All Posts in "Day: October 4, 2024"

NDDC Remodels Foreign Scholarship Scheme

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says it is remodeling its Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship scheme to incorporate a tracking system to follow the progress of its scholars after graduation.

 

 

 

Addressing scholars of the Commission studying in various universities in the United Kingdom at Coventry University, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the tracking system will make the scholarship scheme,to be a cutting-edge innovation in skills and knowledge development in the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC quoted this in a statement on Saturday.

 

 

 

Ogbuku said:“With the tracking system, the Commission will build a database of the more than 5,000 scholars who have benefited from the scheme in the 18 years since its inception. This will enable it appraise the impact of the scheme in the development of the region’s human capacity pool and also provide insight to the Commission on post scholarship interventions.

 

 

 

 

 

“The tracking system is part of the innovation being introduced to make the scheme relevant to the technological needs of the Niger Delta. The other innovation is limiting of the scheme to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) courses.”

 

 

 

Ogbuku was part of the Commission’s monitoring team, led by the Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, to evaluate the performance of the Commission.

 

 

 

 

 

The team also included the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and other Directors of the Commission.

 

 

 

 

The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board advised the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity given to them to enhance their knowledge for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

 

 

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, set enviable standards for the current set to emulate, stating: “It is remarkable that 11 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University earlier in the year. Their outstanding performance confirms the transparent process through which the beneficiaries were selected.”

 

 

 

 

Besides,the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said that the scholars had a duty to justify their inclusion in the programme, noting that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme, which was started in 2010, was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with advanced training and skills.

 

Iyaye stated that the NDDC was pursuing improved investments in the educational sector as part of plans to ensure that the youths were gainfully employed.

 

 

 

The NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, disclosed that out of 56,000 applicants for the 2024/2025 programme, only 200 were selected through a transparent electronic examination process.

 

 

He noted that the NDDC sponsors an average of 200 scholars for postgraduate studies in institutions across the world every year. The scholars are expected to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to further the development of the Niger Delta region on their return.

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 4, 2024 in Education 0
Sahara Group Foundation Unveils Extrapreneurship Initiative

    Mohammed Shosanya
The Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact vehicle of energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, has unveiled its transformative Extrapreneurship strategy to drive integrated economic and community empowerment programs through collaborative partnerships and support for innovative as well as scalable business across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Speaking in New York, Sahara Group’s Director, Governance and Sustainability, Ejiro Gray, said the Sahara Group Foundation had over the years implemented interventions aimed at promoting the sustainable development goals, recording over two million beneficiaries across Sahara’s business locations.
According to her,the new strategy ensures the Foundation continues to actively drive the attainment of 11 of the 17 SDGs through “inclusive and progressive partnerships”.
 “We are excited that with Extrapreneurship we can provide extra impetus to Africa’s march towards bringing sustainable development to African communities working through extrapreneurs, who through the support of Sahara Group Foundation can take their ideas and solutions to greater heights,” she said.
Chidilim Menakaya,Head of Programs at Sahara Group Foundation, explained that the EXTRApreneurship Strategy will promote economic growth in local communities through platforms that give entrepreneurs, social innovators, inventors, and small businesses access to honing their craft and scaling their businesses, “one community at a time”.
 “Our Extrapreneurship model is designed to help Sahara Group Foundation play a key role as a bridge for economic empowerment and sustainable development by linking beneficiaries to sundry support platforms valued at 100 million USD, ultimately creating an ecosystem of collaborators working towards transforming Africa,” she said.
Menakaya noted that Sahara Group Foundation’s new model aims to prepare the entrepreneurial community for the future of work through the integration of artificial intelligence in the Extrapreneurship framework.
She said:“These community entrepreneurs, or what we call EXTRApreneurs will not only drive forward thinking organizations but also empower ambidextrous individuals who are the backbone of the SME sector, a pivotal force for driving economic growth.”
She said the Extrapreneurship program would identify and support innovators, entrepreneurs, inventors and researchers who have developed proven sustainable products or solutions to everyday problems using locally available resources.
She said,this will be done through financial, advisory and investment support as well as building business hubs within the community leveraging the business niche area of each community.
She added that Sahara Group Foundation will continue to drive its recycling initiative, an environmental sustainability and economic empowerment initiative that converts waste to wealth.
Online Editor by — October 4, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
NNPC/Seplat Medical Outreach Programme Restores Vision In Imo

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

The NNPC Ltd/ Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) partnership has conducted a medical outreach, providing free eye health services to individuals with visual impairments in Ohaji/Egbema community of Imo State.

 

 

Through its “Eye Can See” programme, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the JV dispensed more than 10,000 reading glasses and successfully performed 639 eye surgeries, including cataract removals, for host community members who otherwise had limited access to such vital medical services, a statement signed by Olufemi Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer,said.

 

 

 

 

The “Eye Can See” programme, which commenced in 2017, has been a beacon of hope in the eastern asset of the NNPC upstream investments, positively impacting over 20,000 people to date.

 

 

Speaking during the event,Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC’s Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, represented by Dr. Obinna Otuu, Manager, JV Asset B emphasized the significance of the initiative to NNPC Ltd’s corporate mission of enriching the lives of Nigerians.

 

 

Wunti stated that the NNPC Ltd takes pride in being more than just an energy provider.

 

 

“We are a partner in progress, dedicated to making sustainable contributions to the communities that support us,” he added.

 

 

 

 

According to him, the “Eye Can See” initiative reflects “our belief that corporate structures can and should play a vital role in societal development.”

 

 

He noted that the programme goes beyond immediate medical care by educating individuals on lifestyle choices to prevent conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

 

 

Expressing his appreciation for the support of the local government, beneficiaries, and NNPC Ltd’s partners, Wunti observed that together with Seplat, the National Oil Company is paving the way for a brighter future where access to essential health services is possible for all.

 

 

 

“This project is not just about restoring vision; it is about giving people hope and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This year’s outreach in Ohaji/Egbema is a testament to the ongoing commitment of NNPC and Seplat to improve the quality of life in their host communities,” he affirmed.

 

 

 

 

 

The “Eye Can See” initiative has had a profound impact on the communities it serves. By providing free eye screenings, surgeries, reading glasses, and health education, the programme has transformed lives and restored hope to many who had been suffering from visual impairments.

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 4, 2024 in Health 0
GOCOP Inducts Premium News As New Member

        Mohammed Shosanya
The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has inducted Premium News and 15 other online publications in the country as new members.
The induction,which took place on Thursday, at GOCOP’s 8th Annual Conference held in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital,also witnessed oath taking by the publishers of the publications who promised to abide by the rules of GOCOP and promote responsible journalism.
The inducted publications and their publishers are:Abdulateef Abubakar Jos (SolaceBase), Ayodele Ojo (The Star), Ehi Braimoh (Naija Times), Emmanuel Aziken (Green White Green), Ikechukwu Amaechi (TheNiche), Jaafar Jaafar (Daily Nigerian), and Kayode Ogunbunmi (CityVoiceNG).
Others include: Kelechi Ogbamgba (CenturyPost), Martin Ayankola (AF24News), Mohammed Shosanya (PremiumNews), Nasiru L. Abubakar (Dateline Nigeria), Okereke Sylvester (SylvaNews), Olugbemiga Olamikan (GeeTV Africa), Rasheed Komolafe (Greatribunetvnews), Rommy Imah (Digital Times), Zainab S. Okino (VerityNews)
At the induction ceremony,President of GOCOP,Maureen Chigbo,congratulated the new members  for joining the group.
She disclosed that the group  received 50 applications but only considered 16 after intense screening,adding the development shows GOCOP’s commitment to thoroughness and excellence.
She restated the group’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, national development and capacity building.
She told the new members that  the association’s membership comes with discipline,increased commitment and  responsibilities.
She also implored  them to adhere strictly to the ethics of the journalism profession,and use same to promote national growth.
She disclosed te aims of the association,saying it seeks to promote the advancement of journalism as a profession and economic wellbeing of members.
Reacting, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Premium News, Mohammed Shosanya,expressed satisfaction over the publication’s induction into the The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
He said the publication’s induction into the elite group represents extra commitment and dedication to promote excellence in journalism.
Online Editor by — October 4, 2024 in News 0
Afreximbank Approves US$21m For Starlink’s Cashew Factory Project

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a US$20.8 million financing facility for Nigeria-based Starlink Global & Ideal Limited to enable the company to construct and operate a 30,000-metric tonne per annum cashew processing factory in Lagos.

 

 

 

According to the facility agreement signed in on July 22, 2024, Afreximbank will provide the funds in two tranches with the first tranche of US$7.48M going toward capital expenditure for the construction of the factory and the second, totalling US$13.25M to be deployed as working capital for the operations of the factory.

 

 

 

The facility is expected to promote value addition which will guarantee increased earnings to the company while also fostering the creation of about 400 new jobs once the factory becomes operational. It is also expected to support about 40 small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

 

 

Speaking on the transaction,Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra Africa Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, said that by supporting Starlink Global to establish a modern processing facility, Afreximbank is making it possible for Africa to add value to its agro-commodities, thereby facilitating exports and subsequent inflow of much-needed foreign exchange into the continent.

 

 

 

“We are delighted at this partnership which promises to deliver a significant impact on employment in Nigeria. It will contribute to value creation and to the development of the local community while also improving the lots of smallholder farmers and small business suppliers that will work with Starlink across the value chain,” Mrs. Awani added.

 

 

Online Editor by — October 4, 2024 in SME/Manufacturing 0