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Seplat Energy Wins SISA’s CSR Award for Education Empowerment

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the London Stock Exchange, has won the Social Impact & Sustainability Awards (SISA)’s CSR Award for Education Empowerment organized by CSR Reporters.

CSR Reporters is Africa’s premier all-Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability publication; and the SASA, which is now in its fourth year, recognizes initiatives of companies in promoting sustainable economies in Nigeria and in serving the needy public.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Eustace Onuegbu, Member of Trustees, Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria and President, International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility, said the awards are targeted at recognising, honouring and celebrating the outstanding efforts of organisations and individuals that have made a transformative impact on Nigerian society in the year under review.

The award recognises the organisations that have integrated globally recognised and measurable sustainability standards including ISO 37101 Management Standards on Sustainable Development in Communities (MSSDC), ISO 26000 Social Responsibility, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, ISO 9001 Quality Management, ISO 20400 Sustainable Supply Chain Management, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Standards, among others.

It also recognises organisations that have followed best reporting standards such as GRI and IIRC Standards. Other categories include specific initiatives in support of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and individual philanthropic efforts for the year under review.

The organisers of the awards commended Seplat Energy’s commitment to educational advancement and effective stakeholder engagement. They also lauded the company’s educational CSR initiatives like the Seplat Pearl’s Quiz, National Undergraduate Scholarship, SEPLAT Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), and Seplat Innovators programme.

Seplat Pearl’s Quiz started in 2012 for its host States and since then 57,875 teachers and students have been impacted through a total of 11,575 participating schools. Scholarships worth N8.1million have been awarded to winning secondary school students. The company has also contributed directly to improving the infrastructure of secondary schools by awarding prize money worth N101 million to winning secondary schools.

Seplat National Undergraduate Scholarship started in 2014 for host communities, states, and the nation. Since then, the company has provided scholarships to 780 Federal and State University undergraduate students of which 34 per cent are from our host communities.

SEPLAT Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) started in 2020 for host States and since then it has provided 905 teachers and 87 Chief Inspectors of Education with digital teaching skills, leadership training, and income diversification; and supported the learning of over 10,000 students with new teaching skills.

The Seplat Innovators Programme is creating STEAM Laboratories which are collaborative spaces where the study of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics can be integrated through hands-on experiences in a pure laboratory or combined classroom-laboratory setting. 

The Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, represented by the CSR Manager, Esther Icha, commended the award organisers for the recognition whilst stressing the company’s commitment to global best practice in all programmes targeted at social development of the Nigerian people, especially its host communities.

According to her, Seplat Energy’s educational CSR initiatives are implemented in line with the company’s seven Principles of Corporate Strategy, which are: Accountability, Transparency, Ethical behaviour, Respect for stakeholders’ interests, Respect for the rule of law, Respect for international norms of behaviour, and Respect for human rights.

Other members of the Seplat Energy team present at the event were: Manager, Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara; CSR Lead, Charles Ifediba; and Senior CSR Adviser, Josephine Kola-Ajibade.

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TCC is Required, WAEC Exams Still Free in Lagos, LIRS Clarifies

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TCC is Required, WAEC Exams Still Free in Lagos, LIRS Clarifies

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reiterated that the provision of FREE West African Examinations Council, WAEC registration for SS3 students in state-funded secondary schools is a vital policy of the Lagos State Government and that free education policy from kindergarten to SS3 is still in operation.

This initiative, part of the THEMES PLUS agenda, is included in the government’s broader efforts to provide essential services such as affordable housing, efficient transportation, free healthcare, youth and small business empowerment programs, enhanced security, and better road infrastructure, among others.

Mr. Ayo Subair, Executive Chairman of LIRS, stated, “It is standard procedure to require a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) to access government services. To obtain a TCC, individuals must file their annual tax returns for the applicable assessment year and ensure their tax payments are currently based on their declared income.”

He highlighted that this requirement has been in practice for a long time and aligns with Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2004 (as amended).

It is important to emphasize that every resident of the state, whether in formal employment or not, is required by law to file annual tax returns, declaring their income and paying any taxes due.

This requirement is backed by the Nigerian Constitution, it is also the law, as stipulated in the PITA and part of the social contract between the government and residents.

The Lagos State Government is dedicated to offering quality and efficient services to its residents. As part of this mission, it mandates that all taxable individuals register with the tax authority, submit their returns, and pay applicable taxes to maintain an updated Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC).

Mr. Subair explained that tax compliance is essential for the sustainability of public programs and services.

He noted that requiring a TCC for access to free services is not a new policy but a longstanding practice intended to foster fairness and transparency in using public resources. Tax revenues help fund various public programs that benefit millions of Lagos residents. For informal sector taxpayers, who might not have detailed financial records, the government has introduced a presumptive tax of ₦10,100 (comprising ₦10,000 in annual tax and a ₦100 development levy) to facilitate their inclusion in the tax net.

To enhance convenience and streamline the process, LIRS has deployed staff and agents to markets and schools, establishing one-stop centers where individuals can obtain their TCC without needing to visit tax offices. Flexible payment options, including installment plans, are also available, though full payment must be completed before the TCC is issued.

He also added that the TCC of guardians will be accepted from students who do not reside with their biological parents.

“The aim is fairness, accountability, and sustainability,” emphasized Mr. Subair. “This policy is not about inflicting hardship, but rather ensuring that everyone, including those in the formal sector, contributes their fair share to sustain the provision of essential services.”

By meeting their civic responsibilities, residents play a role in the growth and development of Lagos State, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

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LAWMA Intensifies Enforcement, Waste Clean-up Across Lagos

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… Agency Urges Residents to Stop Patronising Cart Pushers

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement and clean-up operations across the state to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain environmental sustainability.

The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised LAWMA’s unwavering commitment to keeping Lagos clean, noting that the monitoring and enforcement team had been mobilised to ensure compliance with waste management laws of the state.

He said, “LAWMA remains resolute in stamping out illegal waste disposal and environmental violations. Our Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Anti-Cart Pushers Squad has been actively dislodging illegal waste operators who contribute to the degradation of our environment. We urge residents to desist from patronising them and instead work with registered PSP operators for proper waste disposal.”

Gbadegesin said the enforcement team recently carried out major operations in areas like Ifako-Ijaiye, Dopemu, Agege, Ojodu Berger, and other parts of Lagos, apprehending cart pushers known for collecting waste and dumping it at unauthorised locations, stressing that such activities violated environmental laws and undermined the state government’s efforts at maintaining a clean and livable city.

He warned that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and anyone caught engaging in cart pushing would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The LAWMA boss further noted that the Authority had also commenced the evacuation of waste from illegal dumpsites along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, particularly behind Circle Mall, adding that the operation, simultaneously taking place at Mile 2 Badagry expressway, would continue in the coming weeks, in line with the agency’s ongoing efforts to clear accumulated waste, remove silt along the median and verges and prevent indiscriminate disposal along highways.

In a separate exercise, LAWMA has intensified efforts to clean up Lagos waterways, ensuring that rivers and water bodies remain free of waste and blockages. The initiative is aimed at reducing environmental pollution and promoting cleaner water channels across the state.

Gbadegesin urged Lagosians to support LAWMA’s initiatives in 2025, by properly disposing of their waste, reporting service gaps, and calling the agency’s helplines for backup waste collection services.

“A cleaner Lagos is achievable when everyone plays their part. We urge residents to work with assigned PSP operators, report waste-related infractions, and adopt responsible waste disposal habits. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier city for all,” he added.

For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

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Access Bank Appoints Uche Orji as Independent Non-Executive Director

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Access Bank Appoints Uche Orji as Independent Non-Executive Director

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Uche Orji as an Independent Non-Executive Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’), effective from January 7, 2025, following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (‘CBN’).

This appointment reflects our commitment to enhancing our governance practices and ensuring a diverse and experienced board.

Mr. Orji is a renowned investment banking professional, information technology entrepreneur, and finance expert with three (3) decades of professional and board experience. He is the Co-founder and Partner of Titangate Capital Management, an equity firm that invests in deep-tech, enterprise software, semi-conductors, hardware, and artificial intelligence companies.

He is the Founder and Director of Vitesse Africa Limited, an investment advisory firm focused on African energy, technology and infrastructure sectors. He serves as an Executive Board member and investor in Ultrasafe AI, an artificial intelligence/IT development firm that maintains strategic collaborations with leading technology companies. He also sits on the Board of Private Infrastructure Development Group, London, and chairs the Risk Committee.

Previously, Mr. Orji served as the founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. He held positions as Managing Director and Senior Analyst at UBS Securities Limited New York and Managing Director and Head of European Technology/Semiconductor Equity Research at JP Morgan Securities, London. He also served as Executive Director/Portfolio Manager at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, London. Earlier in his career, he was Acting Financial Controller at Diamond Bank Limited and an Audit Trainee at Arthur Andersen & Co.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Port-Harcourt and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, the Chairman of the Bank said:

“Mr. Orji has been appointed based on his exceptionally rich professional, academic, and corporate board experience which will be invaluable to the Bank as we continue to pursue our strategic objectives.

We are confident that his addition to the Board would further enrich the quality of our decision-making process, enabling us to deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.

His appointment has been made in accordance with the Bank’s internal policies and has been notified to all relevant regulatory authorities underscoring our commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.

On behalf of the Board, Management and staff, I warmly welcome Mr. Orji to the Board and look forward to his contributions towards our goal of becoming one of the top 5 African Banks in the shortest possible time.”

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