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Tag: industry

  • ECCIMA: FG should devolve economic, political power to zones

    The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) has advocated devolution of economic and political power by the Federal Government to zones and states to facilitate economic recovery.

    The President of ECCIMA, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, made the call on Tuesday, on the need for the Federal Government to tackle the recovery of the economic from all fronts.

    “In our efforts to diversify and make our economy to be competitive, there is great need for the Federal Government to remove certain exclusivity it has on some key areas and sectors.

    “Channel such to the concurrent list, where states can be empowered to enrich their economic potentials,’’ Chime said.

    According to him, the solid mineral sector, we believe will activate the economy of almost all the states in Nigeria as there is no state in Nigeria that is not endowed with one mineral or the other.

    He remained the Federal Government about statement of the Minister of Solid Minerals in January 2016 that states would start taking part in solid mineral policy input and exploitation.

    “We look forward to full implementation of this promise,” he said.

    Chime, however, commended the Federal Government for its pragmatic Medium Term Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (MTRGP 2017-2020), which was being finalised to address the current economic challenges and restore growth.

    “Even with this lauded plan; there is a need to involve the component states and zones to join and participate actively in the overall economic recovery plan,’’ he added.

     

  • For a virile, sustainable construction industry

    For a virile, sustainable construction industry

    The effects of climate change have raised the need for sustainable construction in the country. According to experts, there is a need for awareness on ways the built environment is planned, designed, constructed and used. Multinationals   have taken the lead, rewarding innovations for sustainable development, MUYIWA LUCAS writes.

    More than ever, the need to build sustainably has taken the driver’s seat in the construction industry. This is so because of the effects of climate change on mankind. Now, environmental protection is the dominant item in the quest to achieve sustainable development. This is why creating awareness on ways the built environment is designed, constructed and used becomes necessary in the race for sustainable building in the country.

    Sustainable construction, according to experts, is a way for the industry to move towards achieving sustainable development. Materials used in building account for 40 per cent of natural resource use; 30 per cent of carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions and 40 per cent of waste. In countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), buildings take up 45 per cent of the total energy use.

    According to a Professor of Construction in the Department of Building, University of Jos, Natalia Anigbogu, the Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction was developed and published in 1999.

    He said it refers to construction as “the broad process/mechanism for the realisation of human settlements and the creation of infrastructure that supports development, including the extraction and beneficiation of raw materials, the manufacturing of construction materials and components, the project cycle, from feasibility and design to deconstruction, and the management and operation of the built environment”.

    Sustainable building practices, he explained, form an integral part of the process.

     

    Building materials, price

    Anigbogu explained that the prices of basic construction materials, including cement and steel, often fluctuate in Nigeria as they are mostly require imported. This, to a large extent, affects the effective delivery of sustainable construction as to choice of materials used and method of delivery.

    He said in 2001, the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction noted that one of the issues to be addressed to attain sustainable construction was innovation in building materials and methods.

    Anigbogu, in his research, Achieving Sustainable Construction in Nigeria: An Evaluation of Construction Materials: a Comparison of Concrete vs Steel, writes on the extent to which sustainability factors influence construction materials, noting that concrete is a more suitable construction material in the country.

     

    Lafarge Africa, sustainable construction

    In the last quarter of 2013, the merger of Lafarge with Holcim, to form LafargeHolcim, changed the disposition of construction materials manufacturers to key into sustainable construction. This gave birth to its legacy “Building Better Cities,” which also encompasses the clamour for sustainable construction.

    The Head, Sustainability and Corporate Brand, Lafarge Africa, Mrs. Temitope Oguntokun, said the concept Building Better Cities conveyed the force of the company’s global ambition and strategy, as well as expressed its vision and marked its difference.

    Mrs. Oguntokun said in Nigeria, Lafarge Africa has been contributing to each of the five focus areas of the scheme through the projects and programmes being developed and executed by it across the country.

    She listed the focus areas of its sustainable construction to include more housing in cities. This is through its affordable housing initiative, “Easy Home”, launched in 2013. Easy Home, she said, has impacted over 25,000 beneficiaries since inception by helping them gain access to shelter. Also, jobs are created for masons, blockmakers and  retailers, among others.

    The scheme is available in 14 states, with target to reach 20 by the  end  of 2017. Easy Home is present in 32 cities and provides free Lafarge technical assistance to aspiring homeowners.

    Others are its mass housing solutions scheme targeted at households earning between N30,000 and N300,000 monthly. Lafarge Africa is also partnering state governments and relevant professionals on mass housing.

    “Our integrated mass housing solution provides construction technologies that deliver speed, quality, cost efficiency and reliability, which ensures sustainable development, Oguntokun said.

    She listed other initiatives to include building more compact, beautiful and durable cities by providing quality materials that endure over time; and contributing to greener environment through alternative fuels like the Biomass Project which helps to reduce CO2 emissions.

     

    Encouraging sustainable construction

    As part of its contribution and encouragement for sustainable construction locally and globally, LafargeHolcim instituted an award for sustainable construction. The award, now in its fifth edition, seeks to recognise and reward bold, innovative and sustainable construction ideas that could solve some of today’s social and environmental challenges. It is open to established / young professionals and students in the built environment, construction firms, project owners and NGOs. This fifth edition, which began on July 4 last year and closes for submissions on March 21 has a total prize value of  $2 million or N630.49 million (at N314.50k to $1). Already, 26 participants from Nigeria-14 professionals and 12 students, have so far submitted entries.

     

    Nigerian pride

    Oguntokun explained that in the fourth edition of the LafargeHolcim global award, a Nigerian, Mr. Kunlé Adeyemi of NLÉ Works, received one of the five equally-ranked Acknowledgement prizes for his construction design, “Working on Water”. It was designed to build Chicoco Radio, an amphibious building housing a floating media platform that will be built to strengthen local communities for residents of waterfront slums of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    In awarding Adeyemi the prize, the jury acknowledged the project’s objective to establish linkages locally and across the region. “Architecture merges here with new media to become a platform for modern communication and participation – a civic tool to strengthen local and regional identity. Located at the threshold between land and water, the structure furthermore encapsulates the effects of climate change on coastal communities in Africa. The use of indigenous materials such as bamboo to create a media centre offers the opportunity to create an architecture that goes beyond tradition, while respecting the past,” the jury submitted.

    Adeyemi is founder and principal of NLÉ based in Lagos, Nigeria and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is an architect, designer and urbanist with recent work including “Makoko Floating School”, a prototype floating structure on the lagoon heart of Lagos. This acclaimed project is part of an extensive research project – “African Water Cities.” He had won the Silver Lion prize for promising young architects at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition (2016) for his “Makoko Floating School” design/project.

     

    Building sustainable future

    A consultant with Advanced Engineering Construction (AEC) Richard Ibilola, explained that sustainable construction aims to meet present day needs for housing, working environments and infrastructure without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs in times to come.

    He said it incorporates elements of economic efficiency, environmental performance and social responsibility – and contributes to the greatest extent when architectural quality, technical innovation and transferability are included.

    This, he said, involves issues such as the design and management of buildings, materials performance, construction technology and processes, energy and resource efficiency in building,  operation and maintenance, robust products and technologies, long-term monitoring, adherence to ethical standards, socially-viable environments, stakeholder participation, occupational health and safety and working conditions; innovative financing models; improvement to existing contextual conditions; interdependencies of landscape, infrastructure, urban fabric and architecture; flexibility in building use, function and change; and the dissemination of knowledge in related academic, technical and social contexts.

    “The pace of change means we don’t have the luxury of time. With urban populations worldwide swelling daily, there’s an urgent need to come up with clever ideas that optimise the sustainable performance of the buildings that we live and work in,”Ibilola said.

  • Lagos’ new deal for the entertainment industry

    Lagos has always been Nigeria’s entertainment hub. Most of the nation’s renowned entertainers literarily cut their teeth in Lagos. Many iconic and world famous Nigerian artistes such as late Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, late Fatai Rolling Dollar, Moses Olaiya aka Baba Sala, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, late Ade Love, Sir Shina Peters, Tu Face, late Dagrin, Olamide to mention but a few developed and fulfilled their show biz potentials through the platform provided by the entertainment friendly Lagos. Music, arts, theatre and all forms of entertainments thrive readily in Lagos basically because of its massive population which helps ensure that every artiste in the city-state has his/her own fan base, as well as immeasurable market to explore.

    Without a doubt, Lagos is endowed with both human and material resources.  From the colonial era till date, Lagos remains Nigeria’s and, indeed, West Africa’s business hub. As Lagos population increases, so is the demand for employment, food and entertainment. Entertainment business got a great boost with the emergence of National Art Theatre, Cinema houses, hotels, bars and other facilities that provide conducive environment for entertainment related activities to flourish. Demand for quality entertainment has always been on steady increase, despite the hustling lifestyle of the typical Lagosian. The profundity of night activities in Lagos clearly reinforces Lagosians’ massive attraction for entertainment. Today, as Nigerians grapple with economic hassles and its attendant diverse complications, entertainment gamely offers great relief for many.

    It is important to highlight the job creation potentials of the entertainment industry. Of late, many have been frustrated by their inability to secure employment from top rated blue chip firms. But it is important to stress that the entertainment sector has now moved from its hitherto recreational status to becoming a huge source of employment. Diverse professionals ranging from fashion designers, lightening and electrical engineers, dancers, voice trainers, make- up artistes, script writers, producers, directors, stage designers and artiste managers among many others are now gainfully employed through the limitless possibilities offered by the sector.

    It is, therefore, not surprising that the Lagos State government is keenly interested in the business of entertainment, considering its numerous benefits.  Since the coming on board of the current administration in Lagos State, the entertainment sector Lagos has received remarkable impetus.

    This is not by any means accidental. The current administration in Lagos has from the outset set to promote entertainment and such related human enterprises through a well thought out programme called T.H.E.S.E. which is an acronym for Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sporting Excellence. With the current economic downturns in the country, it is the conviction of the state government that the pursuit of T.H.E.S.E. has become an urgent necessity. In view of the numerous employment potentials of the industry, the pursuit of T.H.E.S.E. by the state government is certainly a shrewd choice.

    To further fully optimize the potentials of the sector in the state, the state government plans to construct an Art Theatre and a Cinema in Igando and also build five new amphitheatres  in Ikorodu, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Badagry and Epe in 2017. The main objective is to give greater opportunities to youths that are creatively inclined to fulfil their dreams. Similarly, the state government is prepared to assist uniquely creative talents in the state to access needed fund through the N25 billion Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.  This much was revealed at the Agege centre of the just concluded One Lagos Fiesta by the governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. Speaking, especially to the youths at the event, Ambode said: “I want to encourage you to take opportunity of applying for the Employment Trust Fund. We have fund already established to take care of your expertise. We have earmarked over N6billion and we intend to push N1billion to the entertainment sector. So, it is left for all of you to bring out your best. Whatever it is that you are doing, if you can’t get a white collar job, the ETF is there for you to help promote your talent”.

    In order to further encourage creative artistes and entertainers in the state to up their acts and become more enterprising, Governor Ambode recently hosted artistes that performed at the just concluded One Lagos Fiesta at his office in Alausa, Ikeja. At the event, Governor Ambode unveiled the state’s plans to leverage on the vast economic opportunities in the entertainment, tourism and arts sectors, to grow its Gross Domestic Product, GPD.  The governor said that “creative industry remained a veritable platform to grow the economy and that government would tap into it.” He further revealed that: “The One Lagos Fiesta is a platform put together by our administration to majorly create awareness about the potentials inherent in the entertainment industry, especially in using it to grow the economy and positively develop talents that abound in the country”.

    Ambode further revealed to the artistes that his government remained committed to using the platform of T.H.E.S.E to grow the state’s economy. Part of the plan is to leverage on Lagos massive youth population to promote entertainment.  Statistics has shown that 66 per cent of Lagos population are below the age of 35 and if two-third are of below 35, it means there is an economy in that age bracket that government is not seeing. The One Lagos Fiesta was, therefore, used to test-run how to harness the artistic potentials of youths in the state.

    It will be recalled that in his inaugural address, Governor Ambode promised to run an all-inclusive government where no segment of the society is left behind. This renewed effort to promote the entertainment industry is an integral part of this philosophy. It is hoped that both budding and established entertainers in the state will take full advantage of this new window to further widen their horizon.

     

    • Odumade is of the Features Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy. Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

  • Religion – Nigeria’s fastest growing industry

    With the assumed but audacious permission of Wole Soyinka and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, I am writing this piece, attempting to reduce the pontification of the icons to the language of the ‘ordinary’ Nigerian. The duo has said variously that religion as practiced in this country can be a cog in the wheel of progress.  May I repeat this is not exactly their language, but together with my close observation of the practice of the two major religions especially in the last decades and most especially currently, many religions organizations are not doing this country any good. Christianity, the second most popular religious organization in Nigeria was introduced to this country both by European missionaries/adventurists and returning ex-slaves from the Caribbean in the 18th century.  Hence urban and semi-urban   communities like Badagry, Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan (Kudeti), Calabar, Opobo, Lokoja etc embraced the early Christians.  These early Christians were mainly of the established churches of the Church of England (the CMS Church), the Methodists, the Presbyterians, the Catholic Church, and later Baptists. Invariably these churches were headed by expatriates and returning slaves.

    Apart from evangelism, the churches established schools – primary, theological, teacher training, and secondary.  Their intention and modus operandi were open and unmistakable.  In some cases they partnered with governments which benefitted from the experience and benevolence of these early Christians.

    As regards Islam – I am not qualified to trace the origins and intentions of the early adherents.  All one can say is that it was the work of crusaders and jihadists that the religion took a firm hold in Northern Nigeria.  Today the population of Christians to Moslems are almost at par, and minus hot spots like Southern Kaduna,   parts of Benue and Plateau, Christians and Muslims live together in harmony and in peace.  Even in those flash points, it is not really difference in religion but destructive activities of mobile or herdsmen that disturb the peace.

    In Southern Nigeria and perhaps in parts of the North, the ravaging  emergence of  Pentecostal  sects    giving effect to the multiplication of all sorts  of pretenders  and fortune seekers have raised  many fundamental  questions about the genuineness and  ‘Christian-ess’  of these later day evangelists, preachers and apostles.  Mention must be made about the early Pentecostal churches.    Outstanding was Joseph Babalola, the chief progenitor of the world-wide Christ Apostolic Church.  A self-made true evangelist, his church now pervades all the crannies of the land. If he were alive today, he would marvel at the dimension his original vision has assumed. Now it is not unusual                                                       for couples to turn their living room to a church and thereafter declare it a parish of the C.A.C. Today the leadership of this venerable church often ends up in civilian courts pleading to be accorded recognition.

    More disturbing is the proliferation of ‘worship’ places where neighbours are denied smooth rest at night and at early hours with their microphones and loudspeakers blaring away the night.  In some of these churches, a very imaginative husband would found a church, declare himself Archbishop and each of his two wives Bishop.  Their adherents’ and devotees never give thought to any malfeasance or self-aggrandizements by these so-called men of God.

    We have heard in this country where pastors bury life animals or dead humans in their worship place.  In some, bare-face rituals take place.  Some cases are in court while many have been decided in civilian courts.

    There are of course exceptions to this national phenomenon. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and two or three others occupy a separate place among Pentecostals.  The RCCG for example has an internal administration- call it government if you like – equal to any political administration in Nigeria.  There is not much infighting, the cheeks and bellies of the General Overseers are not obscenely bulging, and although they have Jeeps and Jets, they also establish universities where the children of mighty and of the lowly receive education.

    The pastors inviting you to the mountain top every week-end have their own agenda.  While some may act in good faith, may God forgive others who harbor other motives.  Admittedly, probably some radio stations will close without the commercial advertisement of some crusading pastors.

    Religion requires quiet communication with your God, pleading forgiveness and praying that your enemy will change for the better but not calling for fire to consume him and his family.   As a result of some evangelists and pastors, a number of homes have been destroyed and family members separated.

    It is no cynicism to say that the fastest growing industry in Nigeria today is the church as represented by pastors, the evangelists, the prophets, and of course the mighty G.Os.

    There is virtually nothing anybody can do about it.  The Holy Writ has said that at the end of time so many deviants and false prophets will be at work, proclaiming to be Christians. Isn’t that day drawing ‘nigh’ ?

     

    • Fasuan MON, JP, writes from Ado-Ekiti.

  • How to revive textile industry, by Aremu

    Unless the Federal Government translates its executive orders into action by directing all agencies and parastatals to continue to patronise Nigerian made fabrics, the textiles industry will remain comatose, the Secretary-General, National Union of Textiles and Garment Workers of Nigeria (NUTGWN), Issa Aremu, has said.

    Speaking with The Nation, Aremu said there was the urgent need for government to revive the textile industry because of its potential to generate massive employment opportunities for Nigerians.

    Aremu said the executive order mandating government agencies to spend more of their budgets on locally produced goods was capable of driving the recovery of the nation’s textile and garment industry.

    He, however, said the challenge is to ensure that the agencies implement the executive order by patronising locally produced textiles.

    “The Police and Customs should stop buying officers’ uniforms from Bangladesh and China, when the surviving textile factories can produce at home. This point cannot be overstated,” Aremu said.

    According to the labour leader, Nigeria spends over $4 billion yearly in importing textiles and ready-made clothing when it has the potential to produce for the local market and even export.

    He said with the right policies, the textile industry can meet local demand and also export to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) market of over 175 million people, as well as to the developed world.

    Aremu, therefore, urged the Federal Government to hasten the implementation of increased workers’ wages in the country.

    He also advised President Muhammadu Buhari to expand the composition of the newly established National Industrial Council to include state governments and labour union representatives to obtain more input.

  • Dairy industry: Local raw milk to the rescue

    Dairy industry: Local raw milk to the rescue

    A Dairy Development Programme (DPP) aimed at cutting the nation’s huge import bill and also create jobs is on course. The programme supports local sourcing of raw milk  by engaging and training Fulani milk producers and potential smallholder dairy farmers. Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA reports that the model could be the wedge for the economy in recession, if more players in the business come on board and infrastructure are provided.

    The Research & Development (R&D)/Dairy Development Manager, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, Mr. Lawrence Inegbenoise, is upbeat. He is expectant that the company’s cooperation talks with academic institutions in The Netherland in knowledge-sharing and exchange programme with Nigerian dairy farmers would boost the transfer of technology know-how on milk production and expand its on-going Dairy Development Programme (DDP).

    At the behest of FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, dairy producer, two dons from The Netherlands, Imke de Boer, a Professor of Animal Science, Wageningen University, and Managing Director, Wageningen Academy, Janine Luten, were in Nigeria recently to explore the possibility of transferring skills to assist local dairy farmers on best practices for improved yield.

    “Fulani cows are local breeds so, we have brought in experts to train them on how to cross-breed with the local cows, which can produce 500 litres of raw milk, while cross-breeds can produce 1,200 litres,” Inegbenoise explained, exuding confidence.

    He spoke while conducting reporters and experts from The Netherland round the company’s dairy development facilities in Oyo State.

    FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, makers of dairy brands such as Peak Milk, Three Crowns, Friso, among others, has been pushing a DPP since August 2010. The Private-Public Partnership (PPP) initiative was aimed at developing the local dairy industry by creating a sustainable raw milk value-chain that contributes to food security through provision of quality dairy nutrition to Nigerians as well as providing jobs.

    The company is the only dairy manufacturer sourcing part of its raw milk requirement locally. It has invested over N4 billion on the project so far. The scheme  draws its strength partly from the Federal Government’s backward integration policy, which encourages building capacity in local manufacturing to significantly reduce imports and create jobs.

    Under the DPP’s sustainable raw milk value-chain, Inegbenoise said that Fulani herdsmen constitute the first leg of the empowerment programme under which they are trained to ensure they get the best quality milk for FrieslandCampina. The herdsmen are supported through consistent trainings and demonstrations to upgrade their milk supply in terms of quantity and more importantly, quality.

    They are also trained in the use of crop residues and fortification as sources of good feed to cattle. Also, feed preservation through silage and hay making are demonstrated, while crossbreeding through artificial insemination was carried out.

    The second leg of the empowerment is the smallholders’ concept, where graduate farmers are engaged and put in clusters of ten and supported to become more productive. They are allowed to share infrastructure such as farming implements, power and feeds, while the third group are the cooperatives, conceived in the mould of the Dutch parent company Royal FrieslandCampina dairy cooperative concept.

    The Nation learnt that the parent company is owned by 19,000 dairy farmers drawn from over 13,000 cooperatives. The cooperatives, Fulani herdsmen and smallholder dairy farmers also benefit through the opening up of markets for them. “We have made good progress in the area of networking of milk suppliers,” Inegbenoise said.

    While the company continues to invest in the maintenance of its facilities: the Milk bulking Centre in Iseyin and four functional Milk Collection Centres (MCCs) in Fashola, Alaga, Maya and Iseyin in Oyo State, it has been able to receive at least 21, 000 litres of raw milk from its local supply chain.

    FrieslandCampinaWamco Nigeria PLC Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Ore Famurewa, explained that although, the company started by buying raw milk from Zimbabwean farmers in Shonga, Kwara State, and bringing it to its factory in Lagos for production, it soon realised that this was not enough; that it was better to get Nigerians, the local Fulani farmers to milk cows for it.

    At the last count, over 1, 600 (920 women and 726 men) Fulani milk producers and potential smallholder dairy farmers have been engaged and trained. According to Famurewa, the knowledge sharing and exchange programme with The Netherland’s experts was a continuation of the development of the local milk production capacity in Nigeria.

     

    Boost for local content

    Famurewa said the company believes strongly in supporting local content wherever it operates and that it has made significant progress in the development of local milk production in Nigeria. She said although, the company targets 10 per cent local content in raw milk production every five years, it is currently doing three per cent.

    “We plan to meet 10 per cent local content contribution in the next five years, but it has been very challenging. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to support us in our DPP. Presently, we are at three per cent because dairy development is a gradual process, but for us, slowly and steadily, we would surely win the race,” Famurewa said.

    Through the programme, the company may have also assisted government to address the grazing challenge in the country. Famurewa admitted this much when she said that smallholder farmers are beginning to explore inside grazing while cross-bred animals are being invested in for higher yields. “A lot of people in the country have complained about Fulanis going into their farms to graze, causing mayhem, but overtime we have been able to reduce this menace in Oyo State,” she said.

    The DDP may have also addressed the challenge of ageing farmers across the country, the scarcity of natural resources and the fast growing population. “We believe the way to address these challenges is having DDPs across all our regions. If you want to be sustainable, you must take care of the growing population, the issue of aging farmers and you must ensure managing resources well,” Famurewa said.

    While pointing out that if Fulani are allowed to continue moving around, land will still be a problem, she said if the company is able to gather them in a small dairy concept idea then it is possible to solve the problem of land.

    “In a small land you can get more milk because the more the cattle treks they would not be able to produce because they have trekked all their energy whereas cows that are stabled like in the Netherlands, they relax, they are very big, very fresh and happy. They also produce 40 liters of very good milk per cow per day,” she said.

     

    Cutting dairy products’ import bill

    Experts and operators in the dairy industry estimate Nigeria’s import bill for dairy products to be about $1.3 billion yearly. From an estimated total value of $336 billion in 2014, the dairy industry, which entails cattle raring for milk production and all the associated manufacturing processes from the farms to the tables, is projected to hit $442 billion by 2019.

    The thinking is that with the on-going diversification agenda and the push for industrialisation to mitigate the effects of the current economic recession, an initiative in the mould of the DPP could not have come at a better time. For one, it would help slash the nation’s huge import bill for dairy products, while also helping Nigeria claim a share of the $442 billion dairy business by 2019.

    However, for this happen, more players in the dairy business must come on board. Listen to Famurewa: “Other dairy companies can come in or borrow a leaf from us by investing in sustainable business model. We have done what we want to do in Oyo State, but we are not resting on our oars. We plan to extend it across the country because dairy development should be a national thing.”

    Although, the management of the dairy producer recently met with President Muhammadu Buhari and pledged its support for the government and also got endorsement as the preferred partner for dairy development in Nigeria, supportive infrastructure remains key to the success of the initiative.

    Imke de Boer puts it in perspective, saying that for the local dairy industry to grow infrastructure development especially in rural areas is key especially access roads in farming communities.

    Noting that it would be difficult to compare dairy development in the Netherland to Nigeria, which FrieslandCampina has just kick-started, because of difference in climate, she described the DPP as “a very good start”.

    “We came to find out which areas to share our knowledge and expertise to further develop the project. We can’t bring our knowledge to Nigeria and the African society without first understanding what’s on the ground,” de Boer said.

     

    Quality takes centre stage

    It’s FrieslandCampina’s emphasis on quality that earned it the Federal government’s endorsement as preferred partner for dairy development in Nigeria. First, the raw milk come in 10 and 20 litre special aluminium flasks distributed free to the farmers by the company.

    According to its Milk Collection Manager, Mr. Adekunle Olayiwola John, the special flasks, unlike the calabash, are more hygienic, enabling dairy farmers to get the milk to the MCCs in good quality.

    While the Fasola MCC has 7, 000 litres capacity, but collects 5, 200 litres of milk per day, Maya MCC has 12, 000 litres capacity. John said each MCC is equipped with cooling systems that guarantee quality and standard. This is because unlike some crops that can last for a day or two, milk is time sensitive and could get bad in two hours if it is not treated.

    Hear him: “We ensure that within two hours after milking, it should get to our collection centre for test. The challenge is actually at the farm level where you have to be sure that the milk doesn’t contain antibiotic. So we have experts on ground to train the farmers on hygiene and everything they need to know about how to handle cows and milk. So we have tackled quality from cows up till the transporters. Farmers even know when the milk is good or bad.”

    The Milk Collection Manager added that as part of quality control, rapid test is conducted on the milk for adulteration, antibiotic and coloration test right at the collection centre. “When accepted it is poured into the tank for processing and sent to the Bulk Collection Centre in Iseyin, where the milk is lifted to Lagos every three days,” John said.

    He, however, said if the milk coagulates in the process of testing, it means it is not fresh and it is rejected. “If they (farmers) bring milk of three days, we can detect it through test and reject it,” he said, noting that because of strict quality control measures, milk rejection level, which was as high as 7.5 per cent per day when the company started, has reduced to 1.2 per cent per day.

  • ‘Food industry under pressure to develop clean products’

    Promasidor Nigeria Limited Chief Keith  Richard has said the food industry is under pressure to develop clean products.

    At the just-concluded CEO Roundtable in Lagos, Richard  said stakeholders across the value chain, including producers, primary and value-added processors, retailers and distributors, needed an enabling environment to impact on the market through sale of good food products and farming practices.

    According to him, the food industry’s productivity growth has declined relative to major competitors due to the regulatory regime and gaps that hinder operators from developing and using innovation and new technologies.

    Urgent measures, he stressed,  were needed to produce food not only for export, but also for domestic consumption.

    Richard said the food industry was resource intensive, which puts local supply chains under greater pressure  to create a sustainable food supply for Nigerians.

    He explained that there was   huge potential to attract more global investment and funding into the Nigeria markets but the government needs to build partnerships between industry to anticipate new challenges and model potential solutions.

  • Nigeria loses $1b yearly in coconut industry

    Chairman, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Mr. Sani Dangote yesterday said Nigeria is losing $1billion yearly from untapped potential in the coconut sector and not boosting exports.

    Addressing the opening ceremony of the Lagos Food Security Summit & Exhibition in Lagos, Dangote, who is also the Vice –President, Dangote Group said the losses came because the country was neither developing coconuts for domestic use nor exporting it to meet global demand.

    He said the potential of the coconut industry to improve the country’s economy and lift coconut farmers from poverty has not yet been fully maximised.

    Booming international demand for coconut water, oil and other products, according to him, represented a significant opportunity for the coconut industry to boost exports and job creation.

    With the billions of dollars the industry is raking in yearly globally, he said  the prospects for continued success for farmers in the sector is quite promising as more lucrative markets continued to be opened up internationally.

    According to him, the coconut industry in Lagos has huge potential that can contribute to the nation’s gross domestic product(GDP) but needed investment to improve yield, including using hybrid varieties of seeds.

  • FIIRO DG seeks varsity’s, industry’s synergy for growth

    Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) Director-General, Dr Gloria Elemo, is seeking the Federal Government, private sector and researchers’ assistance to combat economic challenges facing the nation.

    She made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 35th yearly conference of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB), at the African Leadership Development Centre, Covenant University (CU), Ota, Ogun State.

    The conference had as theme: ‘Catalysing national development through biochemistry and molecular biology.’

    Elemo said researchers were being discouraged by lack of funding and theft of intellectual property caused by unwillingness of local investors to commercialise their research products.

    She said products, such as food supplements, and enzymes,  made by Nigerians were ‘stolen’ by foreign investors who import them into the nation.

    Elemo said: “There is no biotechnology industry in Nigeria. No human vaccine is produced in Nigeria. We import everything. The government spends about N12 billion annually on vaccine importation. We are just making other nations rich. Have we ever imagined a Nigeria where standardised products are developed locally from our readily available plants and herbs?”

    She  praised the minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, for combating the challenges facing the research industry, including poor funding, corruption, poor academia, industry leakage, absence of professionalism and negative attitude of youths towards science and technology because of the big cultural divide between universities and industries.

    The FIIRO chief urged her colleagues to tap into the wide field of biochemistry and biology, especially now that government is seeking to diversify the economy.

    Ogun State Commissioner for Education,  Science and Technology, Mrs Modupe Mojota, who represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun, charged researchers to deploy available technology in solving the challenges of food production and economic growth plaguing the nation.

    She said: “I charge you to consciously deploy all the arsenals at your disposal to solving challenges of food production and economic growth.  Patience, resilience, creativity are not often found in the private sector because we are driven by the desire to make money.”

    NSBMB President, Prof S. O.  Malomo, noted that over 200 presentations were submitted for the conference with over 300 registered delegates.

  • ‘Diversify the hospitality industry’

    ‘Diversify the hospitality industry’

    Qbrat Zoos, one of the top- notch recreational centres in Lagos has introduced guests’ lodge as part of its services in order to improve its tourism facilities.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer, Qbrat Zoos and Gardens, Prince Sakiru Adesina Raji, the lodge, which is situated within the zoo garden, will provide leisure seekers the opportunity to experience fascinating atmosphere close to its array of interesting creatures.

    The construction of the lodge, he said, was necessitated by the yearnings of visitors who desired to feel at home away from home.

    Noting that the move was one of the steps geared towards expanding the coast of the Public Private Partnership with the Lagos State government, he said more options of partnership will be sought to drive substantive investment in developing the zoological garden to a state-of-the-art resort.

    “We are into ecotourism, recreation and relaxation industry. Our hospitality takes a different end in the sense that it also adds the ecosystem to it. So, we are creating a small forum where people can relax after running all over the place. People have said that rest itself is medicine. People came to us asking for a facility which can take them away from the noisy environment of Lagos any time they come to see animals.

    “That was when we first came in 2012 and today we are happy that we are able to achieve the feat by creating a forum whereby they can relax themselves. Here is a place where you can forget everything about the normal stress of the day. By the time you go back to your work, you are totally fit,” he said.

    He noted that the section which comprises four standard rooms, two suites and one super executive room, are currently on friendly rates of between N6, 000 and N10, 000 from now till the end of the year.

    Prince Raji added that the success of the lodge will be consolidated with the provision of unconventional circular buildings that will provide a scenic setting.

    He said: “We are trying to work on round houses different from the conventional buildings such as typical Hausa houses. This is because we want people to be as close as possible to nature.”

    Highlighting some of the impediments to successful running of zoological gardens in recent times, Raji lamented the adverse impact of upward decline in promotion of recreational industry. He frowned at apathetic public disposition and waning interest towards patronising local tourist centres, saying government must strive to rekindle such affection in Nigerians.

    He said: “We have been talking to some people for partnership. Unfortunately, most people we talked to dissuaded us because they don’t believe in it. We believe that some new orientation has to be created in keeping up with the age long spirit in other climes, where visiting zoological gardens is just like every day Christmas.”

    He urged the government to also diversify into tourism as its potential are robust enough to boost the country’s gross domestic product if adequately utilised with the involvement of private sector.

    “In Kenya, for instance, the bulk of their GDP is from tourism. The same applies in South Africa, America and European cities. We are still open to partnership and with the depression; people are now looking at where they have closed their eyes to. There is money in the service industry because you are not importing anything fantastic. Unlike a manufacturer that needs raw materials on daily basis; the raw materials can be sourced locally here.

    “Government should give opportunity to people who are into private practice by creating a unit rate of interest. It should support indigenous establishments to grow. If well packaged, the service industry is very lucrative. There are some places you fly to that all you just need is accommodation and a means of transportation. Why can’t government provide it or assist people who want to provide it?” he said.

    Raji further canvassed the need for banks to review their interest rates to support emerging enterprises in order to expand.

    “Business like this, nothing stops banks from supporting us to build more to expand. People are saying they want an elephant and if I want to order it, it’s between N5 million and N7 million. I know if an elephant should land in this zoo today, I’ll make back the cost. People are running after easy money with short-term gains that will not outlive them,” he said.