The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • Foundation to equip youths with skills

    Foundation to equip youths with skills

    The Louis Awode Foundation (LAF) has announced plans to strengthen skills acquisition programmes aimed at preparing youths for emerging opportunities in the global workplace.

    Its Founder, Mr. Louis Awode, said the organisation would roll out programmes from March next year to better equip young people with competencies required for future professions. According to him, the initiative is designed to enhance employability and improve living standards by aligning education with evolving labour market needs.

    Awode disclosed that the foundation plans to train at least 500 youths in its first phase, using criteria such as skills fit, academic readiness, the future of work, and economic transformation. He explained that the approach would emphasise internships, project-based learning, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking, while also promoting stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

    “Our goal is to equip Nigerians with the necessary skills to improve their prospects in the job market and ultimately secure a better life.Strong public-private partnerships are essential to bridge the gap between academia and the realities of today’s and tomorrow’s workplace,” Awode said.

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    In a related development, the Foundation recently distributed food items to female staff members of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) working in waste collection and sanitation across the Surulere axis of Lagos. The outreach, tagged Touching Lives 1.0, was aimed at supporting women engaged in physically demanding and often underappreciated public service roles.

    Awode noted that the beneficiaries were selected in recognition of their critical contribution to environmental hygiene and public health in Nigeria’s commercial capital. “These women rise before most of the city awakens, working tirelessly to clear dirt and debris to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more liveable city for all,” he said. “Despite the significance of their work, they often receive wages that do not fully reflect their contributions.”

    He further highlighted the challenges faced by LAWMA workers, including health risks associated with waste collection, long hours of walking, heavy lifting, and exposure to sharp or hazardous objects. Many, he said, also contend with chronic pain, fatigue, and irregular wages, which make it difficult to meet basic family needs.

    Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the gesture as both timely and reassuring. One of them, who has worked with LAWMA for 16 years, shared her personal story of resilience after relocating from her village to Lagos in search of survival.

    “When I came from the village, there was nothing to do and nowhere to turn to. It seemed as though all hope was lost, but I held on to God,” she recalled. “One day, while searching for a job, somebody referred me to LAWMA.”

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Titilayo, praised the foundation for recognising the efforts of sanitation workers whose contributions often go unnoticed. “I really appreciate the foundation for providing me with these items. You will always see favour, and no harm shall befall you,” she said.

    Established in 2025 by Awode, a former students’ union leader, the Louis Awode Foundation focuses on education, community development, empowerment, and global impact. Its programmes target underserved communities, underprivileged students, first-generation graduates, and persons with disabilities through scholarships, mentorship, digital literacy, and vocational training initiatives.

    Awode added that the outreach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 11, which focus on poverty reduction and sustainable cities.

    “By celebrating and giving back to these unsung heroes, the Louis Awode Foundation seeks to honour their dedication, restore dignity to their work, and reaffirm our belief that every contribution to society deserves recognition and appreciation,” he said.

    Also speaking, a volunteer and marketing lead for the foundation, Ms. Taiwo Abdulai, said participating in the outreach reinforced the power of compassion to uplift lives. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries was incredibly moving and humbling,” she said. “It reminded me that kindness, when given sincerely, can restore hope, affirm worth, and create lasting emotional impact.”

  • UK training, sea-time slots lift MAN cadets

    UK training, sea-time slots lift MAN cadets

    NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd (NSML) has inducted 21 Nigerian cadets for overseas training and sea-time leading to Certificates of Competency (CoC), while Nigerian shipowners separately offered over 60 sea-time slots to cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.

    The development, which industry stakeholders describe as a watershed for maritime human capital, follows a national screening exercise by NSML that selected 13 cadets from MAN, Oron, and eight from the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, for United Kingdom-based training and sea service.

    Speaking at the induction ceremony held in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, said the programme was a strategic response to a growing global shortage of skilled seafarers.

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    “It is another expression of our commitment and contribution to national development which we continue to demonstrate in different sectors of our economy. This induction is a direct response by NSML to the issues, challenges and yawning deficit of seafarers globally which we believe needs urgent attention to avoid the manpower dangers threatening shipping in the world,” Ahmed said.

    He noted that NSML’s investment in cadetship was aimed at domesticating international shipping competencies and positioning Nigeria for global relevance in maritime manpower supply.

    “We are committed to domesticating international shipping skill sets and standards. We believe that by developing local talents and expertise, we can contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry thus creating opportunities for economic advancement and global relevance. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond cadetship,” he stated.

    Ahmed disclosed that NSML’s Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), the administrative hub of its cadetship programme, has secured United Kingdom accreditation for four courses, including Human Element, Leadership and Management; Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS); Information Management System; and Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Operations.

    “We have, as of last count, secured a UK accreditation for four of our courses
    We are also in the process of upgrading our facility such that it will become the advanced maritime training center in Africa,” he added.

    The induction also reflects renewed industry confidence in MAN, Oron, under the leadership of its Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, who described the period since mid-November 2024 as one of unprecedented progress for the Academy.

    Beyond the NSML programme, Okonna revealed that Nigerian shipowners have collectively offered more than 60 sea-time slots to MAN cadets, an intervention widely seen as critical in addressing the perennial bottleneck of mandatory sea service required for officer certification.

    “This is another moment of significant joy and pride to us at the Academy. It shows that our hard work is not in vain and it also reflects our global rating and competitiveness among maritime Academies in the world,” Okonna said.

    He explained that NSML conducted extensive audits of MAN’s training facilities and equipment before approving the cadets for overseas training, following months of engagement and negotiations.

    “As soon as I took over the management of the institution, I had my sights on reactivating that special relationship we had with the NSML. Today the joy and glory is more than I anticipated,” he said.

    Okonna highlighted the long-standing relationship between MAN and NSML, dating back to the early 1990s, noting its impact on Nigeria’s maritime leadership pipeline.

    “The company had a cadetship training program with us which started in the early nineties. Many Cadets from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria were trained by the NSML for their mandatory sea time and many of them went on to become top officers operating NLNG vessels. It is on record that the first Nigerian to Captain their vessel is a former Cadet of MAN, Captain Yusuf Abubakar,” he said.

    The Vice-Chancellor of NMU, Prof. Florence Oluwafemi, also welcomed the development, stressing the need to bridge theory and practice in Nigeria’s maritime education system.

    “This is a dream come true and a very exciting moment for us at NMU. We are grateful to NSML and everyone who has worked hard to make this event possible. In Germany where I studied, we are taken to factories and industries to know what their challenges are and proffer solutions. In Nigeria, our focus is on the theoretical aspect of learning only. We must combine theory and practicals if we are to industrialise,” she said.

    Industry professionals present at the ceremony charged the 20 male and one female cadet selected for UK training to serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    Maritime stakeholders say the combined impact of NSML’s overseas training programme and the additional sea-time slots from Nigerian shipowners marks a critical turning point in building a sustainable pipeline of Nigerian seafarers for both domestic and international shipping markets.

  • Fed Govt eyes N150b from end-of- life vehicle policy

    Fed Govt eyes N150b from end-of- life vehicle policy

    The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin has said that the Federal Government’s proposed End of Life Vehicle (ELV) policy will generate about N150 billion annually if put into use.

     Osanipin who stated this during a media parley in Abuja, said the cash will come from vehicle parts recycling and recovery of motor parts.

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    He said the project is designed to create a framework for disposing recycled vehicles parts that are no longer road worthy, stating that with time, the policy will require vehicle owners to pay a modest fee at the point of registration, which will support an ecosystem dedicated to the environmentally safe dismantling, recycling and recovery of vehicle components.

    “Over 85 per cent of components from end-of-life vehicles are either reusable or recyclable, as such materials currently go to waste. Instead of abandoning vehicles by the roadside, people can turn them in and value can be created out of them.

    “The circular economy associated with this run into billions of naira and the ELV framework will also stimulate the development of second-hand parts markets and create employment opportunities across the country. Nigerians should note that environmental and public health considerations were the main motivations behind the policy,” he said.

    The DG explained that the most important reason for the ELV is keeping the environment clean and ensuring the health status of the people and the communities, adding that introduction of small fees under the policy could meet resistance, but assured that public awareness campaigns would be intensified.

    Sometimes, what is good for you, if you are not told, you may not be willing to accept it. Therefore, there is the need for media support in educating the public on the long-term benefits of this policy.

  • Africa needs $100b in refining investment as oil demand soars

    Africa needs $100b in refining investment as oil demand soars

    Africa’s crude oil demand is set to more than double to 4.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2050, which will need more than $100 billion in investment in refining over the next decades, according to the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA).  

    Thanks to population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation, Africa’s crude oil consumption is expected to jump from 1.8 million bpd to as much as 4.5 million bpd by 2050, ARDA Executive Secretary, Anibor Kragha, said, according to African news outlets.

    The expected surge in demand positions Africa’s refining industry as one of the world’s biggest untapped investment frontiers, according to the association.

    Despite the growth in consumption, Africa remains reliant on fuel imports, which expose many of the countries on the continent to price swings, supply disruptions, and reduction of their foreign exchange (forex) reserves, ARDA’s Kragha said. “Downstream investment has stagnated even as upstream production grows, leaving Africa stuck in the costly paradox of exporting crude and importing refined products at a premium,” ARDA’s Kragha said.

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    To boost domestic fuel supply, Africa will need more than $100 billion in upgrades of mothballed or dilapidated refineries, expansion of existing refining capacity, and new greenfield projects to supply fuels, the group said. 

    But a key hurdle to Africa-made fuels is the lack of harmonized fuel specifications, Kragha noted, adding that out of 54 countries on the continent, as many as 46 maintain various national fuel standards. All these mean there are 12 different gasoline and 11 diesel varieties being sold across the continent.

    “Africa’s downstream sector is one of the world’s last large-scale, high-growth energy investment frontiers. The demand curve is defined by demographics. The supply deficit is structural. The capital requirement exceeds $100 billion. And the economic upside is transformative,” Kragha said.

  • World Bank lauds certification rollout

    World Bank lauds certification rollout

    • Urges strong verification systems

    The World Bank has applauded the commencement of professional certification examinations by the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Environmental Node.

    The Bank described the certification examination as a major step forward for the project.

    The Bank said the development represented a significant milestone, signalling SPESSE’s progression from theoretical capacity development to the practical application of standards-based certification.

    It explained that the certification exercise was one of the key outcomes of the recent Implementation Support Mission on the SPESSE Project, which took place between November and December 2025.

    During the Mission, a World Bank delegation paid a targeted visit to the SPESSE Environmental Node, hosted by the Environmental Assessment Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

    Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Environmental Node, the Director of the Environmental Assessment Department at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs Rofikat Odetoro, reaffirmed the Department’s resolve to develop certification systems under SPESSE that are credible, transparent and institutionally sustainable.

    The World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr Ishtiak Siddiqe, while commending the Environmental Node for launching certification activities, cautioned that the success of the initiative should not be judged solely by the number of certificates issued.

    He said the long-term relevance of the programme would rest on the credibility, governance and verifiability of the systems supporting the certification process, particularly the National Environmental Standards Certification Programme (NESCP).

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    Siddiqe noted that verification goes beyond administrative procedures and forms the basis for confidence in SPESSE certifications among development partners, government institutions and the professional community.

    “For the Environmental Node, this reinforces the need to align operational practices with the verification standards that underpin the credibility of the certification system,” he said.

    The engagement, he added, was not a routine progress assessment but part of the World Bank’s broader effort to strengthen institutional frameworks capable of sustaining SPESSE outcomes beyond the lifespan of the project, rather than focusing only on completed activities.

    Discussions during the visit placed strong emphasis on the independent verification framework embedded in SPESSE’s results-based financing model.

    Members of the World Bank Task Team outlined the expectations, performance indicators and assessment methodologies that will shape future verification processes.

    The World Bank’s engagement, the team noted, reinforces SPESSE’s overarching goal — not merely to enhance individual capacity, but to establish durable systems that uphold environmental and social standards long after the project ends.

    In response, the SPESSE Environmental Node Project Coordinator, Mr Hussain Shittu, disclosed that operational practices are being adjusted to meet these standards, with systems already in place to provide comprehensive digital records, clear audit trails and accessible participant information on the certification portal.

    He added that the entire certification process — from application and screening to examinations and issuance — is administered through a digital platform designed to ensure consistency, transparency and traceability.

  • Lagos wastes’ value reaches $2.5billion, says LAWMA MD

    Lagos wastes’ value reaches $2.5billion, says LAWMA MD

    The Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed that 90 per cent of the waste disposed of in the state is worth about $2.5 billion.

    He reiterated his agency’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner environment.

    He lamented that 90 per cent of waste Lagosians throw away has value to the tune of $2.5billion. He stressed that it’s high time that residents start sorting their waste, collecting it and giving it to those who are in need of it. Waste to wealth is the key to the survival of Lagos when you visit Olusosun and Solous 3, you will confirm it yourselves, he stated.

    He said: “In Lagos we must move to a point where we ban landfill sites and that is what we are moving towards as a state government. We have commenced the process of decommissioning Olusosun and Soluos 3 within the next 18 months. We have already gone two months out of those 18 months. Just give us an allowance for plus or minus. We are committed to decommissioning them.”

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    In a statement, the state government has reiterated the need for residents to sustain the quest for a cleaner state by avoiding unsanitary practices during the yuletide season.

    The Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement canvassed the need for residents to maintain a high level of environmental cleanliness and strict adherence to proper waste disposal practices throughout the celebrations.

    According to him, the Yuletide period traditionally witnesses increased social activities and consequently, a surge in waste generation.

    He advised residents to be more environmentally conscious and ensure that all forms of waste, including animal and food waste are properly sorted, bagged, and disposed of at designated collection points for evacuation by assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators.

    The Commissioner assured Lagosians that LAWMA is adequately positioned and remains fully prepared to respond promptly to waste evacuation needs during the festive period.

    He emphasized the ban on patronising cart pushers, cautioning residents against patronising them and noted that such practices undermine the state’s waste management system and contribute to environmental degradation.

    The Commissioner also reminded residents of the availability of LAWMA’S Customer care lines which is a reliable platform for reporting environmental infractions such as illegal dumping, black spots, and other sanitation-related concerns.

    “I would like to appeal to all residents to promptly and always report cases of any environmental infraction, black spots and illegal dump sites noticed within their communities from time to time to the government,” he said.

    Gbadegesin said the Mr Governor remained committed to promoting a healthy populace, a cleaner environment, and flood-free Lagos urging residents to reciprocate government efforts by demonstrating responsible environmental behaviour at all times.

    Wahab further warned residents to avoid storing petrol and other inflammable materials in homes, offices, shops, and markets, noting that such practices significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks, especially during the dry season when materials in the environment are highly combustible.

    While reiterating that sustained adherence to good sanitation and hygiene practices across the state will go a long way in promoting public health he warned that the state will prosecute environmental offenders.

    He also urged residents to desist from dumping refuse on roads and in canals, warning that anyone caught in the act of dumping refuse in authorised places will face the full wrath of the law. He advised all residents to embrace waste separation, adding that we must all stop throwing everything away and start sorting as it is done in advanced countries.

    Gbadegesin reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner environment, urging residents to stop dumping refuse roads and in canals, warning that caught disposing refuse in drainage channels and unauthorized places will contend with the provision of the State sanitation laws

    He advised all residents to embrace waste separation, adding that we must all stop throwing everything away and start sorting as it is done in advanced countries.

    The LAWMA boss disclosed plans to recruit 377 environmental health officers, aka wole-wole, as part of the new drive of the government to tame the waste challenge in the state. He said they will be empowered by law to arrest and prosecute offenders.

    He said recruitment will begin from January 2026, and the officers will be deployed to each ward in the state.

  • UNILAG appoints Amaechi to Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair on Business Ethics

    UNILAG appoints Amaechi to Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair on Business Ethics

    FirstBank has announced the appointment of Prof Kenneth Amaeshi as the first Occupier of the FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    The FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics is an academic position at UNILAG, instituted in 1994 as part of the FirstBank Education Endowment programme in honour of Samuel Asabia, the first indigenous Managing Director of the Bank.

    The endowment programme was designed to fund and promote high-level research and learning projects in federal universities, selected around the six geographical regions of the country.

    The occupier of the Chair spearheads research initiatives and mentors professionals in navigating the complexities of business ethics, fostering a culture of integrity and responsible leadership.

    Prof Amaeshi brings to the role his wealth of scholarship, expertise and dedication to ethical leadership. He currently holds the Chair in Sustainable Finance and Governance at the European University Institute (EUI), Florence, Italy, and the Chair in Sustainable Business and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. His scholarship continues to shape global conversations on responsible capitalism, governance, and Africapitalism, a philosophy that positions business as a catalyst for inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

    Speaking on the appointment, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Kenneth Amaeshi as the first occupant of the Chair of Business Ethics. His global expertise and dedication to ethical leadership align perfectly with FirstBank’s vision of fostering sustainable development and principled business practices.

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    “This Chair is a platform to inspire generations of leaders to drive socio-economic transformation through integrity and innovation and we are confident that Professor Amaeshi’s expertise will inspire meaningful socio‑economic impact now and into the future.”

    The University of Lagos, in a statement said: “Prof Amaeshi’s appointment underscores the shared commitment of UNILAG and FirstBank to advancing scholarship, integrity, and values-driven leadership within the university community and beyond. His presence promises to inspire students, academics, and professionals to lead with ethics, vision, and purpose—from the classroom to the boardroom and into society at large.”

    Through the FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics, FirstBank and the University of Lagos are partnering to advance cutting‑edge research, impactful mentorship, and thought leadership that will shape the next generation of business leaders and define the future of sustainable finance in Nigeria and across Africa.

  • Pernod Ricard, FRSC drive safe campaign

    Pernod Ricard, FRSC drive safe campaign

    As the festive season peaks, Pernod Ricard Nigeria has teamed up with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to send a clear message to road users across Lagos: celebrate responsibly and don’t drink and drive.

    Through its “Safe Roads – Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign, Pernod Ricard Nigeria is taking road safety conversations directly to where they matter most — motor parks, event centres, busy public spaces and now the airwaves — reminding drivers and commuters alike that every safe decision saves lives.

    Drink driving remains one of the leading causes of road crashes in Nigeria, and in a city as energetic and fast-moving as Lagos, the risks are even higher during peak festive periods. The campaign calls on all road users to take responsibility for their safety and that of others, choosing mindfulness behind the wheel.

    Speaking at the campaign, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Michael Ehindero, reiterated the company’s belief that celebrations should never come at the expense of lives.

    “We create moments of conviviality, but we are equally committed to ensuring those moments end safely. Responsible choices on our roads can prevent needless loss and protect families,” he said.

    The FRSC echoed this message, stressing that road safety requires collective action. Sector Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat, represented by Deputy Corps Commander Edith Eloka, noted that sustained collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and communities is critical to reducing road fatalities.

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    The campaign featured a townhall with key stakeholders on road safety, on-ground sensitization sessions, interactive engagements with commercial drivers and other road users, trivia games, safety messaging, and the distribution of educational materials.

    Over 1,500 road users took the Safe Roads pledge, committing to responsible driving choices.

    At ABC Motor Park, drivers participated in a lively head-to-head trivia challenge, reinforcing road safety knowledge in a relatable and engaging way.

    Participants were encouraged to share their commitment online using the campaign hashtag #Don’tDrinkAndDrive, amplifying the message beyond the physical activations.

    The initiative aligns with Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being.

    It also builds on the company’s long-running “Drink More Water” campaign, which promotes moderation.

    Goodwill messages from key stakeholders — including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ministry of Transportation, NDLEA, and NARTO — further reinforced the shared commitment to safer roads.

    As celebrations continue, Pernod Ricard Nigeria and FRSC are reminding Nigerians that the best journeys are the ones where everyone arrives home safely.

  • Anambra unveils SmartGov BETA

    Anambra unveils SmartGov BETA

    Anambra State has taken another intentional step in digital governance with the BETA launch of SmartGov (https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng), its digital government services platform designed to simplify how citizens access its over 31 public services anytime and anywhere.

    SmartGov is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling citizens to interact with government through natural conversations rather than complex procedures or paperwork. At the core of the platform is NORA, an intelligent digital assistant trained on Anambra State government services, processes, and directories.

    This launch further cements the state’s leadership in digital transformation, coming on the heels of its recognition at the recently held National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE), where the state won four major national awards, including Best Overall Performing State in Digital Technology Development and Best State in Human Capital Development.

    SmartGov serves as a single digital gateway to official government information, services, and platforms across the state.

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    Using AI, the platform understands citizens’ questions and guides them accurately to the right service, requirement, or process.

    Through a simple three-step interaction, citizens can: ask questions about any government service in plain language; receive intelligent AI-driven guidance that directs them to the correct procedure, requirements, or platform; and get answers or complete transactions online, via WhatsApp, or through voice-enabled access

    The platform currently covers eight major service categories, including Taxes and Revenue, Land and Property, Business Services, Health, Education, Security and Complaints, Transport and Vehicles, and Culture and Tourism.

    With 24-hour availability and multilingual support in English and Igbo, SmartGov removes traditional barriers such as office hours, location, and unnecessary bureaucracy, making government services more inclusive and accessible.

    From business-related inquiries to renewing vehicle papers, paying taxes, or locating the nearest health facility, SmartGov guides users clearly and seamlessly through each step of the process, ensuring accuracy and consistency across government interactions.

    The BETA launch also showcases Anambra’s technical innovation by bringing together AI, voice-enabled access, and WhatsApp connectivity into one unified platform, all supported by a continuously updated government service directory.

    This development positions Anambra as a national reference point for citizen-focused eGovernment, building on strong policy direction, sustained digital infrastructure investments, and a deliberate focus on human capital development.

    Describing the platform and its functionality, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said SmartGov was built with citizens at the center.

    “SmartGov is more than a service directory. It is an intelligent gateway that makes government interactions simple, fast, and reliable,” he said.

    He added that Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has consistently emphasized technology as the backbone of governance through the Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere vision.

    “SmartGov is a practical expression of this vision. By embedding AI into everyday government services, Anambra State is making governance more transparent, accessible, and efficient for Ndi Anambra.”

    As part of the BETA phase, SmartGov also has a dedicated feedback channel to support continuous improvement. Citizens are enjoined to submit feedback via https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng/feedback

    In addition to existing channels such as the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and official email platforms, NORA, the AI digital assistant, is also available to guide users through the feedback process where required.

    “As we refine SmartGov during this BETA phase, we invite Ndi Anambra to explore the platform, use it actively, and share feedback to help us make it even better,” CFA concluded.

    SmartGov is now live at https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng, ushering in a new era of AI-enabled, citizen-centric governance in Anambra State and advancing Mr Governor’s Smart Mega City vision, where innovation is expected, not optional.

  • Firm donates laptops to students

    Firm donates laptops to students

    In fulfillment of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Branch NG, has donated laptops, personal healthcare items, and educational materials to students at Sceptre Comprehensive College, Alapere, Lagos.

    Speaking on the initiative, Managing Director, Branch NG, DayoOdulate-Ademola, explained that the donation aligns with the company’s longstanding commitment to social impact, financial inclusion, and educational development across underserved communities.

    Mrs. Odulate-Ademola explained that the intervention was designed to address the gaps in digital access and personal hygiene resources among young learners, while also encouraging healthy physical activity.

    “At Branch NG, we believe that every child deserves access to tools that can unlock their potential, whether in the classroom or in their personal development journey. Our donation of laptops, healthcare items, and sports materials is part of our responsibility to support digital inclusion and encourage well-rounded growth among students. We are committed to investing in communities and empowering young people with the resources they need to learn, innovate, and excel,” she said.

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    Also speaking at the event, Emmanuela Ekanem, Head, People Operations, Branch Nigeria, emphasized that the initiative reflects Branch’s internal culture of empathy, service, and long-term community investment.

    “At Branch, we believe that access creates opportunity. By providing these digital tools and essential items, we’re helping students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Supporting young people in our communities is a core part of who we are, and we’re committed to continuing this impact,” Ekanem said.

    The initiative, targeted at enhancing digital literacy and promoting overall well-being, is part of the company’s broader vision to equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.