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SIFAX Group Marks IWD 2026 with School Outreach, Staff Empowerment, Food Donations

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SIFAX Group Marks IWD 2026 with School Outreach, Staff Empowerment, Food Donations

SIFAX Group has commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day with a series of initiatives aimed at empowering young girls, supporting female employees, and assisting vulnerable communities in Lagos.

The activities included a school mentorship outreach, an employee empowerment webinar, and a community food distribution programme that collectively impacted hundreds of beneficiaries.

As part of the celebration, the company visited United Christian Secondary School in Apapa, where over 500 female students received mentorship from senior women professionals within the organisation.

The session focused on leadership, education, personal development, and menstrual health awareness. Students were also given textbooks, menstrual pads, and other items.

Speaking during the outreach, the Company Secretary and Legal Head of SIFAX Group, Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, encouraged the students to remain focused on their education and pursue excellence.

“You are strong. You can do it, and you will. You will not only do it, but you will also do it well,” she said.

Similarly, Vanessa Uansohia, Head of Corporate Communications at Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), urged the girls to overcome self-doubt and pursue their ambitions confidently.

“The only person that is stopping you is yourself,” she told the students.

Internally, the company organised a webinar for female employees focused on communication and leadership development. Public speaking strategist Joyce Daniels delivered a session titled “Speaking: A Tool for Growth, Multiplication, and Career Progression,” encouraging participants to develop confidence in expressing their ideas.

“If you will grow and progress in your career, you must speak from a place of conviction,” she said.

The Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, described International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements while reinforcing the need for gender equality.

She noted that the theme “Give to Gain” reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

Extending the celebration beyond the workplace, SIFAX Group also distributed 500 food packs to vulnerable households in the Ijora community in Lagos. Each pack contained essential food items including rice, beans, vegetable oil, garri, and salt.

According to Eniola-Jegede, the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to supporting communities and encouraging women within the organisation to lead impactful social interventions.

NAWOJ Lagos Prioritizes Mentorship for Women Journalists

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NAWOJ Lagos Prioritizes Mentorship for Women Journalists

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a renewed focus on mentorship and capacity building for women journalists, aligning with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain.”

Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Johnson, said the theme underscores the need to invest in women journalists to strengthen their voice in the media and enhance their welfare.

She announced that the Association will commemorate the day with a lecture and panel discussion titled “Give to Gain: Empowering Women Journalists through Mentorship and Advocacy for a Stronger Voice and Enhanced Welfare” at the NUJ Secretariat in Iyalla, Alausa, Lagos.

The event will feature guest speaker Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, who will share insights on career development and mentorship in the media industry.

Panel discussions will include award-winning media professionals such as Olufunke Fayemi of Voice of Nigeria, Lagos, and Blessing Oladunjoye of BONews, focusing on strategies to enhance the capacity and welfare of women journalists.

Johnson noted that the event aims to provide women journalists with mentorship opportunities, foster knowledge-sharing, and strengthen professional practices to ensure they contribute more effectively to the media sector and society at large.

The lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., and will also serve as a stakeholders’ engagement forum to explore better welfare measures for women journalists in Lagos State.

All stakeholders, women’s groups, lawmakers, government officials, media organizations, and members of the informal sector are invited to participate.

JMG Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Inclusion, Sustainable Empowerment

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JMG Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Inclusion, Sustainable Empowerment

JMG Limited has reiterated its commitment to gender inclusion and sustainable empowerment as it joins the global community to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, themed “Give to Gain.”

The company said the theme reflects its philosophy that providing women with access to opportunities, mentorship, resources, and leadership platforms strengthens businesses, communities, and national development.

Positioned as a leading provider of integrated electro-mechanical solutions in Nigeria, JMG said diversity remains essential to innovation in engineering and technology.

The company noted that it continues to promote women’s participation across its technical teams, operations, and leadership structure to enhance productivity and long-term value creation.

Chief Commercial Officer Rabi Jammal said empowering women is both a moral obligation and a strategic advantage for sustainable growth.

According to him, the “Give to Gain” theme underscores the importance of creating opportunities that enable women to excel, adding that inclusion is embedded in the company’s corporate growth strategy.

Jammal explained that JMG’s empowerment drive extends beyond internal policies to include capacity-building programmes, skills development initiatives, and equal opportunity practices aimed at supporting women’s participation in Nigeria’s industrial and infrastructure sectors.

The company highlighted its operations in power generation, solar energy systems, electrical installations, air compression technology, cooling solutions, and elevator services as part of its contribution to technological and economic development.

Promasidor Nigeria Celebrates Women, Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Leadership

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Promasidor Nigeria Celebrates Women, Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Leadership

Promasidor Nigeria has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day by celebrating the resilience, achievements, and transformative contributions of women, while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive leadership and empowerment across its value chain.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer François Gillet said the company’s theme for the year, “Give to Gain,” reflects a philosophy of shared opportunity, mentorship, and support that drives sustainable growth and strengthens communities.

Gillet emphasized that women at Promasidor are not just contributors but catalysts, leading innovation, shaping strategy, and promoting operational excellence within the company. He added that empowering women is both a moral responsibility and a strategic imperative that fuels business performance and long-term economic progress.

The company also highlighted its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs in its distribution network, advancing policies that encourage work-life balance, and investing in community initiatives that uplift women and girls. Promasidor’s efforts span its household brands, including Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Top Tea, Onga, Twisco, and Kremela.

According to the company, women remain central to its success not only as professionals and partners but also as consumers and decision-makers, whose trust and loyalty drive the company’s impact nationwide.

Promasidor concluded that investing in women generates measurable returns for businesses, communities, and the broader economy, underlining that when women are supported and empowered, everyone benefits.

CAPPA Seeks Stronger Protection, Inclusive Policies for Nigerian Women

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CAPPA Urges Government to Strengthen Democracy, Address security, Economic Issues

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has called on the Federal Government and state authorities to adopt stronger protections and more inclusive policies to improve the welfare and rights of women in Nigeria.

The group made the call in a statement marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, noting that despite their central role in sustaining families and communities, many Nigerian women still lack access to essential services and adequate protection.

CAPPA said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” reflects the reality that women shoulder a significant share of labour that supports households, communities, and the broader economy.

According to the organisation, millions of women across the country continue to face challenges in accessing safe water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and other critical services required for a dignified life.

The group also raised concerns about the persistence of gender-based violence, citing findings from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey which show that about 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while around 9 per cent have faced sexual violence.

CAPPA further noted that more than 10,326 cases of gender-based violence were reported between January and September 2025, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prevention and accountability measures.

Economic inequality, the organisation said, continues to worsen the challenges facing women, noting that data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that women are more likely to work in low-income or informal sectors with limited job security and social protection.

The organisation also expressed concern over the low level of women’s representation in political decision-making. According to CAPPA, women currently occupy about 3.9 per cent of legislative seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly of Nigeria, with only 19 female lawmakers among 469 members.

CAPPA therefore called for increased investment in public services such as healthcare, water, sanitation, and education, as well as stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to address gender-based violence.

The group also urged policymakers to address the burden of unpaid care work through measures such as affordable childcare, paid family leave, and infrastructure improvements that reduce time pressures on women.

On political participation, CAPPA advocated the passage of the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill, saying it would help increase women’s representation and ensure their voices play a stronger role in shaping national policies.

Polaris Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Empowerment, Financial Inclusion

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Polaris Bank Deepens Youth Financial Literacy Drive Through Global Money Week 2026

Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women through initiatives that support female entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and leadership development.

The bank made the pledge in a statement issued in Lagos ahead of the 2026 International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Kayode Lawal, said the institution remains focused on creating an enabling environment where women can thrive professionally and financially.

According to him, empowering women is essential for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth, noting that the bank continues to support female entrepreneurs and promote equal opportunities within its workforce.

Lawal added that Polaris Bank has implemented various programmes over the years to strengthen women-led businesses and expand access to financial services for women.

As part of activities marking this year’s celebration, the bank said it will highlight inspiring stories of women from its workforce, customers, and communities while encouraging discussions on leadership, financial empowerment, and gender equity.

The bank noted that supporting women’s advancement contributes to stronger families, more vibrant communities, and a resilient economy.

Bisi Akin-Alabi Congratulates Otunba Femi Pedro on Ambassadorial Appointment

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Bisi Akin-Alabi Congratulates Otunba Femi Pedro on Ambassadorial Appointment

Bisi Akin-Alabi, former Special Adviser on Education to the late Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has congratulated Otunba Femi Pedro on his appointment as Ambassador-Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement, Akin-Alabi described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Pedro’s years of dedicated service, leadership and commitment to national development.

She said the ambassadorial nomination reflects Pedro’s wealth of experience and his contributions to governance and economic development in Nigeria, noting that his leadership has continued to inspire advocates of integrity, service and purposeful public engagement.

Akin-Alabi expressed confidence that the ambassador-designate would discharge his diplomatic responsibilities with wisdom, strength and dedication, representing Nigeria honourably on the global stage.

She prayed for divine guidance and success for Pedro as he prepares to undertake his new international assignment, congratulating him on the national honour.

NCS Pushes National Single Window Project, Seeks Stakeholders’ Cooperation

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NCS Pushes National Single Window Project, Seeks Stakeholders’ Cooperation

The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its commitment to the successful implementation of the National Single Window, NSW project, calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the aviation and maritime sectors.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the call during a stakeholder engagement with airline and shipping line operators in Abuja on March 4, 2026.

He said the support of critical partners has been instrumental in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive and stressed that stakeholder cooperation is essential for the successful rollout of the digital trade platform.

The CGC disclosed that the President had directed the Service to drive the National Single Window initiative, which is aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s participation in global trade and improving trade facilitation.

He assured operators that support mechanisms, including a help desk staffed with trained personnel, would be established to address operational challenges during the transition period.

The help desk, he said, would provide technical assistance and guide users through the new system as the project progresses.

Earlier, during an awareness programme held on March 3, 2025, the Service mobilised stakeholders and partner agencies in support of the initiative, describing the NSW as a key component of Customs’ modernisation strategy.

Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s transformation agenda.

She said the NCS had spent several months preparing the framework for the project to ensure that it reflects operational realities and supports smooth implementation.

Adebakin emphasised that the National Single Window is a national project with Customs at the centre of execution, adding that its success depends on stakeholder understanding and cooperation.

She reassured officers and partners that the initiative is designed to enhance institutional capacity rather than replace personnel, noting that technology would improve efficiency, transparency and cargo clearance processes.

Project Director of the NSW initiative, Tola Fakolade, also commended the leadership role of the Customs Service in driving the project.

He described the Service as the primary stakeholder, stressing that its institutional experience and active participation are critical to the success of the programme.

The National Single Window project is expected to modernise Nigeria’s trade environment, improve revenue collection, and strengthen the country’s global trading competitiveness.

NCS Celebrates DCG Nnadi (Rtd) as Retirement Coincides with 60th Birthday

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NCS Celebrates DCG Nnadi (Rtd) as Retirement Coincides with 60th Birthday

The Nigeria Customs Service has honoured one of its senior officers, Deputy Comptroller-General, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd), as he formally retired from active service, marking the end of a distinguished career and celebrating his 60th birthday.

The colourful ceremony, held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together members of the Customs management team, senior officers, family members and well-wishers to celebrate the retiring officer’s contributions to national service.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline and dedication strengthened the operational efficiency and core values of the Service.

He said the retirement event was not only a celebration of a successful career but also an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices of officers who devote their lives to protecting the nation’s economic and border security interests.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also a time to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs chief noted that his relationship with the retired DCG extends beyond official duties, describing Nnadi as a professional colleague and family friend, and expressing optimism that he would continue contributing to national development through academic and professional engagements.

Members of the management team also paid tributes to the retired officer, commending his leadership, integrity and mentorship qualities. Officers who worked under him described him as a supportive leader who encouraged younger personnel and helped strengthen institutional capacity within the Service.

Responding, DCG Nnadi expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General, the management team and officers of the Service for their cooperation and support throughout his career.

He described his years in the Customs Service as a fulfilling journey of learning, professional growth and national service.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs to honour the retired officer.

Customs Oyo/Osun Command Surpasses 2025 Revenue Target, Eyes N137bn in 2026

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Customs Oyo/Osun Command Surpasses 2025 Revenue Target, Eyes N137bn in 2026

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has exceeded its 2025 revenue target, generating N99 billion against the projected N86 billion.

Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, disclosed this during a media parley with select journalists at the Command’s headquarters.

Adewole said the figure represents a surplus of N13 billion, attributing the achievement to improved enforcement strategies and the commitment of officers and men of the Command.

He expressed confidence that the Command would meet and possibly exceed the N137 billion revenue target set for 2026.

According to him, the Command has deployed a tactical and strategic enforcement team operating round the clock to curb illicit trade and smuggling activities within its jurisdiction.

Adewole noted that his leadership has prioritised collaboration with sister security agencies and engagement with host communities to strengthen security and boost revenue generation.

He noted that the Command has also established cordial relationships with traditional leaders to enhance intelligence gathering and community support in the fight against smuggling.

The acting Controller further revealed that the Command recorded several seizures, dealing a significant blow to smuggling networks operating within the Oyo and Osun axis.

However, Adewole identified inadequate manpower as a major challenge affecting operations, noting that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is already taking steps to address the situation through plans to recruit more personnel.

He thanked Adeniyi for the opportunity to serve as acting Controller of the Oyo/Osun Command and for the continued support provided to officers of the Command.

Adewole reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling smuggling and illicit trade, stressing that criminal elements would find no safe haven within the Command’s area of responsibility.

He expressed optimism that with sustained enforcement and collaboration, the Command is well positioned to achieve greater milestones in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations in 2026 and beyond.