CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE128

#Economy: NBS-Value of Total trade will Retard in 2016

Even though it has been estimated to increase by 2.1 percent, the value of total trade is expected to slow in 2016, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics has said. NBS, which made these predictions in its Economic Outlook for 2016, however, stated that, @beyond 2016, both imports and exports are expected to increase and total merchandise trade are expected to average 15.61 percent growth during the period.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper on Sunday 6th March, 2016

#IndustryPulse: The Smooth Transition at UBA

In 2010, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) came out with a new regulation compelling all managing directors of banks that have spent a minimum of 10years to relinquish their position, pan-African financial services group, United Bank for Africa Plc., was the first bank to immediately announce a successor to the then Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Tony Elumelu.

Phillips Oduoza, who was the most senior executive director, succeeded Elumelu.it was a seamless transition. With the appointment of Oduoza, the bank has also announced the appointment of a new deputy managing director in the person of Kennedy Uzoka.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper on Sunday 6th March, 2016

#MoU: NCMM, Daisfund Africa Partner on Digital Museum

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has signed a Memorandum of Association (MoU) with Diasfunds Africa Limited-initiators of the digital museums and campaign forum-Save African History.

The proposed museum is the first of its kind in Africa. Such museums are referred to as virtual museums as end-users can sit I the comfort of their homes and offices and have access to images that can be used for academic and recreational purposes. With this users from the entire globe, particularly, from the nations of the West shall start paying and children may start taking pride in their past.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper on Sunday 6th March, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Onyema re-appointed CEO as activities slow at Stock Exchange

Citing a reflection of his contribution, the National Council of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) has renewed the appointment of Mr. Oscar Onyema as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for second term of five years. Onyema, whose first tenure expires on 31^st March 2016, has been holding sway at the exchange since April 2011.

But the re-appointment came on a weekend that the exchange experienced sluggish activities as measured by volu7me and value of trading for the week, which ended last Friday.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper on Sunday 6th March, 2016

#Oil: NNPC secures Delivery of 930000MT of petrol for March

The Nigerian national Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) last night disclosed that it has already secured about thirty-one (31) cargoes of petrol to take care of Nigeria’s consumption for the month of March.

NNPC said each of the thirty-one (31) vessels will bring in about three thousand (3000) metric tonnes of petrol, thus translating to a cumulative volume of nine hundred and thirty thousand (930,000) metric tonnes (MT). it added that at least one of the 30,000MT will be delivered to the country every day.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper on Sunday 6th March, 2016

#MSME: NPF microfinance bank seek CBN approval to deepen operations

The NPF Microfinance bank has disclosed that it is willing to offer more lending opportunities to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country at a single interest rate to boost their operations.

The bank said it is currently working out modalities to spread its services across the country with the aim to accommodate many of the SMEs that require funding. To achieve this, the bank has formally applied to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for approval to open more branches in line with its penetration plan.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper on Sunday 6th March, 2016

#MSME: Firm unveils cluster initiative for Nigerian SMEs

Workplace Plus Limited, operators of the Regus Franchise in West Africa, has unveiled a cluster initiative that will offer Small and Medium Enterprises the benefit of maximizing profit in Nigeria’s current harsh economic environment.

The initiative, which is the first of its kind, brings company under one operating environment with necessary infrastructure that will enhance business development.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper on Sunday 6th March, 2016

#Oil: Three Nigerian firms bid for Uganda oil wells

The Ugandan government has announced that seven (7) oil companies, three from Nigeria, have submitted bids for exploration of oil in the country’s next round of licensing.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Sunday 6th March 2016

#FG to empower 740,000 youths in agriculture

In its determination to reduce the level of youth unemployment, the federal government unveiled plans to empower 740,000 young agricultural producers in rural areas under its Youth employment and Agriculture Programme.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Sunday 6th March 2016

#Agric: FAO stresses importance of fish farming

A United Nations Agency, the Food and Agricultural Organization has stressed the importance of fish farming, noting that it is the most sustainable and fastest growing food sub-sector in the world.

The organization made this known during a summit in Morocco that brought together delegates of fishery ministries from more than fifty (50) countries to discuss emerging governance needs in the sector.

Published in the Punch Newspaper on Sunday 6th March 2016

#StakeholderAction: Labour draws battle line with NERC, DISCOS

A final showdown between labour and the duo of Nigreian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Distribution Companies (DISCOs) appear imminent, following decision by the bodies to continue implementation of the new electricity tariffs.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Sunday, 6th March, 2016

#Awards: Entry open for Community Development Awards

Community Development Awards Foundation, organizers of the annual Ikorodu Community Development Awards (ICDA) has announced the commencement of nominations for the 2016 edition, slated for Saturday, April 30th 2016 at the Ikorodu Ultra-modern town hall.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Sunday, 6th March, 2016

#Empowerment: BoI empowers Gombe rural settlement, commissions 24 KW solar power

Determined to stimulate economic activities by empowering the Small and Medium Enterprises across the country, the Bank of Industruy has commissioned twenty-four (24) kilowatt micro-grid solar solution in Kolwa, Kaltungo local government area of Gombe state.

Published in the ThisDay Newspaper on Monday, 7^th March, 2016

#Business: Stanbic IBTC highlights opportunities in new banking proposition

In a renewed drive to empower Nigerians, Stanbic IBTC bank Holdings Plc., has launched a nationwide campaign that offers financial solutions to help individuals and businesses achieve their aspiration.

Published in the ThisDay Newspaper on Monday, 7^th March, 2016

#Power: CPC, NERC to enforce 60-day electricity metering scheme

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) have jointly resolved to enforce the mandatory 60-day order to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to either meter or stop billing consumers under the Credited Advance Payment for Meter implementation (CAPMI) scheme.

Published in the ThisDay Newspaper on Monday, 7^th March, 2016

#Sterling Bank, Innoson Motors sign Auto Finance deal

In line with the Federal Government’s desire to aggressively drive the patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods, Sterling bank Plc. said it has taken a bold step to champion the use of locally manufactured goods and services by going into a partnership with Innoson Motors to finance the purchase of locally made vehicles produced by the company.

Published in the ThisDay Newspaper on Monday, 7^th March, 2016

#IndustryPulse: Wapic Insurance group appoints Managing Directors

The Board of directors of Wapic Insurance Plc. has announced the appointment of Mrs. Adeyinka Adekoya as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the company.

Published in the ThisDay Newspaper on Monday, 7^th March, 2016

#Power: Dangote plans to generate 12,000MW of electricity

The President, Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote, has said his company should be able to generate about 12,000 megawatts of electricity for the country by 2018.

He also said his business will start selling foreign exchange to the Central Bank of Nigeria by 2020

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#Economy: Domestic transactions fall by N18.48bn in one month

Domestic transactions in Nigeria’s stock market fell from N59.21bn to N40.73bn between December 2015 and January 2016, the Nigeria Stock Exchange revealed in a report on its website.

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#Event: LCCI, PwC hosts forum on economy

The Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry and PricewaterhouseCoopers will on Thursday host a stakeholders’ forum on the state of the Nigerian Economy

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#Economy: FG will exploit construction sector for economic growth

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said the federal government will exploit the country’s construction sector to grow its economy.

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#IndustryPulse: Access bank reaffirms commitment to gender parity

Access Bank Plc. says it is seeking to promote gender equality to commemorate the 2016 International Women’s Day.

As such, the lender said a two-day programme focusing on advocacy and gender awareness had been designed to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality, women empowerment and inclusiveness.

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#Event#ICT: New Horizons begin U-17 ICT competition for schools

New Horizon Computer Learning Centres, a private Information and Communication Technology training institute, is organising the first annual Under-17 national ICT competition from February to March 2016 to boost and elevate ICT curriculum and skills empowerment at the primary and secondary school level.

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#Education: UNIMED to raise N1bn yearly

The University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, says it will be generating N1bn through its friends annually.

The initiative, to be accomplished via the ‘Friends of UNIMED Fund’, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Friday Okonofua, said, was to generate money to develop the university to enable it attain its mission.

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#Health: FG to establish Health centres

The Minister of State for Health, Professor Osagie Ehanire, has said that the Federal Government would soon establish one primary care health centre in every ward across the country.

Published in the Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March 2016

#Infrastructure: new roads tickle Edo communities

Life will not remain the same for about eighty (80) communities in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo State, as the newly constructed eighty-seven kilometre (87km) road running through these communities has been commissioned.

Published by the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March, 2016

#Unemployment#MoU: BoI to reduce unemployment rate to single digit

Worried by the rising number of unemployed youths in the country, the Bank of Industry has expressed its desire to reduce the rate to single digits. Acting Managing Director of BoI, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, stated this in Lagos yesterday at the Youth Empowerment Support (YES) programme Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with entrepreneurship capacity building facilitators in Lagos yesterday.

Published by the DailySun Newspaper on Tuesday, 8^th March, 2016

#IndustryPulse#Energy: federal government breaks NNPC into four units

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been unbundled into four units in a major restructuring of the 39-year old oil giant. Minister of Petroleum resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu yesterday announced the new structure at a briefing in Abuja.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Health: LUTH opens breast cancer clinic

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) yesterday opened a breast cancer clinic to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD). The clinic will be run in collaboration with a non-governmental organization (NGO), Run For a Cure Africa (RFCA).

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Health: Group sensitises residents to clean environment

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has stressed the need to improve the health conditions of people living in the rural areas of Lagos State. Sharing With Others says this can be done through provision of portable water, garbage bins, adequate training for community health workers and the dissemination of health related information.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Events: Abuja hosts social entrepreneurship conference

Abuja, the nation’s capital, is hosting a major social entrepreneurship conference next week. The Conference slated for between March 15 and 17, is designed to promote positive entrepreneurship as vehicle for positive social impact and innovation. The social conference which is themed: ‘Social Enterprise Impact, Innovation and Sustainability’ will take place at the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) Entrepreneurial Complex. The programme is organised by APLUS trainers, a training and business consulting firm with a mission to support entrepreneurship development and small businesses in Nigeria.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Investment#IndustryPulse: Nigeria records 21.6% foreign portfolio deficit amidst forex strain

Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) in Nigeria has continued to dwindle as latest investment report indicates that Nigeria recorded 21.6 percent foreign Portfolio Investment deficit in January 2016.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#IndustryPulse: LIRS achieves N24.5b monthly IGR

Lagos Internal Revenue Services (LIRS) generated N24.5 billion as the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for January this year, the state Finance Commissioner, Mustapha Akinkunmi has said. Speaking yesterday during a media briefing ahead of the state’s tax reform launch, the commissioner said the January figure constitute ninety-eight percent (98%) performance target for the month and twelve percent (12%) rise when compared with last year’s figure for the same period.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#FCMB deepens CSR, empowers communities

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has empowered the people living in Bayewu community in Ikorodu, Lagos State under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The social intervention training programme, recently organized by the lender in partnership with MitiMeth to use water hyacinths in making handicrafts, have begun to yield positive results.

Published in the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Economy: GDP grew by 2.11% in 2015 Q4, says NBS

A survey report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on the fourth quarter (Q4) of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has shown that it grew by 2.11 percent in Q4 of 2015. According to Q4 2015 GDP report released by the bureau yesterday, the 2.11 percent was lower by 0.73 percent from growth recorded in the preceding quarter, and also lower by 3.83 percent from growth recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2014. On quarter basis, the real GDP increased by3.10 percent.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Power: NBET, varsities to monitor power plants

A new era is set to unfold in efforts to promote local capacities in the power sector, as the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) yesterday announced a new resolve to use Nigerian Universities to monitor the construction of power plants.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Economy: Lagos opens special courts for tax evaders

The Lagos State go0verment yesterday reeled out new reforms on tax collections in the state, with emphasis on special courts that will now prosecute both tax evaders and defaulters.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Energy#Oil: U.S. may raise shale production over rallying oil prices

A gathering storm may soon hit the economies of oil producing countries, as the United States of America (U.S.) has given indication of raising the production of its shale oil, sequel to the rising crude oil prices.

The Brent crude rose to $41.39 a barrel yesterday from a barrel on Monday. With the threat from shale producers, the rallying oil prices may therefore not be a complete cheer to the oil producing countries like Nigeria, which had been hoping that the prices would rebound in order to cushion their respective financial budgets.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

 #Awards: Ondo, Jumia, win consumersng awards

Consumersng, an online platform advocating for a more consumer-centric culture in Nigeria has announced Ondo state, GTBank, Jumia, and 16 other corporate entities/governmental bodies as top 20 brands best adoption digital technology in providing services to people.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#Energy: BoI takes renewable energy to off-grid community in Anambra

Succour may have come the way of about 200 homes located in Onono-Anam, Anambra-west local council area, as the Bank of Industry (BoI) connected off-grid power project to eradicate black-out in the community.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#NERC, CPC signs MoU to expand metering for electricity consumers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that consumers get meters as prescribed in the service agreement electricity distribution or Discos had with the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#SolidMinerals: 17-man panel to develop blueprint for mining

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 17-man committee to develop a blueprint to guide the transformation of the solid mineral sector in the country. It noted that given the dwindling fortunes of th nation as a result of falling oil prices, the government has hinged the diversification of the economy on the solid minerals and agricultural sectors.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#MoU#Agric: Arla seals pact on local dairy production

Arla foods, makers of Dano milk and Lupark butter, has sealed a Memorandum of Understanding to commence local dairy production in the country as well as improve capacity building on best agricultural practices.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 9^th March, 2016

#StakeholdersAction: oil workers shut NNPC operation

Oil workers yesterday shut down operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) nationwide to protest against the restructuring of the state oil firm.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 10^th March 2016

#Partnership: FG to partner UN on school feeding programme

Vice President Yemi Osibanjo says the federal government will partner with the World Food Programme, a United Nations agency in the implementation of the school feeding programme. Osibanjo disclosed this at the State House in Abuja yesterday while meeting with a delegation of the World Food Programme led by its Executive Director Ertharin Cousin.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 10^th March 2016

#Empowerment: Govt urged to empower women to turn economy around

A special forum that marked the International Women’s Dayfor women in the Niger Delta which held Monday in Asaba, capital of Delta State, has called on all levels of government and other relevant bodies to work towards more empowerment of women in Nigeria in the interest of the country’s economis development.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 10^th March 2016

#Health: ‘Nigeria not free from Polio yet’

Nigeria cannot be said to be free from polio disease yet despite not recording any new case in the past 18 months, Rotary international President, Ravi Ravindran has said. Ravindran who performed a commemorative Polio Immunization exercise on children at the Primary Health Centre, Garki Area 2 in Abuja yesterday told Daily Trust that Nigeria must complete the mandatory three years without new infections before getting a clean bill of health.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 10^th March 2016

#Economy: GDP growth rate dropped by 3.53% in 2015

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped by 3.53 percent at the end of the fourth quarter of last year from 6.22 percent recorded at the end of the preceding year.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 10^th March 2016

#Investment: Total investment in Nigeria worth $10bn- MD

The Managing Director of Total Nigeria, Nicholas Terraz, said the company has invested sum of $10bn in Nigeria. Terraz who stated this yesterday when he paid a courtesy call to the Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt, said the company has enhanced development in its host communities.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 10^th March 2016

#Empowerment: FCT minister promises to empower rural women

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello, has said his administration will empower rural women in the territory so that they become self-reliant.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday, 10^th March 2016

#Business: 27 firms raise NSE capitalisation by N45bn

The gains recorded by 27 stocks on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Wednesday boosted the NSE market capitalisation by N45bn. The market capitalisation closed on Wednesday at N8.904tn, higher than N8.859tn recorded after the close of trading on Tuesday.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 10^th March 2016

#Awards: NB wins NSE award

Nigerian Brewries Plc. has been named as the winner of Nigeria Stock Exchange CEO’s Distinguished Award for compliance in 2015.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 10^th March 2016

#Power: Blackout- Electricity generation sinks to 1,580MW

The highly pronounced power failures across the country in the past few days my worsen following a partial system collapse that occurred on Tuesday, and the continuous drop in electricity generation due to what the government says is the vandalism of pipelines that supply gas to the power plants.

As a result, power generation dropped to 1,580.6 megawatts on Wednesday.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Thursday, 10^th March 2016

#Awards: Transcorp named 2015 Hilton Brand Awards winner

Transcorp Hilton Abuja has emerged as 2015 Hilton Hotels and Resorts Brand Award winner. The hotel clinched the awards of 2015 Director of Sales, 2015 Sales team of the Year and 2015 Best Tactical Marketing Campaign for Middle East and Africa (MEA), awarded by Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 10^th March 2016

#ClimateChange: NIMET predicts less rainfall in 2016

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has predicted that most parts of the country will experience less than normal, delayed and early cessation of rainfall than previous years across most parts of the country.

Published by ThisDay Newspaper on Friday, 11^th March 2016

#Infrastructure: Multi-billion dollar deal to boost telecoms infrastructure

In a landmark achievement in the country’s mobile telecommunications industry, two infrastructure providers and competitors, HIS Holding Limited and Helios Towers Nigeria (HTN) Limited have agreed to merge their operations and form one company.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 11^th March, 2016

#Investment: FBNQuest creates diversification portfolio for investors

As part of its efforts to address the need for credible alternatives to invest in local and dollar denominated funds, the Asset Management business of FBNQuest (a part of the FBN Holdings Group), has launched two mutual funds – the FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund and the FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund.

Published by the Guardian Newspaper on Friday, 11^th March, 2016

CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 127

#Power: Power supply Drops to 2,665MW Due to Explosions, Gas Constraints

Inadequate supply of gas to the power station and explosions at transmission lines in the Lagos area and Jebba have resulted in a drop in electricity generation to 2,665MW.

It was gathered that with this development, the transmission company of Nigeria (TCN) has directed the 11 distribution companies (Discos) nationwide not to pick loads to avoid a system collapse.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 29th February, 2016

#Awards: BEDC Wins CBN’s Cashless Payment Award

Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc. (BEDC) has become the first electricity distribution company to emerge winner in the maiden edition of the Electronic Payment Initiatives Scheme (EPIS) Efficiency Award as it emerged the best Cashless Driver-Corporate Category.

Published in the Thisday Newspaper on Monday, 29th February, 2016

#Power: Four Inactive Power Plants Back On Stream

Four Independent Power Plants (IPPs), which belong to the government of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states but were partly inactive for a long time, have come back on stre3am and now generate a cumulative average of 96.04 megawatts (MW) of electricity into the national grid

Published in Thisday, the Sunday Newspaper on Sunday 28th February, 2016

#Health: UNICEF Raises Alarm Over High Rate Of Malnutrition In Gombe

United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that out of the 36 percent of children in Nigeria that are affected by malnutrition, statistics show that Gombe State has 50 percent, which is at dangerous stage with 8 percent rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Sunday, 28th February, 2016

#Philanthropy: Gusau Donates Books To Schools, Laments Quality Of Education

Former Minister of Defence, Retired General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau has donated 15000 volumes of books to different tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools in the country.

Gusau, who was represented by Dr Haroun Adamu at the presentation ceremony of the books to the beneficiary schoolks, held at Gusau Institute (GI), yesterday, said he hopes the books will strengthen teaching amd learning process, as well as help students to advance Nigeria’s growth and development.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Sunday, 28th February, 2016

#Oil: TROMPCON, NDDC TO Combat Oil Theft

Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities (TROMPCON) is to patner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to host a national conference that will assist in combating illegal oil bunkering and vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

Published in the Guardian Newspaper on Sunday, 28th February, 2016

#Oil: Nigeria’s population will hit one billion in 2099

Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday, warned that Nigeria’s population could rise to one billion people in 2099 and suggested a post crude oil strategic plan to save the nation from further economic crisis.

Onu said adverse effects of crashing price of oil in the international market calls for a post crude oil plan that will sustain the nation’s economy.

Published in the Daily Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, 1st March, 2016

#Minerals: Southwest states begins exploration of solid minerals

The six Southwest states have begun cooperation on exploration of solid minerals in the region. the states’ representatives gathered at the Cocoa House, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday to develop a model on how to explore the solid minerals in their states to generate revenue, create jobs and more wealth for the people.

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 2nd  March, 2016

#MoU: NERC, CPC sign MoU on metering

The Nigerian Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) yesterday sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that consumers get meters as prescribed in the service agreement electricity distribution companies (DisCos) had with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 2nd  March, 2016

#Power: Gombe community gets BOI, UNDP solar power

The Bank of Industry (BoI) in partnership wiuth the United Nations development Fund, (UNDP) has provided electricity for 200 homes through the national grid in Gombe State. Its Acting Managing Director, Waheed Olagunju said the 44 million naira rural electrification project is being financed by the bank and the UNDP.

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 2nd  March, 2016

#Health: Residents’ health our priority

To ensure high level of cleanliness, Executive secretary of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Toyin Caxton-Martins embarked on a campaign to eliminate rats, the cause of Lassa fever. She supervised the fumigation of the Police Officers’ Wives’ Association (POWA) market at Ijeh and Obalende in the Council area.

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 2nd  March, 2016

#Philanthropy: Foundation for Orphans launched

Former editor of The Guardian and Editorial board member Mr Banji Adisa and his wife have established a foundation called The Lord’s Kids Care Christian Foundation in Ogun State to take Orphans off the streets and give them a home and hope.

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 2nd  March, 2016

#Philanthropy: Atlanta partners NGO to assist IDPs

The City of Atlanta will partner Modupe Ozolua’s non-government organization (NGO), Empower54, to raise funds for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through its annual African Art Charity Gala. the Gala which holds next month in Atlanta, United States, will raise money to continue Emopower54’s establishment of schools in refugee camps and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.

Published in The Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, 2nd  March, 2016

#IndustryPulse: UBA named Uzoka GMD-designate

The United Bank of Africa (UBA) Group yesterday approved the appointment of Kennedy Uzoka as new Group Managing Director (GMD) with effect from August 1, 2016. He succeeds Philip Oduoza whose tenure exp[ires July 31. The new appointment is, however, subject to Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) approval.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#StakeholdersAction: Community gives oil firm 14-day ultimatum

Worried about what they described as blatant renege on earlier agreement, the Unyenge community of Mbo Local Council Area of Akwa Ibom State, has given Universal Energy Resources Limited a 14-day ultimatum to quit its land or risk the wrath of the community.

According to the community, the ultimatum became necessary following the company’s breach of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into with the community.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Energy: Energy dominates Nigeria’s $3.2b merger, acquisition deals in 2015

Notwithstanding the dwindling crude oil prices, the energy, mining and utilities sectors championed the merger and acquisitions (M&A) deals in 2015, with about 28 percent share of the $3.2 billion deals.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Oil: Nation’s crude oil production to decline by 70000bpd

The International Energy Administration (IEA) expected Nigeria’s oil production to decline by 70000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2021 to 1.85 million bpd due to reduction in investment in the country’s deepwater projects and oil theft and pipeline sabotage in the Niger Delta continues unabated. the IEA, which made this disclosure in its energy outlook released recently, stated that African crude oil exports will fall by 600000 bpd over the next six years as production from its biggest producers slips and rising regional refinery activity absorbs more domestic output.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#SDGs: Samsung restates commitment to Africa

Samsung Electronics Africa has restated its commitment to the continent with focus on helping the region achieve its Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at the 2016 Samsung Africa Forum, in Monaco, Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs Manager, Abey Tau, said: “As a global citizen, we felt it was important to use our technology to give back to society. We do this in four ways: by creating new learning opportunities so that young people can enjoy access to better education; by using our technical expertise to develop and provide access to new healthcare solutions; by supporting youth employment through vocational training and skills development and by reducing our impact on the environment.”

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Energy: Lagos oil field faces setback, as firms sell stake

There were indications that the Aje oil field offshore Lagos may face further delay in its first production programme for March this year, as one of the stake holders, MX Oil Plc has reached an agreement to sell its investment in the field to GEC Petroleum Development Company Limited (GPDC)for a total consideration of about $18million.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Energy: OPEC’s oil, gas investment may drop to $320b this year

The International Energy Administration (IEA) expects oil and gas investment in Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to drop from $1.2 trillion it recorded in 1012 to $320 billion in 2016.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Energy: Govt earns 1.4tr from petroleum tax, royalties

Nigeria earned N1.393 trillion from Petroleum Profit Tax, PPT, and royalties in 2015, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, reports which did not include figures for the month of December. the CBN, in its Economic Report for November 2015, stated that besides PPT and royalties, Nigeria earned N822.2 billion from crude oil and gas exports, N1.24 trillion from domestic crude oil and gas sales and N91.7 billion from other sources in the petroleum sector from January to November 2015.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Power: Govt sees potential in waste-to-power initiatives, demands more research

The federal government has called for more research to be carried out on the best way to convert waste materials to improve power supply. The Minister of States for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, who made a call recently while receiving the Vice Chancellor and members of the governing council of the University of Maiduguri, disclosed that the waste-to-wealth programme can greatly improve power supply in the country if properly implemented.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Energy: Govt receives N28bn from sale of domestic gas

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, says the government received N28.262 billion from the domestic sale of gas in 2015. Specifically, the NNPC, in its Monthly Financial and Operational report for December 2015, also disclosed that the country earned N987.54 billion from domestic crude oil sales in 2015, N3.635 billion other receipts, bringing total domestic sales proceeds to N1.02 trillion.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#Energy: Maersk, Qatargas seal partnership on LNG project

The world’s largest LNG exporter, Qatargas has signed a technical collaboration agreement with the Maersk Group to explore opportunities related to the use of LNG marine propulsion. Maritime executive news reported that Qatargas and the Maersk group have been exploring opportunities for collaboration related to LNG marine propulsion technology for the last two years.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesday, 02 March 2016

#CSR: UBA Foundation launches Read Africa initiative

UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa Plc, has called on students to take critical interests in developing their reading habits to improve their vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of events around them. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Ijeoma Aso, made the call while launching the 2016 edition of the Read Africa Initiative.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday 1st March, 2016

#CSR: OIIE disburses N50m to start-ups

The Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a subsidiary of the National Information Technology Development Agency, gave N50 million grant to tech-driven start-ups in the country in 2015. The National Coordinator of OIIE, Bunmi Okunowo, disclosed this at the maiden edition of ‘StartUP Friday’ at the OIIE office in Abuja.

Published by the Punch Newspaper on Tuesday 1st March, 2016

#Health: Ogun plans mobile clinic in rural communities

The Ogun state government has commenced plans to inaugurate mobile clinic services for rural communities   in the state. According to a statement on Wednesday, the initiative is to bring health care service delivery closer to the people.

The statement said the commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, made the disclosure at a ceremony to mark the end of February 2016 Immunization Plus programme in the Ifo Local Government Area of the State.

Published by The Punch Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Stocks: NSE- Stocks hit seven-week high

Stock performance on the floor of theNigeria Stock exchange on Wednesday rose to a seven-week highafter a total of twenty one (21) stocks closed on positive notes.

The NSE market capitalization rose to N8.736tn from N8.544tn, while all the share index stood at 25,396.83 basis points from 24,838.31 recorded the previous day.

Published by The Punch Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Economy #Currency:  Naira gains 6%, sells for 310 against dollar

The naira gained six percent against the United States dollar at the parallel market on Wednesday closing at 30 against the greenback, foreign exchange dealers said.

Published by The Punch Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Education #Empowerment: LADOL technical training school to begin in December

The Managing Director, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base, Amy Jadesimi, has said the training school being established by the company will take off in December this year. She said this while receiving a delegation from the National Petroleum Investment Management Services at the base in Lagos.

Published by The Punch Newspaper on Thursday 3rd March 2016

#Energy: Nigeria loses $21bn oil investment, faces stiff competition

The Nigerian oil and gas industry, which saw a decline of about twenty one billion dollars ($21bn) in capital investment in 2015, needs to be repositioned to be able to compete globally for shrinking investment occasioned by the sharp drop in oil prices.

Published by The Punch Newspaper on Thursday 3rd March 2016

#StakeholdersAction: Shell in fresh battle over Nigeria oil spill

Oil giant, Royal Dutch Shell, is facing fresh environmental claims in the London High Court from two Nigerian communities who alleged that they had suffered from repeated large scale oil spills from the company’s pipeline in the Niger Delta.

Published by The Punch Newspaper on Thursday 3rd March 2016

#Energy: US crude export threatens Nigeria, Others

Crude oil from Nigeria and other West African countries are being displaced by United States’ crudes, Light Louisiana Sweet and MEH, which represents WTI Midland crude at the Megellan East Houston Terminal.

Published by The Punch Newspaper on Thursday 3rd March 2016

#Education: Jigawa awards N1bn contract for school renovation

The Jigawa state government has awarded contract for the construction and renovation of classrooms in 223 primary and junior secondary schools in the state at the cost of over N1billion, the chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Salisu Zakari, has said.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Tax: Oil swap-2 companies owe $651m tax

Two oil companies, Transfigura and Duke Oil, owed the Nigerian Government taxes to the tune of $651 million in four years, it was revealed yesterday.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Health: NEMA treats 137 children of measles at Zamfara IDPs Camp

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) has treated  137 children of measles at the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gusau, the capital Zamfara State.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Training #Education: USAID trains 2 million households, partners Bauchi on education

At least two million Nigerian households have been trained by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in various farming methods to increase productivity in farming and scaling up small time farmers to become commercial level farmers.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Economy #Trade: Nigeria, Turkey trade volume hits $1.1bn

The total trade volume of Nigeria and Turkey is currently at $1.145 billion, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has disclosed. Erdogan disclosed this at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday during a joint press conference with his host, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Power:  Power drop caused by gas pipeline maintenance-TCN

The transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said the average electricity grid, last week, of 3,755 megawatts (MW) was caused by scheduled maintenance on pipelines supplying gas to the power generating stations. A statement issued by the Assistant General Manager, Public affairs, clement Ezeolisah, said power generation has now improved, reaching over 4200MW daily average.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Agric: Researchers develop new wheat variety… to save Nigeria $4.6bn annually

Nigerian researchers and their partners from Tunisia and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture have developed a new wheat variety suitable for cultivation in Nigeria.

Unveiling the new wheat variety called Atila gan Atila on Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said 100000 hectares of the crop has been cultivated across the states in the North.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Education #MoU: Jigawa, Malaysia universities sign agreement

Sule Lamido Uni9versity (SLU), Kafin Hausa, Jigawa state and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia, will work together to develop their capacities in the fields of academics and research.

This followed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the SLU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, and the President, UMK, Professor Mortaza bin Mohamed who led a delegation from his university on an academic visit to SLU, Kafin Hausa.

Published by the Daily Trust Newspaper on Thursday 3^rd March 2016

#Empowerment:  CBN, Abia Govt  sign pact on creation of entrepreneurship centre in Southeast

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ant the Abia State Government have signed a tripartite agreement on the establishment of  the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) for the Southeast Zone of the country.

Abia state had outclassed other sister states to win the bid for the EDC to be established on its soil, a remarkable feat for the present administrationof Governor, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Published by the THISDAY Newspaper on Friday 4th March 2016

#CSR:Aiki Nigeria takes basic ICT to Ogbomosho

As part of developing young people’s skills through technology, Aiki Nigeria continued its training on basic ICT as it held a Basic ICT training at the prestigious Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho recently.

Published by the THISDAY Newspaper on Friday 4th March 2016

#Economy #Partnership: Govt reiterates  support for NESG’s effort to grow economy

Minister of Budget and National Planning, senator Udoma Udo Udoma has reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to maintain partnership with t6he Nigegerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and other private sector stakeholders to develop the nation’s economy.

Published in the Guardian newspaper on Friday 4th March 2016