs of the people in the vicinity and environs.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, Monday, 18^th June, 2012

Cement Institute will create jobs

The Chairman, National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, Adeoye Dhabi, said the institute would lead to the establishment of more cement factories and in turn create jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, Tuesday, 19^th June, 2012

UNICEM, drives partner to clean up filthy environment

The United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited, UNICEM, and traders as well as trailers drivers have embarked on operation – keep – the community Park clean.

The environment Coordinator of UNICEM, Mr John Nya, said the company deemed it necessary to partner operators because of the health hazard the filthy environment could consume

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, Tuesday, Tuesday, 19^th June, 2012

Lemo Foundation donates N60 million health facility to Nigerian Red Cross

As part of service to humanity, Tunde Lemo Foundation (TLF) recently, Ogun State, donated N60 million ultra – modern clinic to the Nigerian Red Cross.

The founder of the foundation, Mr Tunde Lemo, said the health facility is one way of assisting humanity, stressing that it would go a long way to meeting the health needs of the people in the vicinity and environs.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, Tuesday, 19^th June, 2012

Okorocha donates N50m to Dana crash victims’ families

To assuage the pains of families of victims of the recent Dana plane crash of Imo State origin, Governor Rochas Okorocha has announced a donation of N50 million to the families to support their burial expenses.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, Wednesday, 20^th June, 2012

Don charges government on job creation, as company inaugurates board

A professor of Economics, Edet Akpakpan, has charged government at all levels to boost employment opportunities in the country by strengthening the public – private partnership initiative in order to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths through investment in business and manufacturing activities.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, Wednesday, 20^th June, 2012

NEMA, Kwanee plan relief for Sogho community

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has assured Sogha community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State that relief will soon come their way.

The Zonal Coordinator, NEMA, South-South Zone, Mr Emenike Umesi gave the assurance at Sogho when he visited the area for assessment of the affected area to determine the level of the Agency’s assistance.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, Wednesday, 20^th June, 2012

Oando moves to check indoor pollution, gaseous emissions

Oando Marketing Plc has intensified activities on its campaign targeted at reducing indoor pollution and emission of harmful gases to the environment through the use of dirty fuels for cooking.

Published in Punch Newspaper, Thursday, 21^st June, 2012

NAFDAC smashes fake vaccine syndicate in Anambra

In its war against fake drugs in Onitsha, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday smashed a syndicate, which sold fake vaccines meant for immunization of children and adults in Onitsha.

Published in Punch Newspaper, Thursday, 21^st June, 2012

Japan pledges $1bn aid to African private sector

Japan’s Senior Vice Minister of Finance, Mr Yukihisa Fujita has announced plans o provide additional $1bn over the next five years for a second phase of the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa Initiative.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 21^st June, 2012

Austria partners Nigeria for improved Healthcare Services

The country’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Michael Spindelleger said his country was very much interested in intensifying efforts with Nigeria from economic to cooperation ties and especially in the health sector, which would mutually be of great advantage to both countries.

Published in Leadership Newspaper, Thursday, 21^st June, 2012 amplify

FG signs MoU with Brazil’s Electrobas

President Goodluck Jonathan has yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Brazilian firm, Electrobas, on the development of power projects in Nigeria.

This came as the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development of the country.

Published in This Day Newspaper, Friday, 22^nd June, 2012

Niger Mills set to begin production of Rice, Sugar

The call by the Federal Goevrnment’s on companies and individuals to guarantee food security in the country by investing in agriculture may have started yielding dividends as Niger Mills, producers of golden penny flour and Semovita, announced that it will soon commerce the production of rice and sugar

Published in This Day Newspaper, Friday, 22^nd June, 2012

Community gets boost for Poverty Alleviation

In a bid to demonstrate its willingness to alleviate unemployment and poverty in its locality, a microfinance bank, Ultimate Microfinance Bank, Ipaja, Lagos, recently donated 10 tricycles worth N3.7 million to the community.

The Chairman of the Bank, Mr Wale Odunayo, said the initiative was borne out of the need to achieve the goal for which the bank was set up to alleviate poverty.

Published in This Day Newspaper, Friday, 22^nd June, 2012

Mersk spends N16 million on Apapa School

Mersk Nigeria Limited (MNL) has spent an additional N16 million to renovate State Nursery and Primary School, Apapa, Lagos.

The Managing Director, Mr. Jan Thorhauge, revealed that the money was spent on the re-installation of the foundation, frames and walls, doors and roof covering, painting as well as electrical fittings.

Published in This Day Newspaper, Friday, 22^nd June, 201209

                                                                                                                                                    

CSR News Summary Issue 20

NAPEP disburses N1.5b to poorest households

The National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) has started the disbursement of N1.5 billion to 19,440 households in its conditional cash transfer scheme (COPE) for the poor.

The National Co-ordinator Muktar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, said the organisation has risen to the challenge of delivering its mandate to the poor people of Nigeria.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Monday, 28^th May, 2012

Ecobank, MTN, Google partner on SMEs

Ecobank, MTN, and Google Incorporate have partnered to promote small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). The Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan said the partnership would help in bringing desired growth to SME’s operators in Nigeria

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Monday, 28^th May, 2012

Kwara plans N1.6bn for Hospital Rehabilitation

Kwara State Government is planning to spend N1.6bn on the rehabilitation of five general hospitals in Illorin, Omu-Aran, Kaiama, Offa and share to boost health care delivery in the state.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 28^th May, 2012

FG Tasks USAID, DfID, Others on Functional Projects

The Federal Government has tasked global development partners to ensure that the socio-economic projects, which they embark on in Nigeria, are designed to be functional and to meet the most popular needs in the country

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Tuesday, 29^th May, 2012

Schneider Electric delivers 500 Transformers to Ogun State

Schneider Electric has delivered 500 brand new transformers of various specifications to Ogun State as part of the state government's efforts to support the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in ensuring that all the communities in the state have access to electricity.

Speaking during the hand -over of the transformers at the Government House in Abeokuta, Schneider's Vice-President for Middle East and Africa, Mr. Guillaume Schoebel said the products were of very high quality with life span of about 45 years.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Tuesday, 29^th May, 2012

China donates to conservation of Kano Walls

In a bid to preserving the nation’s cultural heritage, as well as cementing the cultural ties that exist between Nigeria and the Republic of China, the Asian country recently donated N1m for the preservation and conservation of the Kano City Walls.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Wednesday, 30^th May, 2012

FG to enhance SGBs’ access to Local, International Market

In a bid to boost the growth and development of the real sector, the Federal Government has mapped out strategies aimed at improving the Small and Growing Businesses’ access to both local and international market.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, said one of the major challenges that have curtailed the growth of operators of SGBs in Nigeria is access to competitive markets both locally, regionally and globally.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Wednesday, 30^th May, 2012

LUPAN seeks SON, FG’s help over fake lubricant production

Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN) has called on the Federal Government and Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON to urgently take steps to protect the industry and also safeguard millions of jobs across the society.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper, on Wednesday, 30^th May, 2012

Textile workers urge FG to sustain policy on locally produced goods

The National Union of Textile Garment Workers of Nigeria (NUTGWN) President, Mr Oladele Hunsu, has urged the Federal Government to remain consistent on its policies concerning locally manufactured goods, adding the inconsistency on the part of government in taking its toll of manufacturers of locally produced goods.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Thursday, 31^st May, 2012

Ernst & Young Supports W’African Entrepreneurs

As part of its contribution to support outstanding entrepreneurs in West African countries and reward them for their contributions to economic growth and development, Ernst & Young has concluded plans to reach entrepreneurs in the sub-region.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper, on Friday, 1^st June, 2012

Pfizer committed to reducing Pneumonia in Children

The Assistant Director for Communications, Pfizer Nigeria East – Africa Region, Mrs Margaret Olele, said the company had committed itself to reducing the rate at which this vaccine preventable disease claims the lives of millions of Nigerian children at a tender age.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper, on Friday, 1^st June, 2012

CSR News Summary Issue 19

Lagos begins 2012 Household Survey

As part of its efforts to sustain economic development in Lagos, the state Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has commenced a welfare and service delivery survey to provide the government with information on the basic nature of economic activity, impact of government programmes / projects on various communities and the perceived constraints to growth and productivity in the state.

Published in The Business Day Newspaper, on Monday, 14th May, 2012

Food Security: Int’l Community scores FADAMA high

The Gambian Agency for the Management of Public Works (Gam Works) has given kudos to the efforts by the Third National Fadama Development Project (FADAMA III) in ensuring sufficient of food to the Nigerian populace as well as exporting to other countries.

Published in The Business Day Newspaper, on Monday, 14th May, 2012

MTN Foundation invests N510M in Education in 3 years

As part of her corporate social responsibilities, the MTN Foundation has invested the sum of N510 million in three years for the promotion of education especially among brilliant Nigerian students and visually – impaired students in tertiary institutions across the country.

Published in The Business Day Newspaper, on Monday, 14th May, 2012

Firm to invest over N775m on food services in Nigeria

A fast food company in the United States of America, Domino’s Pizza, has reiterated its commitment to transforming the food services in Nigeria by investing over N775 million as the first phase of its investment projects in the next two years.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 14th May, 2012

Ondo disburses N215.4m to Farmers

Ondo State Government has disbursed N215.4 million to farmers in the state under Fadama III programme in the last three years.

Published in The Business Day Newspaper, on Monday, 14th May, 2012

FG to build trailer parks with PPP arrangement

The Minister for State for Works, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, has said the Federal Governmnet will opt for Public – Private Partnership to fast track the establishment of trailer parks in the country.

Published in The Punch Newspaper, on Tuesday, 15th May, 2012

Foundation sensitizes asthmatics to prevention, control

Worried by the alarming rate of deaths through asthma and other respiratory diseases, Elias Nelson Oyedokun Foundation has organized a workshop to sensitize asthmatics to prevention and control of the ailment.

Published in The Punch Newspaper, on Tuesday, 15th May, 2012

Lagos begins rice production to promote Food Security

With the inauguration of a 20,000 metric tonnes capacity rice factory, the Lagos State Government yesterday took a bold step towards food security.

Governor Babatunde Fashola reiterated his commitment to reinvigorating agriculture, saying, it is only through such step that the nation can surmount its economic challenges.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 16th May, 2012

Canada donates $18m for research

Canada has donated $18.45m (N2.86 billion) to boost research in health, the environment and agriculture.

According to the President of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Mr David Malone, the researchers are aimed at improving the health of mothers and babies in Nigeria, to provide information in Nigeria climate change and to reduce the risk of flooding in the country.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 16th May, 2012

Kebbi to sink 2,000 boreholes

The Kebbi State government has voted N100 million for the drilling of 2,000 additional boreholes to improve water supply in the state’s rural areas and schools.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 16th May, 2012

Kaduna spends N27b on water

The Kaduna State government said it has sunk N27 billion into the supply of portable drinking water to the residents of the state while the multi billion naira Zaria water supply scheme has been reviewed from N15 billion to N24 billion.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 16th May, 2012

SMEDAN to partner NEPAD on SMEs development

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Director – General, Alhaji Mohammed Nadada Umar, said that the agency would support New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) in its upcoming Global Partnership week and other activities as they relate to the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 16th May, 2012

FG, UNIDO seal pact on Job Creation

The Federal Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation on job creation and poverty reduction.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 17th May, 2012

Diamond Bank, Keystone to partner Kwara on empowerment

Keystone Bank Limited and Diamond Bank Plc have expressed readiness to partner the Kwara State Government on the achievement of the state’s programme of shared prosperity.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 17th May, 2012

Golden Penny provides laptops for teachers, pupils

Golden  Penny has in partnership with other stakeholders, boosted its “Laptop4Learning” (L4L) initiative, with the official opening of a dedicated classroom at the Kuramo Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos for the exclusive use of pupils and teachers, for an initial period of three years.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Thursday, 17th May, 2012

Ajimobi tasks US Partners over development of Oyo

Oyo State Governor, Mr Abiola Ajimobi has called on investors and agencies from the United States of America to help his administration develop the state with US technology.

Published in Leadership Newspaper, on Friday, 18th May, 2012

World Bank commits $10m to Road Safety Projects

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Osita Chidoka, on Friday stated that the World Bank was committing $10 million towards FRSC’s Road Safety projects with a view to improving its capacity in road traffic crashes (RTC), reducing by 50 percent.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Friday, 18th May, 2012

CSR News Summary Issue 18

Fidelity Bank’s CSR Project Excites Wamakko

The Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Reginald Ihejiahi, who was represented by the Executive Director, North Directorate of the Bank, Mr Balarabe Mohammed expressed happiness that the bank is touching the lives of people through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Monday, 7th May, 2012

China Partners with Nigeria on Youth Development

For the development of youths in skill acquisition and vocational training, China yesterday said it would partner with Nigeria to impact more knowledge on Nigeria youths in the country.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Monday, 7th May, 2012

Dangote Group spends N20bn on CSR

Dangote Group has expended about N20 billion on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and charity programmes across Africa from the beginning of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Monday, 7th May, 2012

BATN donates N5.6m Palm Oil Processing Plant

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has donated a Palm Oil Processing Cottage industry to the people of Aragba – Orogun community, in Ughelli – North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Monday, 7th May, 2012

First lady commissions HIV Call Centre

As she commissioned the National Call Centre on HIV/AIDS and Related Diseases of the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), First Lady, Patience Jonathan said the growth of telephony in Nigeria provides a strong platform for increasing information dissemination on health challenges such as HIV/AIDS.

She commended Airtel Networks Limited for its lead role in providing toll free lines for subscribers to call the Centre and access information on HIV/AIDS.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 8th May, 2012

Mortein partners with Lagos State to eradicate Malaria

Mortein, the multipurpose cockroach / insect killer partnered with Lagos State Ministry of Health to enlighten Nigerians on the scourge of Malaria and ways of preventing it.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 8th May, 2012

IFC, MasterCard boost Microfinance with $37bn

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and MasterCard Foundation, launched a partnership to increase access to financial services for an estimated 5.3 million poor people in Nigeria and the entire sub-Saharan Africa.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 8th May, 2012

FG to develop girl-child education

Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike stated that the Federal Government is commited to achieving universal primary and junior secondary education to eliminate gender disparity.

Published in Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 9th May, 2012

MDG releases N100M for pilot projects in three Ekiti Councils

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said his administration would focus on combating poverty and hunger, improving school enrolment and facilitating access to health care and fostering gender equality, among others.

Published in Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 9th May, 2012

Joy as community finds water, 300 years after

After a tortuous search spanning centuries, Gumshi, a community in Yobe State, has found the most precious liquid in life: water. And they have the administration of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam to thank for it.

Published in Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 9th May, 2012

Fidelity Bank donates to underprivileged

Staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, have donated television sets, DVD players, washing machine, fans and food items to the student of Modupe Cole School for the Mentally and Physically – Challenged Children in Akoka, Lagos Satte.

Published in Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 9th May, 2012

MTN Foundation donates equipment to 45 disabled persons

MTN Foundation has presented tools and equipment to no fewer than 45 diabled persons after they had completed a two – year skills training (tailoring, shoemaking and welding) sponsored by the foundation.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 10th May, 2012

Israel boosts Nigerian agriculture with drip irrigation

The Nigeria – Israel Joint Agricultural Project, better known as Irrigation is Life, which aims to promote dry season farming, has been inaugurated in Minna, Niger State.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 10th May, 2012

Akwa Ibom committed to HIV/AIDS eradication

The speaker of House of Assembly, Mr Samuel Ikon, has assured the people of the state that the fifth assembly was committed to pass laws that will help in eradicating HIV/AIDS control agency.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 10th May, 2012

Foundation fetes Less Privileged Children

The Pastor Eskor Mfon Foundation recently paid a visit to the children at Little Saints Orphanage, Palmgrove Estate, Lagos where items were donated to the children.

The group also spent some quality time with orphans during which the Founder, Mrs Dele George, conducted them around the home.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper, on Friday, 11th May, 2012

 FG to position SMEs as growth drivers

The Federal Government has commenced moves to position the Small and Medium Enterprise sub sector in Nigeria as growth drivers for the economy.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, who disclosed this on Thursday, said with this move, SMEs in Nigeria would soon become vibrant enough to drive the required level of growth in the economy.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper, on Friday, 11th May, 2012

CSR News Summary Issue 17

FG Urged to Sustain Agric. Transformation Agenda

The Federal Government has been advised to sustain the tempo of its agricultural transformation agenda in order to achieve the desired goals of food security and economic empowerment as well as job creation.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th April, 2012

Bankers partners IFC on Corporate Governance

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), said it has signed an agreement with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on how to improve training and knowledge on corporate governance in the Nigerian financial industry.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th April, 2012

Ernst & Young moves to promote public, private partnership

Financial experts in Ernst & Young has said it will bring key stakeholders together to brainstorm in what it believes will help drive infrastructural development in Nigeria through public private partnership agreement.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Wednesday, 3^rd May, 2012

FG moves to tackle Unemployment

The Federal Government is planning to conduct a national job creation survey that seeks to track employment generation and losses to ascertaining the number of jobs available.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 4^th May, 2012

IFC, CIBN to partner for Improved Corporate Governance in Banks

As part of the agreement, International Finance Corporation (IFC) will give assistance and institutional support to the institute, in the area of its corporate governance curriculum offered to its banking – sector members.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) is a key component of its strategy to increase impact and improve private.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 4^th May, 2012

Honeywell Empowers Widows

The Executive Vice Chairman of Honeywell Flower Mills Plc, Mr Babatunde Odunayo, said Honeywell was delighted to be part of the empowerment programme where about 50 widows went through rigorous training on soap making and basic skills required to succeed in business.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Friday, 4^th May, 2012

C’River Partner Poland to Provide Social Services

According to the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Przemystaw Niesiotowski, Poland has special interest in Cross River because of its peaceful environment and investment friendly.

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Friday, 4^th May, 2012