STANDARD CHARTERED EMPLOYEES TO RAISE $720,000

Employees of Standard Chartered Bank Limited have pledged their last hour’s pay of 2011 to raise $720,000 for the bank’s programme to tackle preventive blindness, titled, “Seeing is Believing.”

A statement by the bank on Friday said the latest fundraising initiative would help Standard Chartered meet its target of raising $100m by 2020 to improve access to eye-care across its markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. “Seeing is Believing” was initiated by Standard Chartered employees in 2003 as a way of celebrating the bank’s 150th anniversary.

Over the years, employees have shown a deep commitment to fundraising for the programme, contributing around 70 per cent of the fundraising. As a result, Seeing is Believing has become the group’s flagship fundraising programme, raising $37m so far.

The Group Finance Director, Standard Chartered, Mr. Richard Meddings, said, “Seeing is Believing continues to grow, increasing access to eye-care for millions around the world. This success is driven by the generosity of our employees, customers and suppliers. Thanks to individual staff members who have chosen to donate their last hour’s pay for 2011; we are a step closer to our commitment to raise $100m by 2020. While the financial figure is impressive, the impact will be much greater by providing access to eye treatment or surgeries, we’re transforming people’s lives.”

According to the statement, the majority of avoidable blindness, which is 90 per cent of cases, occurs in the developing world, affecting economic productivity in communities where the bank operates.

Meddings, who is also the chairman of the initiative, said providing eye-care, treatment and surgeries for affected population enabled individuals to regain their sight and, as a result, were able to work or study or take better care of their families.

He stated that cataract operations cost an average of $30, adding that, tackling preventable blindness was identified as a worthwhile focus for the Standard Chartered fund raising activity.

The statement said, “Seeing is Believing has provided access to eye-care services to more than 25 million people since it was inaugurated in 2003.”

***Published in Punch Newspaper on 26^th Jan. 2012

21ST CENTURY TECH GETS KUDOS ON CSR

Leading fixed telephone operator and integrated information and communications technology solutions provider, 21st Century Technologies Limited, has been awash with commendations from government and organistions on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) over the years. A press statement made available to ITRealms Online cited the recent recognition by the Lagos State Government to 21st Century Technologies on CSR.

The Lagos State Executive Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) was quoted as saying that the firm has proved in its investment pattern as well as job implementations to be a truly socially responsible company, which warranted the award.

The award was received by the Chief Executive of 21st Century Technologies, Mr. Wale Ajisebutu, who expressed appreciation to Lagos State Government and particularly, the governor, for the people-oriented projects being implemented in the state.

Still in the euphoria of this, 21st Century Technologies recently received a certificate of appreciation from Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria. According to the bank the telecommunications giant was being appreciated “in recognition of her supportive role as a valued service provider to Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria over the past 10 years.”

The certificate was endorsed by the Group Head, Procurement and Vendor Management, Mr. James Berry and Country Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christopher Knight. Reacting to the certificate of appreciation, Mr. Ajisebutu, acknowledged the fact that Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has proved to be a responsible and responsive corporate giant in the banking industry in the country.

In addition, the Lekki Peninsula Phase 1 Residents Association, eulogized 21st Century Technolgies “in recognition, acknowledgement and appreciation of the company’s contributions towards the development of Lekki Peninsula Phase 1, Lagos.”

In a letter made available to newsmen in Lagos, the chairman of the association, Chief Kayode V. Aderinoku, noted that the company among others acted on corporate social responsibility, rehabilitation of streetlights on Admiralty Way, and maintained the streetlights for a long time.

ITRealms Online recalls that these commendations and recognition came even as 21st Centur y Technologies grabbed the Best Integrated ICT Solutions Provider of the Year award at the eighth edition of NITTA 2009.

***Published in Daily Champion Newspaper on 12^th Jan. 2010

Nigerian CSR industry worth N50B in direct investment - Onuk

Mrs. Ini-Abasi Laura Onuk, a corporate social responsibility and sustainability analyst spoke with Senior Correspondent, Goddie Ofose on the impact of CSR on businesses, the worth of the industry and different between CSR and corporate philanthropy as being brandish as CSR by several organisations. She also pointed out the roles of non-governmental organisations, government and corporate organisation in executing CSR projects and programmes. 

Let’s get to meet you madam

Ini Onuk is the Lead Consultant/Chief Executive Officer of ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited (TPC). I am 2008 Draper Hills Fellow on Democracy and Development at Stanford University California and an alumna of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program. I hold a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Masters degree in Management. A facilitator/management trainer, I’m also an international consultant on Gender, Peace-building, Peace and Security & Governance.

Prior to setting up ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited, I have served as the Executive Secretary of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), and the Executive Director, Defence for

Children International – Nigeria Section, an international, independent, non-governmental organization upon my return to Nigeria and currently sits on its Board as a Trustee.

Leading impact and needs assessment projects for civil society organisations within West Africa and beyond, I’ve completed a training module on “Children and Armed Conflicts in West Africa”, in collaboration with the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) situated in Ghana which has became a major reference material on similar issues across the continent. As a former consultant with the Women, Gender and Development Directorate of the African Union and the African Centre for Gender & Development within the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), I have been instrumental in developing several management and development tools that build the capacity of ordinary Africans.

I refer to myself as a multi-talented team player, management consultant, researcher, lecturer and trainer; I still consult on issues of business development, corporate governance, organizational development, leadership, mentoring, corporate social responsibility and serves

as a Volunteer Trainer with Fate Foundation. Owing to my well-rounded experiences, sit on Boards of various organisations and currently serve as the Vice Chairperson, Social Enterprise and Reporting Awards, SERAs.

What is your assessment of corporate social responsibility and sustainability industry in Nigeria in the outgoing year?

Generally, we didn’t see a lot that was different in 2011 aside an increase in the apostles of the ‘CSR Gospel’;  more organisations claiming to be socially responsible as well as many other professionals, consultants and advocates in an emerging industry. This, for me, showed that the concept is fast gaining grounds even though acceptance and compliance are still afar off. What I would record were highlights are a major attempt to elevate the discourse of CSR across the African continent through the AR-CSR™ (Africa CEO Roundtable & Conference on CSR), the launch of a journal on sustainability in Africa (CSR Files™) and a focus on CSR at the biggest Public-Private Platform in Nigeria – the NESG Summit 17 with the launch of a compendium on CSR activities. In addition, some regulars took place – the SERA Awards and pockets of trainings here and there including one that ThistlePraxis organised, the ECSRRMP towards the end of the year. The UN HDI Report didn’t favour Nigeria and many other Sub-Saharan countries, so I will say it was a good year but better still needs to be done about CSR and Sustainability.

Which area of the economy would you say organisations have focused on in 2011 and why?

I would say Education, Economic empowerment/poverty alleviation stood out as focus areas. We also saw a number of community interventions focused on provision of water and other social amenities through corporate social investments in many parts of the country. However, I cannot answer 'why', as I do not consult for these organisations, but I can attempt to espouse their intentions. These are gaping needs that need to be met and since CSR is still mostly practised as an ad-hoc and charity activity, those initiatives featured a lot in the news.

There is so much confusion on what CSR really means to business and brands, is it another business or marketing tool or platform where more money are being siphoned by organisations' employees or what?

Again, Goddie; I will point out that sadly, CSR remains an ad-hoc and somewhat external activity to many organisations. This is why we are not developing the practice and implementing the tactics as we should in Nigeria and many other parts of Africa. For as long as the executives, relevant public officials and civil society groups do not understand or fail to embrace the many dimensions of CSR; core philanthropic/charity activities and projects will dominate. For CSR to make sense, it must be part of your business strategy, which is how you do business. It must not be related to only when the business makes profit.

How does it (CSR) impact businesses?

Corporate Social Responsibility impacts businesses in a number of ways. Some of which are: increasing their bottom line, employee motivation and productivity, Brand experience and direct reach to intended targets, sustainability inputs to ensure survival and longetivity of the business entity amongst many other benefits. And these are not abstracts; they have been tested, trusted and proven over and over again. A well thought-out CSR initiative will help cut costs, make the program more effective and through positive feedback, will result in gains in all sectors. Acknowledging and addressing all the key impacts of your business will bring credibility and reduce “green washing”. This in turn increases brand value and economic gains, thus reinforcing the positive cycle.

Organisations are now preaching holistic CSR approach, is there any company in Nigeria practicing this? But what does holistic CSR approach mean?

Holistic CSR is interplay between a well defined corporate social responsibility framework and change management. It means the integration of social responsibility and corporate practices. A holistic approach must include the three cores which are social, economic and environmental sustainability. By merely greening your supply chain or providing better packaging of your brand and services, you have not met the requirements of a holistic CSR program. It’s a good start, but to truly make a difference, the business core needs to be sustainable.

What are the roles of NGOs, government and corporate bodies in executing CSR projects and programmes?

Again, I will caution the use of the word ‘execution’ and this is because, execution is the third part of the process. There is the drafting, integrating into business models and operations before execution surfaces. Government as always provides the enabling environment through sustainable policies and focus as a regulatory arm of the chain. I believe the NGOs are the implementing partners for philanthropy and social investment collaborations. As for the corporate entities, I would advise they should be responsible for driving the economic agenda by becoming a pressure group for change – and holding the government accountable to policy thrust in the face of her abandoned responsibilities.

CSR and PR, what does the former starts and later ends?

Companies, who do not understand that CSR is about business sustainability and integrity as much as it is about social programs, often make the mistake of making CSR a marketing or PR

program/problem. By doing so they essentially “green-wash” their company. In my opinion, PR should lightly handle CSR initiatives until the CSR program has momentum and there is something to actually celebrate and brag about. Celebrating decency and expected behaviour is not good PR on CSR. It is artificial and could cause more harm than good. PR should let the public know that there is a CSR program, that there will be a report, and what some of the programs are that are under development, or highlight ongoing/historical CSR efforts.

CSR is about smart business practices. It is about constant improvement and integrity. PR is about reporting on the events as they occur or showcasing a history of events and trending. The danger is when the showcasing precedes the actual work.

Distinguish between CSR and corporate giving

The difference between CSR and Corporate is that while Corporate giving consists of mainly donations and charity, CSR involves a more involved approach of ongoing community involvement. Corporate philanthropy is often a component of a corporation’s broader social

responsibility and includes cash gifts, product donations and employee volunteerism. So in fact, Corporate Philanthropy is one component of CSR

Does lack of adequate legislation hinder the propagation of CSR in Nigeria?

Whilst I am an advocate for regulation, I do not think a law is what we need. I believe a National Agenda that seeks to regulate the CSR activities and claims of organizations would best suit the Nigerian environment because there’s a lack of trust between the government and the people. Therefore, if an agenda is put in place, it should serve as a guide for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and existing corporations in Nigeria to ensure that certain standards are adhered to and nothing below a particular, stipulated quality would be acceptable in Nigeria. Organisations who do not comply will not be permitted to operate.

As an expert, do you think allocation of a particular percentage of company's profit to CSR would solve the problem?

It is not about the amount and will never be about the amount so much as the policy that guides the amount invested. A company can allocate a sizeable amount of her profits ‘to CSR’ but not achieve any impact or even practise CSR as should be done. We always concentrate on the amount doled out and forget the process, the strategy and the expected impact that drives the intention. Before an organisation goes out to the media to recant their investments in billions of naira, I would want to ask what policy drives this investment in the first place and also, what differentiates their investment from corporate philanthropy.

Throw stones: which companies involve in CSR and which is not?

I am afraid I cannot as this would entail proper comparisons – sector by sector – and then additional details on their business models and initiatives to explain why what they practise is not CSR.

What is the estimate of the industry in its ideal state in Nigeria?

The industry is pretty large in monetary investments/expenditure – but from our last estimation and research, we should be close to about – N50 Billion in direct investment on CSR. Some sources say it is about twice that amount. However, the ROI on these investments are almost non-existent in real terms of business and social impacts if we are to develop indicators to measure them. The industry may not be termed an industry as the parameters that define a profession and industry are yet to be established or put in place in Nigeria.

What should we look forward to in 2012 particularly in CSR industry?

I would expect to see more improved strategic policies where they exist and the drafting and institutionalizing of new ones for many other organisations. A direct result of this development would be more professional execution and reporting of CSR activities, an increase in detailed and proper sustainability reports and of course, case studies of more organisations who have grown their businesses and increased their bottom lines as a result of becoming truly socially responsible.

ThistlePraxis Consulting will continue to foster discussions amongst key players in the industry in Nigeria and beyond, through the AR-CSR™ scheduled to hold in June 2012. We will invest in training more media professionals to enhance reportage and also facilitate high-level policy engagements through public/private policy dialogues via  Sustainable Conversations™ - our Thought Leadership Breakfast Series – as well as other projects in the pipeline.

*** Published in Daily Independent Newspaper on 21^st Jan. 2012

The Many Benevolent Words of Ini Onuk… the watch repairer’s daughter

The aphorism ‘what a man can do, a woman can do better’ best captures the story of Ini-Abasi Laura Onuk, the Lead Consultant/CEO of ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited (TPC), a firm engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and management consultancy with commitment to helping organisations cope with the evolving demands of CSR and other management concerns.

Like a typical chief executive, she, the afternoon we met, was seated on a leather sofa colourful and tastefully furnished office, busy examining letters and other documents that needed her endorsement for further actions.

A 2008 Draper Hills Fellow on Democracy and Development, Stanford University California and alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Programme, Laura, as she is called by friends, while at Stanford, led a research team that assessed the Silicon Valley’s CSR projects with visits to Google, Hewlett Packard, Facebook and the San Francisco Bay municipality.

Prior to setting up ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited, she served as the Executive Secretary of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), a not-for-profit organisation established in 2001 as a platform for increasing the success rate of female entrepreneurs as well as growing the proportion of women in senior management positions in corporate organisations. She had earlier served as the Executive Director, Defence for Children International — Nigeria Section — an international independent, non-governmental organisation upon her return to Nigeria and currently sits on its Board as a Trustee.

The proudly Ibibio native and daughter of a watch repairer had conducted training modules on ‘Children and Armed Conflicts’ in West Africa, a collaboration with the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Ghana, which has become a major reference material on similar issues across the continent.

ASKED why she is so keen about corporate social responsibility particularly in Nigeria and Africa, the Think Tank member of the African Business Women Network under the aegis of the Vital Voices Global Partnership, says, “around the world, there are CSR Global, CSR Europe and CSR International, where major and emerging trends in CSR are discussed. The world has moved from corporate social responsibility (CSR) to Corporate Social Sustainability (CSS) and green revolution.

But in Nigeria, we don’t understand the issue of climate change and this is affecting us as a country. I believe organisations can achieve sustainable growth when they integrate their corporate values with well-rounded policies that consist of good governance, business ethics, human capital management and community engagement.”

Could this be the reason her organisation (ThistlePraxis) convened the Africa Roundtable Corporate Social Responsibility forum tagged AR-CSR 2011?

She says,”we must not wait for the government to provide everything for us; we are also government and we must learn to provide some basic needs of the society. There is this local mantra that states, ‘If the right hand washes the left, both hands will be made clean’.”

According to her, “if as business organisations, we join forces with the government, our society will be made better rather than complain about bad roads, poor electricity supply, poor healthcare facilities, dilapidated and unequipped schools and among other issues.”

She adds, “as individuals, we should begin to ask ourselves what is our CSR to Nigeria? Yes, we were known to be patriotic but we lost our patriotism, which was our pride, when we began looking unto government to do everything.”

The Africa CEO Roundtable & Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (AR-CSR) with the theme, ‘The Business Case for CSR and its Impact on African Economies’ was a forum that brought international experts from within the continent and beyond for experience sharing as well as methodological discussions.

It is a foremost industry flagship event that attracted the crème of Africa’s leading figures and decision makers who spark-off conversations and discussions about corporate social responsibility practices in Africa.

The conference held at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, and was an opportunity for companies doing business in Nigeria to understand what CSR and CSS are and begin to practice it.

The keynote address was delivered by Mary Robinson (First Female President of Ireland & former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights), while Prof. N. Craig Smith (INSEAD Chaired and Professor of Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility) lead the speakers and experts across the globe. And Laura was at on the driving seat of the forum says:   ”Business entities and organisations in Nigeria and Africa must and should incorporate CSR and CSS into their business strategy and create a budget for it at the start of every business year.”

*** Published in The Nigeria Daily.com on Sunday, January 8th, 2012.

CSR NEW SUMMARY ISSUE 6

STANDARD CHARTERED EMPLOYEES RAISE $720,000 FOR CHARITY

Standard Chartered employees have initiated a $720,000 fundraising targeted at improving eye care across its markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East by 2020. the initiative, tagged ‘Seeing is believing’, was initiated by Standard Chartered employees in 2003 as a way of celebrating the bank’s 150^th anniversary.

Over the years, employees have shown a deep commitment to fundraising for the programme, contributing around 70 percent of the fund-raising. As a result, ‘Seeing is believing’ has become the group’s flagship fundraising programme, raising $37 million so far.

Published in Business Day Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th Jan. 2012

BUSINESSDAY READERS DONATE N4.6M TO LESS PRIVILEDGE IN 2011

Esteemed readers of BusinessDay Newspaper donated about N4, 587,931 to the less priviledged between February 2011 and January 2012. Apart from N130,000 donated as cash, the remaining funds were lodged by the donors in Dollar-A-Day Account opened specifically to receive donations on behave of the beneficiaries.

About 72 individuals with at least 300 dependants benefitted from these funds in 2011, bringing the number of individuals that have benefited from the Dollar-A-Day to almost 200 since it was launched in January 2010. As part of its objective of promoting enterprise, BusinessDay, two years ago, came up with the idea of featuring hardworking Nigerians in the lower income cadre, in their struggle to make ends meet.

Published in Business Day Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th Jan. 2012

AMUWO-ODOFIN EMPOWERS THE ACTIVE POOR

About 23 individuals referred to as the economically active poor, have received a lifeline from Amuwo Odofin Local Government. The benefits came to the people at the recent flag – off of the Amuwo – Odofin Micro Credit Scheme, held at the LG Secretariat.

The scheme, which is aimed at providing easy access to soft loan facilities to petty traders, attracts 1.5 percent interest payable over a six month period, and it attracts no collateral. The local government also got support from Bola Ahmed Tinubu Outreach Foundation to take care of the poor.

Published in Business Day Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th Jan. 2012

FG TARGETS ONE MILLION JOBS THROUGH TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said the Federal Government will invest in technical and vocational education to create about one million jobs. He said the government was more committed to empowering the growing population of unemployed Nigerian youths to enable them to meaningfully to national development.

The Principal of Highbury College, Stella Mbubaegbu, said that the school would avail Nigeria of its expertise in creating a skill base to create jobs. According to her, trades like carpentry, automobile, repairs, painting, hair dressing, ship making and web designs can help in creating job for a high percentage of Nigerian Youths.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th Jan. 2012

CANADA PLEDGES ASSISTANCE FOR EDUCATION

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chris Cooter, has decried the huge gap between the demands of Nigeria’s growing economic and the ability of its workforce to meet this demand. Cooter pointed out that the kind of education on offer in Canadian Schools had an international dimension and would be found suitable for the Nigerian situation.

The envoy said Nigerians shouldn’t be crying out about growing unemployment while companies I Nigeria continued to spread to developing countries for skilled manpower.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th Jan. 2012

NIGERIA RANKS THIRD ON AFRICAN TWEETING INDEX

Nigeria has ranked third on the African tweeting index, How Africa Tweets, a new research released on Friday revealed. In the first ever attempt to comprehensively map the use of Twitter in Africa. Portland Communications and Tweetminster analysed over 11.5 million geolocated Tweets originating on the continent during the last three months of 2011.

The research also found out that Twitter in Africa was widely used for social conversation, with 81 per cent of those polled saying that they mainly used it for communicating with friends. The research said, “Twitter is becoming an important source of information in Africa. 68 per cent of those polled said they use Twitter to monitor news. 22 percent use it search for employment opportunities.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th Jan. 2012

CONSUMER COUNCIL BACKS ELECTRONIC DRAW

The Consumer Protection Council has backed the adoption of electronic draws during promos saying it enhances transparency. The Head, Product Marketing, Samsung Mobile, Jude Omozegie, said the draw reinforced Samsung Mobile’s endearing commitment to rewarding consumers for their patronage.

According to him, 50 winners have become proud owners of Samsung 32’’ LCD TV, 75 people also are automatic owners of Samsung solar powered net books in addition to 150 others who have won Samsung DVDs players

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday,30^th Jan. 2012

WORLD BANK SEES CARBON FINANCE ROLE FOR YEARS

The World Bank's carbon finance initiatives will likely be needed for at least five years, as the United Nations struggles to create a self-sufficient, international carbon market, the manager of the bank's carbon finance unit told Reuters. Negotiators at December's U.N. climate talks in South Africa agreed to extend the 1997 Kyoto Protocol - the only global pact enforcing carbon cuts on developed nations - for at least five years beyond its first commitment period at the end of 2012.

But the uncertainty over how Kyoto's existing market-based mechanisms should or could be included in a future pact that includes all major emitters means the World Bank is years away from ending its development role for carbon finance.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 30^th Jan. 2012

FG, ONDO STATE SIGN MoU ON CASSAVA PRODUCTION

As part of the measures to boost Federal Government Programme on production of high quality cassava, the Ministry of Agricultre has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ondo State Government in order to boost its value – chain to cassava production.

The partnership agreement took place during a courtesy visit by the state Governor, Olusegun Mimiko to the minister at the weekend in Abuja. He affirmed that the Federal Government would be partnering with states on a particular value – chain to turn cassava into money making crops for farmers. He said the government would take advantage of the comparative advantage that Ondo State has in the production of the crop production.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Tuesday, 31^st Jan. 2012

UTC NIGERIA COMMISSIONS FOOD COURT IN LAGOS

UTC Nigeria Plc, at the weekend, opened a N100 million confectioneries and meat outlet at Victoria Island, lagos. The food court was the second of such outlets designed to sell indigenously processed foods. Explaining the new concept, UTC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Folusho Olaniyan said that the indigenous company was bringing its manufacturing arm that produces confectioneries and processed meat closer to the consumers through the sale shops and café.

Corporate Affairs Manager, Olotu Ibru said “we want to increase people, who would belong to the healthy food brigade. Because if you heat healthy, productivity improves in the country generally and at the same time the mortality rate drops with a healthy population. This retail harm is going to sell confectionery, meat and then healthy lifestyle.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Tuesday, 31^st Jan. 2012

SOVEREIGN TRUST PARTNERS FIRM ON MEDICAL TRAVEL

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc said it is partnering a London-based underwriting firm to provide adequate medical travel insurance cover for travellers. It said the product is designed to provide cover for an intending traveller for a period of time while the individual is away from his / her home or business to a foreign country.

Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management, Mr Segun Bankole said, the company is poised to delight Nigerian travellers with its own brand of medical travel insurance that has fully taken off.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 1^st Feb. 2012

FREE HEALTH CARE FOR THE NEEDY

For two days nursing mothers, their babies and children trooped to a primary school in Bare, a village about 15 minutes drive from Ibadan, Oyo State, to receive free health care. The event was organised by Aramed Medical Centre Special Free Clinic owned by Chief Bode Akindele.

Assisted by some medical doctors from Nigeria Baptist, Ogbomoso, Professor Slusher gave treatment to the children under ages 0 – 5 who came with different health challenges ranging from malnutrition, malaria to infections of the chest and lungs.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 1^st Feb. 2012

NGO PROFFERS SOLUTION TO CHANGE CLIMATE CHANGE

To address the challenge of climate change, a non governmental organisation, Water Safety Initiative Foundation, has stressed the need for the government to adhere to Kyoto Protocol of 1997. The organisation said this would help to address the problems of intense flash – flooding, landslides, gully erosions ea level rise, heat wave and other changes in weather variations which are currently causing green house and depletion of ozone layer.

Addressing newsmen in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital, the Country Director of the organisation, Victor Matthew, stated that these and other problems have predisposed the earth and the entire humanity into one huge, vulnerable victim.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 1^st Feb. 2012

CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY IMPROVES COMMUNITY’S ECONOMY

The bank, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Mines and a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has conducted assessment visits to the community and decided to assist the society to establish a quarry worth over N16m. According to Agashi, when the Director-General of the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, commenced the renovation of the primary school he had attended, he bought granite from the society.

The patronage, he said, coupled with subsequent ones from the state government which used granite in the renovation of primary schools in Makurdi, Ukum, Guma and Logo local government areas enabled the society to pay the counterpart fund of close to N6m.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 1^st Feb. 2012

FED GOVT TO TAKE ALMAJIRIS OFF THE STREETS

Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike has unveiled the Federal Government’s plans to tackle the Almajiri problem in the North. Wike said this challenge would be tackled through giving them basic education. The minister said classrooms would be built for the Almajiri.

He also said the ministry also plans to develop facilities for girl-child education in the North and out-of-school boy-child in the Southeast and the improve facilities for nomadic education for the children of Fulani herdsmen and those of the itinerant fishermen in the Southsouth. Wike, at a meeting with all the directors and executive secretaries superintending basic education in the country, including principals of Federal Unity Colleges, said there was need for a feasible time-table to drive basic education.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 1^st Feb. 2012

CORPS MEMBERS TO SERVE AS PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICERS IN RURAL AREAS

The Federal Ministry of Health is to partner with the ministry of youth development to advance public health care in the rural areas. Minister of Health Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu who said this in Abuja when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi explained that the potentials in the NYSC scheme is the major target of the partnership.

Chukwu said that NYSC have a role to play in the realization of MDGs 4,5 and 6 by 2015 which affects the health ministry directly.

Published in The Compass Newspaper, on Thursday, 2^nd Feb. 2012

BAYELSA COMMUNITIES LAUD CHEVRON OVER RELIEF MATERIALS

Community leaders in Bayelsa State under the auspices of the Nigeria National Petroleum Commission (NNPC) and Chevron’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) have commended the efforts of the company in providing relief materials and gift items to the people in appreciation of their assistance during the gas rig fire incident that occurred in an offshore location. The Chairmen of “Keffes and Dodo River Regional Development Committees under the GMOU, Messrs Christopher Tuodor and Berry Negresse gave the commendation  in Yenagoa during the inspection and receipt of food items provided by the company for the communities.

According to them, the gesture by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture was indicative of the company’s social responsibility and sensitivity to the needs of the people adding that “this will go a long way to further strengthen the cordial relationship the company has with the communities”.

Published in The Nigeria Tribune  Newspaper, on Thursday, 2^nd  Feb. 2012

   EDUCATION: OSUN TO SPEND N30BN ON INFRASTRUCTURE

The Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has inaugurated a 10-man committee saddled with the responsibility of development of infrastructure for public primary and secondary schools in the state with a budget of N30 billion. Giving reason for the setting up of the committee, the governor said the target of his administration was to turn around the educational sector in the state beyond what was achieved during the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He expressed regrets that school buildings erected during the premiership tenure of Chief Awolowo had begun to crumble, due to what he referred to as a long time neglect. Aregbesola stressed that his administration was determined to rebuild the schools, in view of the debilitation of infrastructural facilities in public schools across the state.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Thursday, 2^nd Feb. 2012

LAGOS REMEMBERS VICTIMS OF IKEJA CANTONMENT BOMB BLASTS

Respite may come the way of the January 27, 2002 Ikeja military cantonment bomb blast victims as the Lagos State government is set to dole out relief materials worth millions of naira to them tomorrow. The state government also said that children of the victims would be given scholarship. Among the people to benefit from the gesture are the divers who participated in the rescue operation of the victims from Oke-Afa canal.

Addressing journalists at the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, said the government is embarking on the gesture on compassionate ground. Ahmed said the divers would be given formal training. He said:”Ever since the incidence, the state has continually been doing something in the lives of the affected victims and people of Oke-Afa community. “This commemoration will be the tenth memorial, and we are building a commemorative wall listing names of people we could identify to serve as something in their memory. “Children who lost parent will be given scholarship to ensure that they are not disadvantaged educationally as a result of the incident. “All we have done and we are still doing does not mean we are responsible for the unfortunate incident and that we are giving compensation.”

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 2^nd Feb. 2012

PATHS2, PARTNERS SET PATH TO CHEAP ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS IN LAGOS, 4 OTHERS

The dream of access to cheap anti-malaria drugs in Nigeria is about to come true at long last.  This development is being facilitated by the Partnership for Transforming Health Systems, PATHS2, a United Kingdom Department for International Development, DFID funded project.

The initiative to provide improvement in the treatment of malaria at reduced costs is being undertaken  in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, CHAI, the Federal Ministry of Health and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in the country, through the Affordable Medicines Facility for malaria, AMFm, initiative.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Thursday, 2^nd Feb. 2012

FIGHTING PNEUMONIA IN COMMUNITIES TO FAST TRACK MDG4

At a two day conference organised by the Paediatric Association of Nigeria held at the Conference Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile – Ife, Osun State. Experts in infant care and nutrition discussed the way forward in the search for a solution to the scourge facing children in Nigeria.

During one of the sessions, leading infant nutrition firm, Pfizer Nutrition, explained that in reducing the burden of Pneumococcal disease in school under the specified age will help fast track development in children and the rest of the society in the country

Published in ThisDay Newspaper, on Friday, 2^nd Feb. 2012

CITIBANK UNVEILS COMPETITION FOR JOURNALISTS

Citi Bank yesterday called for entries in the 2012 ‘Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards’ for Nigerian journalists. A statement from the bank said the competition would be open to business journalists in the country.

According to the statement, “The Citi Journalistic Excellence awards allows winning journalists to participate in an elite journalism seminar administered by the prestigious Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and sponsored by CitiBank.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper, on Friday, 3rd Feb. 2012

FIDELITY DONATES EQUIPMENTS TO MASSEY HOSPITAL

As part of its contribution to the development of the society, members of staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, yesterday donated two Radiant Warmer machines and one Oxygen Concentrator to Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos State.

The equipment worth over N1 million, was purchased by the members of staff of the Corporate Banking Department of the commercial bank.

Published in ThisDay Newspaper, on Friday, 3rd Feb. 2012

GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO SUBSIDISE DRUGS FOR CANCER

The need by the government to subsidize drugs for cancer patients was yesterday restated as the country prepares to celebrate the World’s Cancer Day. The World’s Cancer Day, which is commemorated yearly was launched in 2005 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to save millions of preventable death each year by raising awareness and education about cancer all over the world.

To this end, the activities of some non – professionals in not only handling cancer patients but referring them to teaching hospitals when the patient’s case have become critical was also frowned at.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper, on Friday, 3rd Feb. 2012

CSR NEW SUMMARY ISSUE 5

diamond bank inaugurates naija daimonds

Diamond Bank Plc has inaugurated the season two of Naija Diamonds, a television documentary series showcasing the heroic exploits of 36 Nigerians who continue to impact positively on the society through their exemplary behaviours. According to a statement by the bank, the documentary which will be airing for 13 weeks is created by Inspire Africa, and is sponsored by Diamond Bank. Season one of Naija Diamonds, also sponsored by Diamond Bank, and was aired for six weeks in 2010 as part of activities to mark the 50th Independence Anniversary of the country.

The statement quoted the producer, Mo Abudu, as saying, “Naija Diamonds aims to showcase unsung heroes and world class Nigerians whose lifestyles and values serve as a standard for generations to come. It is a celebration of Nigeria’s everyday people who have done something to change and positively challenge their situations. No one notices them, they are never celebrated by the media or the majority but they exist. They are the people who stand up and take a positive stand.

Published in Punch Newspaper on 23rd Jan. 2012

FIDELITY BANK EMPOWERS COMMUNITIES, ORPHANAGES.

Fidelity Bank Plc has improved its Corporate Social Responsibility profile by embarking on projects to support communities in which it does business and assisting the needy in the society.

A statement by the bank said some projects were executed through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, an arm of the bank’s CSR practice.

Presenting 10 wheel chairs and a large quantity of food items to the inmates of Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home, a school for people with disabilities such as blindness, deafness, autism and paralysis, the Branch Manager, Fadeyi Branch, Mr. Fola Bakare, said the donation was part of the bank’s policy to give back to the community where it does business. According to him, it is the policy of the bank that the branches must establish a cordial and symbiotic relationship with its host communities.

Published in Punch Newspaper on 23rd Jan. 2012

ILO PROJECTS 600M NEW JOBS FOR SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL GROWTH

There may be more uprisings and social disorders around the world if global efforts are not made towards creating about 600 million new jobs in the next 10 years, the annual report on global employment by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has stated.

The report, which was obtained by The Guardian from the Geneva, Switzerland headquarters of the global job watch body, explained that the new jobs are urgently needed to guarantee sustainable growth and maintain social cohesion. The document, entitled, “Global Employment Trends 2012: Preventing a deeper job crisis”, said after three years of continuous crisis conditions in global labour markets and against the prospect of a further deterioration of economic activity, there is a backlog of global unemployment of 200 million

Published in Daily Times Newspaper on 24^th Jan. 2012

DIAMOND BANK CELEBRATES NIGERIAN SPIRIT WITH NAIJA DIAMONDS

As part of its efforts to promote Nigerian virtues to global limelight, Diamond Bank, in conjunction with Inspire Africa, has launched the season two of Naija Diamonds, a TV documentary series showcasing the heroic exploits of 36 Nigerians who continue to impact positively on society through their exemplary behaviours. The documentary series which will be airing for 13 weeks on AIT network on Fridays at 9:30pm and African Magic at 7:00pm on Saturdays, was created by Inspire Africa, and is sponsored by Diamond Bank.   

According to the producer, Mo Abudu, “Naija Diamonds aims to showcase unsung heroes and world class Nigerians whose lifestyles and values serve as a standard for generations to come. It is a celebration of Nigeria’s everyday people who have done something to change and positively challenge their situations. No one notices them, they are never celebrated by the media or the majority, but they exist. They are the people who stand up and take a positive stand. They are our unsung heroes (NaijaDiamonds)”.

Published in Tribune Newspaper on 24^th Jan. 2011.

EKITI TO BOOST AGRIC WITH N1B LOAN FACILITY

Ekiti State government has said it has received N1b agric loan facility facilitated by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the First Bank of Nigeria Plc. The state government had in December last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the banks to receive the loan facility.

The Executive Director, Public Sector (South) of the First Bank, Mr. Urum Eke, who was on a courtesy call on the governor in Ado Ekiti, disclosed that funds for the loan have been received and are awaiting disbursement to benefiting farmers, stressing the need for both the state government and the bank to expedite efforts on how to fast-track agric development in the state.

Published in Guardian Newspaper on 25^th Jan. 2011.

STERLING BANK PARTNERS HARVARD ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Sterling Bank Plc on Monday said it had gone into partnership with the world renowned Harvard Business School in a bid to devise models and implementation guidelines that would ultimately benefit the bank’s customers. A statement from the bank said after an intensive four month’s exercise to review the Nigerian banking industry’s retail growth strategies in collaboration with specialists and other industry stakeholders, an array of valuable initiatives were unearthed for the institution to harness and leapfrog its way to the top end of the retail banking segment.

It said, “Customers and other stakeholders of the bank are surely in for better times ahead as the institution is not only better positioned to serve, but it’s quest for continued improvement and excellence can only result in greater joy for all involved.

Published in Punch Newspaper on 25^th Jan. 2012

DANGOTE ASSURES ON JOB CREATION, SPONSORS KADUNA TRADE FAIR

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has stated his determination to create wealth through job creation in the country. Speaking at the weekend, Dangote assured that he would continue to invest heavily in the manufacturing sector with a view to creating wealth and empowering the youth.

Noting that Nigerian youths are hard working when given the opportunity, he said he would continue to invest heavily in the country and encourage youths to demonstrate their innate abilities through effective empowerment.

Published in Nigerian Compass Newspaper on 26^th Jan. 2011

           

ERRING CONTRACTORS WILL BE PROSECUTED, NDDC WARNS

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Christian Oboh, gave a warning to erring contractors engaged by the commission. He charged them to either perform or be prosecuted. To those that have achieved 70 per cent in project execution.

The marching order from the NDDC boss only amplifies an earlier presidential directive. President Goodluck Jonathan had warned that his administration would order law enforcement agencies to apprehend contractors identified as having defaulted after receiving funds to execute NDDC projects. The president's warning came after he received the report of the NDDC Presidential Monitoring Committee late last year.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper on 26^th Jan. 2011

NDDC TRAINED WELDERS RECEIVE RECOGNITION

A total of 91 Niger Delta youths trained by the Niger Delta Development Commission in welding and drilling technology in Turkey have been certified international welding specialists and drilling technicians. Forty of them were trained in comprehensive international welding inspectors’ course while 51 benefited from the safety quality and maintenance training.

The programme is as a result of the partnership arrangement between the commission and the Nigerian Institute of Welding. Presenting the certificates, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Christian Oboh, said the training was in furtherance of the commission’s capacity development programme designed to make youths of Niger Delta employable in the oil and gas industry.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper on 26^th Jan. 2011

POOR REGULATION ENCOURAGES COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS

Poor regulation of the foods and drinks industry and consumers’ ignorance of the dangers inherent in the consumption of counterfeit products are two major factors promoting fake products in the Nigeria market, stakeholders have stated.

Speaking at a workshop organized by Guinness Nigeria and Diageo Brands in Lagos, to train and develop the skills of field operatives of law enforcement agencies in the detection of counterfeit spirit and beer products, Deputy Director Enforcements (Spirits) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr Sherif Olagunju, lamented that most consumers fall victims of fake  products because of their rush for cheap products.

Published in This Day Newspaper on 27^th Jan. 2011

MAKING SURE THAT SURE WORKS FOR THE COMMON GOOD

To soften opposition to subsidy removal, President Goodluck Jonathan proposed some major policy initiatives covering eight major areas of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment (SURE) Programme. The first component, the social net, is the subject of this analysis. Safety net programmes must be carefully woven to address the problems of poverty, unemployment, poor public infrastructure and human development.

Two major social Safety net programmes are, a planned Labour – Intensive Public Works (LIPW) and a Health – Focused Conditional Cash Transfer (HCCT), to prevent people from falling further into poverty

Published in This Day Newspaper on 27^th Jan. 2011

UNITAR TRAINS 500 RIVERS YOUTH FOR NIGERIA CONTENT

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research has trained about 500 youths from River State in relevant skills to operate in the Oil and Gas industry, ahead of the looming passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Dr. Larry Boms, the Head / Representative of UNITAR explained that the skilled man power development training given to the youths would make them take advantage of Nigerian Content when it eventually takes – off.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper on 27^th Jan. 2011