Mohammed Shosanya

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL),operator of Kainji, Jebba, and Zungeru hydropower plants,has won the prestigious Afrisafe Merit Award for its outstanding commitment to safety excellence in the energy sector.

It was presented at the 2024 Africa Safety Congress in Livingston, Zambia.

The Merit Award recognizes organizations demonstrating exceptional dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, customers, and the environment.

Accepting the award,the Managing Director/CEO Engr. Lamu Audu,who was also honoured as the 2024 Afrisafe CEO of the Year; Energy Services,said:“We’re thrilled to receive this award, underscoring our unrelenting commitment to safety.

“Our tireless efforts to maintain the highest safety standards have paid off, making us industry leaders,” Dr. Iwunze emphasized. “Congratulations to my colleagues for their outstanding safety culture and to Afrisafe for recognizing excellence.”

Dr. Prisca Ngozi Iwunze, Mainstream’s Head of Quality, Health,Safety, and Environment,represented him at the event.

The company’s boss attributed the awards to collective responsibility and commitment, stating, “These recognitions wouldn’t have been possible without our Board of Directors, Executive management, staff, and stakeholders.”

Some of MESL’s safety initiatives include the Monthly ‘Walk the Talk’, a well-articulated Quarterly Health Talk,Spot the hazard, 5S Methodology, and the popular Annual Safety Week celebrations.

The company’s efforts are reinforced by its certifications to internationally recognized standards which are: – ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

According to Afrisafe,“MESL’s certifications showcase their commitment to excellence in quality, environmental management, and occupational health and safety, serving as a shining example for the industry.”

Dr. Iwunze noted that the award will significantly impact the electricity industry, demonstrating Mainstream’s exceptional safety record, with over 7.5 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI).

Iwunze added that the achievement will challenge other operators to prioritize safety, reducing accidents, saving lives, assets, and equipment, and ultimately providing more energy to the national grid while minimizing outages and environmental harm.

Mohammed Shosanya

Access Bank Plc has been named as the only Nigerian company on the 2024 World’s Best Employers List by Forbes,a statement said on Friday.

The bank sets a high standard within the African banking industry, underscoring its commitment to equitable growth and opportunities for all.

The Access Bank’s leadership expressed pride in the Forbes recognition, viewing it as an affirmation of the institution’s inclusive, growth-oriented environment. Emeka Dibia, Head of Human Resources (Nigeria),said.

He added:“Our people are the foundation of our success. At Access Bank, we strive to create an environment that nurtures talent, encourages professional growth, and emphasises well-being. This recognition from Forbes reflects our continuous efforts to foster a culture that prioritises our employees’ satisfaction, growth, and long-term potential.”

Forbes, in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveyed over 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries to compile the list.

Participants represented multinational companies operating in at least two of the six continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. Employees rated their companies on factors such as salary, talent development, diversity, and remote work options, with additional input drawn from industry knowledge and connections.

Survey responses were analysed and tallied – along with data from the previous three years – with a heavier weight put on the more recent data and on the evaluations from current employees.

Dr. Sophia Horsfall, the former Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, has assumed her role as General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development following her appointment by the company’s Board of Directors.

She steps into this key leadership role, succeeding Andy Odeh, who retired from the company on 1^st November 2024,a statement said on Thursday.

Bringing over 25 years of extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, Dr. Horsfall is recognized for her versatile expertise in finance, human resources, and corporate communications.

Her distinguished career at NLNG,according to the statement,is marked by numerous accomplishments, including serving as the company’s first HR Manager in Business Partnering and leading as the inaugural Chief of Staff for the COVID-19 Crisis Management Team.

She began her managerial tenure as Manager of Manpower Planning and Resourcing and most recently held the position of Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs,the statement quoted.

Dr. Horsfall is highly credentialed, holding fellowships and memberships in esteemed professional organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (AMCIPM), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (AMNIPR), and the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (mCIOD).

She has enriched her professional development through participation in management programs at Lagos Business School, INSEAD, the University of Cambridge, and SDA Bocconi.

Dr. Horsfall earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Lagos.She also holds an MBA from Imperial College London, a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation, and an MSc in Major Program Management from the University of Oxford.

Known for her focus on corporate transformation and talent development, Dr. Horsfall brings her international experience into her new role as the company spokesperson and chief reputation manager.

  Mohammed Shosanya

NLNG has received the prestigious award of Most Compliant Taxpayer by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the 2024 FIRS Day, which took place during the Lagos International Trade Fair.

This recognition is part of the FIRS Compliant Taxpayer Award and Recognition Programme, designed to acknowledge companies that consistently meet their tax obligations, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s economy.

This award marks a significant achievement for NLNG, following the Company’s receipt of the FIRS Most Supportive Taxpayer Award in 2021.

The 2021 recognition was conveyed by FIRS, commending the top-performing taxpayers for their compliance, which helped the service surpass its tax collection target.

In a statement signed by Sophia Horsfall,General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development,the FIRS commended NLNG for its consistent and exemplary adherence to tax laws, emphasising the company’s contributions to national development. 

The service highlighted NLNG’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its tax responsibilities, recognising the Company’s exceptional compliance with tax regulations and its role in the broader economic growth of the country.

The award was received by Titi Horsfall, Head of Editorial and Digital Content, on behalf of the company,the statement quoted.

Speaking on the announcement,NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, noted that the recognition coincides with a milestone for NLNG, marking its 35th anniversary of incorporation and the 25th anniversary of successful LNG production in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed that this award is a testament to NLNG’s long-standing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development, particularly in the energy sector.

He added:“We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service. It reflects the dedication of our Board, management, and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that NLNG remains a responsible corporate entity. This award also reinforces our ongoing commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy.”

He further emphasised that NLNG’s commitment to compliance is integral to the company’s mission to be a global leader in energy, driving not only Nigeria’s energy sector forward but also contributing to the improvement of lives through responsible business practices.

       Mohammed Shosanya

Cadbury Nigeria Plc,a subsidiary of Mondelēz International,has been named the overall winner of the HR Best Practices Awards 2024 at the prestigious Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) HR Oscar Awards, which held in Abuja,recently.

The awards celebrate excellence in human resource practice and the delivery of the people’s agenda.

Cadbury Nigeria also received the 2024 HR Optimisation Award in two other categories namely Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, which recognises innovation in the Company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offerings and initiatives in the past year; and Adoption of Technology/Digital HR Initiatives that also recognises technological innovation and HR service delivery through technology.

The evaluation for this award is based on the company’s HR strategies and processes in 13 HR practice areas that include Strategic HR;Talent Acquisition;Talent Development;Performance Management;Diversity,Equity,and Inclusion (DEI); Compensation,Rewards and Benefits; and Employee Engagement and Internal Communication, to mention a few, a statement said.

Cadbury Nigeria had earlier bagged four awards at the 9th edition of the HR People Magazine Awards,which was held in Lagos,recently.

The awards seek to promote excellence in the HR profession and recognise the top people, initiatives, and strategies put in place by various organisations.

Cadbury Nigeria won in the following categories: Employer of Choice (under 1000 employees),Outstanding Employee Engagement (under 1000 employees), Outstanding Talent Management Strategy, and Best Training, Learning and Development (under 1000 employees).

Oyeyimika Adeboye, Managing Director, Cadbury Nigeria, and Wole Odubayo, Human Resources Director of the Company, also received Commendation as “HR Champion 2024,” and “HR Leader 2024,” respectively.

Speaking on the awards,Adeboye said: “We believe in continuously raising the bar as we strive to equip our workforce to become more relevant in the modern technologically driven world.”

Odubayo added: “We take pride in our end-to-end HR strategies and processes, and we leverage technology to deliver value to our employees.”

       Mohammed Shosanya

Others are:the Special Adviser to Ogun Gov, Olamide Lawal; Serial entrepreneur, Bola Solate-Ayedun; Realtor Olamide Quadri; Taxation Expert, Korede Lawal; and successful make up/make over beautician,Igwe Sylvester Theresa.

Adeola Yusuf is presently the Team Lead of Platforms Africa, publisher of www.platformsafrica.com, a leading media and leadership group in Africa, with a particular focus on news and issues about development – Health, Education, and Energy.

He has also travelled to Houston, Texas, the acclaimed oil and gas capital of the World for Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). He also attended a conference of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), among others.

Mohammed Shosanya

Prince Ayorinde Stephen Amoko, leader of the People with Disabilities (PWD) in the APC UK chapter, presented the Global Ambassador for People With Disabilities award to some members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC),for their sustained commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

The recipients included:APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR . APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, PhD, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr.Ali Bukar Dalori, APC National Organizing Secretary, H.E. Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR and APC PWD National Leader, Hon. Bankole Tolu Oyebode

According to a statement,the award recognized their dedication to advancing the cause of people with disabilities, their exemplary leadership, and their active engagement in disability advocacy.

Prince Amoko highlighted the recipients’ dedication of time, resources, and influence to support disability-related causes, noting the impact of their volunteerism on the lives of many PWD community members.

Besides,the Chairman APC UK chapter, Tunde Doherty,in his speech expressed their commitment to the ideals of the APC and its leadership.

The chapter also presented gift items to the party.

During the ceremony, Prince Amoko expressed his appreciation for the recipients’ efforts in championing disability rights within the APC, both within Nigeria and among the diaspora.

He further commended the APC UK chapter, under the leadership of Mr. Doherty,for its consistent commitment to the party and its steadfast loyalty to APC leadership,which has strengthened ties between the party’s local and international branches.

A known philanthropist,Prince Ayorinde Stephen Amoko has been actively involved in supporting  communities in need.

Through his foundation-ASA EnableUs Foundation, he is providing educational assistance to numerous students across Kano, Borno, Kogi, Benue, Lagos and other states, and has continually extended support to people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

His work as a politician and a humanitarian underscores his deep commitment to social causes and reflects the core values of inclusivity and empathy.

Prince Amoko reaffirmed his dedication to carrying forward these initiatives, pledging that he will continue to channel resources and support through his office and foundation.

He expressed gratitude to the APC UK chapter’s leadership for their ongoing collaboration in these efforts.

 Prince Amoko announced that the Global Ambassador for People With Disabilities honor would become an annual recognition, spotlighting and celebrating individuals who make meaningful contributions to disability advocacy and community empowerment.

 Mohammed Shosanya

The Executive Chairman, of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair has been named the Peak Performer FEST 2024 Most Outstanding Performance as a Public Sector CEO of the year.

He received the prestigious award at the Peak Performer (TPP) Fest held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The event highlights Subair’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation within the public sector, sterling transformative initiatives that significantly enhance service delivery,a statement said.

His leadership has been pivotal in driving transformative policies and improving service delivery within the agency.

A standout moment of the festival was the LIRS emerging as a major highlight of the event, winning four awards for its exemplary performance in revenue collection and taxpayer engagement strategies. The agency has continually demonstrated innovation in enhancing its operations, thereby contributing significantly to the state’s economic development.

According to the statement,the LIRS was recognised as the ‘most outstanding revenue collection agency of the year’, most outstanding performance as women-friendly revenue collection, as well as most outstanding performance in public engagement among others.

Accompanied by the LIRS directors, Subair, who received the five awards on behalf of the agency, dedicated them to the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the tax-paying Lagosians, saying that the awards would encourage the LIRS to perform much better as it’s always a good feeling when you have recognition for all the hard work and efforts you put into your work.

Imploring the people to support the state more by paying their taxes when due, the LIRS boss noted:“Because a lot of people don’t even connect the dot, people feel that when they go to the US or UK, they are very happy with what they see, good roads, light, security and so much support from the government but somebody has got to pay for it and the only way we can achieve such greatness is when all of us pay our parts.

“We have a lot of ideas and innovations that we apply because nobody wants to pay tax in any part of the world. Nigeria is not different from other parts of the world. So, we spend a lot of time in advocacy because we realise that a lot of our citizens don’t avail themselves with all the various laws and procedures.”

He noted that payment of taxes is part of a social contract between the government and citizens as it helps the government to provide efficient infrastructure and qualitative social services.

He added:”We have to show the people where the money goes to encourage them to pay their taxes as and when due. So, we have a lot of the projects that are going on. So, nobody who lives in Lagos would deny the fact that there are a lot of groundbreaking projects going on in Lagos, so many of them – the Blue Line, the Red Line, all the good roads, security.”

The Convener of The Peak Performer Festival, TPP Fest, Dr. Abiola Salami, said the award was instituted to appreciate individuals and organisations doing great things in Nigeria.

He noted that despite the challenges facing the country, “A number of things are going right in Nigeria, and on our continent, it is not all gloom and doom.

Salami said:“So when things are going right, let us say it. Of course, when things need to be improved, we should say it as well, but not by pontificating or knocking down the people who are not doing things right but by providing solutions to help them because generally, if people know better, they do better.”

According to him,TPP Fest focuses on deepening insights to help individuals and organisations thrive and succeed.

Others honoured with the Legacy Awards included Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman of Troyka and Insight Communications; Sir. Ademola Aladekomo, Chairman of SmartCity Resorts; Adire textile designer, Mrs Nike Okundaye-Davies; Mr Foluso Philips, founder, Phillips Consulting; Dr John Momoh, chairman of Channels Television, and Dr Cosmas Maduka, CEO of Coscharis Group.