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NUJ Honours Ogunlusi, Pate, Agbese, Obi, Others, as Akwa Ibom, Katsina Governors Bag Media Icons Recognition

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It was all glitz and glamour as media professionals gathered at the Lagos Airport Hotel for the third edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.

Captains of Industry and personalities from all walks of life were in high spirits as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, under the leadership of Dr.Chris Isiguzo, MFR, honoured twenty veteran journalists carefully selected across the country by a committee headed by seasoned broadcast journalist, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga.

The NUJ President, Dr.Chris Isiguzo, set the tone for the colourful event with his welcome address, describing the media as the heartbeat of the nation.

He commended the award recipients for their huge contributions to the pen fraternity while urging the media to be at the forefront of solution-based journalism.

“As Nigeria grapples with challenging times, journalists must resort to solution-based journalism as a way to help the country navigate the hard times.

“Journalists must continue to inspire hope by using their pen to foster national growth and development towards uniting the citizenry,” Isiguzo said.

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof.Ralph Akinfeleye said the role of the media in any society cannot be downplayed. He tasked media professionals to hold the government accountable at all times in order to help shape Nigeria’s economy.

The height of the event was the presentation of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons plaque to the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Radda Ph.D, CON for being Workers/Media Friendly Governor and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, His Excellency Pastor, Umo Bassey Eno as Media-Friendly Governor.

Reacting to the honour, Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda urged members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to promote good governance at all times.

“As a scholar and a politician, I have always believed that journalism is the backbone of democracy. It empowers individuals, makes the powers accountable, and fosters informed decisions. I’m proud to be part of the community that dedicates itself to truth-seeking and advocacy” Radda said.

Meanwhile, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, who was represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi eulogised journalists, while describing the media as partners in progress.

“One of the cornerstones of my administration is inclusivity.

“My ambition has been to get all stakeholders, including the media and members of other political parties involved in what we are doing in the state, which has yielded an unprecedented sense of belonging among the people of Akwa-Ibom”.

Veteran journalists honoured at the event include former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, MFR, Pa Felix Adenaike, Dr. Ladan Salihu, Ms. Comfort Obi, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, Dr. Haroun Adamu, Professor Tonnie Iredia, Professor Umar Pate and Mrs. Bisi Amagada.

Others are Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Yakub Mohammed, Mr. Dan Agbese, Dr. Eddie Iroh, Mr Lade Bonuola, Mr Nosa Igiebor, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Mrs Comfort Umanah, HRH Eze Geo Anika, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Pa Jola Ogunlusi and Usman Shuaibu Leman.

Dave Comfort Obi, OON who spoke on behalf of the recipients tasked journalists to guard the profession jealously if they must redeem the image of the profession.

“We must say no to the notion that anyone can just wake up and begin to call him or herself a journalist.

“Journalists paid the prize for Nigeria’s democracy that we all enjoy today and this is one reason I am happy that a lot of us are remembered by the NUJ.

“It must be clearly stated that this award is given based on merit,” she added.

Zenith Bank Appoints Abiodun Durosinmi as New Chief Financial Officer

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Mr. Abiodun Durosinmi, new Chief Financial Officer, CFO, Zenith Bank Plc

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Abiodun Durosinmi as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 14, 2024. The appointment has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Mr. Durosinmi succeeds Dr Mukhtar Adam, who has served as CFO for Six (6) years between May 2018 and October 2024.

The incoming CFO, Mr Abiodun Durosinmi, brings over 20 years of experience with Zenith Bank PIc. He has held significant roles with the Zenith Group, including CFO/Head, Accounts Department, Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited, Head of Oil and Gas Upstream and Deputy Group Chief Compliance Officer.

Until his appointment, he was the Chief Operation Officer/General Manager, Finance, Operations and Technology at Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited, where he was instrumental in strengthening the Bank’s overall growth and profitability and supporting the subsidiary’s regional growth.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and Fellow (FCA) at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mr Durosinmi holds an MSc in Finance from the University of Leicester and a Global MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School.

He has attended several Executive Management Programmes within and outside the country, including Harvard Business School and London Business School. His extensive experience in financial management, corporate governance and capital markets will ensure that Zenith Bank remains well-positioned for continued growth and strong investor engagement.

According to the statement signed by the company secretary, Michael Osilama Otu, the company stated that this transition reinforces Zenith Bank’s commitment to strong financial leadership and continued success in a dynamic global market.

In a statement signed by the company secretary, Michael Osilama Otu, Zenith Bank Plc emphasised that this leadership transition underscores the bank’s commitment to maintaining robust financial management and sustaining its success in an increasingly dynamic global market.

2024 EWAN Summit: Education, Power Ministers,TETFund Boss, Others to address Electricity Crisis in Nigerian Institutions

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and his Education counterpart, Tahir Mamman, are set to address the pressing issue of soaring electricity tariffs in educational institutions at the forthcoming annual summit of the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria, EWAN scheduled to hold on October 23.

As conflicts between institutions and power distribution companies continue to escalate, the Ministers will spearhead discussions, to explore viable solutions to the electricity crisis affecting Nigeria’s education sector.

The summit, the sixth of its kind, will be held at Professor Tolu Odugbemi Hall, University of Lagos, UNILAG, and is expected to attract key stakeholders from the education, power, and health sectors to address these challenges and propose actionable strategies for lasting reform.

A statement issued and signed by the Secretary, Planning Committee, and Chairperson of the Publicity Subcommittee; Christiana Akande and Elizabeth Osayande disclosed that the Minister of Power will deliver the keynote address on the theme: ‘High Tariffs: Resolving the Electricity Crisis in Nigeria’s Education Institutions’ while the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono will present a paper titled: ‘Refocusing Support for Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions.’

The vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, will host the summit, while the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, and his Health counterpart, Professor Mohammad Pate will serve as the event’s chair and co-chair, respectively.

Panelists at the summit include Chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engineer Sanusi Garba; Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki; Chairman of the Forum of Chief Managing Directors of Nigerian Teaching Hospitals, Professor Emmem Bassey; and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Professor Paulinus Chijioke Ekwelle.

Other notable participants include the Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo; Managing Director/CEO of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Chief Sunday Oduntan; and National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Otunba Yomi Otubela.

“We have also assembled critical stakeholders to dissect the presentation by the TETFund ES and the list includes the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr Akintunde Sawyerr; the National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, and the National Presidents of both the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Comrades Shammah Kpanja and Smart Olugbeko, respectively,” the statement reads in part.

Speaking on the significance of the summit, EWAN Chairman, Mojeed Alabi, emphasised the urgent need to address electricity debts in educational institutions across the country.

He noted that universities like Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and others are struggling with huge unpaid electricity bills, leading to frequent disconnections. He referenced Babcock University’s recent 300 million Naira electricity bill and ABU’s 2 billion Naira debt, stressing that these issues have reached critical levels requiring immediate attention.

“It is no longer news that universities across the country, from the University of Benin to Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, and even the University of Lagos, are grappling with unresolved electricity bills and frequent power disconnections by the privatised electricity distribution companies. This crisis has escalated to an alarming level, demanding urgent intervention.

“Recently, Babcock University, Nigeria’s pioneer private university, revealed a staggering 300 million Naira electricity bill for May alone, while at one point, Ahmadu Bello University’s debt exceeded 2 billion Naira. The situation is even more dire in our teaching hospitals. The consequences of this are devastating for the country, and we believe it is high time we focused our energy on solving these critical issues, rather than engaging in token gestures like distributing rice and millet. Only by ensuring quality and affordable education and healthcare can we truly tackle the complex challenges facing Nigeria,” said Alabi.

He further pointed out that Architect Echono’s paper is particularly timely, as global trends in education demand a shift from building large infrastructures to focusing on technology-driven solutions that enhance competitiveness.

The summit will also feature discussions on how to align Nigeria’s tertiary education system with these global advancements, with participation from the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida among others.

EWAN therefore invites all stakeholders, including policymakers, education professionals/organisations, and student leaders among others, to participate in the summit and contribute to the discourse aimed at resolving these pressing challenges in Nigeria’s education system.

Nigerians Plan Memorial Protest to Rename Lekki Toll Gate as “EndSARS Bus Stop”

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As the fourth anniversary of the tragic Lekki Toll Gate incident approaches, the Take it Back Movement is organizing a memorial march to honor the lives lost during the brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters on October 20, 2020. This year, activists are calling for the Lekki Toll Gate to be renamed “EndSARS Bus Stop” to commemorate those who were killed, asserting that “there shall be no toll where blood has been shed.”

The march will take place on October 20, 2024, and aims to continue the fight for justice and better governance in Nigeria. The group emphasizes that the proposed name change reflects a commitment to remembering the sacrifices made by young Nigerians while also advocating for ongoing reforms to address systemic oppression.

“We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals responsible for the atrocities of that day, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration officials,” said Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, Lagos coordinator of the Take it Back Movement. He also highlighted the need to hold accountable specific military personnel, such as Lt. Colonel S. O. Bello and Major General Godwin Umelo, as well as the Maroko Police Station DPO at the time, CSP Ganiu Raji.

Additionally, the movement is calling for the release of all EndSARS and EndBadGovernance protesters currently imprisoned, citing their detention as a violation of justice and human rights.

The group urges the Nigerian government to implement the recommendations made by the judicial panel of inquiry, which include improved funding and training for police, transparent disciplinary measures, and a national EndSARS Memorial Day on October 20 each year.

“The Take it Back Movement will continue to advocate for the Nigerian people, ensuring that the voices of our youth are never silenced again,” Taofeek stated.

Nigerians are encouraged to join the march to honor fallen heroes and demand necessary changes for a better future.

African Communities Unite for Week-Long Campaign Against Water Privatization

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From October 21 to 26, 2024, communities, civil society organizations, and labor activists across Africa will come together for the fourth annual Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatization.

Organized by the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition, OWORAC, this year’s campaign will coincide with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, and will focus on the theme “Water Justice Over Profit.”

The initiative highlights a growing demand for democratic control of public utilities, particularly water. It aims to combat the trend of privatization that prioritizes corporate profits over the basic needs of communities. This campaign comes in response to rising protests and online movements advocating for the right to water across the continent.

Key activities planned for the Week of Action include:

  • An international hybrid press conference on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 9:00 AM WAT.
  • Media engagements in partner countries throughout Africa.
  • Specialized workshops and training sessions for journalists covering water privatization issues.
  • Community parliaments and strategic dialogues with policymakers and water authorities.
  • Public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of water privatization, featuring both social media outreach and in-person discussions.

Speakers at the press conference will include prominent advocates such as Geoffrey Kabutey Ocansey from Revenue Mobilisation Africa (Ghana), Akinbode Oluwafemi from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (Nigeria), Pascal Bekono from the African Centre for Advocacy (Cameroon), Anne Maine from the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya, and Oumar Ba from the Confédération de Syndicats Autonomes du Sénégal.

Organizations such as the Africa Water Justice Network (AWJN), Corporate Accountability (US), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Senegalese Water Justice Network will also express solidarity with the campaign.

OWORAC, comprising activists and advocates for public water from countries including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda, aims to strengthen community power and pan-African solidarity throughout this week of resistance.

WEMA BANK SET TO INTRODUCE ALAT XPLORE APP: NIGERIA’S FIRST LICENSED BANKING APP FOR TEENAGERS

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT has introduced the ALAT XPLORE App, Nigeria’s first licensed banking app specifically designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17.

The ALAT Xplore App empowers young individuals to take control of their finances while acquiring vital money management skills. ALAT XPLORE is not just another banking app; it is a comprehensive financial tool that seamlessly combines education, engagement, and empowerment for teenagers’ financial success.

With a user-friendly interface and interactive features, the ALAT Xplore app provides teenagers with a unique opportunity to learn about banking, saving, and spending in a safe and controlled environment, as they journey towards the realities of adulthood.

The App encourages teens to explore intelligently, providing seamless navigation across its various functionalities and offering teens the chance to customise the App based on their preferences and request one of three unique debit card designs.

The ALAT Xplore Cards are issued in the teenager’s name, fostering a sense of ownership, pride, and independence that simultaneously instills a sense of responsibility in them as they learn to manage their spending. To request your ALAT Xplore Debit Card, click here.

One of the standout functionalities of the ALAT XPLORE App is the goal-setting feature. Teens can set savings goals on the App—whether it’s saving for a new gadget, planning a fun outing, or even making a charitable donation. They can track their progress, seamlessly on the App, making the saving process exciting and rewarding for them.

To ensure financial security for teenagers, the ALAT Xplore App works hand in hand with the ALAT App, allowing parents to guide their children in making informed financial decisions.

Teens can easily request money from their parents or guardians with a few clicks on the App, while parents grant the requests and can track their teens’ expenses on the ALAT Xplore App, via the ALAT App. This not only promotes healthy conversations regarding budgeting and financial goals but also ensures that teenagers can explore financial opportunities with maximum security.

About Alat Xplore

Here’s how the ALAT Xplore App works:

  • The Parent or guardian opens an ALAT App Account for their teenager on the ALAT app.
  • ⁠The teenager downloads the ALAT Xplore App, fills in the required information, and sends a link to the parent/guardian requesting permission to use the ALAT Xplore App.
  • ⁠The parent/guardian grants the permission via the ALAT App.
  • ⁠Once approved, the teenager can log in at any time, request an ALAT Xplore Debit Card, set up Savings Goals, and explore all the unique features on the App, on their phone.

As the first licensed banking app for teenagers in Nigeria, the ALAT XPLORE App powered by Wema Bank is set to revolutionise how teenagers approach money management towards building more financially responsible adults.

The ALAT Xplore App officially launches on Saturday, October 26, 2024, but teenagers can click here to download the ALAT Xplore App now on PlayStore or AppStore, to start exploring the innovative App.

UBA Foundation Announces 2024 National Essay Competition with Double Grant Prize Increase

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UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR arm of the United Bank for Africa, UBA Plc, has launched the 2024 edition of its prestigious National Essay Competition, NEC, unveiling a significant 100 percent increase in the educational grants for top winners.

Now in its 14th year, the NEC is an initiative designed to foster literacy, critical thinking, and healthy competition among secondary school students, while providing future leaders with the financial support needed to pursue higher education.

This year’s competition invites senior secondary school students to submit essays on the topic: “The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate in Nigeria: Discuss the Challenges and Proffer Solutions.” This theme aligns with global climate change efforts, encouraging students to engage with one of the most pressing environmental challenges.

Out of thousands of entries, 75 finalists will each receive a 75,000 Naira grant before competing in a regional essay-writing competition held in Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. From there, the top 20 finalists will vie for the grand prizes: 7.5 million Naira for first place, 5 million Naira for second place, and 3.5 million Naira for third place. In addition, all 20 finalists will receive laptops and other educational tools to enhance their academic pursuits.

In a new initiative this year, teachers from the top three schools with the highest number of entries will also be rewarded for their efforts in encouraging participation.

Essays will be judged by a panel of esteemed English professors from across Nigeria, with winning submissions evaluated on originality, depth of insight, and creativity.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to education as a catalyst for development. “At UBA Foundation, we recognize the transformative power of education. Through this competition, we are not only helping young Africans realize their potential but also equipping them with the resources to shape the future of our continent. We are committed to empowering youth to dream big and achieve greatness.”

Atta further explained the decision to increase the prizes: “We understand the financial challenges many families face, especially given Nigeria’s current economic climate. By increasing the grant prizes, we aim to make a clear statement about our unwavering dedication to African education. This adjustment reflects our awareness of the rising cost of quality education and ensures that outstanding students can pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.”

The National Essay Competition has also been extended to other African countries where UBA operates, expanding opportunities for students across the continent to benefit from these educational grants.

As a cornerstone of UBA Group’s CSR strategy, UBA Foundation continues to make a positive impact through various initiatives. The Foundation’s “Read Africa” program has donated hundreds of thousands of books to students across the continent, while the National Essay Competition has enabled countless students to further their education and change their lives.

World Food Day: Nigerian Youths Decry Unhealthy Foods, Effects on Future Generations

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As the world marks World Food Day today with the theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, young people under the aegis of the Healthy Food Policy Youth Vanguard, HFPYV have urged governments at all levels to strengthen nutritious food policies, food security and access in the interest of public health.

They lamented that governments appeared to be standing by while food corporations endanger their well-being by relentlessly targeting them with unhealthy ultra-processed foods and drinks often high in sodium and sugar, the excessive consumption of which erodes health.

In a statement signed by Afeez Adedayo Bello on behalf of its communications team, HFPYV said: “Excessive consumption of sodium, sugary sweetened beverages, SSBs and ultra-processed foods is worsening the country’s non-communicable diseases, NCDs burden and dimming the prospects of Nigerian youths enjoying a healthy adulthood.

“Everywhere you turn on radio, TV and the internet, we are bombarded by adverts of these unhealthy products, disguised as healthy foods, all targeted at young people. Giant food corporations are given free rein to entice us, and sadly, many youths, unprotected by government regulations, fall prey and become addicted to these products to the detriment of their health.

“In Nigeria, life expectancy at birth is currently about 61.79 as of 2023, but many young Nigerians, unlike their forefathers, are at risk of not reaching this relatively low milestone because, among others, they are the victims of relentless exposure to harmful sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods excessively high in sodium, produced by food corporations that prioritise profits over the health of their consumers.

“These corporations are so dominant that they are gradually pushing our natural, indigenous foods to the background and even changing our food culture. For instance, many young Nigerians are no longer familiar with and cannot prepare the dishes their grandparents ate. In another instance, ultra-processed foods, such as noodles, are now the donation of choice to natural disaster victims, while unhealthy sugar-laden drinks have replaced healthy indigenous drinks at social gatherings across the length and breadth of the country.”

Furthermore, the group argued that NCDs already place inordinate demands on Nigeria’s healthcare system, adding that the need to reduce unhealthy food intake “is highly relevant for improved health outcomes.”

The statement further referenced the danger of tobacco smoking and related products being aggressively marketed by the industry to young Nigerians.

It said: “Alarmingly, about five million young Nigerians are said to be addicted to tobacco smoking, further exposing a critical mass of the country’s demographics to debilitating NCDs.

“Despite this, the tobacco industry is relentlessly pushing out newer forms of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, so-called herbal cigarettes and heat-not-burn cigarettes, packaged to attract children and young people into the deadly habit of smoking or vaping.

“Apart from being an annual global observance that aims to raise awareness of the need to ensure food security and access to nutritious food for all, World Food Day also highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and food production to address global food challenges. Every Nigerian child deserves to grow up well-nourished. But for millions of children across the country, hunger is their everyday reality.

“In light of this, we urge governments at all levels to re-align food and agricultural interventions, including climate policies, so there can be increased access to nutritious foods and food systems can be more healthy, equitable and sustainable.

“Furthermore, we advocate that agriculture budgets be allocated in ways that can stimulate the production of more nutritious foods, increase their availability and reduce their costs so that healthy diets can be affordable.

“At the same time, other healthy food policies like effective SSB tax, mandatory salt limits, and effective tobacco control measures need to complement these efforts to increase their impact by creating incentives and supportive environments for healthy diets.”

Global Report Exposes How Beverage Industry Undermines Public Health Policies in Africa

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African civil society organizations have released a pivotal report on October 16, 2024, highlighting the beverage industry’s tactics to obstruct public health policies, particularly sugar-sweetened beverage, SSB taxes, in Cameroon, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Titled “Sweetened Profits: The Industry’s Playbook to Fight Sweetened Beverage Taxes,” the report reveals how major beverage companies, referred to as Big Soda, employ a coordinated global strategy to deny, dilute, and delay effective public health policies related to sugar consumption.

The report was jointly launched by three African organizations: Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA in Nigeria, Reconciliation and Development Association, RADA in Cameroon, and Healthy Living Alliance, HEALA in South Africa. Originally unveiled in September 2024 by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, GHAI, this re-launch coincides with the Global Week for Action on Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs from October 15 to 22, 2024.

The GHAI’s comprehensive analysis outlines how Big Soda not only fuels the consumption of sugary drinks—linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, but also negatively impacts environmental sustainability. As African nations face rising rates of diet-related NCDs, organizations like RADA in Cameroon advocate for the implementation of SSB taxes, while CAPPA and HEALA strive to protect and strengthen existing taxes in Nigeria and South Africa.

Vice President of Food and Nutrition at GHAI, Verónica Schoj, stated, “While the global community is working towards creating healthier populations, Big Soda is using its influence to derail policies that could save millions of lives and billions in healthcare costs. Our report reveals the depth and breadth of the industry’s efforts to protect its profits at the expense of public health.”

The report identifies five primary strategies employed by Big Soda to undermine SSB taxes across more than 25 countries:

  1. Economic Alarmism: Claims that SSB taxes would lead to job losses and economic downturns, as seen in Nigeria and Pakistan.
  2. Exploiting Social Concerns: In Indonesia, the industry uses corporate social responsibility initiatives to overshadow the negative health impacts of sugary drinks.
  3. Manipulating Tax Designs: In Vietnam, industry bodies have pushed for exemptions for certain drinks from taxation.
  4. Mounting Legal Challenges: Legal threats in Colombia and Spain have been used to intimidate governments and contest the legality of SSB taxes.
  5. Discrediting Scientific Evidence: Tactics in Guam and China demonstrate how industry-funded research questions the effectiveness of SSB taxes.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, criticized beverage companies for exploiting false narratives and misleading the public regarding health impacts in Nigeria. He emphasized, “Their approach not only shows their focus on profit but reinforces the alarming way they mislead the public and interfere in policy processes.”

Also, President/CEO of RADA in Cameroon, Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, noted the industry’s involvement in community initiatives, stating, “This masks the negative impact of the source of the financing for their philanthropy.”

In South Africa, CEO of HEALA, Nzama Mbalati, highlighted the parallels between tactics used by the sugar industry and those employed by tobacco and alcohol industries, noting that these practices create significant barriers to public health policy implementation, ultimately costing ordinary citizens in terms of health outcomes.

The GHAI report urges policymakers, civil society, and health advocates to anticipate and counter these industry tactics by designing robust, evidence-based SSB tax frameworks that prioritize public health over corporate profits.

World Food Day 2024: Origin Tech Group Partners Lagos State Government to Champion Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture

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In a significant move to address food security and promote sustainable agriculture, Origin Tech Group has partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture for World Food Day 2024.

Themed “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” the event underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat food insecurity through local initiatives, sustainable farming practices, and community engagement.

Under the leadership of Honourable Commissioner Abisola Olusanya, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture organized a week-long series of activities aimed at raising awareness about food security challenges.

The events included a World Media Parley, a symbolic sensitization, an awareness walk through key districts in Alausa and Ikeja, and the Eko Food Systems Champions Summit—a stakeholder engagement with farmers. The activities culminated in a Grand Finale on October 16, 2024, at the Police College in Ikeja, which featured exhibitions of agricultural products, and farm implements, and a vibrant celebration emphasizing urban farming and community gardens.

Origin Tech Group’s partnership goes beyond advocacy; it actively supports small-holder farmers by providing essential tools, modern machinery, and post-harvest management systems aimed at boosting productivity. One of the hallmark projects under this collaboration is the Lagos Food Security System and Logistics Hub (LHP).

Executed by Origin Tech’s construction arm, Rhema Projects, this smart central market system aims to modernize food processing, storage, and distribution in Lagos. The hub addresses the rising demand for safe, nutritious food while minimizing waste and enhancing availability.

Aligned with the Lagos State Government’s 5-Year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, which targets 40% food self-sufficiency by 2025, Origin Tech Group is at the forefront of this mission.

Their innovative Mid-Level Market initiative seeks to transform food accessibility and affordability in Lagos. By establishing strategically located Agro hubs, this initiative connects consumers directly to fresh produce at fair prices, empowering farmers and reducing reliance on middlemen.

The first of these markets recently opened in Mushin, sparking discussions about its potential to stabilize prices and provide Lagosians with fresher, more affordable food options.

Group Head of Corporate Communications and Strategy at Origin Tech Group, Mr. Adebayo Awoniyi-Adeoshun, highlighted the transformative potential of agro-mechanization during the events.

He stated, “At Origin Tech Group, we remain resolute in our commitment to food security. Our initiative is more than just agri-mechanization; it is a blueprint for Nigeria’s agricultural future. By integrating mechanization, agronomy services, and youth engagement, we are creating opportunities that will drive economic growth and food self-sufficiency in Nigeria and Africa.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also expressed gratitude to the partners for their dedication to agriculture and food security in the state, mentioning the government’s efforts to build Nigeria’s largest logistics food hub.

As World Food Day 2024 draws to a close, Origin Tech Group calls for collective action to secure a food-sufficient Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders, the company remains committed to building a greener and more sustainable future for all Nigerians.

With ongoing projects like the GHAPP, the Lagos Food Security System and Logistics Hub, and the Mid-Level Markets, Origin Tech Group is poised to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable food production.

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