The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nike Akande

  • Stakeholders again oppose signing ACFTA

    Business stakeholders on Monday insisted that it was still too early for Nigeria to sign the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

    They bared their minds at the 8th Presidential Quarterly Business Forum held at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had last week said he would soon sign the agreement on behalf of Nigeria.

    While accepting that the agreement would be good for Nigeria in the long run, the stakeholders maintained that many things still need to be put in place before Nigeria can sign the agreement.

    Among the infrastructures they want in place are good interstate roads, power, access to ports and efficient rail transportation in the country.

    If care is not taken, they warned that Nigeria would eventually become a dumping ground.

    Speaking at the interactive session, the Chairman of NEPAD Business Group and former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Nike Akande, said Nigeria is not ready for the agreement until goods and services are competitive enough.

     

  • BATN Foundation empowers farmers with N200m support

    BATN Foundation empowers farmers with N200m support

    Chairman, Board of Directors, the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation, Alh. Falalu Bello has said the organisation spent about N200 million to support rural farmers in the country.

    He said as part of efforts to support food production and empower the rural dwellers, the foundation assisted the beneficiaries with land clearing and provided irrigation facilities.

    Bello disclosed this at the BATNF 2017 Dialogue on rural farmers and sustainable agriculture. The event held yesterday in Abuja with stakeholders from across the country.

    Bello, who was represented by one of the board members, Mr Ageni Yusuf said over 70 percent of the total farming population are smallholders, rural farmers.

    According to him, the rural farming communities cultivate less than five hectares but producing up to 90 percent of total national output.

    “We are supporting the farmers with irrigation so that they can have enough water all year round, also helping to them to get real high-quality input and high yielding grain, also supporting them with right quality fertilizers for their input.

    “We are also helping them in clearing the land using tractors and this year alone we have developed modern enterprise farms to train these farmers on modern ways of farming and the budget for this year is more than 200 million naira to achieve all these for 2017 alone,” he said.

    He threw his weight behind the federal government efforts towards enhancing agricultural development, poverty reduction and creating entrepreneurs from the smallholder farmers, especially with the aim of achieving large-scale food production and improving their skills.

    “We are giving loans to smaller holder farmers at an interest rate that is below single digit, funding has been a major challenge so we are doing these in collaboration with the federal government, thereby increasing from their initial five hectares of land to more, also focusing on cassava development, rice and maize cultivation, and wide vegetable cultivation,” Bello added.

    However, the Chairman Nepad Business Group Nigeria, Mrs Nike Akande, called for the development of the value chain in collaboration with private sector.

    She said, “more than half of the nation’s population live in the rural areas and are mostly farmers and poor, thus adequate attention should be shifted to agriculture, especially efforts that will enhance the economic fortunes of the rural and smallholder farmers.”

    She said the value-chain approach would reduce post-harvest losses and automatically reposition the nation’s economy.

    “The private sector is critical to the development of the desired value chain component for our agricultural products. It is the private sector that will drive the entire process. The government must, however, create a conducive environment and provide direction with proper policies and regulations,” she said.

    Speaking of climate change, she identified the severe weather condition as a major factor affecting food production.

    “Climate change is another challenge that smallholder farmers have to contend with aside others such as infrastructure, financing, land tenure systems, epileptic extension services, this has continued to put pressure on the tradition farming systems and sustainable agriculture in the country,” she added.

  • Dangote pledges commitment to building a stronger economy

    Dangote pledges commitment to building a stronger economy

    Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group, has restated his commitment to adding value to the nation’s natural endowment, to build a virile economy for Nigeria and Africa.

    Dangote made the statement on Tuesday in Lagos during the Dangote Group’s Special Day at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair.

    Dangote was represented by Mr Mansur Ahmed, Executive Director, Stakeholders Management and Corporate Communications, Dangote Group.

    The fair is an annual event organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

    He said that the conglomerate was committed to a diversified economy of Nigeria by exploring opportunities in different sub sectors.

    Dangote said that what Nigeria and Africa needed was to add value to its natural resources toward improving its competitiveness in the global economy.

    According to him, the company operates in about 12 African countries, adding that it’s Congo operation will be commissioned next week.

    He said that within the next five to 10 years, Dangote would not just be the largest conglomerate in Africa but aspires to be among the top 20 in the world.

    Dangote said that it’s yearly participation at the fair had challenged them to do more, adding that the company and LCCI were partners in continous growth, industrialisation and diversification of the nation’s economy.

    Mrs Nike Akande, President, LCCI, said that Dangote’s activities has helped to improve the country’s industrialisation quest by spreading its footprint nationwide and beyond Africa.

    “The Group is a proudly Nigerian company operating in most states of Nigeria and having a formidable presence across the African continent.

    “With a workforce running into thousands, the Group remains a leading employer of labour in Nigeria and a well respected brand.

    “The Dangote Group is reputed to be one of the most socially responsible corporate citizens in Nigeria, with corporate social responsible projects impacting the society, infrastructure and the less privileged,” Akande said.

    She urged the Federal Government to address perennial issues of access to credit, poor power supply and foreign exchange challenges as they affected businesses in the country.

  • Lagos trade fair will enhance economic growth – Ambode

    Lagos trade fair will enhance economic growth – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says the 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair ( LITF ) will be an avenue for collaboration toward enhancing economic growth.

    Ambode, represented by Dr Idiat Adebule, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, made the remark on Friday, at the opening of the fair with the theme: “Promoting Industrialisation for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Growth.”

    The fair is an annual event organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( LCCI ).

    Ambode noted that the previous edition of the event was held amid economic recession, but now, the economy had not only exited recession, but had received positive global rating.

    According to him, the rating has shown an improvement in the country’s Ease of Doing Business ranking of the World Bank.

    “This positive development is the cumulative effect of policies and reforms being implemented diligently to ensure a conducive environment for business growth and development,” he said.

    The governor said the large turnout of participants, networking events and volume of transactions recorded yearly are testaments of the trade fair’s relevance in boosting national economic growth and recovery plans.

    In her comments, Mrs Nike Akande, President of LCCI, said that the theme of the fair was to underscore the critical importance of industrialisation in the nation’s economic recovery and diversification process.

    She said that it would also draw attention to the imperative of creating an enabling environment to attract new investments, grow existing ones and the necessity to build a sustainable economy.

    “There is perhaps no better time to do this than now. This is the time to focus more on the non-oil sector for diversification.

    “The non-oil economy is more inclusive and integrated. It is also more growth-oriented, characterised by high economic linkages, stable, and above all, more sustainable,” she said.

    According to her, appreciating the dynamics of the economy will enable government to construct policies that will ensure sustainable economic development.

    Akande said that government’s priority should be to fix impediments to productivity and competitiveness in the economy.

    She said that tackling the constraints would encourage domestic investment, attract foreign capital and facilitate the realisation of the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the government.

    Chief Alaba Lawson, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), urged the government to implement infrastructural development measures, toward improving all sectors of the economy.

    She said that doing this would make the country take its rightful position as not only one of the largest economies in Africa, but also the most industrialised one.

    The 31st edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair ends on Nov. 12.

    NAN

  • Nike Akande, Mzimela, others for MMS Hall Of Fame Induction

    Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry(LCCI) President Chief Nike Akande,  Siza Mzimela,  Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Fly Blue Crane, South Africa; Sylvia Asana Owu, Deputy Chief  Executive Officer, Ghana Shippers’ Authority and other women are to be honoured by the MMS Initiative into its Hall of Fame.

    Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, the founder of MMS WoFHoF Initiative, said the induction was for individuals who have contributed to the promotion and growth of women in the country in maritime/shipping, finance, aviation, logistics, oil & gas and political leadership sectors.

     He added that, “In this year’s edition, we are going to have a book presentation on leadership and mentorship, with the recognition of some organisations as capacity building giants in the country. There will also be a conference session and we are also going to give award recognition to two notable governors because of their gender-friendly policies.”

    Others to be honoured are Janet Adeyemi, President, Women in Mining (Nigeria); Priscillia Ogwemoh, Managing Partner, Olisa Agbakoba Legal; Dr. Amy Jadesimi, Managing Director, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base; Funke Agbor, SAN, Senior Partner, Adepetun Caxton-Martins, Agbor & Segun (Barr. & Solicitor); Chief (Mrs) Ijeoma  Uche-Okoro, Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Transport; Dr. (Mrs.) Lucy S. Newman, Managing Director/CEO, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC);  Mrs. Chinyere  Annie-Okonkwo, Director, Topwide Ventures Limited.

    Anaroke added, “We should understand that what you will become in life depends on the role models you choose in the early days. So, for those who have found it difficult to get the definition of success right, we will help them redefine it. Success is not about the wealth and fame you have acquired but the number of lives you have touched.”

    The conference session, among other things, is aimed at cementing the unity of the nation and entrenching creative leadership in organisations and institutions in Africa through effective leadership and mentorship of women.

  • NBS wins 2016 Best Public Institution Award

    NBS wins 2016 Best Public Institution Award

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has been awarded the Best Public Institution Award, 2016 in Nigeria by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

    The NBS stated this in a statement issued by the Statistician- General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kale said that the award presented by the President of LCCI, Dr Nike Akande, was received on behalf of the management of NBS by him.

    According to him, the Best Public Institution Award category is among other categories of awards given at the award ceremony.

    Kale said the award was an outcome of a painstaking selection process from numerous entries received for the award category and backed by feed backs from industry and market intelligence.

    The statistician-general said he was delighted about the award and expressed his appreciation to the entire staff of NBS.
    Kale emphasised that the award was a reward of their tireless efforts in ensuring that quality data were produced.

    He thanked the management of LCCI for carrying out a transparent process which led to the selection of NBS for the award.

    Kale also expressed his appreciation to Nigerians who massively voted for NBS during the selection process of the award and assured them of reliable, timely, comprehensive and accurate data for national development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NBS had in April emerged as the winner of the Best Public Sector website for the year 2016 and 2017.

    The award was attributed to the manner in which the bureau had communicated and simplified its data to users in recent times.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the bureau had recorded increase in the number and the type of published reports on its website.

  • Port efficiency: NPA inaugurates four tugboats worth over N9.16b

    Port efficiency: NPA inaugurates four tugboats worth over N9.16b

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has acquired four tugboats at the cost of over N9.16 billion to improve port efficiency.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tugboats are MT DAURA, MT. UROMI, MT. UBIMA and MT. MAJIYA.

    At the inauguration of the tugboats on Wednesday in Apapa, Lagos, the Managing Director, NPA, Ms Hadiza Usman, said that they were needed to assist vessels to berth appropriately into the channels.

    Usman added that the tugboats would enhance navigation and improve management of the channels.

    “The authority is to fulfill its obligation with Joint Venture Channel Management Companies by carrying out capital amendment dredging of the
    channels.

    “The partnership has improved the dredging of the channels.

    “The Lagos channel is up to 13.5 metres deep while more than 100 critical wrecks have been removed from the channels.

    “Through the joint partnership, about 232.3 metres vessels carry up to 3,500 TEU, and such vessels require approximately 11.5 metres depth,’’ Usman said.

    A member of Senate Committee on Marine Transportation, Sen. Binta Garba, who inaugurated Mt. MAJIYA, said that the inauguration would have a multiplier effect on the nation economy.

    Garba said that the senate would not relent in assisting government agencies to develop infrastructure to enable government to generate more revenue.

    She urged the NPA to intensify efforts in revenue generation.

    Mr Emmanuel Adesoye, the Chairman, Board of Directors of NPA, commended the achievement.

    Adesoye said that the tugboats were of the best brands and would serve as a powerful revenue earner.

    Adesoye said that the four tugboats had increased to nine, the number
    of the tugboats available to improve ship anchorage in various channels.

    In a message, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku
    Peterside, also hailed the NPA for the feat.

    Peterside, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NIMASA, Alhaji Bashir Jamoh, said that the tugboats would assist in daily operations of the authority and reduce turnaround time of vessels calling at the ports.

    “Before now, attention had always been in the recurrent expenditure in Nigeria, but the current administration shifted to capital expenditure which is the catalyst to economic growth and development.

    “Infrastructure development is crucial to the growth of the maritime sector and by extension the Nigerian economy, particularly now that the Federal Government is diversifying the economy in order to create more jobs and generate more revenue.

    “The efforts of NPA will go a long way in assisting the government to realise its agenda and also help to plug revenue leakages at this time the country is trying to get out of recession.

    “The Dockyard will save Federal Government at least 100 million
    dollars annually which will be direct savings from the dry docking of vessels operating in Nigeria,’’ Peterside said.

    He said that it was Nigeria’s desire to partner with the private sector to
    run the dockyard, adding that NIMASA would continue its collaboration
    with NPA and other sister-agencies in ensuring safe and secure maritime domain.

    Mrs Nike Akande, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, said that there was the need to provide necessary facilities in the ports.

    Akande expressed satisfaction that the NPA procured the tugboats under the leadership of a woman.

    She said that the inauguration of the tugboats would ease operations in the ports.

    Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command,
    urged the management of NPA to assist the navy to train its officers and men
    on the operations of the tugboats.

    Bobai said that full operations of the tugboat would improve turnaround time in ports.

    He, however, urged that the tugboats be handled properly to avoid accidents.

    The Managing Director, Depase Company, Mr Gadi Ilan, commended the NPA for giving the company the opportunity to train the Nigeria crew on additional operations regarding the tugboats.

    Mrs Lizy Ovbude, Managing Director, Ports and Terminal Operators Nig. Ltd., urged the NPA management to extend the operations of the tugboats to the Eastern Port.

    Ovbude said that terminal operators usually ended up hiring tugboats from private companies to enable them to anchor their vessels safely.

     

  • Nike Akande set to make history

    Nike Akande set to make history

    A confident woman wears would always wear a smile with an air of comfort and pleasantness around her. She understands that a shoe size is nothing without the necessary accomplishments. Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, ex-Minister of Industries, adorns shoes of greatness and has made it her sole goal in life to wear them through hard work.

    In the next couple of weeks, Chief Akande will be installed as the new President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI). The LCCI is the premier chamber of commerce in West Africa and has in its 127 years of existence drawn its leadership from outstanding business leaders within and outside the country.

    The installation of Chief Akande as the new President of LCCI will take place at the Grand Ball Room of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Saturday, December 5, 2015. She will make history as the second woman to assume this position in the 127 years existence of the chamber.

  • High gear preparations for Nike Akande’s 70th birthday

    High gear preparations for Nike Akande’s 70th birthday

    CHIEF (Mrs) Nike Akande is one society woman who seems to get better with age. Like the fabled phoenix, she appears more regal and charming just when you think you have seen the best of her. Little wonder the high society can hardly wait to celebrate with her as she marks her 70th birthday next Saturday at Eko Hotels& Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Information gathered from the home front of the Akandes indicates that she is set to celebrate her 70th birthday with pomp and ceremony. Her husband and Eketa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief (Dr) Adebayo Akande (MFR), is pulling all the stops to celebrate his graceful wife. The  invitation letter is exquisite in quality.

    Every step of the preparation appears to indicate that the celebration would be her classiest shindig so far. Major fashion designers around the Lagos metropolis are said to have been very busy on account of the impending ceremony.