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Tag: Unilever

  • Action health graduates 120 out of school girls

    Action health graduates 120 out of school girls

    Action Health Incorporated on Wednesday graduated about 120 out-of-school adolescent girls who are beneficiaries of its Project tagged; ‘Expanding Access of Marginalized Out-of-School Girls to Services in Ilaje Community’.

    The graduates, drawn from Ilaje Community out of the 42 slum areas of Lagos State, were empowered with intensive livelihood skills and sexual and reproductive health programme with the support of United Nations Population Funds.

    Delivering her welcome speech, Mrs Adenike Esiet, Executive Director, Action Health Incorporated, noted that the girls will be given start up kits worth N10,000 adding: “This is in addition to being registered with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the opening  of a bank account to aid financial accountability in their businesses.
    “It is important to note that the lack of schooling has implications far beyond access to basic education: being out-of-school substantially increases the threats to these adolescent girls’ health, pressure to engage in risky sexual relations, pressure to marry early, as well as exposure to exploitative labour conditions,” she noted.

    In his remarks, Mr Koffi Kouame, UNFPA, Deputy Director observed that the programme could not have come at a more auspicious time for Nigeria as globally, countries are currently setting in place actions that will ensure the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “In this regards, it is important to note that the ability of the Out Of School Girls (OOSG) to fulfil her potential is a major contributor to the attainment of the SDGs and therefore is a corresponding critical development in Nigeria.

    Some of the 120 graduating girls in a group photograph after the celebration in Lagos
    Some of the 120 graduating girls in a group photograph after the celebration in Lagos

    “As a result, landmark occasion represents a call to action to all Nigerians (policy makers, legislators, other development partners and NGOs) to work in ensuring that the OOSG is empowered in terms of accessing formal or informal education as well as the acquisition of skills and knowledge about her sexual and reproductive health, which will enable her reach maximum potential and contribute to the development of Nigeria,” Kouame stressed.

    Speaking further, he noted that Lagos, with over 2million young girls aged 10 to 19, has the highest number of young girls in Nigeria. “Even though, Lagos state has been a pacesetter in the promotion of girls’ education and women empowerment, a significant  proportion of these girls are still out-of-school.

    “Therefore, if significant progress towards the empowerment of the OOSG is achieved in Lagos, the impact will be felt nationally and indeed on a global scale as well. It is well acknowledged that the OOSG is one of the most vulnerable individuals in our society as they are well accustomed to living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, exposed to gender based violence, coerced sexual encounters or forced marriages, early pregnancy/child bearing and exploitative labour conditions,” Kouame noted.

    During their testimonies, elated Godonu Gloria narrated how she dropped out of school at primary 5 only to help her parents sell pap (koko) as a means to sustain the family. According to Gloria, she later went to stay with her grandma, who told her to join the other girls in selling fish as a tradition for all the children living with her.

    She went further to explain how she had always wanted to bake and how she got to know about the opportunity on a Sunday at church. She harped on it and is now an empowered graduate of the Action Health Incorporated Programme. According to her, she made N4000 during her first baking business.

    Similarly, Olawale Aminat, another beneficiary recounted her ordeal in the polygamous family being the last child of the third wife. Aminat dropped out of school at the Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 because her mother could no longer meet up with the incessant demands of the science department she belonged to in school to carry out various projects.

    On her part, she learned makeup artistry and headgear (gele) tying and has succeeded in practising her new trade at a public event where she made N1500 on the first day. Aminat thanked the AHI and UNFPA, observing that both organisations have done well for many girls, including her.

    Present at the graduation ceremony include the Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Women of Affairs, Mrs Lola Akande, represented by Mrs Folasade S. Adesoye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Mr Coffin Kouame, Deputy Representative, UNFPA; Mr S.A Bamgbade, Ilaje Community Leader; Mrs Oluwasoromidayo George, Corporate Affairs Director, Unilever, to mention a few.

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  • Unilever launches Lipton campaign for Ramadan season

    Unilever Nigeria Plc. has launched a new campaign for the Ramadan season for its flagship Lipton Yellow Label tea brand.

    Speaking about the rationale behind the campaign, the Category Manager Tea and Spreads, Vivian Ihaza explained that the Ramadan period which is a very important one for Muslim Lipton consumers across Nigeria is not only a time of reflection and prayers but also a time to reach out to someone in need.

    She added that “It is a fundamental human truth that we all have good intentions and thoughts that are related to social goodness but most times, our busy lives get in the way of turning these thoughts into actions”.

    The Lipton Ramadan campaign, accordingly, is about encouraging muslims to #ThinkLessDoMore by taking actual, concrete actions this season without expecting anything in return’.

    She further noted that Lipton Yellow Label tea as the uncontested market leader in Nigeria is well placed to deliver this message of encouragement.

    The campaign which kicked off last week with some popular social media celebrities using the hashtag #ThinkLessDoMore on their twitter and Instagram handles will continue through the Ramadan period on television, radio and other communication channels.

    The Lipton mobile Ramadan lounge will also be stationed at select mosques across Nigeria to provide refreshment after IFTAR prayers to Muslim Faithful’s. As the Lipton Brand Manager, TayoAdesokan also pointed out, “It’s not just about Lipton preaching but also taking concrete actions too.This is Lipton’s way of also “Doing” in line with the campaign idea”.

  • Unilever Nigeria grows sales by 12.5% in Q1

    Unilever Nigeria grows sales by 12.5% in Q1

    Unilever Nigeria Plc grew its sales by 12.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year to N16.78 billion.

    Unaudited report and accounts for the first quarter ended March 31, this year showed that the company grew by 12.5 per cent from N14.9 billion in first quarter of last year to N16.78 billion in first quarter of this year. Cost of sales increased by 9.1 per cent to N10.7 billion for the period ended March 2016 from N9.8 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2015. Net finance cost reduced by 35 per cent to N488 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to N757 million reported for the corresponding period in 2015.

    The report showed that net finance cost as a function of operating profit improved significantly to 26 per cent as against 47 per cent in first quarter 2015, reflecting sustained improvements in cash management. Profit after tax for the period increased significantly by 76 per cent from N590 million in first quarter 2015 to N1.04 billion in first quarter 2016.

    Unilever Nigeria assured stakeholders of continued focus on key business drivers to ensure sustained growth in the company’s operations to improve returns on investments.

    “Although the challenges in the operating environment are yet to ease, we have continued to see momentum behind recent initiatives taken by Management. We will continue to focus on driving cost efficiencies, growing market share across key categories and reinvesting behind our brands,” the company stated.

    The management of the company said they were addressing the issue of finance costs through a number of initiatives and efforts are on-going to sustain the improvements coming through in first quarter.

    Unilever Nigeria noted that the consistency in performance over the last two quarters demonstrates strong resilience and resolution to win despite the various economic challenges in the operating environment.

  • Foundation, Unilever help students with disability

    Foundation, Unilever help students with disability

    In Ilorin, Kwara State-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Survivors Foundation has partnered Unilever Nigeria Plc to   bring succour to students with special needs as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country.

    Unilever has donated relief materials worth about N45 million to the foundation for onward delivery to students and orphanage homes.

    The materials distributed recently to sthe needy include bathing soap, detergent, body lotion and body spray.

    The beneficiaries are Kwara State School for Special needs, Ilorin; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Health Centre, Ile-Ife; Kwara State Children Reception Centre, Ilorin; internally displayed persons’ (IDPs) camp, Bauchi State, among others.

    The Survivors Foundation is pursuing its vision of reducing the pressure on the Nigeria’s economy and its health system as one of the key strategies for developing the country’s economy. This the foundation is achieving through health relief materials mobilisation and distribution to schools, orphanage homes, internally displayed persons’ (IDPs) camps, among other places.

    Founder of foundation, Biola Mohammed said that the NGO does more than just mobilising and distributing relief materials to schools and others places, it also spares nothing in educating the public on sickle cell anaemia health through awareness creation among unmarried people and ending stigmatisation among those vulnerable to the ailment.

    Founded in August 2015,  Mohammed said that “a strong health system is the first ingredient for any nation’s building which informed its establishment. The programmes of the Survivors Foundation had since its establishment planned to achieve its objectives through awareness creation and materials mobilisation. Ultimately, it seeks to improve on Nigerian economy through a strengthened health system.”

    The founder added during the distribution at the Kwara State School for Special Needs, Yakuba, Ilorin, that “part of the foundation’s vision was to have a society free of sickle cell anaemia patients which, he added, is achievable through awareness creation and partnerships with corporate organisations with like minds.”

    He also disclosed that the foundation would achieve its set goals through pampering the victims with care and supports towards helping them overcome the challenges and stigmatisation.

    Mohammed urged support for sickle cell patients, adding that the society’s attitude towards them has been very discouraging.

    He said the sickle cell anaemia patients traditionally suffer a great stigmatisation from the society which normally discourages them from receiving treatment that could aid their survival. He encouraged parents who have sickle cell children to bring them forward for treatment, counselling and help, saying that the nature of their sickness is just like any other health challenge.

    He charged the public to support them towards ending stigmatisation against them.

    “Because of the nature of the sickness, the behaviour of the society, and the stigmatisation, we don’t get to see them for their regular treatment. We have a quite number of them who are suffering from the sickness in the society but they cannot come out openly because of stigmatisation. There is nothing to be ashamed of about sickle cell anaemia. It is just like any other health challenge. Those who are suffering from sickle cell should come out for treatment and counselling. It is not a death sentence. They can still live a normal life. Sitting at home cannot help them; it would only deprive them of so many things which could affect them and even their future. They should come out, meet with people and socialize.”

    He said that the foundation’ support would get to the targeted individuals through collaborations with other foundations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), local governments and non-governmental organisations across the country.

    He added that with the materials donated by the Unilever Nigeria PLC., the realisation of its goals is beginning to be assured.

    While receiving the donation, the Principal of the Kwara State School for Special Needs, Ilorin, Mrs. Folake.O Aroyehun, thanked the foundation for selecting the school among the benefiting schools in the state.

     

  • Unilever Nigeria’s net profit drops by 50% to N1.2b

    Unilever Nigeria’s net profit drops by 50% to N1.2b

    Unilever Nigeria recorded mixed performance in  2015 as marginal top-line growth of 6.2 per cent depressed into a 50.6 per cent declined in net profit.

    Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Unilever Nigeria for the year ended December 31, 2015 showed that turnover rose slightly from N55.75 billion in 2014 to N59.22 billion in 2015. Operating profit also inched up by 0.65 per cent from N4.61 billion to N4.64 billion. Profit before tax however dropped by 38.3 per cent while profit after tax halved to N1.19 billion in 2015 as against N2.41 billion in 2014. Earnings per share followed the trend, dropping from 64 kobo to 32 kobo.

    The board of the company has recommended payment of a dividend per share of 5.0 kobo.

    Commenting on the results, the company said trading conditions remained difficult throughout the year, but have continued to demonstrate resilience in tackling the growing drop in consumer’s purchasing pattern amidst other extraneous factors.

    Unilever Nigeria assured shareholders of continued efforts to ensure a sustained and steady growth in the company’s operations to achieve better returns on their investments.

    “Although the operating environment remains challenging, we have continued to see momentum behind process improvements, costs and operational efficiencies.  We will continue to focus on driving cost efficiencies, increasing market share across key categories and reinvesting behind our core brands,” the company stated.

    The management of the company said it had been addressing the issue of significant finance cost through a number of initiatives and the traction on these initiatives have started to impact on performance.

    Meanwhile, Exotix, a global research and investment firm, described Unilever Nigeria’s 2015 performance as poor, stating that the Unilever Nigeria’s performance fell within the “lower quartile of local consumer peer performance during the same period”.

    In a review of the 2015 earnings report, Exotix noted that while the company rebounded strongly in the fourth quarter of 2015, the last-quarter performance might not be sustainable  citing relatively challenging market conditions and concern that gains from recently-implemented initiatives  aimed at returning the company to growth are yet to consolidate.

    The review outlined that the factors that weighed on the company’s performance, outside the weaker economic backdrop which was broadly a headwind for peers, included higher input cost pressure following a devaluation in the naira, given the company’s relatively higher exposure to imported raw materials than local consumer peers; a surge in operating expenses owing to deliberate marketing and distribution efforts to expand its route to market; surge in interest expense; plant impairment charge and relatively greater effective corporate income tax.

    The report stated that Unilever Nigeria’s profit margins were lower across the board and remained relatively weak in comparison to local branded consumer company peers. Net margin was notably weaker at 2.0 per cent in 2015 as against 4.3 per cent in 2014 while earnings before interest and tax fell to 8.7 per cent in 2015 as against 9.1 per cent in 2014.

    The report, however, commended the decision of the board to pay a dividend per share of 5.0 , noting that while the payout and yield are much lower than consumer peers,  the decision to cut dividend per share was prudent.

    “We believe that “cash is king”, as in the current environment it provides a buffer in the event that the economy deteriorates further. To that extent, we observe a sharp improvement in the company’s net operating cash flow, quite consistent with that of local consumer peers. This accommodates a cut in the company’s gross debt at the end of 2015,” Exotix stated.

    Exotix placed a sell recommendation on Unilever Nigeria.

  • Unilever Nigeria profit hits N1.19b

    Unilever Nigeria profit hits N1.19b

    Unilever Nigeria has recorded Profit After Tax (PAT) of N1.19billion in the forth quarter of 2015, as against the N141 million it posted at the close of trading in the third quarter.

    The company also recorded a turnover of N59.2 billion for the year ended 31 December ,2015, representing a 6.2 per cent growth in turnover from the N55.7 billion it grossed for the year ended 31 December, 2014.

    The fourth quarter results for the company showed extraordinary recovery across major indices. Stand-alone results for Q4 reflect turnover growth of 36.3 per cent in Q4 2015 (Q4 2014: N12.12 billion, Q4 2015:N16.52 billion) Profit after tax for the full year dipped by 51 per cent from N2.4 billion in 2014 to N1.19 billion in 2015. However, Q4 2015 standalone results show an increase of 78.3 per cent in PAT (Q4 2014: N590 million, Q4 2015:N1.05 billion)

  • Unilever targets one million children on oral Health Day

    Unilever targets one million children on oral Health Day

    Unilever Nigeria Plc is targeting one million children in this year’s Oral Health Day, which holds at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos on March 18.

    The firm, through its brand, Pepsodent with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), is promoting the culture of brushing day and night for healthy oral-care.

    Unilever Nigeria’s Vice President, Brand Building, Robbert-de Vreede, said the firm was committed to doing business in a sustainable way. This, he said was  why the firm is partnering the Nigerian Dental Association, Federal Ministry of Health and others to create awareness on oral health.

    He said: “Ninety per cent of the world’s population suffers from oral diseases. When kids are affected by such diseases, they may not be able to bear the pain and as such affect them in school or cause them to drop out of school for a period of time.

    “This year, we are educating one million children directly on how to take care of their teeth by brushing day and night using fluoride toothpaste such as Pepsodent.’’

    Nigerian Dental Association President Dr Bode Ijarogbe said World Oral Health Day is aimed at increasing awareness for oral health as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health, well-being and national economies.

    The theme for this year’s celebrations is Brush Day and Night… Healthy mouth. Healthy body.

    Category Manager, Oral Care, Unilever Nigeria, Bunmi Adeniba said the firm was committed to improving the oral health of 10 million children  by 2020 through Pepsodent Brush Day and Night schools programme.

    The World Oral Health Day  includes Brush Day and Night campaign, health awareness walk from LUTH, Idi-Araba to Jibowu Bus stop, Lagos, dental outreaches with minor interventions to rural communities.

  • Unilever donates relief materials to IDPs

    Unilever donates relief materials to IDPs

    Unilever Nigeria has donated relief materials to thousands in camps in the Northeast through various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

    Donating the items, the External Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Mr. Tomiwa Asaolu, noted the commitment of the company toward assisting displaced persons in the North East. “Unilever is supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in communities and IDP camps across Nigeria to provide urgently needed health and hygiene materials to those who are in dire need of it,” he said.

    “It is our goal to advance the lives of Nigerians by delivering brands that help improve the health and hygiene. We believe these materials we are donating will do just that here at the camps.”

    Asaolu also commended the efforts of NEMA officials, the NGOs and other humanitarian agencies who are working tirelessly to provide support for the displaced persons.

    ‘’We appreciate NEMA and all the NGOs we are currently working with, whose support and collaboration has made this project a success.”

    Some notable partner NGOs include; Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), National Centre for Women, Youths and Community Action (NACWYCA), amongst others.

    The Executive Director, NACWYCA, Mr. NawaniAboki, said: “We have received from Unilever Nigeria, items which include 7,028 cases of Camay soap, 8,433 cases of Camay Roll On, 8,433 cases of Camay Lotion, 2640 cases of Camay Spray and 1,176 cases of Camay Barsoap, which have been delivered to the leaders of the benefitting communities.

    “I assure you the items will be distributed to the IDPs as there will be a strict monitoring of the distribution by the NGO to ensure that the items reach the target beneficiaries,” he added.

  • Unilever among top 100 companies

    Unilever among top 100 companies

    Unilever Nigeria PLC has been listed as one of the top 100 most respected companies in Nigeria in 2015 coming on the eighth position of the table.

    Speaking at a dinner organized by BusinessDay Media Ltd, the Publisher/CEO of BusinessDay, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, said Unilever, is among the companies that stand out in the aspects of commitment to Quality Service Delivery, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Innovation, Internal work environment and customer service as well as Online presence of the organisation.

    The BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit (BRIU) derived the results from surveys across different cities and towns in Nigeria.

    The Unilever’s External Relations & Sustainability Managers, Mr. Tomiwa Asaolu, said: “Unilever is grateful to BusinessDay for recognising all the good work we put into the Nigerian society, and the economy. We have been here for over 90 years, with growing brands that most suit the consumers’ needs.”

    , while delivering small actions that make a big difference in the society; and we remain committed to creating a bright future for Nigerians and Nigeria.”

    He said this year, Unilever Nigeria Plc. has delivered significant social investments through her brands and business operations.

    “For instance, Pepsodent, in partnershipwith the Nigerian Dental Association, continues to contribute to improving professional dental standards and deliver oral health care projects across multiple channels to change people’s habits.

    Earlier this year, Pepsodent led the global movement for better dental care on World Oral Health day by hosting 1000 children in the same location to take a pledge to brush day & night, and encourage their parents to do same. And by 2020, Unilever aims to reach 10 million children in Nigeria with its ‘Brush Everyday Day and Night oral health campaign to ensure healthy life style,”  he noted.

    “Also, Knorr recently embarked on a behavioural change project aimed at providing support to tackling the issue of iron deficiency amongst women and teenage girls in Nigeria with its iron-fortified cubes, to improve health and reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in Nigeria,” he added.

     

     

  • FUT Owerri tops Unilever Ideatrophy business

    THE Federal University of Technology Owerri, has clinched the Unilever Nigeria sponsored Ideatrophy business challenge.

    FUT Owerri tagged team ‘Blueprint’ slammed two other institutions-teams ‘Apex’ and ‘Idealist’ in a keenly contested battle to emerge first and second runners up in that order.

    Sponsored by Unilever, the Ideatrophy which hit its fourth edition this year, is a national competition which gives undergraduates from various universities in Nigeria the opportunity to develop and execute strategies that deliver business results.

    This year’s edition tagged: ‘The confidence to do more’ tasked the students to develop a communication and marketing plan for Rexona and also drive communication that Nigeria’s most popular and widely patronised deodorant: ‘Sure is now Rexona’.

    The competition featured personalities including; Prof Pat Utomi who delivered the keynote address, as well as the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi Etti.

    Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, congratulated the winning team on their outstanding success. He also praised other participating teams for their impressive performance.

    Nsarkoh expressed Unilever’s passion to help equip Nigerian undergraduates with invaluable business skills that would help them become successful entrepreneurs operating under a world class standard. He urged the students to continue aspiring towards more success.

    Said Nsarkoh: “This is not the end, it is only a beginning, we believe that whatever we call best in Nigeria should be able to hold its own against any team in the world.”

    He emphasised the need for creativity, which he described as necessary for survival in the workplace and life in general. He further highlighted the need for students to take advantage of the networking opportunity the competition provides.

    “Competition such as this provides room for development and networking as participants get to work with people from diverse backgrounds and learn ethics, co-existence and integrity as it relates to the workplace.”

    Utomi charged the students to take advantage of the opportunity for exploits.He identified fortitude, creativity, perseverance and goal setting skills as vital.

    “Principles   are   like   a compass that stirs you towards a destination, providing a guiding path,” Utomi said.

    “The problem in Nigeria today is that the country has become an instant gratification society where the   attitude   of   overnight   success   is   encouraged,   where   people   embrace   wealth   without   work, religion without sacrifice, education without character, pleasure without conscience and business without morality,”Utomi added.

    Utomi also advised the students to expand their creativity which he described as central to the creation of a better world.

    Durosimi Etti described Unilever’s initiative as laudable.

    He said: “Unilever has again demonstrated their love for the country, this shows that their investment in the country is not just about getting returns   but   impacting   on   the   lives   of   Nigerians.”

    Bella Victor, one of the winning team members,   said   coming tops in the   competition   was   a   dream   come   true.

    “This is a great moment for me,” Victor said. “I am grateful to Unilever for the opportunity to participate in this competition. We promise to consolidate on this success and use it as a platform to move on to greater achievements,” he added.

    This year’s competition also saw the introduction of the individual recognition award Also for the first time, individual recognition award was introduced, and was won by Jennifer Ikeokwu from Babcock University.

    The high point was the presentation by participants of their works to Mr Nsarkoh. Others in attendance include: Marketing Director David Okeme, Guest Judge, Titi Akinsanya and Marilyn Maduka, leadership development Manager. The event also featured a mock interview session for students, vetting of CV’s/resume and one-on-one networking sessions with business leaders, among others.