The Nation Newspaper

Tag: empowers

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO empowers eight nutritionists

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak and Three Crowns milk, has awarded cash prizes to eight young nutritionists for their excellent scientific research presentations.

    The dairy firm made gave the awards at the just-concluded 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.

    The awardees, who are M. Sc and Ph.D students below 35, included Ifeoma Ezeh, Yetunde Ogundairo, Chukwuka Oluebube and Joy Amadi.

    Others were Michael Oderinde, Ebunoluwa Odeyinde, Chinenye Ekwueme and John Ebenezer.

    Tagged “Controversies in nutrition: Separating facts from fads and fallacies,” the five-day conference was held at the University of Ibadan and it had over 600 participants.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO also championed fitness routines for the delegates. The company organised 15-minute twice-daily Three Crowns milk-sponsored aerobic sessions that drew attention to the need for everyone to stay fit and healthy with the right nutrition and daily exercises.

    Participants enjoyed a 30-minute cardio session on the last day of the conference.

    Nutrition Society of Nigeria President Dr. Bartholomew Brai also drew attention to the worsening nutrition indices in Nigeria, saying:“The increased social media influence on food choices of Nigerians, which are mere fads and fallacies, are affecting the health of our populace negatively.”

    The Keynote Speaker, Prof I. A. Onimawo, highlighted key controversies in nutrition that affect infant and young child feeding, food consumption, diet-related non-communicable diseases and healthy diets.

    In a communiqué after the conference, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria called on the government to ensure nutrition security through budgetary allocations and institutionalising nutrition in relevant ministries and agencies.

  • Skye Bank empowers women entrepreneurs

    Skye Bank empowers women entrepreneurs

    Skye Bank Plc is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs across various sectors of the Nigerian economy. This position was further reinforced by the bank when it presented certificates of proficiency to three lucky members of the Skye Pearl community who participated in the just -concluded three-month art of fashion training organised by Ibile Vogue Academy.

    The training, which is a give-back initiative of Skye Bank and Ibile Vogue Academy, entails both executive and full time classes that teaches students everything about fashion; from pattern drafting, colour sequencing, garment construction to soft business skills; as well as provide linkages to help students develop their own clothing line with the aim of grooming top notch fashionprenuers.

    Speaking at the presentation of the certificate, the Head, Retail Banking, Skye Bank Plc Mrs. Ayodele Olojede, lauded the graduands and praised everyone who played a significant role in making the dreams of the participants in the training come true. She challenged them to start adding value with the skills they have acquired, so as to stay competitive.

    Mrs. Olojede also noted that the initiative was embarked upon as part of the gains of being part of the Skye Pearl community. “This, for us, is both a give-back and value add under our Skye Pearl Initiative beyond just funding which a bank is naturally known for adding that, “our aim is to address the peculiar challenges of the woman, the wife, the mother and the professional with a view to empowering her economically.

    Director of Studies, Ibile Vogue Academy, Mrs. Temitope Olanre-Alade, applauded the bank for the initiative and particularly for providing the platform (Skye Pearl) that made it possible for her organization to also give back to society. In her words to the graduands: “You owe Skye Bank and Ibile Vogue Academy immensely and therefore you should do everything within your power to make us proud.”

  • First Bank empowers 100 pupils

    The First Bank of Nigeria has embarked on career counselling with 100 secondary school pupils in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Justifying the need for the empowerment, the Executive Director, Retail Banking North, Abdullahi Ibrahim said the programme will help to provide the students in making the right career choice. Career counselling is very important for the students especially at this stage of their lives.

    He said, “These are secondary school students who are trying to find their ways through life. The essence of career counselling is to help them identify their strength, weaknesses and passion.

    “We are empowering the youths with knowledge base that is required for them to take the right career decision so they come out as a productive member of the society while also achieving their dreams.’’

    The essence of career counselling, he stressed, is to empower them with knowledge base that is required for them to pursue what they want to be in life, so it’s all encompassing and could lead some having passion for entrepreneurship, engineering, medicine or the legal profession.

    “First bank has been involve in CSR for as long as the bank has been in existence, we have been around for over 120years and we believe in impacting society in many ways than one, one of which is CSR, career and capacity building. So the theme of this year’s event is career counseling and that is what we are doing all over the country as we speak.”

    The programme officer, Junior Achievement, Nigeria, Northern Region, Saratu Bijimi said the programme is for 100 students, the whole idea is to enlighten students on what career they should pick as they graduate from secondary school.

    It is expected that they start preparing for their career at that early age, not at the university level. The programme is completely educational. Junior Achievement of Nigeria still partners with other banks apart from First Bank of Nigeria.

  • NGO empowers young entrepreneurs

    NGO empowers young entrepreneurs

    Ten young entrepreneurs have been empowered with N100,000 each to fund their businesses and enterprises, courtesy of the Joan Agha foundation.

    The presentation was held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos during the fourth annual lecture of the foundation. It brought together captains of industries.

    Joan Agha Foundation is a non-governmental organisation, which aims at long-term developmental programmes by addressing the needs of the indigent persons in the society through educational scholarships, woman and youth empowerment.

    “God has given each of us talents but we need to look inward. When people sit down and say they don’t know what to do, they have not taken that little step of listening to their inner self. Young people need to go away from all the noise and meditate. It is through meditation that they can get inspired on what to do with their hands that will fetch them money”, Mrs Joan Agha admonished.

    Twenty-year-old Success Ndu, a student of the University of Benin, was one of the 10 entrepreneurs who benefited from the grant after   after an intense screening process.

    He told The Nation: “I never wanted to work for anybody and this prompted me to start businesses at 19. I am a fish farmer and I also farm water melon and cassava. I am always looking for opportunities to take my business to the next level and I am grateful to the Joe Agha Foundation for the opportunity to receive funding.”

    In 2014, the foundation began training on entrepreneurship for youths. Consequent upon the success, the foundation made it a yearly event.

    Last year, the foundation expanded the initiative by giving start-up grant award to four start-up entrepreneurs. This year  the number increased from four to 10 entrepreneurs.

  • FCMB empowers 644 customers

    FCMB empowers 644 customers

    First City Monument Bank (FCMB) yesterday delighted and empowered new set of 644 customers with cash and various exciting gifts. The winners emerged at the third draws of the bank’s ongoing bumper reward scheme tagged, ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 4’’.

    Speaking on the latest draws of the promo, the Executive Director, Retail Banking of the Bank, Olu Akanmu, said the electronic selection of the winners took place at the regional and zonal levels of the Bank across Nigeria and was witnessed by officials of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Consumer Protection Council, thousands of customers of the financial institution and other dignitaries.

    He said that while four lucky customers were rewarded with the sum of N1 million each at the regional draws held in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and Ogun states, 640 others smile home with LED televisions, generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart phones and other consolation prizes.

    At the Abuja & North Regional draw held in Abuja, Pindar Fatsuma Saidu won the star prize of N1million, while Sanusi Amadu was rewarded with the same amount at the Lagos Regional draw which took place at the Agege branch of the Bank in Lagos. In the same vein,  Joy Ottonah Ben emerged winner of N1million at the South-East/South-South draw held at the Garden Avenue branch of the Bank in Enugu, Enugu State, just as Ayodeji Ogedengbe smiled home with N1million at the South-West regional draw in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

    The ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 4’’, which commenced in March 2017 and will end in November, has been designed to provide extra empowerment and create value for customers of the Bank, while

    encouraging financial inclusion and savings culture. It also forms part of the various initiatives of the financial institution to enhance customer experience and reward them for their loyalty and patronage over the years.

  • Expo sets new benchmark, empowers over 2000 women

    Expo sets new benchmark, empowers over 2000 women

    For 22 days, participants drawn from 17 African countries, Nigeria’s 18 states and hundreds of SMEs showcased quality arts and craft at this year’s 10th African Arts and Craft Expo in Abuja, which ended last Sunday. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports. 

    Over two thousand women received training in e-marketing, bead-making, cloth weaving,  soap, air freshener, shoe making, hair-do, waste-to-wealth and make-up, among other skills at this year’s 10th African Arts and Craft Expo in Abuja.

    The 22-day expo, which ended last Sunday, also provided free medical tests for blood sugar and Body Mass Index for about 1,120 Nigerians, who could not afford such exercises. Also, 200 Nigerians were given free eye glasses while 620 got free dental test.

    Apart from the tremendous improvement in infrastructural development and content, the exercise was part of the innovations (investment round table, and states special days), which made this year’s AFAC Expo tagged: Nigerian Crafts: Untapped treasure, to surpass previous editions in its 10years of existence. Little wonder 17 countries, 18 states, 94 local government councils and over 200 NGOs participated in the expo, which attracted an unprecedented numbers of the diplomatic corps as well as other foreigners.

    Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, Mrs Uyo Etta, who drew the curtain on the expo, said she was impressed with what she saw at the event, especially the security, excellent layout of pavilions and the skill acquisition programme for women. She urged the council not to rest on its oars, but take arts and culture to greater height, adding that stakeholders and the states should partner regions and countries for better promotion of the expo.

    Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Grace Isu Gekpe, who was excited by the quality of the organisation of the expo, said Otunba Runsewe brought lots of  innovations into the expo, noting that it was the best ever since the expo started. “I believe that next year will be better and bigger as he executed this year’s edition with little or nothing. On the part of the ministry, we will do all within our capacity to support the expo,” she added.

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State who was represented by Secretary to Kogi State Government, Mrs Folashade Arike pledged the state’s support for the promotion of culture.

    Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said given the height of creativity and ingenuity of African exhibitors as complemented by professional colleagues from other parts of the world, this year’s expo has set a new benchmark. He said the event has increased both domestic and international traffic in Abuja on the days the expo lasted. Otunba Runsewe, who pledged that the council would not rest on its oars until it realises the vision of making the expo the best in Africa and one of the best in the world, renamed it International Arts and Craft Expo.

    “The challenge before us now is how to attract critical stakeholders to join hands with the National Council for Art s and Culture to develop a vibrant expo that is second to none in the world. We need to leverage the potentials of this industry to help drive the economic diversification policy of this administration. I therefore call for the collaboration of government, corporate organisations, tour operators and art vendors,” he said.

    Otunba Runsewe, who described the expo as an opportunity for showcasing products and networking by exhibitors as against outright sales of arts and craft, disclosed that considering the challenges posed by the rain, next year’s expo would be held before the rainny season sets in.

    On what spurred him to repackage the expo, he said: “I needed to prove my competence as was done in tourism because many did not believe I could re-enact same feat in culture, especially in the face of the economic challenges facing the nation now. Above all, I want to use this sector to kick-start cultural diplomacy that can be used in resolving many national crises.

    “When you appeal to the people using their cultural elements, the job of reducing hate speeches is half done.”

    Otunba Runsewe cited reconstruction of venue, re-engineering of safety and security, using National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as arrow head, introduction of skill acquisition and redesigning of the pavilions as part of the strategies used to repackage the expo.

    Before now, the venue of the expo only had four toilet facilities for the guests and participants. But, this year 30 mobile toilets and one exceutive toilet were provided.

    Former National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Director-General,  Mr. Tom Adaba, described Runsewe as cat with the proverbial nine lives, who goes and comes back better, articulate and ready to serve. He urged the DG to keep it up and take the expo to international standard, noting that arts and crafts are the products that distinguished Nigerians as a people.

    Senator Smart Adeyemi said apart from football culture is what ‘we can use to cement our diversity. As a state, Kogi is endowed culturally and capable of hosting a similar event.’

    United Kingdom (UK) trained entrepreneur Adaobi Jennifer Ifeadi, who deals on body and hair cream products, said she made good sales throughout the duration of the expo. “On a normal day, I sold products worth N20,000. I appreciate the opportunity the expo provided to show and sell my products and hope to be here next year,” she said.

    Executive member, Society of Nigerian Artists (Abuja Chapter), Mr. Onyeka Ilo Anya,  described this year’s expo as the best in the last 10years in terms of planning, publicity and packaging. “In fact, I scored the expo the best in all ramifications. This year’s expo is an edition to beat. There is guaranteed security in the pavilion 24/7, products are very safe even when you are sleeping at night and after closing nobody is allowed to stay back. Unlike past editions, exhibitors slept in the venue. Last year the society only sold one miniature whereas this year we made good sales. We pray next year will be better and bigger,” Anya said.

  • Sterling Bank empowers 70 kids

    Sterling Bank Plc has completed the training of 70 kids on coding language at its 2017 summer code camp in Lagos in furtherance of its commitment to strengthening early childhood education practice in the country.

    The summer code camp which had children between the ages of six and 15 in attendance was organised in collaboration with Audax Code School.

    Speaking on the successful outcome of the programme, its Chief Marketing Officer, Henry Bassey said the aim of the programme was to expose young Nigerians to digital technologies at early ages and to bridge the national digital skills gap.

    Bassey said the fun-filled summer code camp also served as an avenue to empower children and teachers in both rural and urban areas, foster creativity and critical thinking skills through ICT learning while expanding career opportunities for the African youth through STEM Education.

    He added that the 10-day camping session was a period of study and fun for the children who “were exposed to scratch game development and storytelling, python programming and class storytelling as well as music and sounds, game development, introduction to HTML and project presentation.”

    The CMO said the code school was also an initiative to appreciate the Bank’s “I CAN SAVE” account holders who had a certain minimum balance in their respective accounts.

    In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Audax Code School, Emeka Onyenwe said, “the 2017 summer code camp was a great success. The students were introduced to the beautiful world of coding through the teaching of highly relevant concepts in a child-friendly way and by using illustrations and animations in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. We also actively engaged all the kids and ensured that they made new friends.”

    Sterling Bank is at the forefront of educating young Nigerians on the importance of saving and investing. In 2016, the Bank organised financial literacy training for children by staff volunteers across its network under the Employee Volunteer Programme.

    In addition, 1,500 students were taken through the rudiments of financial literacy during the Financial Literacy Day on March 12, 2016. Sterling Bank has also distributed 4,000 copies of a book: My Little Money Book to about 600 schools pan- Nigeria.

  • Fidelity empowers entrepreneurs in Onitsha

    Fidelity empowers entrepreneurs in Onitsha

    Fidelity Bank Plc held a four- day empowerment workshop for unregistered small business owners in Onitsha, Anambra State. The exercise was in furtherance of its commitment to continually support and grow the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

    Appropriately themed “Gaining Financial Freedom through Profitable Small Businesses” the workshop was organised to create requisite awareness on entrepreneurship and provide unregistered businesses with useful financing tips which will spur business growth.

    The initiative which is in consonance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) financial inclusion strategy, seeks to increase the penetration of financial services amongst the vast majority of Nigerians, particularly the unbanked, under-banked and micro business sectors.

    At the event, representatives from the Bank’s retail division participated in various awareness sessions to showcase the broad spectrum of products and services offered by the Bank. Some of these sessions included market storms and engagement exercise where notable clusters in Onitsha and its environs were visited.

     

  • Ogun empowers young people

    Ogun empowers young people

    Babatunde Gbenga, mass communications graduate turned farmer  now  gives up his time to participate in the  farmers market  set  up by the  Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture  at the state’s  secretariat, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta.

    He  is  amazed by the sales  he makes  and the support shown by civil servants. The mart holds every Friday. He grows maize and raise chicken. His  farm has an array of agronomic practices that guarantee a year-round supply of produce.

    Though he operates from the state’s model market, he finds it irresistible coming to the market to sell his produce. Gbenga is one of the beneficiaries of the programme. After the very first outing, Gbenga was excited at the level of success.

    Another  farmer  is Oludare Tunde. He plants cassava that is intercropped with maize. Intercropping with maize, poultry and cassava helps him keep that income relatively steady year-round. He is fast on picking up ideas that see him become a better farmer.   He has found the Ogun state civil servants’ mart a veritable income source.

    Across Ogun State, small business entrepreneurs are exploring  market opportunities proving by the  farmers market   for civil servants.

    Spotting a lucrative opportunity, many farmers have agreed to sell their produce using the thriving market platform. It is now a Friday ritual for workers at the Secretariat, to stroll into the mart to buy fresh fruits, eggs and vegetables. Such markets are celebrated for providing fresh produce, such as eggs and fruits. The “foodie bazaar” gives civil servants an opportunity to pick up local produce and support small-time suppliers. Stalls sell everything from fruit and vegetables to   fresh fish. Stallholders are well aware that their livelihood depends on retaining loyal customers and this requires them to deliver great value.The program has empowered young people to become entrepreneurs and create a self-sustaining system linking farmers to markets.The feedback from most of the stalls was how fantastic it was.. But the main aim of the market was to bring something back to the secretariat that workers feel is missing.

    The PermanentSecretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Steve Olusegun Ipinniwa, said the aim of establishing the mart was to provide a community get-together.

    He explained that workerscan do all the shopping at the secretariat at home and head home at the close of work to do the cooking.

    He said the initiative is the government’s way of helping entrepreneurial and talented farmers and small businesses.

    He added that the mart was conceived to stock and sell fresh farm produce as a way of linking up agricultural production to the markets to ensure that farmers receive a fair reward and encouragement to increase production.

    He said “the mart is meant to bring food nearer to the civil servants  at a very reasonable price in a healthy environment.

    He stated that this initiative will not only ensure all year round access to food supply at a wholesome quantity but will also create jobs across the agro-business value chain in collaboration with the private sector.

    Head of Service,Ogun State,Mr  Abayomi Sobande said the state is  committed to further development of  farmers skills so they can stand on their own as small business entrepreneurs. The success of the programme, according to him, would empower farmers, input agents and buyers to expand their networks, increase their overall profits, and rebuild their livelihoods.

  • Church empowers Ikorodu residents

    Hundreds of residents in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, last week received a new lease of life courtesy Grace to Grace International Church (GGIC).

    The church headquartered in the United Kingdom offered free medical tests and drugs to the residents who thronged its Ikorodu in their hundreds.

    Residents were tested on sugar level, blood pressure and sundry health challenges facing poor neighbourhood.

    They also received appropriate medications for their ailments and referrals for cases that couldn’t be handled.

    The scheme tagged Grace and Mercy Programme (GAMP) also saw the gradation of 21 females from the church’s free tailoring institute.

    The graduands, who endured the rigorous two-year training, also received free sewing machines as well as take-off grants by the church.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Prophet Isa El- Buba, urged the beneficiaries not to disappoint God and the society.

    “This is an investment into your future and destiny. It takes something like this to take one to the next level.

    “This opportunity has showed up and you must seize it by ensuring you improve your lives,” El-Buba stated.

    Many of the graduands praised the church for the training, insisting it has redefined their lives and existence.

    Glory Patrick, said the training has transformed her life and destiny.

    She said had always wanted to learn tailoring but was stopped by the N350, 000 training free.

    Blessing Okoro said she can now sustain her family with the training following years of joblessness.

    “I don’t need to beg to apply again. I have something to do now and my life will never remain the same again,” she stated.

    General Overseer of the church, Pastor (Mrs.) Atinuke Adesanya, said GAMP is the church’s gesture to create a stronger, healthier and richer society.

    “This is never about us but the community. All we are concerned about is to change and transform lives.

    “We just want to see people move from poverty to abundance and whatever it takes to do that, we won’t hesitate to,” she explained.

    Adesanya said she is motivated to continue with GAMP in its eighth year because of her lowly background.

    “I grew up in Fadeyi with 14 children in one room. We had to pray for visitors to leave on time so that we can sleep in their small corners.

    “We ate rice only on Sunday evenings. If visitors show up, we would have to wait till the next weekend. Things were that bad.

    ‘But this is to help others also leave the poverty line. If God can do it for someone like me, He can raise anybody,” she shared.