NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Oyo Govt. committed to improving trade, regional connectivity – Makind
Economy/Business

Oyo Govt. committed to improving trade, regional connectivity – Makind

323 total views today

By David Adeoye

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his government is committed to improving trade routes towards enhancing regional connectivity.

Makinde stated this on Monday at the opening of the Oyo State International Trade Fair, tagged ‘EXPOYO 2025, holding at the Trade Fair Complex, Samonda, Ibadan.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, said such efforts would make Oyo State the preferred destination for investment and trade.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the fair is: “Achieving Food Security and Economic Stability in Oyo State through Massive Investment in Agriculture”.

According to the governor, the theme of the fair encapsulates the vision of his administration, which seeks to make the state the fastest growing economy in Nigeria.

He explained that ‘EXPOYO 2025’ was designed to serve as a forum for investors and business minds to explore new opportunities and collaborate in advancing trade activities in the state.

Makinde said that the trade fair was also a unique opportunity for local entrepreneurs to gain exposure, build networks and access the global market.

He explained that the effort of his government to create an enabling environment for businesses were reflected in the ongoing improvements in critical sectors like transportation, energy, agriculture and technology.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise policies and programmes that foster entrepreneurship and provide our youth with opportunities to create sustainable businesses and jobs,” he assured.

The governor further reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue creating the right environment for businesses to grow, thrive and make a lasting impact on the state.

He urged local and international exhibitors at the trade fair to make the most of the opportunity to showcase their products, build meaningful connections and explore new avenues for collaboration.

In his goodwill message, Dr Daniel Gbadero, the President of the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), said that agriculture must be rescued from subsistence farming.

According to Gbadero, food security and economic stability could only be achieved when hard and difficult farm labours are replaced with agricultural tools and machines.

He said that the replacement would make agribusiness more appealing and attractive to youths.

The OYCCIMA president commended the state government for making the trade fair an annual event, saying that the fair would put “our products on display to expose them to the world.”

He equally said that the fair would promote the sales of Oyo-made products towards developing the state economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bayo Sekoni

STEM: NNPC Foundation donates 25,000 books to 25 schools
Economy/Business

STEM: NNPC Foundation donates 25,000 books to 25 schools

297 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The NNPC Foundation Ltd. has begun distribution of 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) text books and mini libraries to 25 secondary schools across the country to bridge gap in technological innovation and advancement.

Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd. said this on Monday while unveiling 1,000 STEM books and mini science library at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The NNPC Foundation is the social impact company of the NNPC Limited, undertaking key initiatives in education, empowerment, health, environment and access to energy to boost social-economic development since inception in 2023.

Arukwe said the donation was the second phase of the initiative, highliting that the foundation in 2024 donated  15,000 STEM books to 15 schools in the six geopolitical zones of the country and the FCT.

According to Arukwe, the world is increasingly technology-driven, hence it will be important to equip the youth with relevant skills to keep up with a fast-paced technological world and to foster economic development.

“The unveiling today at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja is symbolic, because we will be replicating same in 24 states of the country, across the six geopolitical zones, within the month of April 2025.

“As part of our educational initiatives, we are pleased to introduce the STEM books and Shelves Distribution Project, designed to enhance the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in secondary schools across Nigeria.

“A total of 40,000 STEM text books, from the first and second phases of this initiative are to be distributed to public secondary schools in the 36 States and the FCT.

“With the identified schools receiving 1,000 copies each and a designated library bookshelf for storage and accessibility.

“We believe that the gifted children have done so well and it will further help them in their studies and future career choices in academic pursuit,” she said.

She decried limited access to STEM education in Nigeria, especially with paucity of requisite materials to enhance the learning process.

The director said the NNPC Foundation was driving the initiative in secondary schools to build interest among the youths to enable them to them to navigate the modern world of science and technology.

“With this initiative, NNPC Foundation demonstrates its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on quality education and reducing inequality by ensuring that underserved communities received required support to boost STEM learning,” she said.

The Principal of the school, Malam Bello Audu lauded the gesture, adding that it was a testament to the foundation’s commitment towards education and support for the students development.

“Your partnership with us is a shinning example of the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations and communities come together to make a difference.

“As a school for the Gifted, as the name implies, we are not asking for too much, but our gratitude should supersede any further request from your foundation.

“We are honoured to be given this donation by the NNPC Foundation. All children are gifted but the students are admitted here to unlock their gifts.

“The school lacks ICT gadgets such as desktop computers, laptops, and internet facilities. We look forward to receiving such gestures from your good office.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration and exploring ways to work together to enhance the educational experience of our students,” he said.

Some of the students also expressed appreciation to the foundation for the gesture to enable them to enhance academic excellence.

Anyanwu Ugonnaya, an SS3 science student, said the science books would assist them, especially in the forthcoming Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

“STEM text books will help us while doing assignment, reading and researching.

“The donation will help future generations to come to get acquainted with knowledge easily, especially the less privileged, who cannot afford all books,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

We’ve attracted 1m investments – says PCNGI coordinator
Economy/Business

We’ve attracted $491m investments – says PCNGI coordinator

279 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Coordinator, Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), says over 491 million dollars investments have been attracted to AutoCNG and created over 9,000 direct and 75,000 indirect jobs in the past one year.

 

Oluwagbemi said this while addressing State House Correspondents on Monday.

 

He said the conversion capacity of vehicles from pure petrol and diesel to Bifuel vehicles had increased from seven when the programme started to more than 200.

 

He said the Conversion Incentive Programme (CIP) introduced by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024 led to the employment of 3,000 new technicians.

 

He said the programme was to enable one million free or subsidised conversion of certain classes of vehicles, especially public commercial transports, rideshares and MDA vehicles to be done by the PCNGI.

 

He said about 22,000 conversion kits were initially procured and started being delivered in October 2024 to the programme by the Ministry of Finance.

 

He added that 10,000 conversion centers would be established by the end of this quarter under this programme having started in December 2024.

 

He said the programme had been expanded by the PCNGI to enable discounts for public servants to finance the balance of costs for converting their vehicles working with the Credit Corp.

 

“If you also recall, to demonstrate the efficacy of CNG and electric vehicles (EV) platforms, CNG buses and tricycles as well as EV buses were procured on our behalf by the Federal Ministry of Finance. A total of 655 buses were procured.

 

“About 421 CNG Buses and 36 EV buses have been delivered so far, and the programme has deployed 405 buses either as part of the settlement of terms with the NLC and TUC as part of the wage negotiations,” he said.

 

Oluwagbemi said the PCNGI was established to facilitate the adoption of natural gas and other alternative fueled vehicles including electric vehicles.

 

He said this was in the light of the removal of fuel subsidy that led to a spike of transportation costs at the onset of the policy as the President sought to rescue the nation.

 

He said there had been a visible gap in CNG availability with longer queues in some locations but assured this was temporary.

 

He attributee this to the influx of CNG trucks and the over 30,000 CNG conversions undertaken by the private sector, which more than quintupled the CNG fleet of Nigeria.

 

“This naturally will put pressure on our gas infrastructure. But the PCNGI is not relenting in solutions,” he said.

 

He said PCNGI launched a scheme called the Refueling On lending Programme that would provide equipment at cost for refueling to key conversion centers and refueling partners.

 

He said 25 sites were billed to benefit and 15 states slated for this: “Already the first site in Kwara state is live, and Kogi, Ekiti, Rivers and Abuja will soon join them before May 1, 2025.

 

“By June 12 we shall have Kaduna, Abia, Enugu joining the fray with Niger, Kano and Benue following shortly thereafter.”

 

He said the PCNGI embarked on intensive stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaign from May to November 2024 to convince the private sector to invest critical funds alongside the government’s investments.

 

This, he said, stimulated demand by commercial vehicle operators and private vehicle users alike.

 

He said to further bolster infrastructure, PCNGI had co-opted private sector partners to deploy over 150 new refueling locations in the next 18 months.

 

“NNPC have already deployed 12 sites, with 8 to go this quarter, and approval for additional 100 sought and secured for the next 18-24 months.

 

“NIPCO has imported equipment for 32 daughter station sites with 22 in operation and eight under construction. Bovas has eight under construction and AY Shafa has completed one with nine under construction.

 

“Entities like Ibile Oil and Gas, MBH and Mikano are also investing in not just daughter stations but also mother stations,” he said.

 

Oluwagbemi said the sole safety incident that occurred in Benin last year was a result of economic saboteurs engaged in illegal fabrication of CNG cylinders and were arrested by the police.

 

He said with Nigeria Gas Vehicles Monitoring System (NGVMS) in place that incident would be avoided as only properly labelled and accredited vehicles with certified tanks would be refueled.

 

“The necessary steps to launch the NGVMS are ongoing, and we expect it to be in place by year end. We won’t relent in ensuring the safety of lives and investments of participants in the sector,” he assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

 

 

FG to receive first batch of 3.2m meters in April
Economy/Business

FG to receive first batch of 3.2m meters in April

333 total views today

Meters

By Constance Athekame

The Federal Government says it is set to receive the first batch of 3.205 million meters in April, procured to bridge the metering gap in the country.

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said this in a statement by his Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji in Abuja on Sunday.

Adelabu said that 75,000 meters under the International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1) were also expected by the end of April.

According to the minister the second batch of 200,000 meters will also be received in May.

He said that the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) was set to deliver the 3.2 million meters by 2026.

“This will be achieved through different procurement models, including 1.437 million meters through International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1).

”There is another 217,600 meters through National Competitive Bid (NCB), and 1.550 million meters through International Competitive Bid 2 (ICB2), ” Adelabu said. .

According to him, as part of this plan, the first batch of 75,000 meters under ICB1 is expected by April, followed by the second batch of 200,000 meters in May.

”In addition to the DISREP, the N700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is another key intervention designed to accelerate metering,”he said.

The minister said that the PMI, which had already secured N700 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), was structured to ensure large-scale meter procurement and deployment.

He said that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) had been established to oversee the implementation of the initiative.

”While challenges persist, the facts tell a more balanced story; one of sustained effort, financial commitment, and structured implementation plans by the Federal Government to close the metering gap.

”Despite claims of stagnation, metering installations have been progressing steadily.

”As at Dec.2024, a total of 5.502 million customers had been metered, representing about 55 percent of the 10.114 million active electricity customers in the country,”he said.

He said that In 2024 alone, 572,050 meters were installed.

According to him, though installation rates have varied over the years, the sector maintains a yearly average of about 668,000 meters installed.

He said that structured financing and government-backed initiatives were expected to accelerate deployment beyond the current pace, ensuring that the metering gap is addressed efficiently.

He said that to bridge the meeting gap, the government had put in place key initiatives aimed at significantly improving metering across the country.

“The government had set a target of deploying two million meters annually for five years, with the first batch of two million meters expected to be released by the third quarter of this year.

”These structured interventions provide a clear roadmap for addressing the metering gap in an effective and sustainable manner”.

“While the metering gap remains a concern, the notion that it will take over a decade to resolve is misleading,” he said.

He said that with the ongoing DISREP and PMI initiatives, Nigeria’s metering landscape was set to experience significant improvement before the end of the year.

”The focus should be on the execution of these well-structured plans rather than a blanket critique that overlooks the real progress being made,”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Army arrests 43 suspected oil thieves in 3 states
Economy/Business

Army arrests 43 suspected oil thieves in 3 states

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Arrest

By Desmond Ejibas

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have apprehended 43 suspected oil thieves during a coordinated raid on illegal artisanal refineries across Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

Spokesman for the division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday, noting that 14 artisanal refineries were also dismantled during the operations.

Danjuma also revealed that troops seized 14 boats and confiscated about 254,000 litres of various stolen petroleum products between March 31 and April 6.

Providing details of the operations, he explained that soldiers in Delta raided the Old Ogorode community in the Sapele area, where they recovered 90,000 litres of petroleum products loaded into a bus.

“Furthermore, troops confiscated 74,107 drums filled with 16,600 litres of petroleum products and 1,600 litres of illegally refined engine oil.

“Other items recovered include a tank filled with over 20,000 litres of stolen products, an empty tank  with a capacity of 5,000 litres, eight pumping machines, two generators.

“Two suspects were arrested at the crime scene,” he stated.

In a separate operation in Amukpe, Sapele, Danjuma said that soldiers intercepted a truck carrying 56 drums containing 13,400 litres of stolen crude oil.

He confirmed the arrest of three suspects connected to the incident.

“In Rivers, troops dismantled illegal sites, seized about 83,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Andoni, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Akuku-Toru, and Degema Local Government Areas.

“The petroleum products were found stored in more than 80 cooking pots and ovens, as well as in sacks, metal receivers, iron pipes, and a reservoir pit,” Danjuma stated.

In Bayelsa, the army spokesman reported the seizure of 13,500 litres of stolen crude following the destruction of four illegal refineries in Yenagoa and Ekeremor LGAs.

During the raids, Danjuma revealed that troops also dismantled over nine cooking drums and receivers, 11 ovens, four drums, and a dug-out reservoir.

According to him, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their successful operations and urged stakeholders to support the fight against illegal oil bunkering.

“The GOC assured Nigerians that these ongoing operations form part of broader efforts to boost oil and gas production and enhance the nation’s economy,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Feeding the future: Nigeria’s bold step toward agro-industrial transformation
Economy/Business

Feeding the future: Nigeria’s bold step toward agro-industrial transformation

294 total views today

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa (News Agency of Nigeria)

Nigeria is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape its agricultural sector as construction begins on the landmark Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project in Kaduna and Cross River states.

This flagship initiative, a key component of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Feed Africa strategy, signals an important shift in Nigeria’s approach to agribusiness and food security.

The Federal Government, in alliance with AfDB and international partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development and Africa Grow Together Fund, will officially inaugurate Phase 1 of the SAPZ programme.

This represents a step toward comprehensive agro-industrial development across the nation.

The transformative initiative will be spearheaded by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the President of AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who will officially launch construction with groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled for April 8 in Kaduna State and April 10 in Cross River.

This intervention comes as Nigeria battles with increasing food insecurity challenges and actively seeks economic diversification.

With an unprecedented investment of $538 million, SAPZ Phase 1 marks the African Development Bank’s largest programme in any African country to date, underscoring the scale and significance of this undertaking.

The SAPZ initiative embodies President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening food security, generating sustainable employment opportunities and revitalising peri-urban economies through innovative public-private partnerships.

Also, it will ensure private sector partners designing, developing and operating these zones, establishing a sustainable blueprint for agro-industrial growth.

This launch is expected to catalyse momentum for SAPZ Phase 2, with an additional 28 states already positioned to participate in this agricultural renaissance.

The recent Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, saw the bank secure an unprecedented $2.2 billion commitment for the Nigeria Phase 2 SAPZ, indicating strong confidence in the programme’s potential.

Lessons learned from the initial phase will be crucial for accelerating the implementation of this next stage.

On addressing Nigeria’s $4.9 billion annual food security challenge and
recognising the billions lost annually due to food insecurity, the SAPZ initiative represents a critical developmental priority and an undeniable economic imperative for the country.

The programme is strategically designed to transform Nigeria into a global agribusiness leader, by effectively leveraging co-financing and the specialised expertise of the private sector.

“The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is about developing new economic zones across Africa close to where farmers are.

“These zones have enabling infrastructure-power, water, roads, irrigation-and today, we’re investing over $3 billion in more than 11 countries,” Adesina explained.

He further emphasised that transformation without agricultural transformation is incomplete because agriculture touches the lives of people at the grassroots level.

The SAPZ Nigeria Programme employs a comprehensive three-pronged approach, which includes infrastructure development by establishing robust infrastructure within the agro-industrial zones.

It will also enhance the business environment and strengthen institutional capabilities while facilitating skills development, supporting agricultural productivity, and attracting private investment across diverse value chains.

Strategically located in areas with high agricultural potential, these zones will be equipped with essential infrastructure and common services.

They will also benefit from tailored policy incentives designed to seamlessly integrate agricultural and industrial businesses.

By clustering agro-processing activities within regions of significant agricultural advantage, the SAPZs will bring together producers, processors, aggregators, and distributors, thereby reducing transaction costs.

Moreso, it will simultaneously drivw productivity and foster enterprise development.(NAN)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Women miners want strict compliance to EIA by mining coys
Economy/Business

Women miners want strict compliance to EIA by mining coys

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By Martha Agas

The Women Miners in Nigeria (WMIN) has called for strict compliance to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as mandated by law for mining companies before they begin operations.

The National President of the association, Mrs Janet Adeyemi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

“Before any mining activity begins, companies should be made to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as mandated by law.

“This will help in addressing environmental pollution in mining communities across states in Nigeria,” Adeyemi said.

She affirmed that though the laws governing the mining sector were extensive, different regions, however, had their unique challenges, particularly in complying with EIA regulations, especially with illegal miners.

“Enforcement is a major problem, especially with illegal miners. Many illegal operators work without any form of coordination.

“The only solution is to continue enforcing regulations and educating people on the devastating effects of illegal mining on the ecosystem.

“The government must ensure strict enforcement and impose heavy sanctions on those caught violating the laws,” she said.

She added that companies should also provide an Environmental Sustainability Governance (ESG) report, which covers broader sustainability factors alongside the EIA report.

According to her, to strengthen environmental protection, Nigeria should adopt a framework similar to America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) to enhance the resilience and safety of its water systems against pollution caused by mining activities.

“We should adopt AWIA certification in Nigeria to promote responsible mining. It is essential because the consequences of mining can be devastating,” Adeyemi stressed. (NAN)(www.nannnew.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

BRIPAN, Federal High Court partner on business insolvency
Economy/Business

BRIPAN, Federal High Court partner on business insolvency

296 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has partnered with the Federal High Court to streamline processes within the insolvency division and enhance the administration of business recovery in the country.

BRIPAN President, Mr Chimezie Ihekweazu, disclosed this in a communiqué made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

NAN reports that BRIPAN is a professional body involved in business recovery and insolvency, promoting best practices and managing financially distressed individuals and businesses.

Ihekweazu, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the collaboration aims to simplify insolvency proceedings and processes.

The insolvency division refers to a section within a legal or financial institution that manages the legal processes associated with companies or individuals unable to repay their debts, potentially resulting in liquidation or restructuring.

Ihekweazu stated that the partnership meeting was held with the Head of the newly established Insolvency Division, Mimidoo Abako Esq., and the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Lagos Division, Mr Godwin Long.

He described the initiative as a significant milestone in legal sector collaboration.

Ihekweazu stressed the importance of competent personnel with expertise in various insolvency options to ensure the effective operation of the division.

He proposed the establishment of a dedicated registry to monitor insolvency matters and facilitate close coordination with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“This integration is expected to harmonise record-keeping between both bodies, prevent duplication of proceedings, and expedite hearings,” he said.

Ihekweazu also advocated for strong technological support and the decentralisation of the insolvency unit’s operations to ensure consistency across all divisions of the court.

Mr Amala Umeike Esq., a BRIPAN team member and Chairman of the Joint Committee with the CAC for reviewing the Insolvency Regulations 2022, commended the initiative.

Umeike noted that the improved structures would not only streamline insolvency cases at the Federal High Court but also increase revenue generation for the institution.

The Vice President of BRIPAN, Mr Albert Folorunsho, called for the formation of a technical joint committee or consultancy group to oversee the phased implementation of the division.

Mr Godwin Long reaffirmed his team’s commitment and pledged unwavering support for the collaborative effort.

According to him, the meeting marked the beginning of a more efficient and coordinated approach to insolvency matters.

He assured that both BRIPAN and the Federal High Court remained committed to establishing a robust legal framework for the future. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

United Capital Plc declares N30bn profit, N14.4bn as dividend payout in 2024
Economy/Business

United Capital Plc declares N30bn profit, N14.4bn as dividend payout in 2024

319 total views today

By Ginika Okoye

United Capital Plc, a pan-African financial and investment services group, has declared N30 billion as Profit Before Tax (PBT) for the 2024 financial year ended December 31, 2024.

The shareholders also approved a total dividend payout of N14.4 billion for the 2024 financial year.

The shareholders also endorsed the declaration of a final dividend of N0.50 per share, complementing the interim dividend of N0.90 per share distributed within the financial year.

Speaking during the Group’s 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, Prof. Chika Mordi, Chairman of the United Capital Plc, said the dividend represented a 33 per cent increase from the corresponding period of 2023.

He said the PBT accelerated by 74 per cent year-on-year which indicated growth in the profit of the group.

Mordi said the total assets of the group grew by 82.6 per cent year-on-year to N1.7 trillion.

The chairman reassured investors of the company’s commitment to sustain the growth momentum, saying the company remained well-positioned to deliver greater returns.

Mr Peter Ashade, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), United Capital Plc, attributed the company’s success to strategic execution, operational excellence, and the dedication of its leadership team and employees.

“We remain committed in our mission to create sustainable value for our stakeholders in spite a volatile operating environment.

“Our market capitalisation surged by 200 per cent to N396 billion, while our Return on Average Equity (RoAE) stood at 21.5 per cent.

“This underscores the wealth creation and business stability we have achieved.

“Our focus remains on expanding our market leadership, enhancing innovation, and driving long-term value creation,” he said.

Some of the shareholders who spoke at the meeting commended the company’s consistent delivery of returns.

Alhaji Mukhtar Mukhtar, the Chairman of Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria, appreciated the company for the bonus share issuance that enhanced their equity.

He said the robust shareholder value creation reflected on the 47 per cent growth of shareholders’ funds to N133.50 billion.

Mrs Adetutu Siyonbola, the President, Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, appealed to the company to address the gender balancing in its managerial team.

Mr Moses Igbrude, the National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, commended the company for the recorded profit.

Igbrude called for more efforts from the team to ensure greater growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that United Capital Plc offers Investment Banking, Asset Management, Trusteeship, Securities Trading, Wealth Management, Consumer Finance, and Microfinance Banking.

The group aims to transform the African continent by providing innovative and creative investment banking solutions to governments, companies, and individuals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

ECCIMA declares 36th Enugu International Trade Fair `toll free’
Economy/Business

ECCIMA declares 36th Enugu International Trade Fair `toll free’

385 total views today

By Ifeoma Aka

The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) has declared the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair `toll-free’.

This is to enable visitors, exhibitors and prospective buyers to have free access to the Fair.

The Director General of ECCIMA, Mr Uchechukwu Mbah, told newsmen on Friday, in Enugu that there was no pass for the fair.

“This year’s Enugu International Trade Fair is `toll-free’. We don’t have any pass for the event.”

ECCIMA members, Chief Emma Nwankpa and Mr Nonye Osakwe, who corroborated the ECCIMA DG, said the gesture was to encourage many people to come to the fair.

“We want to do Christmas for people. The money with which they would have used to buy ticket, they would use it to transport themselves to the fair.

“Things are hard in the country, and we want to help people to have access to the fair.” Osakwe said.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair kicked off on a low key following the presence of few exhibitors and few organisations were seen erecting their stands.

Some of the exhibitors who spoke to NAN said that they were hopeful that the fair would still be busy with activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Maureen Atuonwu

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