The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lauds

  • AfDB lauds Chinese commitment to Africa

    The African Development Bank in Nigeria met a private sector consortium from China to help attract investment through partnerships in the development of special agro-Industrial processing zones (SAPZs) across Africa.

    The Bank delegation, led by Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, the senior special adviser on industrialisation to the African Development Bank’s President, paid a courtesy call to Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who assured the consortium of the tremendous investment opportunities Nigeria offers.

    Discussions centered on Chinese direct investments and partnerships with Nigerian agribusinesses as well as ventures with Nigerian state governments and agribusinesses in the development of agro-Industrial parks.

    “Nigeria has the potential to become the food basket of the world; but this depends on our ability to deploy the right technology. Our partnership with you allows us to harness the knowledge and skills to realise this potential. We work with the African Development Bank at the highest levels to ensure that investors face no constraints in doing business,” Osinbajo said.

    The Bank is committed to developing SAPZs quickly in line with its Feed Africa Strategy – which aims to turn the massive natural endowment of the sector into competitive advantages that create wealth and sustainable agribusiness jobs for African youth. The strategy will also guarantee food security and inclusive growth by involving more women and youth, and promoting improved resilience to climate variability and shocks.

    The SAPZ is a model that requires the full commitment of all levels of government and for this reason the federal and state governments are actively involved in the planning and implementation of the programme”. Professor Oyelaran-Oyeyinka noted that, “due to the significant financial requirements, private resources will be critical”.

    SAPZs will radically transform Africa’s agriculture into a business-oriented and commercially viable sector that guarantees food self-sufficiency and puts an end to food insecurity, malnutrition and other related challenges.

    Members of the consortium had meetings, on 7 August, with state governors at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

  • Oyetola lauds CBN’s monetary policy control

    Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its monetary policy control measures which he said is evident in the efforts of the apex bank at stabilising foreign exchage (forex).

    The governor  spoke while playing host to the Management staff of the CBN, Oshogbo Branch in his office in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The governor who commended the apex financial institution for supporting the state government in the area of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ( SMEs), added that the state will not rest on its oars at ensuring the monitoring of interventions as evident in the less than 10 per cent default rate of the SMEs intervention. He therefore sought  more of such intervention for the state.

    Mr. Oyetola told the team that efforts were on to develop the state’s tourist sites to attract more investments through partnership with the private sector, stressing that government, rather than delving into business, it is supposed to create a conducive environment for business to thrive.

    He assured the CBN delegation of the support of his administration, enjoining them to feel free to approach the Statistician-General and any other officers and agencies of government for any assistance needed while doing their job.

    In his remarks, the Branch Controller of CBN Oshogbo, Ademola Atobatele told the governor that his team was in his office not only to congratulate him but to also brief the governor about the operations of CBN.

    He said the apex bank has a traditional mandate of financial regulation, harping on the need for the state government to partner with the CBN in areas of interest.

    He stressed that through the  SMEs’ intervention of the CBN, not fewer than N2billion was disbursed to beneficiaries.

    Atobatele commended the government’s monumental strides, most especially in the area of infrastructure which he stressed is germane for economic development.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of gift to the governor by the visiting CBN team.

  • Wike lauds Okey Wali

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has described ex-President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Chief Okey Wali (SAN) as a man of integrity committed to societal growth.

    Speaking during the 60th Birthday of the former NBA president and presentation of his autobiography: “A life of perseverance”in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike said Okey Wali had lived  a life of service to the country.

    The governor said the former NBA president influenced Nigerians  positively, including himself.

    He said: “As a student of law at the State University, I benefited from the law chamber of Okey Wali. It placed me ahead of my peers at school.

    “Since 1998, Okey Wali has supported me politically.  He stood by me all through  my political journey, never wavering at any point.

    “He is my friend and I will always stand by him at all times. He is one person I can take a risk for, without looking back”, he said.

    He congratulated Okey Wali for turning 60 years, noting that Rivers people are proud of his achievements.

    Okey Wali said God has been kind to him by blessing him with a successful career and beautiful family.

    He said: “My grandchildren are a fulfilment of God’s promise to me. That I will see my children’s children”.

    He urged prominent Nigerians to always write their autobiographies as a way of inspiring young people to greatness.

    The former NBA president advised young lawyers to pay their dues through hard work, rather than placing money ahead of professional competence.

    Chairman of the occasion Chief Moses Wifa (SAN) said that Okey Wali  was worthy of being celebrated.

    Earlier, a thanksgiving service was held at the Rivers State Ecumenical Centre to praise God for the 60th Birthday of Chief Wali.

    Wike with his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette, and top government officials attended the church service.

    Prayers were said for the family of Okey Wali and the government.  Songs of thanksgiving were rendered by the Choir and the congregation.

  • Osinbajo lauds Ugwuanyi on entrepreneurship programmes

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has praised Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administration’s cooperation with the Federal Government in the advancement of objectives of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

    Osinbajo, who was “extremely delighted” with the “kindness and warm reception” the state government always accords him when he visits, hailed Ugwuanyi for “the very great steps” his administration has taken in the growth and development of the MSME programme.

    The Vice President spoke during the National MSME Clinic at the Michael Okpara Square.

    He said Ugwuanyi’s administration “is doing very well for the MSME” and in advancing the interest of small entrepreneurs, stressing “the governor deserves a warm applause for the great work he has been doing”.

    Osinbajo, noting that the MSME Clinic initiative was “particularly important” to the Federal Government, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration “is fully committed to supporting states regardless of political or ethnic affiliation”.

    He hinted that the Federal Government has “provided close to N2 trillion” for its social investment programmes, stressing “small businesses are the future of our country”.

    The Vice President, who reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the growth and development of entrepreneurship and small businesses, was confident that “together we will bring the deserved prosperity, not just to the people of Enugu State, but also to the people of Nigeria”.

    Ugwuanyi, welcoming the Vice President, his entourage and other stakeholders, to Enugu, commended President Buhari for “the vision behind the conception of this National MSME Clinic”.

    Ugwuanyi said the programme was another laudable addition to the people-oriented initiatives the Federal Government has introduced to fast track socio-economic development and improve the people’s welfare, especially youths, women and the less privileged.

    The governor noted that Enugu has continued to enjoy a mutually rewarding and strategic partnership with the Federal Government, saying his administration, in keeping with the Vice President’s directive, inaugurated Enugu State Council on Ease of Doing Business.

    He added that Enugu is one of few states that have fully implemented the programme of the CBN N220 billion MSME Development Fund, by funding over 2,000 MSMEs, adding that the state also “returned about N400 million of the first tranche of N500 million received from CBN”.

    “We praise the CBN on the “Ose Nsukka” (Nsukka Yellow Pepper) Anchor Borrowers Programme as well as other initiatives of the bank in Enugu State.

    “Our counterpart funding with the Bank of Industry (BOI) has produced over 36 SMEs worth more than N399 million in project value.

    ‘’From 2015, Enugu SME Centre, our foremost enterprise development institute, has trained over 35,000 MSME owners and aspiring entrepreneurs including women and youths; and we have empowered more than 2,400 traders with N50,000 each through our raffle program open to all MSMEs in 54 local markets.

    “Our school feeding program is doing well and over 7,000 applicants have benefited from Government Enterprise Empowerment Program (GEEP), otherwise called ‘Market Moni’…”

     

  • CWG lauds UBA on Best Institution in Digital Banking Award

    Leading system integration firm, CWG Plc, has congratulated one of its key partners, United Bank for Africa Plc, (UBA), for being recognised as the ‘Best Institution in Digital Banking’ across Africa at Euromoney Awards in London.

    The firm said the award gives credence to the bank’s growing dominance in this space within the financial services institutions.

    The Euromoney Awards ceremony covered over 20 global product categories, best-in-class awards in over 100 countries across the world, recognising institutions that have demonstrated leadership, innovation and momentum in the markets in which they operate. Euromoney’s award recipients were based on a riding principle of both quantitative and qualitative data to honour those who have brought the highest innovations and expertise to their customers.

    Receiving the award, the bank’s Group Managing Director / CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, thanked the organisers for the recognition. He said he was pleased that the lender’s commitment to hard work and insistence on quality services was once again being acknowledged.

    Uzoka commended the workers, board and management as well as great partners such as CWG Plc for supporting the bank in achieving the feat. CWG Plc has presence in three other African countries, has been partner to UBA for many years.

    The recognition of CWG Plc’s contribution to this achievement was humbly accepted by the

    Group CEO of CWG, James Agada accepted the recognition of the firm’s contribution the bank’s success story.

    He said the firm would constantly deploy innovative technology solutions that would enable economic growth.

    “Today UBA provides banking services to more than 15 million customers globally; through diverse channels and over a thousand touch points. One that has served it well through its expertise in digital banking, as envisioned by its investment in cutting edge technology and the launch of the Chat banker that has disrupted banking across 15 African countries; showcasing its digital creativity within the financial services industry across the African continent,” the firm explained in a statement.

  • Ogoni group lauds Buhari

    Ogoni group lauds Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been lauded by the apex elitist and leadership socio-cultural organisation of the Ogoni ethnic nationality, KAGOTE (Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme) for his administration’s efforts to better the lives and living condition of Nigerians.

    KAGOTE stated this yesterday in a five-point communique at the end of its congress at Borobara in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, which was signed by its President, Dr. Peter Medee, of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

    It said: “We thank the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Buhari) for the appointment of worthy sons and daughters of Ogoni in reputable positions in his government, particularly Hon. Derek Mene, as the Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dr. Marvin Dekil as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

    “We pass votes of confidence in Hon. Mene and Dr. Dekil, who have served meritoriously and excellently within this period of their appointments. We call on all sons and daughters of Ogoni ethnic nationality to rally around and support these worthy and highly-experienced sons of Ogoni.”

  • Minister lauds Sterling Bank’s intervention in transport sector

    Minister of Transport  Rotimi Amaechi has joined other stakeholders in the transport sector to commend the critical role being played by Sterling Bank Plc in the repositioning of the sector.

    Amaechi, who  spoke at the end of the 2017 National Conference organised by the Ministry of Transport, praised Sterling Bank Plc for its intervention in Nigeria’s transport sector, saying such intervention from the private sector would help to accelerate the desired transformation in the sector.

    He noted that Sterling Bank had established itself as the reference bank in transport finance as a result of its investment in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and LAGBUS initiatives of the Lagos State government.

    “I want to commend Sterling Bank for its support to the transport sector so far. I am aware that Sterling Bank financed both the LAGBUS buses and over 400 BRT buses plying various routes on Lagos roads. It is our hope that the bank would expand this experience beyond Lagos so that people living in other parts of Nigeria will also benefit from their benevolence,” he said.

    The General Manager of the bank, Emmanuel Emefienim, praised the ministry for hosting the conference, adding that the forum would provide a platform for exchange of ideas needed for the transformation of the sector.

  • Lagos lauds Fidson’s support for children’s education

    Lagos lauds Fidson’s support for children’s education

    Lagos State Government has commended Fidson Healthcare Plc for its commitment to the academic development of children through its Astymin brand’s annual flagship programme, Astymin Brilliance Reward.

    At the 7th edition of the programme held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Lagos, Deputy Governor Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule said the programme was a commendable initiative that would go a long way to enhance the academic performance of pupils and, ultimately, contribute to educational development.

    Dr. Adebule, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Feyisayo Obadofin, said Fidson had done well in encouraging children to strive for excellence in their academics by rewarding the best-performing pupils in Nigeria. She emphasised that children’s education was a significant aspect of national development that must not be pushed aside, encouraging stakeholders, including teachers, parents and corporate bodies, to support the government by playing their parts in the education of Nigerian children.

    The Astymin Brilliance Reward, which berthed in 2010, is the brand’s biggest and most prestigious event.  The programme is aimed at developing mental and academic performance, while rewarding hard work and academic excellence amongst primary school pupils, through special acknowledgment and provision of educational materials.

    The kids were recognised and rewarded with certificates of excellence and valuable prizes, including educational materials. These were presented by Mrs. Obadofin and the Sales and Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye; General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mr. Ola Ijimakin, and Marketing Manager Mr. Friday Enaholo.

    Enaholo said Fidson was proud to support children in education, health and general well-being.

    “Like we have always emphasized, the ABR is our attempt to bring back the glory days of our education by throwing our weight behind the children’s drive for academic excellence. This is another season of delight for the kids who have worked so hard and perform exceptionally in their academics; but for us as a brand, it is another day of celebrating excellence”.

    He emphasised that the choice of the new venue for the event which formerly held outside the Grange School since the inception was an indication of the company’s persistence in its commitment to supporting pupils in their academic  endeavours.

    ”We believe it is better to catch them young and put them on the right path to success. Therefore, Astymin will continue to take the giant stride in rewarding brilliant primary school kids in a way that motivates them to stay focused on their studies, believing that merit and hard work can still be rewarded”, he said.

    The NdubuisiKanu Park provided a fun-filled experience that also featured friendship, fun, sharing, networking, and excitement. There was also enough to drink and eat for both kids and their parents.

    The 2017 edition of Astymin Brilliance Reward is an evidence of Fidson’s continuous commitment to support the kids in all their academic endeavors, through its Astymin brand. This is in line with the corporate brand promise of valuing lives.

  • APC chieftains lauds Ambode on N4.8 bn equipment

    APC chieftains lauds Ambode on N4.8 bn equipment

    A former Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government in Lagos, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, has described the donation of security equipment worth about N4.8bn to the Lagos Police Command by the state government as worthwhile, considering the several gadgets procured with the sum.

    Adewale said it was highly commendable that the governor of the state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, brought his accounting acumen to bear in acquiring several gadgets with such amount, adding that the development had truly announced the governor as a good manager of resources.

    He said: “What catches my fancy was the amount of money expended on the project going to about N4.8bn used in purchase of three helicopters, gunboats, armored personnel carriers, saloon vehicles, utility vehicles, power bikes and so many other gadgets including drones. It is a very good thing and a very conservative expenditure and I can say that the Governor should be commended for such amount to be utilized for that amount of materials. It’s a lovely expenditure.”

    Also speaking, former Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Teju Philips said with the development, Governor Ambode has met the expectation of Lagos residents on security.

    “There has been panic about security of lives and property and for me, I believe that the huge investment will go a long way to gear up the level of security awareness that the government is creating for the people,” she said.

  • CAF B Coaching License: Ganaru lauds instructors

    CAF B Coaching License: Ganaru lauds instructors

    Kano Pillars Technical Adviser, Mohammed Baba Ganaru has appreciated the efforts of the coaching instructors at the ongoing CAF B coaching License in Abuja.

    The two-week long programme which started last week will come to an end on Saturday.

    SportingLife understands that about 79 Nigerian coaches are participating in the course under the tutelage of veteran coaches including Adegboye Onigbinde, James Peters and Shuaibu Amodu.

    Notable among the coaches participating in the course includes Wikki Tourists coach Abdul Maikaba, Rangers coach, Imama Amakapabo, former Sunshine Stars coach Kennedy Boboye, ex-Mighty Jets handler Bernard Ogbe, FC Taraba coach, Ndubuisi Nduka and ex-international Friday Ekpo and host of others.

    Ganaru in a chat with SportingLife said they will put into practice everything they learn during the course when the league resumes next season.

    “I want to commend our instructors for what they have been able to do for us. We have learnt a lot from them and we are well equipped now,” Ganaru told SportingLife.

    “We have ungraded our knowledge now and we will apply it in the course of our job next season.”