The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • ‘Ekiti to become southwest’s food basket’

    ‘Ekiti to become southwest’s food basket’

    Ekiti State plans to be the Southwest’s food basket.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mr Babajide Arowosafe told The Nation that the state has all it takes to achieve this dream.

    The administration, he said, has been encouraging young farmers to boost arable production.

    Governor Kayode Fayemi recently presented cheques of N500 million to 150 graduating participants of the Youth in Commercial Agricultural Development (YCAD) programme to boost commercial production of High Value Crops.

    The beneficiaries participated in a two-week agro-business start up and managerial training programme tagged “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) under the Youth in Commercial Agricultural Development (YCAD) programme of the state government.

    The governor said each of the 150 participants would have access to an expandable credit facility of not less than N1.4 million to boost commercial production of rice, cassava, oil-palm and cocoa.

    Fayemi said the administration is directing its attention on measures aimed at facilitating the participation of youths in practising modern agriculture.

    The governor said: “I am delighted to inform you that my government, with the support of UNDP, had finalised the engagement of the service of a Business Support Manager to consolidate management of your individual businesses. The manager, with vast technical and farm business management skills, will help in hand-holding you to drive a successful commercial agricultural operation. Also, with several millions of naira committed to the purchase of farm equipment such as planters, boom sprayers, seed drills etc, he will support you in the usage of these newly acquired modern farm equipment for commercial plantation operations.”

    Fayemi said he hopes that by 2014, the state would have been able to generate at least 50 per cent of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from agriculture.

    The state is renewing hectares of ageing cocoa plantations.

    Arowosafe said the revolution in the agricultural sector would create over 20,000 Jobs for Ekiti youths and raise the IGR by 100 per cent at maturity.

    He said young farmers have been supported by the government to cultivate 750 hectares of rice to boost food production in the state.

    He said: “We are modernising agriculture. For us, it has gone beyond subsistence level. We are giving it everything it takes and we are achieving results. We believe that with time, the results will keep improving until we get to our destination of making agriculture contribute immensely to our IGR. We are focussed and have the full support of the governor and will get there.”

    According to Fayemi, the desire to make the state the corridor for the agro allied sector would soon become a reality.

    He said: “Our desire to make Ekiti State an industrial corridor for the agro allied section of the national economy is a done deal. This will no doubt have a multiplier effect on the state economy. It should therefore be seen that this singular effort would deal a further blow on poverty structure in our land as another step to put the monster to flight in Ekiti State. I call on all farmers to take a full advantage of this opportunity to change their socio-economic status. Let me stress that the state government is taking this proactive step to make the state the first port of call after the commencement of the revolution at the federal level.

    “In the last one year, several cassava processing factories are in operation in the state. Vegafresh is producing cassava in Orin. Daatco just signed an MoU with our government.

    “I like to assure you all that the government will aggressively drive this project for our people particularly the army of young farmers to maximise its full advantages. I also like to emphasise that necessary support will be provided to make the Initiative a huge success. As a matter of fact, necessary organs of government have been mobilised in this regard.”

  • ‘Nigerian farmers without succession plans’

    Many Nigerian farmers have no succession plan, an expert has said.

    Speaking with The Nation, the Managing Director, Talon Nigeria, Dr Lanre Talabi, said most farmers didn’t have succession plans because they don’t consider agriculture a dependable source of livelihood.

    He believes that lack of formal succession planning could add a considerable risk to the agricultural sector, with so many people quitting farming for other vocations.

    According to him, farmers without a succession plan do not involve their children in the running of the farm or the business on a day- to-day level.

    This lack of involvement, he noted, could impact negatively in the short and long term, because they don’t have successors to manage the farm after their death. Because of this, he said more farmers work beyond retirement age.

    Talabi said he has a succession plan in plan to ensure smooth transition. Some farmers, he said, continue to work to earn a living out of the farm throughout their retirement, adding that the proceeds can’t take care of an extra partner.

    He said returns from the farms cannot guarantee regular income in retirement adding that some don’t have capital asset to pass onto the next generation.

    For watchers, succession planning has to be considered far earlier and in a more formal way than it. There are growing concerns about farmers who work beyond the standard retirement age and frequently farm to an advanced age. Concerns border on health and safety needs and challenges. At a time of physical diminishment, older farmers face increased vulnerability to injuries and illness and may continue to perform tasks beyond their ability to safely accomplish the work.

    Reacting to the issue, the Managing Consultant, BA Consult, Mr Biodun Adesina said as self-employed workers, farmers can’t help continuing to farm – often at a reduced scale. Since they – don’t earn wages, he said they will not be able to retire at the age at which wage and salary earners quit the job. Unlike the rest of the population, he noted that farmers tend to remain in farming beyond the normal retirement age. It is not surprising to see farmers in their 70s still farming full-time.

    For watchers, with a large population of older farmers, retirement planning, including farm succession decision-making, is of considerable importance to farm households. On the balance, lack of interest in farming among heirs is the reason why older farmers don’t plan succession. Experts, however, canvass smooth and equitable transfer of the farm assets in families where some heirs intend to farm while others do not.

  • Exciting places to shop in Enugu

    Exciting places to shop in Enugu

    Enugu, known as a civil service state, has many super stores and markets that excite shoppers. The super stores have comfortable environment; the markets offer good bargain depending on what a customer wants. But the evening market has found a place in the hearts of many shoppers. STANLEY EZEONYEASI and Ogechukwu EMEDIKE report.

     

    There are many places where one can shop in Enugu, the capital of the old Anambra State. It is a safe and tranquil city, highly developed with a good road network. There are lots of supermarkets, shopping malls and plazas, as well as open markets where one can make purchases at reasonable prices.

    The most popular market in Enugu is the Ogbete Main Market beside the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, on Market Road, Enugu.

    The market is central and attracts buyers from within and outside the state. The most attractive thing in Ogbete Market is that most shoppers enjoy the evening market that starts at 3pm daily, at the car park, at the entrance of the market.

    There, items are sold at very cheap prices. The evening market also known as uwa mgbede, in Igbo, meaning evening world, usually draws sellers and buyers from various places within the city.

    It is observed that the traders who sell in this evening market, most times sell more than those who have shops inside the market. This market makes shopping a pleasurable experience for students who are attracted by their cheap food stuff, bags, shoes and second hand clothing.

    It was gathered that traders in Ogbete make more sales on Mondays and Saturdays than other days. This is because Monday is a new week and new goods are brought into the market. On Saturdays, more families like to shop for the coming week. Besides, workers who did not have the time to shop during the week are free on Saturdays and could go to the market.

    The market has also gained a lot of patronage from travellers and passersby, as it is surrounded by several transport companies and motor parks.

    Many believe that Enugu is small, as it is mainly populated with good number of super stores. Most residents, especially civil servants, believe that items sold in super stores are more expensive than those sold in the market.

    The Nation Shopping found that this perception is not 100 per cent correct. However, prices of goods in the city are generally normal in the market, malls and super stores except for some female items like bags, shoes and clothing that are a little bit on the high side.

    The favourite super market, Erico Super Market, Paully -Pet super stores are some of the stores serving over five million people in Enugu.

    Some of the items in the super markets and stores range from cosmetics to beverages, clothing, shoes, wine, household equipment and lots more.

    However, the coming of the popular grocery and household goods store, Shoprite, at Polo Park, Ogui Road, has in no small measure given a boost to shopping in the city.

    Ogbete Market, New Market, Gariki Market, Afia Nine Market, New Haven Market, Abakpa Market are some in the Coal City for those who want to purchase within their means. Kenyetta Market also thrives in the evening.

    On food stuffs, meat, fish and condiments, Ogbete and New markets are the best to visit. When going for yam in large quantity, Gariki is the most suitable market.

    Looking for chicken, turkey, goat meat and fresh fish (point and kill)? Artisan Market is the place to make such purchases, though the market is referred to as ‘rich man’s market’ because things are said to be unnecessarily expensive.

    Odegba Market behind the New Market, is popular for fruits and vegetables.

    Traders who sell in Odegba Market are from the rural areas and their buyers are from the Enugu metropolis.

    Another good place to shop in Enugu is Stadium Complex, C to C plaza, Red Wrappings, Women’s World boutique, Front roll Boutique, Gossip, Pentagon Shopping Mall and Eastern Shop, an old mall that has existed for the past 20 years. It is a departmental store where you can buy general goods, clothing and cosmetics.

    The most outstanding shopping mall in the city is the Roban Stores. It is regarded as a shop for the elite. The beauty of the store is that you can get everything you want under a roof. This mall has saved a lot of people in Enugu the stress of going to the market. Prices of goods in Roban Stores are same or better than the markets.

    A shopper, Professor J.C. Igweh, spoke to The Nation Shopping in Enugu, saying: “The market is far, huge and oversized. Everything is concentrated in the market and you have a long distance to walk in the market. It is extremely stressful shopping in Ogbete Main Market. But if I must shop here, in Enugu, I shop at Favourite Shopping Centre or Roban Stores.”

  • MTN launches Iphone 5 Nano-SIME card

    MTN Nigeria has launched Nano-sim card for iPhone 5 to explore stakes in expected subscriber uptake of the iPhone 5 introduced recently into the handset and device market by US technology company, Apple.

    Nano-SIM is the fourth generation of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that has been used since the introduction of GSM phones in the early 1990s. The first three are the 1FF, Micro SIM or 2FF, and the Mini SIM or the 3FF.

    The Nano-SIM, which is the only SIM compatible with the newly released Apple iPhone 5 and other new generation and future phones, has no different functions with the Micro and Mini SIM cards except the size.

    Unveiling the new SIM, MTN Nigeria said: “The Nano-SIM is 40% smaller than micro SIM and about 0.67mm thicker than Micro SIM made for the new iPhone 5 and other new generation phones.” It added that the Nano-SIM is available at MTN Walk-in Centres nationwide.

    According to PC Advisor, “This new nano-SIM card measures just 12.3 x 8.8mm, and its thickness has also been reduced fractionally, from 0.76mm of the 1FF, 2FF and 3FF cards, to 0.67mm.”

    The release of the new Nano-SIM by MTN will enable Nigerians purchase and use the newly released iPhone 5 in Nigeria.

  • 10,000 farmlands destroyed by flood in Adamawa

    More than 10,000 farmlands were destroyed by flood in Adamawa State, following the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon Republic.

    The Federal Director of Agriculture in the state, Dr Walia Hamman, said in Yola that the flood affected almost half of the state, adding that thousands of farmlands were washed away and over 30,000 large-scale and small farmers directly affected.

    He urged the three tiers of government to urgently provide the enabling environment for irrigation farming, to mitigate the impact of the disaster on food production.

    “The only clear solution to avoid food crisis is for governments at all levels to urgently intervene and provide farmers with agricultural inputs and also create the enabling environment for them to practise irrigation farming.” Hamma said.

    Also reacting to the development, the project manager, Lake Geriyo irrigation project of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Yola, Mr D. Mamtso, said about 221 farmers were affected with an estimated 150 hectares of farmlands destroyed.

    “In all, 221 farmers from Lake Geriyo irrigation project in Yola North Local Government area have been identified with an estimate of 150 hectares affected by the recent flood.

    ”He said the farmers were in need of assistance in order to recover from the shock of the disaster.”

    Commissioner for Agriculture Mrs Lucy Ishaku expressed concern over the implication of the flood on the envisaged bumper harvest.

    Mrs Ishaku noted that the prices of foodstuffs had skyrocketed in markets across the state as an aftermath of the flood.

    ”Considering the price of foodstuff last year at this time, there is an indication of confusion in price of the food commodities now.”

     

     

     

     

    She said the people of the state had not experienced such a disaster in the past 40 years.

    Mrs Ishaku said that the ministry had initiated a census of farmlands affected by the flood, with a view to ascertaining the level of damage to agriculture and ways to assist the affected farmers to recoup through dry season farming.

    In a separate interview, Malam Abdullahi Tafida, the Chairman, Adamawa State Rice Farmers and Water User Sssociation, said that 75 per cent of members of the association lost their crops to the flood.

    ”Seventy five per cent of our members lost their crops completely as a result of the flood. And our members are engaged in both rainy and dry season farming of maize, rice and assorted vegetable.”

    He appealed to the federal, state and local governments to assist them with early maturing crop varieties, fertiliser, irrigation pumps and herbicides. “ These inputs will help us to start dry season farming immediately as the flood begins to recede,” Tafida said.

  • Towards an agrarian legacy in Kano

    Towards an agrarian legacy in Kano

    Kano is an agricultural State. Farming is an important part of life in the state. A large percentage of the state’s population work in the agricultural and pastoral industries. The state has the following as the main crops being produced: groundnut, Guinea corn, Maze, Sugarcane, Gum Arabic, Rice, honey, ginger, pepper, coloring leaves, sugarcane herbs and vegetables.

    The livestock comprise cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys, camels and horses . Greater diversity have been developed a wide range of grain, fruit and vegetable crops. The state produces almost all of the agricultural products it consumes. Crop growing contributes to over 50 per cent of the value of agriculture every year.

    Grain crops are spread fairly evenly across the state. Agriculture is extensive as farms still take up around 60 per cent of all the land. Farmers occupy huge areas of pasture.

    As irrigation systems were established further inland, new farming practices other than cattle grazing became more viable. The creation of railways has helped to connect the more remote farmers with quicker and easier transport of their produce to cities. Livestock grazing activity, mainly cattle, takes place in most areas of the farming zones.

    But the population is predicted to grow. As a consequence, there are substantially more mouths to feed. This means the industry has to find ways to increase its production. The only way forward is to further improve the sector’s efficiency by using smarter and more sustainable production methods.

    These developments have created opportunities in the agricultural sector. Opportunities for investors exist in the areas of greenhouse technologies, irrigation, sustainable agriculture, food processing (valueadded) industry and new (plant) varieties. The investors are going to benefit from rising demand for primary products. The farmers are very receptive to new technologies.

    In some parts of Kano,large tracts of land are prone to droughts, sometimes lasting several years. Therefore, irrigation is a very important factor in making farming viable in inland Kano. Due to climate change, there is a growing awareness in the agricultural sector that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option. As a result, a trend is emerging towards more sustainable farming practices.

    This trend is largely fortified by an increased consumer awareness of, and demand for better produced agricultural products. Making the best use of the available water resources has been a challenge for many years. The demand for more efficient irrigation systems has increased.

    Besides, the state government endorses the use of more efficient irrigation systems. There are many initiatives, which can have a substantial impact with ample opportunities for future growth.

    Specific targets include achieving total productivity growth across the state’s key agricultural industries. As more sustainable methods of agriculture will be the future, new varieties of plants, vegetables, grasses and trees will be an important part of this.

    To this end,the government is determined to provide varieties which are ideally suited for the state’s conditions, can grow in harsh, warm climates, need less water and are pest resistant. Across the state, the government provides assistance to farmers and primary producers to encourage production, employment and export.

    The government is working to use scientific and technical advances to make farmers efficient in food productivity.

    Over 5,000 women are to be trained in animal traction in the state. The women would be camped and trained for a few weeks at the Kadawa, Dambatta and Gwarzo animal traction schools in the state, following which they would be given cows to rear.

    Part of the arrangement is that the women will be trained to obtain milk from the cows which they will sell and reuse the money in other worthy ventures. The policy of the government is to turn around the agricultural sector so they can have all-year-round farming, so that the farmers will be permanently engaged, and have value for their labour.

    Right now, the state is working on establishing a tomato factory in the state and partnering with relevant agencies to ensure better storage.

    Another project is establishing preservation and storage facilities. The government is educating famers about aflotoxin which makes maize unmarketable internationally.

    Agriculture in LGAs in Kano state is getting a boost as the government has released N500 million to the 44 Local Government Areas of the state for agriculture production. The amount was for the purchase of veterinary drugs, establishment of orchards, annual animal vaccination exercise and purchase of five motorcycles for agricultural extension officers in each local government area.

    The government had also purchased and distributed 80 pieces of traction equipment. Over 500 youths have benefited from the programme, and the government had rejuvenated the Kano State Agricultural Supply Company with the release of N180 million to enable it procure enough fertiliser for farmers.

    Kano State had also established a radio station for farmers to help provide useful tips that will facilitate sound agricultural performance.

    The governor is establishing 14 institutes for youth development and eight of these institutes are for agriculture.

  • Keystone Bank’s MD resigns

    Keystone Bank’s MD resigns

    THE Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Mr Oti Ikomi has resigned. The bank said his exit yesterday, was based on personal reasons.

    In a four-paragraph statement, the bank explained that Ikomi, a seasoned professional banker with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, was appointed chief executive officer of the bank in August 2011, adding that the Chairman of Keystone Bank, Moyo Ajekigbe, has convened a meeting for today, to review the development and appoint a successor.

    The Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), owners of the bank, Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi, when contacted, said the decision as to who and when a successor would be named, rests squarely with the Board of Directors of the bank. He told The Nation that the bank has a competent board to decide and appoint a successor to Mr Ikomi, saying it would be in appropriate for him to offer further comments when he has not been briefed by the board.

    He said: “In a week or two after hearing from the Board, I should be able to comment,” adding, “it will be inappropriate for me to comment at this moment.

    Although no member of staff was willing to offer any explanation as to the turn of events, a source who asked that his identity be veiled, said the development is a fallout of internal boardroom squabbles.

    Ikomi was upbeat yesterday few hours before the news about his resignation broke, a staff member told The Nation. “He sent an internal memo to the workers, late Thursday, saying , he is leaving to pursue other interests. An hour before he sent the memo, he was upbeat and within 30 minutes, we just saw that he was on his way out,” he added.

    He said there was a board meeting the previous day,” but there was no indication that anything like this was in the offing,” he stated. He said the workers will miss him, adding that Keystone has been the only bank among the three bridged banks that has not sacked any staff, rather the bank has embarked on promotion and training of staff.

    He said: “Everybody has gone on training. It has never happened in five years. The mood here is very sad, and those at the board meeting are running away from everybody, so we don’t really know what went wrong,” another member of staff, added.

  • The secret way to unlock shoppers’ purses

    The secret way to unlock shoppers’ purses

    For many shopping centres, it is the reality of life. To attract customers, they add something extra. That extra is entertainment, which has turned many shopping centres to fun spots, especially at weekends.

     

    These days, it is common for malls to indulge in several entertainment events to engage shoppers.

    True to its definition of being a one-stop shop for shopping and leisure, the modern day mall stands out as a theatre where people go not only to shop but also to be entertained. The reason is not farfetched. To get people to buy, you have to get them there, and the entertainment co-efficient in a mall is something that builds traffic – pure and simple. This is the logic behind many malls – something to lure people to the place, then, they can shop.

    The crowd at Ikeja City Mall during the weekends points to this fact. The presence of eateries and cafes also explains the affinity between shopping and leisure.

    The Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos, became the preferred destination for people who not only want to shop but to get a dose of entertainment too. The mall became an instant hit with its music, lightings and appealing ambience which make people contented to just look around, window shop or simply relax.

    The Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Let’s go a bowling and eateries were among the side attractions that endeared many to the mall. Silverbird Galleria began to attract people with the cinemas long before it became popular as a shopping destination. The idea is to get people there and actual shopping could follow; and what could really lure people if not a conducive environment to unwind, and an inviting place to shop?

    Stand Up Nigeria, the monthly comedy show at the cinema at the City Mall, Onikan, draws a good number of people to the mall.

    Same goes with child care stores. Children’s clothiers, such as Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, would always provide bouncy castles, swing, mascots and toys for the kids to play while their parents shopped for them.

    Michael Chu’di Ejekam, director of Actis West Africa’s real estate division, lead developer of the Palms and Ikeja City Mall said: “We are trying to push a retail revolution; create a fun place where people can come in with their families to shop and have fun. It comprises the cinema, the textile shops, restaurants and a lot of other relaxation and shopping centres. That is what my company, Actis, is trying to lead – a destination centre where you have to come in the morning and don’t have to leave till evening; something different that we are proud of. “The whole family can go shopping together. Take the children along. They can spend like two hours at the cinema watching a good movie. You can go to the jewellery store, there are clothing stores, shoes stores, super market, computer electronics and other items you need. When you are done shopping, go pick your children and visit the restaurant or eatery. It is all encompassing”.

    Many people who spoke to The Nation Shopping at The Palms, Ikeja City Mall, Silverbird Galleria and E-Centre affirmed that they are mostly there to catch some fun. “Of course, I come here to shop but trust me, I also want to catch some fun”, said Miss Eunice Egwu, at the Palms.

    For Mr Johnson Ilechukwu, seen at the Ikeja City Mall, there is more to the mall than just shopping. “I am a retailer on the Mainland and I love to see what makes people rush to this place. I come here to catch inspiration for my business. For instance, I have added a lounge as an extension of my store; it even attracts more people who relax, wine, dine and eventually shop!”, he exclaimed.

    Like Mr Ilechukwu, many new shopping centres are incorporating dining and entertainment to their mix to make their centres recreational shopping destinations and to drive frequency of visits and length-of-stay. Indeed, the shopping centre is being reinvented for the age of the grounded consumer. “Today, we are moving to an experience economy where what consumers want are experiences-memorable experiences which engage them in an inherently personal way”. Joe Pine, noted in his book, ‘The Experience Economy’.

    “Some are devoting up to 35 per cent or more of their ‘store’ GLA to entertainment, restaurants and cinemas. When entertainment is incorporated into a shopping complex, it is sometimes referred to as a retail entertainment center (RECs), retail-tainment, shoppertainment or mall-tainment.

    “The end of conspicuous consumption and a decrease in shopper visits due to the Great Recession has made it even more important to generate traffic with other than shopping for stuff.

    With over 75 per cent of shopping trips and purchase decisions being made by women, it is important to meet a woman’s needs at shopping destinations. This often also means meeting the needs of children when they accompany their mother on a shopping trip. Experts are also rising up in shopping center design, development and management, market research, designing family-friendly facilities for entertainment, education and play,

    For instance, White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group (WHLLG) is an outfit which assists retailers and shopping centres to get the best strategies and designs to attract the essential family markets to their stores.

    What originally began as a method to keep children busy while their parents shopped has evolved into experiential retail – creating an environment that kids and their parents enjoy being in and that they won’t soon forget.

    According to him, Experiential retail is the concept of designing a store to be more than just a place selling goods and merchandise, but a fun place to visit-people come for the experience, often more so than just for shopping. Experiential retail differentiates a store from its competitors and gives the store a competitive advantage by repositioning its brand identity and raising the perceived value of the merchandise, sometimes even allowing a higher price to be charged. Components of experiential retail for a children’s-oriented merchandise store commonly include the décor and appearance of the store, interaction with knowledgeable and helpful staff, providing helpful services in addition to merchandise and the addition of things that can make it fun and enjoyable for both children and parents. “Fun and enjoyable” in this context includes things to keep children from becoming bored and to make them want to return, as well as secondary amenities for parents such as convenient places to sit and family- friendly restrooms.

    This is exemplified in The Walt Disney World Village where children are made to experience the fun of their lives. The Disney style entertainment offers shopping day and night in an atmosphere of entertainment and adventure.

  • Etisalat begins N1b monthly promo

    Etisalat has unveiled the biggest airtime promo to celebrate the country’s 52 independence and reward its over 14 million subscribers with free airtime worth over N1 billion monthly to call all networks. The promotion, which gives new and existing subscribers 50 per cent and 20per cent of their recharges for 30 days, began on October 2. It will run till the end of the year.

    Speaking at the briefing to announce the offer, Director, Products and Services, Lucas Dada, said the revamped 9ja free credit promo is the company’s way of offering freedom to its customers to celebrate the country’s 52nd independence anniversary.

    “We pride ourselves as being a network that gives its subscribers the freedom to talk without any limitations and this was marked by our launch into the Nigerian market in 2008 with our famous 0809uchoose campaign, offering our customers the freedom to choose their unique set of phone numbers and since then we have kept to our promise of delivering innovative and world class products and services, promotions and events which continue to change the lives of all our customers,” he said.

    Director, Marketing Segments and Strategy, Oluwole Rawa, said having spent about four years in Nigeria, the support and encouragement Nigerians have given the company has been nothing short of inspiring. He said: “Within a span of almost four years, Etisalat has grown an impressive subscriber base of over 14 million which is remarkable in terms of growth compared to any networks in Nigeria.”

    He added that as a result of the achievements of the past four years, Etisalat seeks to reward its subscribers with the biggest airtime offer in the country.

  • Airtel has the best human resources practice, says CIPM

    Airtel has the best human resources practice, says CIPM

    The regulatory body of Human Resources practice in Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), has honoured Airtel Nigeria with the Best Human Resources Practices Award in the telecommunications sector.

    The prestigious award came on the heels of a comprehensive, independent audit conducted by CIPM among major GSM operators in the country.

    The award was presented to an Airtel team, comprising Human Resources Director Jubril Saba; Head: Shared Services, Tunde Oginni and Head: HR Operations & Analysis, Otu Umoren at the opening of the 44th annual conference of CIPM, yesterday, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

    At the event, Airtel was praised for complying with global HR standards and for following best practices in its employee relations.

    The company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Rajan Swaroop, dedicated the award to the members of staff of, saying the recognition was an eloquent testimony of the dedication and good work of employees.

    “As an employer of choice in Nigeria, our highly motivated employees are always happy to follow best practices in delighting both internal and external stakeholders. We desire to be the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians and we will continue to push ourselves very hard in actualising this optimistic vision,” he said.

    CIPM was established in 1968 to regulate the practice of human resource management and promote excellence in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills by practitioners, thereby contributing to sustainable national development.