The Nation Newspaper

Tag: David Lawal

  • Ramadan: Peak offers nutritional support

    Ramadan: Peak offers nutritional support

    As Muslim faithfuls all around the world begin the journey into the Holy month of Ramadan, Peak Milk has commenced a campaign to support the Nigerian Muslims and educate them with nutritional tips that will help them make the most of the fasting season.

    The campaign, which is captioned Nourish Your Body With Peak, has commenced in parts of Northern and South Western Nigeria with an enlightenment programme that runs on major radio stations to prepare the Muslim community in Nigeria for the fasting and to enlighten them on the nutritional requirements needed to stay fit throughout the holy month, and achieve a spiritually robust and successful fast.

    Feelers emanating from the dairy sector revealed that one of the purposes of the media campaign was to reinforce and remind Nigerians on the need for regular milk consumption as it facilitates healthy and strong body growth/maintenance during the Holy month of Ramadan.

    Meanwhile, nutritionists have stressed that regular milk consumption, especially during fasting period is imperative, because milk contains nature’s essential nutrients that is required for everyday activity.

    It is advised that between 500 – 750ml milk be taken during the month of Ramadan, according to nutrition experts, as this will provide the body with energy required to undertake daily activity notwithstanding the disruption in regular diet schedule.

    Muslim faithfuls are therefore admonished to consume drinks based on milk and fruit such as milk shakes and smoothies which provide some natural sugars for energy, provide minerals like potassium, copper and manganese and are nutrients- these are good to break your fast.

    The holy month of Ramadan is the ninth of the Islamic calendar and a time when many Muslims across the world fast during daylight hours for 29-30days.

    Taking part in this spiritual activity means no food or drink during the daylight hours, eating one meal just before dawn and another after sunset.

  • Children’s Day: Our children deserve quality education – Buhari

    Children’s Day: Our children deserve quality education – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday felicitates with all Nigeria children on the celebration of the 2016 Children’s Day as first proclaimed by the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in 1925 and then established universally in 1954 to protect an “appropriate” day.

    This is contained in the President’s official message to the country, in which he restated his administration’s commitments to fulfil all the promises made during the 2015 general election campaign.

    “I heartily greet and felicitate with all Nigerian children on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration. I seize the opportunity of this year’s celebration, which comes just two days before the first anniversary of the present Administration, to reassure our children and youth that we remain fully committed to fulfilling our promise of a better Nigeria for all of our people.

    “On this happy occasion for our children, I reaffirm my belief that it is the right of every Nigerian child to have access to quality and affordable education, as well as healthcare and other basic necessities for a good life, in a peaceful and secure environment.

    “The good health and well-being of Nigerian children remain a top priority on our agenda for national development and we have demonstrated our strong commitment in this regard with the allocation of N12.6 billion in the 2016 budget for vaccines and programmes to prevent childhood killer diseases such as polio, measles and yellow fever,” he stressed.

    According President Buhari, other measures in the 2016 budget, such as the school feeding programme for children at a cost of N93.1 billion, will ensure that more children go to school and enjoy the fun of learning and growing together with their peers.

    He further noted that despite the current economic and funding challenges facing our dear nation, his administration will continue to do all within its powers to achieve better living conditions and greater access to quality health care and education for all our youth.

    “It is a thing of joy that on this year’s Children’s Day, we can also celebrate the safe return of one of the Chibok girls, Amina Ali Nkeki and many other abducted women and children who have been freed from the clutches of Boko Haram by our gallant troops.

    “I assure all Nigerians and friends of the country, once again, that my administration will not rest on its oars until the ungodly terrorist sect is totally eliminated from our country.

    “As peace gradually returns to the insurgency-ravaged North-Eastern States, the Federal Government will continue to work diligently to ensure the rapid and full reintegration and rehabilitation of all internally displaced persons, including orphaned children in the region.

    “We will also sustain and strengthen ongoing actions to protect children more effectively from violence, child-labour, child-trafficking, forced marriages and other related offences.

    “In return, I urge you all to imbibe and exhibit in greater measure, the virtues of hard work, diligence, discipline, honesty, prudence, selflessness and patriotism which are essential for the actualisation of our vision of a truly great nation.

    “The world now looks up to our dear nation, Nigeria as an exemplary model of democratic ideals after the smooth transition that brought our Administration to power.

    “You, our children and youth have a very significant role to play in ensuring that our democratic institutions of governance are continually nurtured, improved and strengthened to underpin the national development and prosperity.

    “Remain assured that under my leadership, the Federal Government will continue to do its best to prepare and equip you to show the world that with its brilliant, resourceful and resilient people, Nigeria is a country of incredible potential and opportunity.

    “I wish you all a Happy Children’s Day celebration,” he summed.

  • UN message on Africa Day

    UN message on Africa Day

    Africa Day 2016 is being celebrated in furtherance of the African Union’s theme for this year: “Human Rights with a Particular Focus on the Rights of Women”. This demonstrates the commitment of Africa’s leaders to place women – as key drivers and enablers – at the front and centre of all efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    Both frameworks share similar strategic principles, with a focus on people, prosperity, environmental sustainability, justice, human rights and mutually accountable partnerships. The alignment between the global and the continental agendas calls for a harmonized approach in planning, implementation and monitoring.

    Under Agenda 2063, Africa’s priorities include investing in its people, with an emphasis on women and youth; developing, manufacturing and agro-processing; building transport, water, sanitation, energy and ICT infrastructure; domestic resource mobilization and stemming illicit financial flows; ending conflict; promoting human rights; and expanding democratic governance. Africa also has the opportunity to pursue industrialization in a more environmentally sustainable manner, including through climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and arresting deforestation. I encourage African nations and their partners to spare no effort in advancing these priorities. The United Nations is committed in its support.

    Africa’s economic prospects are good, despite the uncertain global economic landscape.  Growth is projected to increase to 4.4 per cent in 2016, from 3.7 percent in 2015.  I urge Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities, and ensure that no African is left behind. This is crucial for tackling the root causes of conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, and fostering peace and stability. I also commend Africa’s bold initiative on “Silencing the Guns by 2020”, which is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063’s First Ten-Year Implementation Plan.

    The successful implementation of these new agendas will require a renewed partnership for development cooperation among African governments, UN entities, the African Union Commission, the NEPAD Agency, the Regional Economic Communities and the development partners.  The private sector also has a key role to play in creating jobs, promoting innovation in technologies and services, and supporting the massive infrastructure transition needed to fulfill Africa’s sustainable development objectives.

    On this Africa Day, I urge all stakeholders to rally behind the transformative vision set out in the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. What is good for Africa is good for the world.

  • United Nations on the day of Vesak        

    United Nations on the day of Vesak        

    At this time of mass population movements, violent conflicts, atrocious human rights abuses and hateful rhetoric aimed at dividing communities, the sacred commemoration of the Day of Vesak offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on how the teachings of Buddhism can help the international community tackle pressing challenges.

    The fundamental equality of all people, the imperative to seek justice, and the interdependence of life and the environment are more than abstract concepts for scholars to debate; they are living guidelines for Buddhists and others navigating the path to a better future.

    One Sutra tells the story of Srimala, a woman who pledged to help all those suffering from injustice, illness, poverty or disaster. This spirit of solidarity can animate our global efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, carry out the Paris Agreement on climate change, and promote human rights while advancing human dignity worldwide.

    The actions of Srimala also illustrate the primary role that women can play in advocating for peace, justice and human rights. Gender equality and the empowerment of women remain urgent priorities that will drive progress across the international agenda.

    In just a few days, the United Nations will convene the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, where leaders will join activists and other partners to address the needs of millions of vulnerable people in crisis.  Buddhists and individuals of all faiths who are concerned about the future of humanity can help advance the Summit’s aims to uphold humanitarian law, protect civilians in conflict, and improve the global response to emergencies.

    On this Day of Vesak, let us pledge to reach out to bridge differences, foster a sense of belonging, and show compassion on a global scale for the sake of our common future.

  • MTN launches Livestock Tracking Solution, mobile electricity

    MTN launches Livestock Tracking Solution, mobile electricity

    MTN Nigeria has launched the MTN Livestock Tracking Solutions (LTS) to assist herdsmen in monitoring and tracking their livestock, while the MTN Mobile Electricity will provide affordable electricity to rural community dwellers.

    The LTS initiative was introduced by MTN to help reduce the challenges with cattle grazing and the judicious use of land across the country.

    According to the telecommunication firm, these solutions will help reduce the incidence of wandering cattle and provide electricity to entrepreneurs and rural dwellers. The mobile electricity solution in partnership with Nova-Lumos will bring clean, modern and affordable electricity to MTN customers in the rural areas.

    Announcing the launch of the solution in her goodwill message at the first Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit 2016, MTN executive, Amina Oyagbola, said: “This ICT solution can track the location of cattle, send panic or emergency alerts to the authorities in times of trouble and help with creating grazing areas separate from farmlands. It can perform location tracking for cattle and geo-fencing for grazing areas. It makes use of GPS technology and is solar-powered to ensure that you can always stay in touch with your cattle, everywhere they go.”

    On the mobile electricity solution, she said: “Our customers in rural areas can therefore replace kerosene lanterns, candles and flashlights with electricity that can power phones, fans, radios, TVs all at once and this service is already running in Katsina State. We are truly excited about these products and their implications for accelerated socio-economic development across the country. His Excellency, Governor Masari had expressed his belief in our ability to devise a solution and we are pleased to say that we have done just that.”

    Oyagbola also expressed MTN’s preparedness to support e-government objectives at all levels saying: “We believe ICT is the future and MTN is committed to supporting Katsina and indeed Nigeria to ensure preparedness and empowerment towards this future.”

    The summit was declared opened by President Muhammadu Buhari during which he called for cooperation and partnerships between the states and the investors in view of the government’s drive to grow local contents and increase export.

    “The world is now a global village. This summit is therefore a great opportunity to link up with others for the benefit of both parties. Our natural partners are those with requisite skills and financial capabilities to invest. Our major strength is farming and livestock. Two of the richest countries in the world namely New Zealand and Denmark built and developed their economies on these pillars. Properly harnessed, a combination of people with skills and money with those blessed with resources is a win-win partnership,” Buhari said.

    Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari in his remarks stated that the future of development lies with technology which must be adequately utilized. He acknowledged the support of the private sector in improving the economy of the state while pledging to ensure his government supports any innovation that will continue to enhance the standard of living of the indigenes of Katsina and improve the economic status of the state.

    The first Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit was a three-day event aimed at attracting investments in Kastina from local and foreign investors, particularly in the areas of livestock production and meat processing, power generation, medium to large scale agricultural production among other areas.

  • Peak ignites ‘Art of Milk recipe’ in schools

    Peak ignites ‘Art of Milk recipe’ in schools

    Peak milk is rekindling the art of cooking in Lagos schools through its ‘Art of Milk recipe initiative’, one of the remarkable ways in which the company has chosen to mark the 2016 edition of ‘World Milk Day’.

    According to a release from the company, the idea tagged ‘PLAN A DAY’S MEAL WITH MILK (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)’ which is a cooking contest, requires selected schools in Lagos State to plan (and prepare) breakfast, lunch and dinner for a day using milk as the main food item.

    The initiative is meant to promote a culinary culture of cooking with milk in Nigerian homes since milk is an important agricultural product.  Milk contains various vitamins and minerals which are essential for the human body.  Hence, on the occasion of the ‘World Milk Day’, it is important to create awareness on the immense health benefits of milk on not just children, but adults also.  This knowledge would help curb malnutrition in children and youth who are the bulk of the Nigerian population.

    To participate, schools in Lagos are expected to create recipes using milk which they would send in for a series of evaluation. The recipes will be sent to: peakmilk@gmail.com. There would be 10 shortlisted from all recipes submitted and these schools would meet for a live face off on June 1st (which is World Milk Day).  The shortlisting will solely be the purview of a panel of judges comprising popular chefs, nutritionists, representatives from the Ministry of Education as well as members of the brand team.

    Some of the criteria to be used in selecting the winning recipes will include personal appearance, sanitary mannerism, creative use of milk, understanding meal planning, nutrition knowledge and team work.

    The whole aim is to get kids into cooking in an interactive way that involves home-based cooking activities.

    The preferred schools recipes will go home with fantastic prizes such as a branded LED screen, air conditioning units for six class rooms and three classrooms in different orders. All participating schools and supporting teachers will get surprising gifts for exhibiting great creativity with Milk.

    Consumers are advised to visit the Facebook Page and Youtube channel of the company for further details on the milk contest.

  • 91 AGM: Unilever declares N189.2 million dividend

    91 AGM: Unilever declares N189.2 million dividend

    Unilever Nigeria Plc has declared a dividend payout of 5 kobo per ordinary share to the shareholders, amidst a challenging operating year. This is after the company declared a dividend of N189.2 million following the approval of the company’s shareholders at the 91st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company held in Lagos on Thursday, 12th May.

    According to the company  in the year ended 2015 report, it increased revenue by 6.2 percent from N55.7 billion recorded in 2014 to N59.2 billion as Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at N1.2 billion compared to N2.4 billion recorded in 2014.

    Addressing shareholders at the AGM, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha said that Unilever Nigeria Plc. has once again demonstrated business resilience under very difficult circumstances.

    According to him, “although 2015 was a challenging year for businesses in Nigeria, particularly within the manufacturing sector, Unilever remains committed to delivering returns to its shareholders. Our company’s performance demonstrates our entrenched values of creating a brighter future for stakeholders and for our consumers through brands that make them feel good, look good and get more out of life.”

    Speaking further, Achebe said: “even in this period of economic downturn, we plan to continue to invest heavily in our factories, people, processes and brands in order to continue to build the needed capabilities to win into the future.

    “As a company, we will continue to appreciate the resilience and unwavering commitment of all our stakeholders; dynamic employees, loyal consumers, dedicated suppliers and other service providers for their unflinching support through these challenging times.”

    In line with the company’s priority, Unilever remains committed to ensuring a sustained and steady growth in the company’s operations to achieve a better return on investments. Already, in the first quarter of 2016, the Company has recorded growth in turnover and bottom-line. It has recorded a 12.5 percent increase in turnover to the tune of N16.8 billion in the first quarter of 2016. Profit After Tax (PAT) has grown by 76 per cent to N1.04 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 compared to the N590 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.

    “Although the challenges in the operating environment are yet to ease, we have continued to see momentum behind recent initiatives taken by management. We will continue to focus on driving cost efficiencies, growing market share across key categories and reinvesting behind our brands to ensure we satisfy all our stakeholders across the board,” the Obi observed.

    Unilever is a company that cares about humanity and value the environment, through our business practices, we continually demonstrate deep commitment to delivering products that meet the needs and aspirations of our consumers and align with the global goals of making our planet safe, beautiful and sustainable, he concluded.

  • Nigeria safety award calls for nominations

    Nigeria safety award calls for nominations

    The Organizers of the Nigeria Safety Award for Excellence Hall of Fame, which aims at recognizing outstanding health, safety and environment (HSE) initiatives has called for nominations for the 2016 edition of the awards event holding in September at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki-Lagos.

    According to a statement signed by Femi Da-silva, Managing Editor of Safety Record Newspapers, organizations and individuals that are nominated to have achieved excellence in their field by the introduction, development and improvement of health and safety standards are recognized for their initiatives through a formal verification process.

    The statement reads: “The award, which have been endorsed by the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, Lagos State Safety Commission, Fire Protection Association of Nigeria, Federal Road Safety Commission; others who endorsed the awards event are the Society of occupational and Environmental Heath Physicians of Nigeria, American Society of Safety Engineers-Nigeria Chapter, National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria and the Entire Safety Stakeholders in Nigeria.

    According to the organizers of the award, interested safety professionals in Nigeria can participate in the nominations by visiting the website, adding that the deadline for nomination is May 30th 2016.

    Da-silva noted that they have instituted Nigeria Safety Award for Excellence as a humble contribution to advance the culture of safety in Nigeria, noting several incidents that have resulted in disasters, including a mishap which happened where a commercial boat capsized on a canal at FESTAC Town in Lagos, claiming the lives of 18 passengers.

    “A passenger boat capsized in the waters around cross river state, killing about a hundred people. And on April 2 in Majidun River, Ikorodu in Lagos, a passenger boat hit a solid object in the water, upturning and throwing all its 28 commuters into the sea. The victims included some pregnant women and youngman and woman whose wedding was just a few days away.

    “At different times, there have been reported cases of collapsed or either completed or under constructed buildings, some of which had a high number of occupants when they caved in. The Lekki gardens building collapse in Lagos is the most recent.

    “In the case of fire, hundreds of lives have also been and lost and property worth billions damaged over the last few years. Quite recently, about 70 people died in the Onitsha tanker fire that occurred after the fuel laden truck lost control as a result of brake failure. This perhaps could have been prevented, had the vehicle undergo necessary checks to ensure safety.

    The consequence of the countless dangers complied above is the near absence of safety standards in most areas of public exposure in Nigeria today,” the editor said.

    He revealed that Safety Record Newspaper has been in the vanguard of raising awareness and sensitization on safety matters in the country, hence, taking the lead in berthing the award in its second year running. These initiatives has been adjudged by stakeholders in the country as the first recognized Nigeria award in health, safety and environment (HSE).

    “The award is open to any individual/organization committed to practicing health, safety and environment (HSE) managing at the workplace in Nigeria.

    “The award is an invaluable platform set up to endorse organization/individuals’ HSE practice and a means to celebrate success in keeping employee healthy and safe,” he informed.

    He added that the independent safety body would recognize outstanding performance initiatives of companies and individuals towards fostering safety and environment initiative.

    Their names will be written in the second edition of the first ever Nigeria safety book of record, which will be updated annually.

  • “Yar’Adua a sincere, compassionate leader”

    “Yar’Adua a sincere, compassionate leader”

    The Chairman of Mosilo Group, Moses Siloko Siasia, has eulogised the virtues of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, describing the former president as a sincere and compassionate leader, who sought the best for his citizens.

    This is contained in a statement to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the death of the former President, in which Siasia noted that Yar’Adua stands out as one of the pious, diligent and sincere leaders in the country.

    His words: “It is six years today, but the legacy of late President Musa Yar’Adua lives on. He was a sincere and committed leader.”

    Siasia argued that the sincerity of the Yar’Adua-led administration persuaded the militants in the Niger Delta region to drop their arms and embrace peace for the greater good of the country.

    Yar'AduaThe former governorship candidate in Bayelsa State said: “He was sincere in achieving peace in the then restive Niger Delta area. His sincerity made it easier for the militants to drop arms and embrace the amnesty programme, which brought peace and economic boost to the country and the deliberate creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.”

    Siasia further described Yar’Adua as a detribalised Nigerian, who should be celebrated for his policies and contributions to the growth of the country and called on state governors in the Niger Delta to unanimously immortalize the late president by naming major streets in their respective state capitals after him.

    He urged the President Muhammdu Buhari-led administration to learn from the late leader in tackling the challenges of the country, especially in the Niger Delta.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari should be sincere in dealing with the needs of the Niger Delta people by engaging true leaders of the region to address the challenges. He should not only listen to his ministers, but consult other stakeholders in the region. Late President Yar’Adua consulted some of us whenever, there were crises in the region,” he observed.

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  • WPFD2016: Buhari promises Press freedom

    WPFD2016: Buhari promises Press freedom

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that his administration is committed to defending the freedom of the press and the freedom of information in Nigeria.

    The President made this known in a social media post while joining the world to mark the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2016.

    The posts read in part: “Under President Buhari’s administration, the Nigerian press – Africa’s most vibrant – will continue to enjoy the space to thrive.”

    It will be recalled that every year on May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

    The international day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the 26th Session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

    The UNESCO and the Government of Finland co-host the World Press Freedom Day’s main event and the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize Ceremony in 2016 which will take place in Helsinki, Finland, from 2-4 May 2016.

    Recall that 250 years ago the world’s first Freedom of information (FOI) law allowed for accountability & gave citizens the right to express themselves.

    The WPFD2016, which started on Monday, May 2 and scheduled to end on Wednesday, May 4th, is organized under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinistö.

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