Sanwo-Olu commissions new Godrej Nigeria factory in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu commissions new Godrej Nigeria factory in Lagos.

In demonstration of his administration’s commitment to reforms and economic incentives that will improve the ease of doing business and enhance investment opportunities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, has commissioned the newly-built wet hair production factory owned by Godrej Nigeria Limited.

Godrej Nigeria Limited is an Indian consumer goods company and an emerging markets FMCG leader with a growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The newly-built and commissioned factory is part of its drive to deepen its presence and consolidate its consumer base in the country.

The Governor described the project as an ‘audacious step’ taken by the company to further deepen its investment and market share in the Lagos consumer market sector, noting that the new production line would raise the company’s capacity to meet local demand for its products.

“This is a strategic investment decision being made by Godrej Nigeria Limited to transform its business and deepen its investment in consumer goods. This is a testament to our willingness to collaborate with the private sector and bring about sustainable economic benefits to better our citizens’ lives, “ Governor Sanwoolu stated.

The Governor further added that his administration would continue to pursue actions that would eliminate red tapes and regulatory impediments hindering the growth of businesses in the State, thereby demonstrating his willingness for continued collaboration with the private sector to improve the livelihood of the residents.

Kayode Oladapo, Chief Executive Officer of Godrej Group, West Africa, stated that in addition to the company’s market expansion drive, it is poised significantly to impact people and communities in ways that transform lives forever, thereby consolidating its footprint as a key human capital developer in regions where it operates. “This is a significant milestone in our company’s journey here in Nigeria, and we are not just keen on growing or expanding our footprint in businesses but impacting lives and people in ways that will make lasting impact”, Mr. Oladapo stated.

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Sanwo-Olu, others hail Uzochukwu over luxury brand launch Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and global Chief Executive Officer, Godrej Group, also added that the launch of the new factory signifies growth for the company which marks a significant milestone for the company’s trajectory in the West African region. Mr. Sitapati commended Governor Sanwoolu and his administration for formulating business-friendly policies that enable ease of doing business and growth, which ultimately impacts the residents and citizenry.

Godrej Group is a big player in the Hair Fashion, Hair Care, Home Insecticide, and Personal Care categories, particularly for women of African descent, offering a range of products tailored to their needs. The Company continues to expand its presence on the continent and other emerging markets, with manufacturing facilities in several African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Nigeria. As a 120-year-old group with over 8,900 staff in Nigeria alone, its legacy is strongly built on values that reflect trust, integrity, and respect. Its fast-rising growth is fueled by its exciting ambitious aspirations. Presently, the company enjoys the patronage of over 1.1 billion consumers globally with three categories of hair care, personal care and home care products under its belt.

The Company has also made several acquisitions, reflecting its commitment to provide consumers with a wide range of quality products and improve its market leadership. In 2008, Godrej Consumer Products Limited acquired the Kinky Group, as part of its foray into the hair extension business in Africa. Later, in 2015, Frika Hair (Pty) Limited, a leading premium hair extensions company in South Africa was acquired.

First Lady to empower 6,000 in Benue.

 First Lady to empower 6,000 in Benue.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has said that the No Woman, No Nation (NWNN) forum would empower a total of 6,000 women in Benue State.

Sen. Tinubu stated this during the inauguration of the State and Local Government chapters of NWNN in Makurdi.

Represented by the National Chairman of the organisation, Amb. Akintola Oluwasayo, Sen. Tinubu said the objectives of the organisation were to empower women and encourage their participation in more public activities in the country.

She said the programme would instantly lift 6,000 Benue women out of poverty, adding that more were underway.

“We focus on all-inclusiveness gender balance and a peaceful and better environment for business. However, the No Woman No Nation forum will lift 6000 women out of poverty immediately after the inauguration in Benue State at the first stage.

“The NWNN Palliatives project will impact positively on the socio-economic development of our state across all Local Governments,” she said.

Sen. Tinubu added the NWNN was established immediately after the general election to cater to the needs of women across the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

In his remarks, Gov Hyacinth Alia commended the First Lady for her commitment to the empowerment of women in the country.

Gov Alia said his administration was against any form of practices, programmes and cultural beliefs that are harmful to women.

He said his administration would continue to cherish the role of women in nation-building and give them the desired recognition.

The National Director of Welfare and Planning, North Central, No Woman No Nation (NWNN) and State Commissioner for Cooperatives Urban and Rural Development, Mrs. Joy Luga, said the programme would lift thousands of women out of poverty in the State.

The high point of the event was the inauguration of the state and local government chapters of the organisation by the National Chairman, Amb. Oluwasayo.  

Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support in Ifedara LCDA Victory.

Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support in Ifedara LCDA Victory.

In a resounding expression of gratitude, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence, the newly elected Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, has conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional support received during the recently concluded local government poll.

The chairman expressed his deepest thanks to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for providing unwavering encouragement throughout the electoral process.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by key figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Hon Ogunsanya specifically extended gratitude to Barr Paul Omotosho, the APC party chairman, his deputy Vice chairman Barr Elesin, and all executives. He stated, "the collective support and guidance from these leaders significantly contributed to the achievement of this landmark victory."

Hon Ogunsanya further extended appreciation to all members of the APC party in Ifedara LCDA and the citizens who actively participated by casting their votes en masse. Their collective trust and confidence in Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence are deeply cherished.

The Returning Officer of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission, overseeing Ifedara LCDA, officially declared Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence as the winner, recognizing his compliance with all election requirements.

However, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence expressed sincere gratitude to the residents for their active participation in the peaceful election, emphasizing his commitment to tirelessly work for the progress and development of Ifedara LCDA. He concluded with a heartfelt thank you to all supporters for their unwavering backing.

Ajoni Youth Development Forum Congratulates Re-elected Chairman, Pledges Support for Continued Development.

Ajoni Youth Development Forum Congratulates Re-elected Chairman, Pledges Support for Continued Development.

Ajoni Youth Development Forum, based at Odo' Ado Kwakere Arena, extends heartfelt congratulations to the recently re-elected Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi following his victory in the recently concluded local government elections. The group, expressing excitement, pledges significant contributions to the LCDA's ongoing development and declares its readiness to collaborate with Chairman Ogungbemi in uplifting Ajoni LCDA to new levels of peace.

Attributing Prince Michael Ogungbemi's success to his remarkable achievements in office, the group releases a statement saying, "A big CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, our able and dynamic chairman. We're happy for you, sir. Continue your good work. In you, we trust and believe."

In addition, the group urges the residents of Ajoni LCDA to unite with Hon Prince Ogungbemi, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for the efficient and effective delivery of good governance during his second tenure.

Describing Chairman, Prince Ogungbemi as an intelligent, brilliant, diligent, cheerful giver, and dedicated youthful leader committed to the development of humanity, the group concludes their message with prayers. They pray for God's blessings upon him, seeking long life, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and sound health to effectively pilot the affairs of the LCDA.

In related news, the Chairman of Ajoni  Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, expresses gratitude for the peaceful election and expresses appreciation for the opportunity to serve a second term.

COP28: President Tinubu Unveils Bold Vision For A Greener Nigeria With Rollout Of 100 Electric Buses.

COP28: President Tinubu Unveils Bold Vision For A Greener Nigeria With Rollout Of 100 Electric Buses. 

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is taking a significant step towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future by introducing a pioneering initiative to deploy a fleet of 100 electric buses. 

The President spoke at a high-level meeting with stakeholders and investors on the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme on Saturday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the margins of the COP28 climate summit. 

President Tinubu explained that the strategic initiative is aimed at significantly reducing Nigeria's carbon footprint and modernizing the country's transportation systems as part of a larger effort to position Nigeria and Africa as the pioneering frontier of green manufacturing and industrialization with a focus on natural gas as a transition fuel alongside other renewable energy sources.

To spearhead this transformative plan, the President announced the appointment of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Mr. Dahiru Salisu, to co-chair the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.

''This initiative stands as a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship as clearly exemplified through our collaboration with the Africa Carbon Market Initiative. Our visionary plan is a strategic guidepost, directing Nigeria towards becoming an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments. 

''We recognize the imperative of fostering an environment that not only attracts investment but also upholds standardized and sustainable industrial practices. As a manifestation of our forward-thinking approach, we are actively looking to implement robust, enabling policies and frameworks that will serve as the catalyst for the burgeoning growth of the carbon market within our national borders. 

''In further driving my commitment, I have recently approved an Inter-governmental Committee on Carbon Markets to be chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change to drive this visionary plan,'' the President stated.

The President assured prospective investors that this initiative transcends being a mere pilot project. 

''It is a concrete manifestation of our unwavering dedication to a carbon-neutral future. I assure you; this is only the commencement of our ambitious plans, with many more impactful initiatives on the horizon," he said.

President Tinubu, while acknowledging the pressing need for a comprehensive global collaboration on climate-related challenges, called on global partners to join hands in accelerating collective efforts towards a net-zero future. 

''As we unveil our initiatives, I challenge other nations to emulate our strides in mapping out their sustainable futures with a clear understanding that Africa is a beacon of innovative solutions to climate-related challenges. 

''In this pursuit, we acknowledge the pressing need for comprehensive global collaboration, and we reiterate our commitment to being an active participant in international efforts. 

''Nigeria's plans for a greener and cleaner economy can serve as an inspirational narrative for nations worldwide. Our comprehensive approach, rooted in visionary leadership and pragmatic action supported by our technical partners, is poised to become a blueprint for countries aspiring to also develop and catalyze their markets for sustainable growth,'' the President concluded. 

In his remarks, FIRS Chairman, Mr. Zacch Adedeji acknowledged the visionary leadership of President Tinubu as the guiding force behind Nigeria's commitment to harnessing its vast carbon potential.

Mr. Adedeji pledged the full commitment of the Committee to drive the implementation of efficient policies and frameworks to achieve sustainable carbon market growth.

Reiterating Nigeria's readiness to lead the global effort to combat climate change, Mr. Adedeji described the initial phase of the rollout of the electric buses as a tangible symbol of Nigeria's commitment to modernizing its transportation systems while reducing Africa's modest carbon footprint.

''In the immediate term, Nigeria will proudly unveil a series of innovative, clean, modern, and sustainable initiatives across diverse sectors. These initiatives are strategically designed to not only address climate change-related challenges but also to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for global investments. 

''The business-friendly environment and policy frameworks we are developing underscore our readiness to welcome and facilitate investments that align with our collective commitment to a greener future for Nigeria and the African continent,'' the FIRS Chairman affirmed.

Ekiti LG Polls: Gov. Oyebanji Votes, Hails SIEC, Voters For Peaceful Conduct.

Ekiti LG Polls: Gov. Oyebanji Votes, Hails SIEC, Voters For Peaceful Conduct.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Saturday voted at his Ikogosi country home in the first local government council election conducted by his administration.

The Governor who voted at his Ward 6, Unit 003 Okelele Street, Ikogosi-Ekiti around 11.40am, commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) for a seamless and peaceful electoral process. He also tanked Ekiti electorate for the peaceful conduct in the election which took place in all the 16 local Government Areas (LGAs) and 22 Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs)

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote, the Governor expressed delight that people at the grassroots were able to choose their representatives at local government and the 177 wards without fear or threat or any form of crisis.

Governor Oyebanji described local government election as strategic and fundamental to the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

The Governor who scored the current local government administration in many of the council areas in the state high in the areas of infrastructure development, maintained that local governments are viable instruments of grassroots political participation, socialization, economic and infrastructure development.

While commending the State Independent Electoral Commission and the security agencies in the state for the peaceful conduct of the election, the Governor said government would continue to prioritize voters’ education and sensitization across the state in order to foster a more robust democratic process and participation.

“I am happy that as government we are doing this, because local government election is the most critical arm of government with respect to delivering government policies at the grassroots level and it is very important to democratise government at this level because it is the closest to the people and the beauty of democracy is to have representatives at that level being elected by the people and am happy that we have done this in Ekiti State.

“I am also happy because the people on their own have the opportunity to choose their representatives at local government level and at the ward level. So far so good, the turnout is a bit low and that tells us we need to do more on voters’ education and sensitization.” The Governor asserted.

A remarkable development in the Saturday local government election is the unprecedented huge number of female candidates vying for various positions. This include seven female candidates for the chairmanship; 16 candidates for the Vice Chairmanship position and 33 candidates for the councillorship position.

The development, according to Governor Oyebanji, is not only heart-warming, but speaks to the fact democracy is taking a firm root in Ekiti State.

It is recall that pursuant to Section 5, Subsection 1 of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission Law (Third Amendment) No. 13 of 2021, on September 29, 2023, the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) announced that the 2023 LGA and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections will be conducted on December 2, in the 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs across the state.

On Saturday 7th of October 2023, Ward Congresses held to elect Chairmanship and Counsellorship candidates.

Submission of the list of qualified and unqualified candidates to political parties and replacement of candidates by political parties was held between 6th- 10th of November, 2023.

Publication of names of electoral officers nominated by political parties and issuance of notice of polls held on the 20th of November 2023.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023: The candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), kicked off their campaign exercise across the state at ward and local government levels ahead of the December 2, 2023 polls.

Thursday, November 30, 2023: Distribution of election materials by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission for the LGA/LCDA elections commenced.

Governor Otti plans to increase minimum wage for workers.

Governor Otti plans to increase minimum wage for workers.

Governor Alex Otti has concluded plans to increase the salaries of the Abia State workforce.

Otti disclosed this in Umuahia on Friday night during a media parley with journalists, stating that he is engaging with stakeholders to improve the minimum wage of the state workers and that soonest, the package would be made public.

The reason for adjusting the package, he said, was in line with the realities at hand, especially the economy, adding that the recently retired permanent secretaries and directors would receive arrears of salaries and gratuities due to them while reassuring of his commitment to defray pension arrears in the state.

“We do understand that things are a bit more difficult for the people. We are engaging with stakeholders to see how we can improve on the pay of civil servants in line with the present economic realities, where exchange rates have converged upwards and fuel subsidy has been removed and inflation is heading to 30%.

“We are already working to see how we can improve on not just the minimum wage but also across the line and announcement to that effect will be made in due course,” he said.

The governor also explained that he did not sack permanent secretaries in the state, stating that the officials were first placed on suspension and that their removal was in line with what was obtained at the federal level and that due process was followed.

He also explained that there are too many people in the state civil service and that the number has been “underreported. The number is beyond us”, stating that even in the Government House, there are many workers who are not doing anything and have been able to transfer out, 237 of them, who cannot be sacked.

On the issue of alleged expenses on food by his government, Otti said there is no truth in the allegations as they are unfounded and a hatchet man’s job, noting, “There is nothing like that. It is a hatchet man’s job. The truth of the matter is that it is about falsehood. This is a government that is very prudent in the way it handles funds.”

Otti used the opportunity to explain that he was not working or living in the Government House because his predecessor commissioned an incomplete building while the old Government House was left in a dilapidated state.

He further explained that all his appointments followed due process and approval by the state House of Assembly, including the award of contracts, which were also approved by the Finance and General Purpose Committee.

The Modern Ceramics Umuahia, he also said, belonged to the Catholic Church, regretting, “But what they found there was different. They found out that the technology has moved. We are already looking at the industries” including the Modern Ceramics, Aba textile mills, Aba Papers, Aba Metallurgical Complex, and Aba Glass Industry.

“Preliminary works did not support bringing Modern Ceramics back where it is today. We are looking at moving it near to the source of raw material. We are studying and revalidating them. We do not ecourage any industry to die”, he said.

On tourism, the Abia State Chief Executive said, “We are not unmindful of some tourist centres, including the National War Museum, Umuahia. We believe that tourism must be supported in terms of ancillary businesses and industries, including good roads, secure environment and acceptable hotels. First thing first. Let us create the enabling environment first before looking at tourism.”

Otti allayed people’s fear that he might not be comfortable with the higher number of opposition party members at the state House of Assembly, stating that the Abia State lawmakers are concentrating on development, while adding, “I do not think I will have a problem with them”, noting further that they are there for oversight “and are supporting us”.

Other issues, he said include counterparty funding which he said the state has been paying and also receiving from donor agencies, getting the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH Aba back to shape; assuring that the resources due to the new LGA Mayors in the 17 LGAs of the state will be left with them to encourage the development of their communities; and for a healthy competition with other LGAs, “and not when money is shared, but for competition”.

He also assured of the realisation of Abia Industrial Innovative Park, AIIP, in Ukwa West, disclosing that already, a Chinese company and a Nigerian company are struggling for the bid. He added that, though capital intensive, his administration has concluded plans to start the fencing of the former cattle market at Lokpanta, adding that amusement parks will soon return in Aba and Umuahia “as we have it in mind.”

He described as unfortunate the pulling down of buildings allegedly belonging to Igbos in Lagos, stating, “If we build the enabling environment in Abia, companies will come. We believe that what we are doing will attract businessmen to come and do business in Abia.