The Chairman, Uniccon Group, Dr Chuks Ekwueme has tasked newly appointed Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to leverage their expertise and social currencies to deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The General Manager of the group, Mr Kehinde Ake, who said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, added that the CEOs were appointed at the Uniccon subsidiary offices.
Ake quoted the Chairman as saying that the appointees of its Chuksprime Organics, SmartAfri Labs and Baba Sky Technologies subsidiaries were Mr Chris Ebosie, Mr Eval Esege and Mr Ronald Ajiboye accordingly.
He said the appointments were critical to repositioning the Group’s subsidiaries for market traction and more impact in the technology space.
Ekwueme said that they were appointed based on their great expertise and specialty.
He said: “The choice of Chris to lead Chuksprime was an easy one, given his great expertise and management experience across several industries and stake in creating the blockchain technology and managerial prowess.
“On Ajiboye, I could not have made a better choice given his foothold in UAV-drone research, development, marketing and networking in the UAV space.”
The chairman said that Chuksprime was an agro export company focused on the sourcing, processing, and export of Natural and organic agro commodities.
He said Smartafri Labs was a blockchain hub for the NFT marketplace, utility tokens and the metaverse. It drives African creatives, and creation and incorporates its cultures into the specialised niche.
According to Ekwueme, Baba Sky Technologies engages in the research, development, deployment and commercialisation of customised military, surveillance, agro and use-case UAV-drone.
In response, the new executives thanked the chairman for the confidence reposed in them and promised to exceed expectations with the cooperation of management and members of staff. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu has revealed the Federal Government plan to make the Ajaokuta environ a Free Trade Zone to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and to diversify the economy of the country.
Abubakar-Audu disclosed this at his maiden visit to the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCOL) on Wednesday, as he took a tour of the complex.
He also pledged his commitment to ensure the production of steel from the multi-billion dollar investment project of the Federal Government under a three-year plan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was accompanied on the trip by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, Staff of the Ministry, and some foreign investors
Abubakar-Audu said that the visit was aimed at getting a first-hand knowledge of the problems stopping production in the company in a bid to proffering solutions.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had also taken interest in the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Complex by appointing him as the pioneer Minister to show the world the importance of Steel Development to Industrialization.
He further stated that Ajaokuta Steel Company if gotten right would create over 500,000 jobs which would be enough to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
“We want to thank President Bola Tinubu for having the vision to create a Steel Development Ministry
”Over the past 40 years, we had the largest Steel Plant in Nigeria and one of the largest West Africa which has not functioned.
”But the President knows that in order to industrialize Nigeria, we have to get the steel industry working,” he said.
According to him, in line with the key point agenda of ‘Renewed Hope’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some of the key elements are job creation, diversification of the economy and to attract Foreign Direct Investment.
”If we are able to revitalize Ajaokuta, it will help us achieve this. This key point agenda will also help us eradicate poverty.
“To achieve this, we have put together two documents. A three-year plan for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company which will have a Small and Medium Term Plan.
“Part of the things is the roadmap to designate the 24,000 hectares land of Ajaokuta an Industrial Park, to create a Free Trade Zone that will further attract Foreign Direct Investment,” he said.
He said that his job was to ensure that all those typical issues that held the plant from producing be resolved.
”And by the first term of this administration, if we are able to produce some sheet of steel, it will be a significant achievement.
“I have taken an extensive tour of the complex and plants, and there are lots of opportunities that if we are able to unlock we will be able to create over 500,000 jobs, which ill benefit kogites a bit more importantly, Nigerians.
”This will also guarantee that everyone benefits from the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “ Audu said.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu during the visit to Ajaokuta Complex on Tuesday
Audu said that he was on the tour with potential foreign investors and experts who have shown. Interest in bringing FDI to unlock these potentials.
Different investors given different components also worked in resuscitating moribund steel plants in other countries.
The Minister said that the investors will carry out an advanced technical audit of the steel complex and its facilities so see what more is to be done.
“I am being accompanied here today by investors who are ready to put their expertise to ensure that this steel company works.
“We have the Russians, Americans, Arabs and Chinese who are showing interest. They have come to show their desire to carry out an advanced technical audit to see what needs to be completed.
“After my findings from here, we will forward everything to Mr President for his approval,” Audu said.
Audu said that in addition to the three-year plan, there was a five-year plan which would also see to ensuring the production of steel in other parts of the country.
Mr Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, Sole Administration and Chief Executive Officer, thanked Mr President for reviving the hope of Nigerians by making Ajaokuta a priority again.
Abdul-Akaba also commended Audu for his great vision and plans in reviving the company, noting that Ajaokuta is a land of vast opportunities.
“Unlike the thinking of so many people, Ajaokuta is not obsolete but only requires the right attention to get the multi-billion dollar running again.
“All we have to do as staff is to join hands with the visions of the President and also key into the plans of the Minister,” Abdul-Alkaba said.
Mr Jalil Hkoodshoev, a Foreign Investor from Novostal-M Company in Russia, lauded the initiatives of Mr. President in reviving the company.
Hkoodshoev noted that with what they had seen on ground, they were e very interested in investing in the company.
He added that the resuscitation of the company would be a big impact not only to Nigeria but the entire West Africa, and the African region in general.
“I assisted His Excellency with this trip to Ajaokuta, I am mesmerized about the size of the plant.
”It is amazing and I think that the initiatives that have been taken by His Excellency, the President of Nigeria will have a big impact not only for Nigeria but all the sub-region and all of Africa.
“I hope that in the next couple of years, we can participate also as partners of the government for this project, and for the steel business,” Hkoodshoev said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government on Wednesday announced a two-week timeline for the issuance of passports, saying the era when Nigerians waited for months to get their passports was over.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the timeline in Abuja while briefing newsmen on his earlier directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to clear more than 204,000 backlogs of passport applications.
The minister apologised to Nigerians that clearance of the backlog had spilled into three weeks, as opposed to the earlier two weeks deadline he gave.
Tunji-Ojo lauded officers and men of the NIS for efforts made so far and charged them to work round-the-clock and on public holidays and weekends to achieve his directive.
He said while the procurement of visas was a privilege, acquisition of a passport was the right of every Nigerian.
He also expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu not to increase the cost of passport issuance in spite of foreign exchange volatility.
“On Sept. 7, we made a promise to sort out the backlogs in two weeks, but we made it in three weeks and I sincerely want to apologise to Nigerians for that.
“The `Renewed Hope’ administration of President Bola Tinubu is one that matches its words with actions.
“The issue of passport must be a right and not a privilege. Visa is a privilege but passport is a right,’’ the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that with that new development, the Federal Government had been able to hand over the rights of Nigerians to them.
“For us, we are sure that if it can work at the NIS, it can work anywhere else. Nigeria is undergoing a process.
“We inherited 204,332 enrolments without passport issuance.
“We gave a marching order because the president is also on our necks to bring solutions and succour to Nigerians,’’ he said.
He explained that after strategic meetings with NIS officials and with service providers, the service was able to increase printing machines in passport offices from two to four at no cost.
“The NIS personnel were running three shifts, working round-the-clock to ensure that the backlogs were cleared and to ensure that never again would the issue of backlogs resurface.
“We want to ensure that nobody waits for more than two weeks to get his or her passport.
“As of Oct. 1, we had cleared all the 204,332 backlogs and from records produced by the NIS, passports already collected were 91,981. Outstanding, but available are 112,351 passports,’’ Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister pleaded with Nigerians to endeavour to collect their passports, adding that Nigerians should not give money to a third party to process passport applications, no matter the circumstance.
“If there is any passport office where you have done your biometrics and it does not give you your passport, please complain through telephone number 0802 375 3414, preferably SMS and Whatsapp. Or email aa-ajiboye@yahoo.com
“The attitude of a very negligible fraction of NIS officers will not cast aspersions on the work of the majority of good officers,’’ he stressed.
The minister said also that he had perused all contracts and agreements the ministry and its agencies entered into with service providers.
He promised that in the next couple of months, passport applicants would be able to upload their passport photographs via NIS portal, rather than going to passport offices for such registration.
According to him, applicants would only be required to visit the passport offices for their biometrics enrolment.
“Hopefully by December, people will not need to go to passport offices to take pictures.
“This is 2023. People will be able to upload their passport photographs online with specifications. That is what is done for visa applications; we are advancing in that direction.
“Also, your supporting documents should be uploaded online so that when you go to the passport office, it will just be for biometrics and within five minutes you are done,’’ he explained.
The minister said the new steps were designed to end the era when passport applicants spent whole days at passport offices.
Tunji-Ojo added that in the new system, the passport office would be able to process more than 400 applications daily, a departure from the past.
“These are some of the innovations we are bringing. While we know what the exchange rate is, we are not increasing passport fees.
“The present administration understands the needs of the people. As a person, I do not want anybody to go and stay in a passport office for more than 10 minutes,” Tunji-Ojo told newsmen. (NAN)
Dr Jamila Ibrahim, newly screened Minister of Youth, has expressed her unwavering commitment to realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the youths of Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists after her screening in Abuja on Wednesday, Ibrahim emphasised the importance of youth inclusion in government decision-making.
“The President has heard the youth loud and clear by appointing me as the Minister of Youth.
“During the general elections, we clamoured for inclusion in government, to be at the decision-making table.
“The President has granted our request through my nomination as a minister and Minister of State for Youth, alongside other youthful cabinet members.”
Ibrahim, however, said that the cabinet nomination was just the beginning, indicating that more young individuals will assume leadership roles as heads of government agencies and departments.
Upon assuming office, Ibrahim stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive diagnosis of youth challenges to actively engage young people in the decision-making process.
She said: “If we want to plan for the future, young people must have input into the process. It is an all-inclusive approach aimed at ensuring that we involve more young people in shaping a prosperous future.”
Addressing concerns about her ability to lead the youth effectively, Ibrahim said: “Leadership is a lifestyle, not just a role or task.
“It is a journey that takes years and a process from envisioning oneself as a leader to leading others towards a common vision.”
She also unveiled her plan for periodic engagement with the youth, emphasising that while she couldn’t specify the frequency, these engagements would address issues relevant to young people, demonstrating her dedication to advancing their interests. (NAN)
The Consul General of the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Will Stevens, says African solutions are needed to address global problems of which include climate change, food insecurity, poor leadership, among others.
He made this known at the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Reunion Conference organised by the consulate for fellows who recently completed theirprogrammes at various prestigious institutions in the U.S..
Stevens charged the fellows to work together to solve global problems, noting that the MWF as well as other exchange programmes focused on building connections that would last.
According to him, the mission’s hope is that fellows bring back research, business and media ties back into Nigeria so it leads to investment and partnership.
“This is an incredible time to be part of the U.S. relationship with the continent and with Nigeria in particular because I think about the second half of the 21st century as the African century.
“This relationship right now is so strong, but it’s built on relationships between people, partnerships between our companies, universities, and civil society actors.
“But we need to start working together even more, because the problems that we face are global in nature,” he said.
Stevens said that the fellows were the network andthe future, noting that he hadincredible faith in them.
“I have incredible faith in the dynamism that Nigeria produces in all sectors and I am yet to see the Nigerian faced with a problem that they don’t think they can overcome.’’
He noted that Nigeria had an average age of 19, and explained that youths were engaged by connecting and helping them to relate with their peers in the U.S. while identifying areas they could work together.
Speaking with newsmen, Dr Rabi Sufi, one of the fellows noted that the programme was very valuable to her, considering the work she does in the health sector.
Sufi, who was posted to Wayne State University in Michigan, said she gained both academic and leadership skills, and how to build advocacy.
“I did a lot of community awareness programmes in the community and I was able to get more knowledge on how to deal with leaders in such communities while increasing the impact of my work,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MWF, the flagship programme of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was established in 2014 to empower young African leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa between the ages of 25 and 35.
Fifty seven young Nigerians participated in the 2023 programme for six weeks at some of America’s top educational institutions,focusing on tracks including business, civic engagement, or public management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Katsina State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), says N300 million grant will be disbursed to 6,000 small scale business operators under the COVID -19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme (NG-CARES).
The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Ashiru Mamman-Ingawa, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Katsina.
He said that the beneficiaries are from 20 selected local government areas in the state, adding that each beneficiary would get about N50,000.
Mamman-Ingawa said the agency’s Acting General Manager, Hajiya Jummai Garba, said the prospective beneficiaries would be women and youths operating small scale businesses.
Garba said that operational staff of the agency had since been mobilised to selected local government areas for validation of the prospective beneficiaries before the disbursement.
“The prospective beneficiaries were mined from the Katsina State Social Register obtained from State Operation and Coordinating Unit of the agency (SOCU),” he said.
Mamman-Ingawa explained that prior to the disbursement of the grants, the beneficiaries would be trained on how to handle their small scale businesses with the grant.
He stated that the grant would assist the beneficiaries to boost their businesses and become self reliant and achieve economic growth. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
The United Kingdom based leadership development organisation, TEXEM UK has described the appointment of Mr Hakeem Muri- Okunola, the Principal Secretary to President Tinubu as well deserved.
According to a statement on TEXEM’s website signed by Caroline Lucas, Director, Special Projects, Muri- Okunola is an alumnus of TEXEM having participated in its programme.
The programme was titled “Developing Efficient and Effective Leaders for Success in an era of slow growth and low-performance,” and was held on June 19 to June 20, 2019.
Lucas said that in the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics and public administration, it is with great pleasure and optimism that TEXEM congratulates Muri- Okunola.
“This is a remarkable testament to the unwavering commitment and exemplary service that Mr Muri-Okunola has consistently demonstrated throughout his illustrious career.
“Mr Muri-Okunola’s journey to this prestigious position has been one marked by dedication, competence, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service.
“His educational background, which includes a first degree in law from Lagos State University and a Master’s degree in International Business Law from Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London, laid the foundation for a career that would see him rise to the highest echelons of the public service,” she said.
Lucas said that one of the most impressive facets of Muri- Okunola’s career is his extensive experience, spanning over 25 years, in the fields of law and public administration.
She said his early career saw him as an Associate Solicitor at Adepetun, Caxton-Martins and Agbor, a testament to his legal prowess.
However, Lucas asserted that it was in the realm of public service that Muri- Okunola truly made his mark.
“Notably, Mr. Muri-Okunola served as the Personal Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State.
“This position placed him at the heart of governance and gave him firsthand experience in the complexities of public administration.
“His contributions during this period undoubtedly contributed to the successes achieved by the Lagos State government,” she said.
Lucas said that subsequently, Muri- Okunola went on to become the Head of Civil Service of Lagos State, where he further showcased his remarkable administrative skills.
She said his tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence and a focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the civil service, which plays a vital role in delivering essential services to the people of Lagos State.
“Now, as he steps into the role of Principal Confidential Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hakeem Muri- Okunola brings with him a wealth of experience and an astute understanding of the inner workings of government.
“His appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the belief that the best leaders are those who have honed their skills through years of dedicated service.
“Mr Muri-Okunola is not just a seasoned public administrator but also the first son of the respected late jurist, Justice Muritala Okunola,” Lucas said.
She said that he carries the legacy of his father’s commitment to justice and the rule of law, adding that Nigerians can expect that he will continue to uphold these values in his new role.
TEXEM’s founder, Dr Alim Abubakre also praised the appointment of Muri- Okunola by the president.
“At TEXEM UK, an organisation committed to developing efficient and effective leaders for success in an era of volatility and constant change, we take immense pride in acknowledging Hakeem Muri -Okunola’s achievements.
“His journey from our programme, “Developing Efficient & Effective Leaders for Success in an era of slow growth and low-performance,” held on June 19-20, 2019, is a testament to the impact of leadership development initiatives.
“Hakeem Muri -Okunola’s appointment as the Principal Confidential Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service,” Abubakre said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) said it will hold a Stakeholders dialogue, on the implementation of sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act that relates to lending by banks to governments and public institutions.
Mr Bede Anyanwu, FRC’s Head of Strategic Communications who stated this is in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the event would hold in Lagos on Saturday.
Anyanwu said that the event is expected to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including banking institutions, government representatives, economists, academics and experts in fiscal governance.
He said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 (FRA), was Nigeria’s foremost legal framework for the promotion, monitoring and enforcement of fiscal discipline in the federation.
He said that the FRA stipulates that lending by banks to governments or their agencies in contravention of certain provisions of the Act shall be unlawful.
“Hence, the commission aims at using the Stakeholder Dialogue to refresh the attention of stakeholders to this provision of the Act.
“It also seeks to engender stakeholder agreement on ways to enhance compliance, and thereby improve the nation’s debt management practices,” Anyanwu said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) has appointed Mrs Kikelomo Fisayo-Okusanya as Marketing Deployment Director for the West and Central Africa Cluster (WCA).
Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT Nigeria, made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.
He said the company, a multinational organisation operating in more than 180 markets, acknowledges that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) constitute a pivotal organisational asset.
Al-Bahrani noted that these elements empowered the company to attract and retain top-tier talents while delivering exceptional products and services to its global consumer base.
He said the appointment was in line with the company’s striking demonstration of commitment to global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda and talent development.
He stated that her appointment aligned with her induction into BAT’s West and Central Africa leadership team, making her the second woman to join the cluster’s leadership team.
According to him, the recent addition of a second female executive to the WCA leadership team demonstrates the company’s commitment to achieving 40 per cent female representation in senior leadership.
He added that the development was also in line with the company’s move to achieve 45 per cent in management roles by 2025, thereby promoting inclusivity and gender equality at the management level.
“BAT Nigeria is committed to a better tomorrow and fostering inclusive work environment that is encouraging different perspectives and ideas, ultimately leading to better decision-making and business outcomes.
“We are thrilled to welcome to the leadership team, our new Marketing Deployment Director and we look forward to the experience she will bring.
“A seasoned marketing strategist with over two decades of experience in the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Fisayo-Okusanya joined BAT Nigeria in 2003 as a trade marketing representative.
“Since then, she has built a stellar marketing career honing valuable expertise in trade marketing, brands, and activation throughout West and Central Africa.
“In her capacity as Area Head for 360 Activation and Marketing Operations, she left her indelible mark by pioneering an immersive virtual reality market experience.
“She also orchestrated a major overhaul of the Marketing Skills and Development Unit,” he said.
Al-Bahrani said the company would continue to do its best, following its recognition as a Global Top Employer in Nigeria and West Africa and was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Award.
He added that BAT Nigeria also emerged overall winner of the 2022 HR Oscars award by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria(CIPM).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before the appointment, Fisayo-Okusanya’s former role was Area Head, 360 Activation and Marketing Operations, BAT Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Some activists have advocated the inclusion of women in the peace-building process and national cohesion.
They made the call at a symposium titled “The Role of Women in Peace Building as Mediators and in Reconciliation”.
The symposium was organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, One Percent International Management and Advocacy Initiative” to mark the 2023 International Day of Peace.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Stephanie Nnadi, said the event was planned to give women a chance to discuss and reflect on topics that would enable them participate actively as mediators.
“In a world marked by unprecedented challenges and conflicts.
”Today is significant to us as we know that all over the world, dialogue will be on the way forward and how to deal with the challenges confronting us as a nation and as global citizens,” she said.
The UN Ambassador of Peace, Adaora Onyechere called for immediate action to put an end to what she termed “atrocities” committed against women in African countries.
Onyechere, also a broadcast journalist, said: “This day is also in remembrance of Leah Shiabu’s, the over 6,000 persons killed in Cameroon crisis from 2006 till date.
”Half of those numbers are women and the over 2.6 million persons displaced in Sierra Leone.
“Over 70 per cent women and children and with over 1.9 million displaced persons in Nigeria, the burden bearers mostly women and children.
”According to UNHCR’s estimations, over 117.2 million people will be forcibly displaced or stateless by end of .2023.,” she said.
Onyechere said women had always been the burden bearers of terrorism, displacement, community clashes, banditry and wars.
She said it’s has become empirical to be deliberate about mainstreaming women in the process of peace thereby leading to national cohesion.
The Executive Director, International Society of Media in Public Health, Moji Makanjuola, urged women never to refrain from playing their roles in peace building.(NAN)
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Isaac Aregbesola
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