The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MoU

  • Osun signs MoU with mining firm

    The Osun State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private firm, Soundcore Agriculture and Mining Limited.

    Representing the government, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources A Ajilore and Acting Executive Secretary of Ministry of Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources S.O. Lanlehin said the partnership would enable the state effectively tap mineral resources.

    The firm’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Nwakalor, said the agreement would be the first of many in the solid mineral sector.

    He added that although the mineral sites were not in the state, they belonged to the government.

  • Kano, Niger Republic sign MoU on twin colleges

    kano State government and Niger Republic have signed agreement that would recommit them to ensuring full implementation of Niger-Kano Bilingual Collage established in Niamey.

    A technical committee comprising representatives of the state and country met at Niamey where they came up with document that would see the institution succeed.

    Niger-Kano Bilingual Collage was established in 2013 to strengthen mutual relationships between the people of Kano and Niger.

    Signing the agreement on behalf of the Kano State government, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Prof Hafiz Abubakar said the agreement stressed the responsibilities of the two governments as well as measures to adopt in improving the institution.

    Hafiz, who is also the state deputy governor, explained that based on the agreement, Kano State takes responsibilitiy for constructing students hostel and staff quarters, while Niger Republic puts up classes, libraries and computer centers.

    Hafiz added that the state would provide the remaining 120 beds and mattress to fully equip the hostels, pointing out that the Governing Council has equally approved procedures to mobilise the contractors.

    “With these components, Kano State government has completed its own share of construction as expected at Bilingual Collage in Niamey,” he said.

    On the construction of Girls Bilingual Collage in Zinder, Hafiz said the responsibility lies on the government which he described as a demonstration of Ganduje administration to respect the agreement.

    In his remarks, Niger Republic Minister for Secondary Education Mohammed Sani Abdulrahman, said the establishment of the male and female institutions is the appropriate way for training youths to address the linguistics barriers between the regions.

    “The peaceful cooperation between Niger and Kano State on secondary education is in line with our dream, vision and aspirations to promote mutual relationships that had existed for long period,” he said.

    He praised the two governments for the commitment they exhibited through provision of conducive learning environment in the institution..

    Earlier, the Governor of Niamey Hamidu Garba Moumoduhad said:

    “The students will at the end of the day posses two nationalities-Niger and Nigeria and that is the right way for integration between the two nations,” he stressed.

     

  • FMBN signs $2b MoU with Shelter Afrique, REDAN

    FMBN signs $2b MoU with Shelter Afrique, REDAN

    The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has signed a $2billion tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with Shelter Afrique, and Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN).

    The agreement, which was signed at the weekend, involves a commitment by Shelter Afrique to avail the sector of $2billion construction finance towards housing provision in Nigeria.

    The Acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Richard Esin, said the collaboration was a “proactive step taken in recognition of the opportunities that would arise from the launch of a National Housing Model.

    He said: “The objective of the strategic collaboration is to harness each party’s competencies and strengths in the areas of training, research, advocacy, and mobilisation of financial resources, both international & domestic, in support of projects of mutual interest to ensure the successful delivery of affordable housing in Nigeria and involves a commitment by Shelter Afrique to avail the sector $2 billion construction finance towards housing provision in Nigeria.

    “The development is coming at an auspicious time in the life of the bank when it has moved from a deficit position to operating surplus in 2016, creating 736 individual mortgages up to the tune of N5.4billion within the period.

    “We are optimistic that the partnership would result in the growth of the sector and lead to an increase in the contribution of the sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. He called for the commitment of all parties to the successful execution of the programme.

    The President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Rev. Ugo Chime commended all the parties involved.

    He said the cooperation was a “strategic attempt to create a seamless interface from construction finance to mortgage finance and all in-between, towards easing the challenges faced in the sector.”

    He called for immediate recapitalization of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) by the Federal Government, to ensure that it has the capacity to finance mortgages.

    He said the mortgage sector was expected to rise by annual $200million construction finance injection.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Shelter Afrique’, Mr. James Mugerwa, said  the occasion was a turning point for the housing sector in Nigeria.

    He expressed delight to be part of “such strategic alliance, which aims to forge an end to end solution that addresses issues within the entire value chain, from supply to demand.”

    He called for commitment and dedication in order to achieve the set objectives.

  • NGOs sign MoU on parenting

    National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria and Centre for Family Peace Initiative (CFPI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to promote quality child education and responsible parenting in schools and homes across the country.

    The NGOs will collaborate to motivate, encourage and challenge parents and teachers to be the best they can be in the task of moulding the character of children.

    The MoU will culminate in the public presentation of a Parent-Teacher Motivational Handbook, a book on capacity building for the academic excellence and sound moral upbringing of children. Parent-Teacher Motivational Handbook is published by Centre for Family Peace Initiative, a marriage and family focused Non-Governmental Organisation that is based in Abuja.

    Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who wrote the foreword to the book, said the book “is a treasure to be well guarded as it contains well thought out quotes that have the inherent capacity to make our world the ideal.”

    The National President of NCWS, Chief Gloria Laraba Shoda,  said her organisation was pleased to partner the Centre for Family Peace Initiative on the book. She posited that women as mothers, being the first and most important teachers of children, would benefit from the book as it had the capacity to positively impact parents and teachers for the good of children.

    The Executive Director, Centre for Family Peace Initiative, Mr. Chinedum Ikogwe, the former Abuja Bureau Chief of Ovation International Magazine, who compiled the book, lamented the precarious state of the educational system, as well as the prevailing weak family structure in Nigeria, adding that today’s children were at great risk. He, therefore, stressed on the need for all stakeholders to motivate and encourage parents and teachers to rise to their responsibilities to children.

    He expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of NCWS as he stated that the collaboration would enable the two credible NGOs to collectively raise funds from charitable corporate organisations and individuals to mass-produce the Book and give out copies to teachers in primary and secondary schools across the country at no cost to them.

  • Attijariwafa Bank, UBA sign MoU

    Attijariwafa Bank, UBA sign MoU

    Two African leading banking groups – Attijariwafa Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaborative efforts in correspondent banking, investment funding, trade finance and project finance on the continent.

    The framework document, which outlines key areas of cooperation between Attijariwafa and UBA was signed when His Majesty King Mohammed VI visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    It was signed by Group Chairman, UBA Mr. Tony Elumelu and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Attijariwafa Bank Group Mr. Mohamed El Kettani.

    According to the MOU, both banks will organise business to business missions to identify and develop business and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Morocco as well as across their respective African networks.

    Speaking after the agreement, Elumelu said: “This collaborative effort is a historic milestone. As two groups with considerable footprints in Africa, we see huge potential in bringing our collective expertise in banking to provide Africa-led solutions to the needs of Africans.”

    El Kettani added: “Nigeria is the largest African economy and a leading commercial and financial hub in West Africa. It goes without saying that our group should collaborate with outstanding players, such as UBA Plc, to provide customised assistance to African and international companies to grow trade and investment flows, between not only Morocco and Nigeria, but also in all countries where our two groups are established.

    “The MOU we just signed is a first but major milestone in a long-term partnership. It also heralds promising perspectives for African and international investors worldwide.”

  • Fertiliser: Dangote, Moroccan Group sign MoU

    Nigeria’s  plan to grow the agriculture sector has received a boost with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dangote Group and the OCP Group of Morocco at the weekend in Abuja.

    The Dangote-OCP partnership is expected to lead to the creation of an integrated African platform and a global leader in fertiliser production, a statement from the Dangote group said.

    The collaboration between the two African conglomerates will help the Dangote Group mix the mass deposit of phosphate in Morocco with the gas potential in Nigeria in the production of fertiliser.

    Dangote Group President and Africa’s richest person Mr. Aliko Dangote said the agreement would support Nigeria’s effort to attain food security, create jobs and address rural urban drift.

    Both the OCP of Morocco and Mr. Dangote, during the meeting, indicated that more than two million tonnes of customised fertiliser would be imported from Morocco in the next three years.

    Dangote said of the $2.8billion total investment, $2.5 had already been committed to the fertiliser project by the Dangote Group.

    He predicted a growth from 3.6MT fertiliser capacity in 2018 to 4.6MT in 2020.

    He said by the time it starts operation in December 2017, the three million tonnes capacity Urea Plant will be the biggest in Africa and the second largest in the world.

    According to him, the effort will boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, improve government revenue, create jobs, increase yield per hectare and grow the GDP in the agricultural sub sector.

  • Lagos, NB sign MoU on One Lagos Fiesta

    Lagos, NB sign MoU on One Lagos Fiesta

    The Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi  Ambode  has  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigerian Breweries Plc on  One Lagos Fiesta.

    Ambode, who signed the MoU with the firm during a courtesy visit, commended the brewery giant for its commitment to the economic prosperity of the state and the nation.

    While congratulating the firm on its 70th anniversary, he urged its management to remain focused on excellent business practices and outstanding corporate governance.  He said the firm has been part of the development of the state since its creation 50 years ago.

    “In the last 50 years, you have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State. We are happy you have been part of the success story of this state,” Ambode said.

    The governor highlighted the company’s contribution towards job creation through direct and indirect employment of Lagosians and praised it for being a responsible corporate citizen. He added that it has done more than any other firm in terms of corporate social responsibility in the state.

  • NPA, firm sign MoU

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has signed a Memorandum of  Understanding (MoU) with the BudgiT Information Technology Network.

    The MoU was signed at the weekend. It will assist the NPA in promoting transparency and accountability in its operations.

    NPA ‘s Managing Director Ms Hadiza Balla Usman said the partnership became necessary for the development of an open budget system and implementation of a public data dissemination programme that would help the agency blocki revenue leakages.

    BudgiT has achieved feats in the space of socio-technological advocacy to open up public budgets for citizens’ comprehension.

    BudgiT started operation in 2011. With the MoU, NPA would be able to deliver on its mandate.

    The partnership will also assist NPA to  effectively manage its 24 terminals.

    The deal will instil a framework for transparent budget provisions for NPA, allow stakeholders to add their input, encourage participatory governance through  feedbacks, and create an enabling environment for foreign investment.

    “The collaboration will ensure key researches, industry policies and innovations are effectively communicated. It will also ensure that critical data are generated and made accessible for policy makers, private sector actors, stakeholders and the general public,” sources said.

  • NASRDA, Landmark sign MoU on research

    NASRDA, Landmark sign MoU on research

    LandMark University (LMU), Omu-Aran in Kwara State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on the use of space technology to boost agriculture.

    The institution is the first private university to partner the agency on research development in agriculture.

    The university’s Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Aize Obayan, who made this known to reporters during the signing in Abuja at the weekend, said the deal would assist the institution deploy technology from the agency on agriculture.

    According to Obayan, the data gathered by NASDRA would also assist the institution in software, satellite, space application and agricultural development.

    She said: “We, at LMU, have a serious approach to driving agriculture. Food security is something we take seriously. We must do agriculture differently from the way our fore fathers did agriculture

    She continued: “To boost food security is beyond doing agriculture the way it has always been done; this is from a scientific, mechanised, automated perspective. In view of this, we need information about weather condition, we need information about the seasons and a lot of other issues that always arise in the course of agricultural development and are controlled from the centres embeded in NASRDA.

    “A lot of data is gathered from satellite and it will open Landmark up to seeing how, in areas of software application, satellite application and space application in the area of agricultural development involvement.

    “This is very key as the university is looking at how to break new grounds in attaining new frontiers in agricultural development. The emphasis of government on agriculture now is central, considering that oil has failed the nation.”

    Under the partnership, she said the institution would consider setting up aero space engineering and space physics for students who have interest to study.

    “People come to the university to study Biological Science and others but beyond the basis, there are lots they can delve into. There are possibilities of working towards setting up Aero Space Engineering and Space Physics and those things that many universities are not offering right now. With all these in place, we are working towards what will make us a leading world class university,” she added.

    NASRDA Director-General Prof Saidu Mohammed, said the agency would support the institution in its drive to develop agriculture.

    According to him, space technology remains the only means to drive businesses and achieve better results.

    He said: “I want to assure you that we would stand by you (LMU); and in order to get to that destination we need to formalise our relationship today.

    “By this signature today my people will swing into action. They will release to you all the research data available in this country for free.

    ‘’By the quarter of 2018, this centre will have achieved 20 PhDs. Your university can key into this. This is what is done in India and Brazil. We need to break new grounds. With this collaboration, our alliance has grown.

    “Space technology remains the technology of choice. It is the driver of business, it is the driver of most government activities and we believe working with you in several areas will go a long way in enhancing the capacity and the capability of your university.”

     

  • LASTVEB, firm sign MoU on technical students’ conference

    The Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trantouch Ltd to organise a conference for students of the five technical colleges in  state next month.

    The Technical Students Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Conference (TECHSEEC) is the brainchild of Mr Collins Uwadia, CEO of Trantouch Ltd, and an alumnus of Government Technical College, Ikotun.

    Uwadia said at the signing at the LASTVEB headquarters in GRA, Ikeja, that the conference would expose about 6,000 students of technical colleges to best practices and opportunities in the skills sector by bringing them in contact with seasoned experts, both local and foreign, in a five-star venue.

    He also said the students as well as firms in the technical/vocational sector would be able to showcase their creativity through a product exhibition that would feature as part of the event.

    During the conference, three lucky students would win slots to get trained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); and afterwards, about 1,000 final year students of the colleges would also get opportunity for three to six months of training in graphic design, basic computing, business writing, GSM repairs, social media engagement, customer relationship management to be provided by three seasoned ICT firms.

    “This initiative was borne out of passion and my experience, having being privileged to work locally and internationally in the technical field,” he said.

    Lauding the initiative, Director, Technical and Vocational Education, Mr Laolu Oguntuyi, who signed the MoU as Acting Secretary of LASTVEB, said the board needed private sector partnership to boost the quality of training the students  so that they can be relevant in the work place.

    “I am happy about this programme because it will correct the poor perception about Technical and Vocational Education.

    “All of us know that there is inadequate linkage between the educational institutions and industry. This training would bridge the gap,” he said.

    CEO of Rhoda Michael School of Fashion, Mrs Rhoda Agbeyo, who chaired the organising committee for TECHSEEC, underscored the need for Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) training. She said it was not inferior as evidence of its usefulness was demonstrated in increasing number of graduates seeking training at her fashion school.

    “This is what Nigeria needs right now. We have so many graduates in Nigeria without skills. I am a graduate/masters holder who is back to vocational studies. Now I am a teacher of many students at Rhoda Michael School of fashion, who are graduates