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Tag: improved

  • Kebbi explores improved livestock breeding

    Kebbi explores improved livestock breeding

    •As governor visits FrieslandCampina WAMCO

    Kebbi State Governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has paid a visit to dairy giant FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak and Three Crowns milk, to explore the potential for livestock breeding, local milk sourcing and development.

    The exploratory visit, during the week, was aimed at boosting the state’s revenue drive and the livelihood of farmers in Kebbi State.

    During the visit, governor Bagudu received insight into the company’s operations through a tour of factory facilities and dairy development sites in Oyo State.

    He was also briefed on the company’s key dairy development activities including artificial insemination, cattle feeding and breeding for high yield milk quantities.

    The Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr.Ben Langat, who welcomed the governor, said the governor’s visit underscored the company’s objective of ensuring best dairy farming practices that guarantee the flow of good quality milk from grass to glass.

    “FrieslandCampina WAMCO is honoured to share and support Kebbi State to replicate our tried and tested Dairy Development Programme (DDP) model that enables small scale dairy farmers to improve the quality and yield of their milk production and earn reasonable income.

    ”Partnerships such as this with Kebbi State will go a long way to strengthen dairy development in Nigeria” Langat said.

    Responding, Bagudu praised FrieslandCampina WAMCO for her commitment in leading dairy development in Nigeria.

    He said: “We are seeking to modernise the agricultural sector as this will help to solve many national issues. We need WAMCO’s intervention to demonstrate what can work for our farmers in Kebbi.

    “That is why we are here. The Federal Government has actually spearheaded a number of programmes in the country to boost agriculture, so that as a nation, we produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”

    The visiting team from Kebbi State included Bagudu; the Permanent Secretary, Animal Health, Dr. Usman Shehu Umar; Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega, the Director, Livestock Services, Ministry of Animal Health, Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega; and Special Adviser to His Excellency on Agricultural Activity, Hon. Usman Balkore.

    Langat received the Kebbi State delegation in company of the Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Operations Director, Mr. Doyin Ashiru; and Dairy Development Manager, Mr. Adekunle Olayiwola John.

    Preparatory to such strategic partnerships with states, FrieslandCampina’s Global CEO Roelof Joosten visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last year.

    The purpose was to discuss the company’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s dairy sector through its unique sustainable DDP backed by technical expertise from The Netherlands.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s DPP started in August 2010, with the company signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in April 2011.

    The MoU was renewed in June 2016. ”We are unwavering and remain committed to supporting local farmers and leading dairy development in Nigeria,” Famurewa said.

  • Nestle MD: BIP has built our capacity, improved local content

    The Managing Director, Nestle Nig Plc, Mr. Mauricio Alarcon, has said his company’s Backward Integration Policy (BIP) and the use of more familiar and common ingredients has not only improved the nutritional profile of their products, but also boosted the  economy.

    At the launch of the company’s new variant of seasoning, Maggi Naija Pot, in Sagamu, Ogun State, Alarcon said the seasoning helps families cook better-tasting wholesome southern dishes with less effort while delivering the delicious ‘bottom of the pot taste.’

    He said with over 4,000 farmers, the company uses 80 per cent of locally-sourced raw materials, which has helped its factory expansion.

    Alarcon said: “Most consumers want minimal processes, but desire adequate nutritional needs from any purchased products. With that in mind we fortified our Maggi Naija pot with iodine and other essential nutrients.

    “We have further trained over 1,600 farmers in local technology using soya beans with over 7,000 local maggi traders. In doing this, we have not only increased our capacity, but is also creating wealth.”

    The Category Manager (Culinary), Mr. Nordine Meguini, said the company has brought out innovative solutions to help women cook appetising food for their families.

    On the composition, he said it has a component of stock fish, crayfish and smoked fish to enhance the taste and aroma of Nigerian southern dishes.

    On the unique selling features of the new seasoning, Meguini said: “The maggi Naija Pot has superior taste and aroma, a source of iodine, saves time, money and effort in purchasing different ingredients.

    “The new seasoning makes it possible for people with low budget to enjoy quality mouth-watering food appeal in a unique blend of recognisable local ingredients developed to enhance the taste and aroma of Nigerian southern cuisine giving them that authentic bottom pot taste.”

    He said as a company, Nestle’s driving force is to improve the nutritional profile of their products and work on salt and sodium reduction and the fortification of its products with iron in order to   reduce the risk of under nutrition and contribute to address micronutrient deficiencies.

    The category manager assured that the company will continue using more familiar and common ingredients to create competitive products that are not only healthy but also friendly to customers’ budget.A

  • ‘Map territorial waters for improved security’

    For improved national security and proper documentation of the nation’s maritime resources, the Hydrography Society of Nigeria (HSN) has urged the Federal Government to survey, map and chart the nation’s territorial waters.

    HSN made the call yesterday while celebrating this year’s World Hydrography Day, with the theme: Mapping Our Seas, Oceans and Waterways, More Important Than Ever.

    HSN’s President, who doubles as the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy (NN), Commodore Emeka Okafor, regretted that only 0.05 per cent of the nation’s waters had been mapped.

    He said the mappings done on the nation’s waters were 100 years old, save for Lagos and Port Harcourt ends, which were recently updated.

    According to him, hydrography contributed directly to the efficiency of maritime transportation, as well as security and defence.

    He said: “This allows voyages to be shortened if new routes are surveyed and modern applications employed. It also supports maritime defence and security by allowing freedom of manoeuvre for search and rescue and naval operations.

    “With all these benefits and more, viz a viz the extent of Nigeria’s water yet to be surveyed, you will agree with me that it is time Nigeria woke up to its responsibilities by giving hydrography it’s desired attention.’’

    Acknowledging the importance of hydrography to naval/maritime operations, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas said plans were underway to upgrade its hydrography department to National Hydrographic Office (NHO), which would be supervised directly by the Presidency.

    Ibas, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, said: “The proposed NHO will be composed of mainly civilians from the hydrography community and a handful of navy personnel with the following organs; NHO, the survey fleet and National Hydrographic School.

    “Through this process, the NHO would be directly funded by the presidency with the prospects of hydrography contributing immensely for national development.

    “Considering the huge financial requirement involved in hydrographic operations and the enormity of surveying Nigeria’s vast domain, it is difficult to fund hydrograhy from the navy’s budgetary allocation alone.”

    According to Ibas, the navy had procured additional modern hydrographic survey equipment, adding that it had commenced feasibility studies for the establishment of network of tide gauges across the coastline.

    He said: “When completed, this project will enhance the understanding of the impact of sea-level rise along the coast.

    “The project will also provide relevant data that would be used by mariners and hydrographic surveyors alike.”

    The Registrar of Surveyors Council of Nigeria, Hassan Suleiman, urged the government to provide adequate funds for the office of the Surveyor General, to enable it meet its statutory duties.

    He said the government should also create Office of the Hydrographer of Nigeria, with adequate fund to buy equipment for its functions.

  • NACCIMA targets improved regional ties

    NACCIMA targets improved regional ties

    The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has unveiled an agenda to leverage its trade mission to support the Federal Government’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) drive and improve operators’capacity in the agricultural value chain.

    Its National President, Mrs. Iyalode Alaba Lawson, said the Chamber, under her leadership, would explore efforts to enhance regional trade relationships by repackaging its trade mission towards FDI.

    This, she said, would be in  partnership with members and the government in establishing companies and creating demand supply platforms for agricultural products and other mineral resources.

    Speaking at her investiture as the Chamber’s national leader, Lawson emphasised the need to increase the Chamber’s advocacy agenda, especially now that the real sector required good policies to operate efficiently.

    “While we recognise the administration’s efforts in developing the Medium, Small and Micro Enterprise (MSME) sector in Nigeria, I will like to state that our association also recognises that women and youths take the larger percentage of MSME operators, who find it difficult to access different opportunities and privileges that are available in the country,” she said.

    Lawson, however, said  NACCIMA would work with the Federal Government and development agencies to create a platform that can enhance the capacity of women and youths, while also establishing job centres through collaborations with agencies and organisations.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun praised Lawson’s contributions to the socio-economic development of the nation, adding that her emergence as the first National President of NACCIMA was not a surprise.

    “As I congratulate our own Iyalode on this investiture, let me enjoin you and all other members of the Executive Committee to work assiduously to bring out your best and contribute your own quota to the development of our country,” he added.

    Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABEOCCIMA) President, Mr. Wasiu Olaleye, praised NACCIMA’s leadership for sustaining the Chamber’s ideals in the country.

    According to him, there was the need to remind the government of its responsibilities in making the business environment conducive for operators.

    “It is, however, worthy of commendation that the Federal Government has recognised that one of the major critical factors that would bail the nation out of the present economic misfortunes is to create conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

    “Doing business in Nigeria requires a lot of determination and resilience. The change in the business climate is always unpredictable.

    “To succeed as a business owner, you have to brace for the agonising bottlenecks and unwholesome practices when interfacing with public officials. Besides, the situation is worsened by the intractable regime of multiple taxation,” he added.

  • Expert seeks improved livestock production

    A Professor of Forage Agronomy and Utilisation  Olufemi Onifade, has explained what the country should do to increase local production of meat, milk, mutton, veal, hides, skin and other exports.

    According to Onifade, the animals producing these products should be adequately fed and well taken care of, to increase the quantity and quality of the citizens’ animal protein intake and generate income for youths.

    Onifade made the disclosure while delivering the 53rd Inaugural Lecture of the University titled, “Grasses: Production and Management for Sustainable Livestock Industry”, where he enumerated the importance of forage in the stabilisation of soil, serving as cover crop for erosion control, usage as pesticide, feed for ruminants and non-ruminants, medical and recreational activities, among others. Onifade, who is of the Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), observed that forage evaluation started long time ago in Nigeria, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where forage species were first evaluated in 1935, which led to the need to focus on pasture, grassland management and to establish more cooperation between livestock and traditional farmers.

    He noted that between 1956 and 1961, about 271 pasture species were evaluated at various centers in sub-humid zone and at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI).

    He added that the livestock industry had contributed tremendously to national economy as the population of ruminant livestock in Nigeria, as at 2013, was estimated at 40,834,000 goats, 19,590,000 sheep and 16,286,000 cattle, adding that agricultural contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 22 per cent, out of which livestock was 30 per cent. He said that many established pastures were not doing well and failed to last long, while calling for proper planning, identifying fertilizer needs, using of quality seed, land preparation, proper sowing method and proper management of weeds.

  • Lagosians urged to donate towards improved security

    The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun has appealed to Lagosians to donate to the Fund for improved security.

    Balogun stated that the military, paramilitary and other security agencies  needed the resources and interventions to combat crime.

    According to him, without adequate security, Lagosians cannot prosper in their endeavors be it social, economic, political or religious.

    He said: “As security is everyone’s business, I use this medium to encourage Lagosians to rekindle our resolve to achieve a better society by investing in our security, which is paramount to the ability of security agencies to fight crime and keep us safe.

    “To also be more vigilant and to endeavor to contact the Law enforcement agents through our emergency and toll free numbers 112/767 when you see anything suspicious.”

    The CEO urged every Lagos resident to play his/her part by donating generously to the Fund in order to sustain the model of funding of our security agencies  which will further translate into a more robust infrastructural development, employment and the well-being of the entire people of Lagos State.”

  • Forum seeks improved support for agric

    The Food and Agriculture Writers Forum of Nigeria (FAWN) has said the agriculture sector needs a transformation to ensure food security and sustainable livelihood for farmers.

    FAWN viewed with deep concern the spiraling prices of food, increasing hunger and malnutrition arising from unfavourable investment climate and weak naira that has affected the agro-allied sector.

    In a statement signed by the association’s coordinating Secretary, Mr. Fabian Odum, the body noted that the increasing rate of inflation has also shrunk the purchasing power of the Nigerian consumer considerably. It also observed that young agropreneurs and agricultural Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are facing challenges accessing funds from the banking channels.

    The forum called  on the government to prevail on banks to assist farmers to access credits at low interest rate.

    According to the forum, the  plan to reduce wheat importation by 50 per cent in 2017/2018 remains a dream because the fund needed to finance the procurement of about 15,000 metric tons of seed to cover 150,000 hectares estimated at over N2 billion is unavailable. The forum noted: “Effectively, only Kano and Zamfara states made attempts of the 13 wheat-growing states to do the crop at the launch of the CBN Anchor Borrowers scheme, December 2015.”

    To further bolster dollar earnings and shore up the naira through agriculture, the forum called for support for growing and export of cashew, mango, sesame, ginger, garlic, flowers among others including processed aquaculture products targeted at ethnic markets in Europe and North America.

  • TCN chief sure of improved power supply

    TCN chief sure of improved power supply

    Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Managing Director Mr. Mack Kast is sure that power supply will soon improve.

    He spoke at the launch of a book titled: “Succeeding in Communication” written by Mr. Clement Ezeolisah, an official of TCN in Abuja.

    Kast acknowledged the poor power supply arising from rampant vandalism of gas pipelines, saying: “Be assured that all stakeholders are working tirelessly to reverse the current situation so that we can return to winning ways again with uninterrupted power supply.”

    He commended the author of the book, describing him as diligent and development-oriented.

    The Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Owan Enoh who was the Guest of Honour, also praised the author for writing the book, noting that the book will help people improve their communication skills.

    The senator also called on leaders to do all that is possible to restore reading culture among the populace and encouraged everyone to adjust their life-styles in order to live better and keep in check the rampaging life-style diseases like diabetes.

    According to the author, Clement Ezeolisah, motivation for writing the book came from the desire to bridge the existing gaps in communication activities so that people would be more disposed to communicating more effectively and efficiently.

    The book reviewer, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, described the seven chapter-book as the ‘little but great book which brings together in a simple but concise manner the art of effective communication’,  Mr.

    ‘Succeeding in Communication’ attempts to deepen the understanding and achievement of the communication process. It analyses the elements of the communication system, the various traditional and emerging digital modes and suggests ways for proper and effective utilisation of these modes to achieve success in the communication process.

    Former group managing director of Leadership Newspaper and publisher of The Interview magazine, Azubuike Ishiekwene, wrote the Foreword to the book.

  • FBN Holdings optimistic of improved performance

    FBN Holdings optimistic of improved performance

    FBN Holdings Plc will drive down cost, improve operating effi-ciency and focus on disciplined growth that ensures improved returns to shareholders as the financial services group moves to harness synergies from its businesses and enhance its long-term prospects.

    Directors of FBN Holdings gave this assurance yesterday at the annual general meeting of the group held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Group chairman, FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko, said notwithstanding the expected near-term outlook of moderated demand and stiffer, more intense competition in the financial services sector, FBN Holdings would ride on the back of its sound corporate governance structures, resilient business model and continued growth momentum in its strategic businesses to continue to guarantee growth in 2016 and beyond.

    He outlined that as the group move to its next phase of its efficient growth, the board is positive that the group will achieve its growth aspirations by a sustained, sharp focus on its strategic priorities.

    “Operating efficiency will remain at the heart of our decisions, to ensure that our disciplined growth meets the strictest hurdles of shareholder returns. In 2016, we will not lose sight of our priority to be a strong and financially stable group that offers a one-stop financial supermarket and puts customer at the heart of everything we do,” Otudeko said.

    According to him, the group’s integrated approach of providing diverse financial services-commercial banking, insurance, merchant banking and asset management, within one group, differentiates it from the competition.

    “Notwithstanding the current economic climate, the board remains extremely confident that the strong fundamentals of our organisation are more than adequate to ride us through the current market challenges. We will continue to focus on effective execution of our strategy and on delivering value to shareholders,” Otudeko said.

    Group managing director, FBN Holdings Plc, Mr Uk Eke, acknowledged what he described as market skepticism on the ability of the group to confront the challenges confronting it but assured that the group has started taken bold moves to address the challenges and the impact will soon be visible within the next six to 12 months.

  • Army has improved under Buhari, says Okorocha

    Army has improved under Buhari, says Okorocha

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said the Army has improved under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, especially in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast.

    Okorocha spoke when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major-General Tukur Yusufu Buratai visited him at the Government House in Owerri. He said “we have watched with keen interest what is happening in the Northeast. We encourage you and your men in the way you have tackled Boko Haram head-on and today, Nigerians are singing a better song than what it used to be”.

    His words: “It is also on record that the soldiers have given a deadly blow to the Boko Haram terrorists. And that feat would not have been possible without the doggedness of the Chief of Army Staff who stooped low to join the troops in the bush to fight. To say the least, the Army has been well represented.”

    Okorocha, however, appealed to the COAS to approve the establishment of a Military school in the state, promising that the government would provide the land and other logistics.

    He also appealed to Buratai to send more operational vehicles and other logistics to the 34 Field Artillery Brigade in Obinze to enable them perform their role effectively “especially now that Imo has become the fastest growing city in the country outside Lagos and Abuja”.

    The governor also observed that Imolites were not equitably represented in the Army, noting that “something must have gone wrong with the quota allocated to the state over the years”.

    Buratai said he was on a familiarisation visit to the Army Brigade in the state with a view to knowing their challenges.

    He thanked the government for the support given to the Army which had contributed to the stable security situation in the state, stressing that the Army is winning the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.