Business
Crown Flour Mill’s Robust Economic Contribution Gets Presidential Recognition
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
Sponsored by: H&H
Crown Flour Mill Limited (CFM), the wheat milling business of the agribusiness giant, Olam Agri, has won Nigeria’s National Productivity Order of Merit Award.
The top award was presented to the flour milling firm by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, at an event held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, on Thursday, May 12, 2022, in recognition of its robust economic contributory role.
The National Productivity Order of Merit Award was instituted by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment to reinforce productivity consciousness and excellence in both the public and private sectors.
According to Dr Chris Ngige, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the award was “instituted by Government to recognize and honour productive individuals and organizations in Nigeria in the year of the award for achievements made in the three preceding years.”
The 2022 edition of the awards recognises individuals and businesses who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in key areas of the economy between the years 2019 and 2020.
Over 100 companies contested for the award category. A highly qualified panel comprising Barrister Ikechi Uko, a representative of the Productive Sector, Ms A.O Adenugba, a Director in the National Productivity Centre, and Alhaji Habu Adamu Jajere, representing Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, representing Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) amongst other notable top national figures put the contesting companies through a rigorous, highly competitive, selective process that involved a stringent screening and auditing of each business’ performance in the areas of customer service, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and customer satisfaction, environment health & safety.
CFM emerged top in the category having demonstrated overall leadership on each of the performance indicators. Olam acquired CFM in 2010 and to strengthen its market position followed with the acquisitions of the BUA Group flour milling business in 2016 and the Dangote Flour Mills in 2019. This move was aimed at optimizing its corporate strategy and formed part of a long-term investment and growth plan for the food production value chain in Africa’s largest market.
CFM continues to demonstrate unrivalled commitment to driving growth in the wheat value chain through the implementation of bold initiatives such as the Olam Green Land Webinar Series, its stakeholders’ engagement platform and the “Seeds for the Future” programme its signature and flagship wheat value chain development vehicle.
As part of that programme, it has provided irrigation equipment to female wheat farmers and only recently, CFM upgraded a dilapidated school in indigent communities to provide sound academic foundations for future leaders of the country as part of an overall focus on the development of Nigeria.
Most notably, the recent strong performances and latest recognition of the business’ robust contribution to the growth of the economy are a result of the dynamic leadership, vision and can-do spirit of its current Managing Director, Ashish Pande. Ashish took the reins of managing the organisation in November 2020.
Speaking shortly after receiving the National Productivity Award, Pande said, “We are most grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, for the consistent supports we have received over the years, and to the organisers of this award for considering us for this recognition.”
“We continue to generate new jobs and prioritize the delivery of safe, nutritious and affordable food brands to the growing national population as we expand operations across our production facilities. This latest award is a motivation to do more to enhance the national gross domestic productivity rating,” he added.
According to President Muhammadu Buhari, who presented the awards to the various winners, “Productivity is a vital determinant of economic growth, social progress and improved standards of living.”
He said, “I want to congratulate all the awardees for their various accomplishments and well deserved recognitions. You have been carefully selected among competitors. This award should spur you to greater heights.”
The awards were confered on 48 individuals and organisations at the ceremony. Other representatives of the firm at the award presentation ceremony are Moshood Quadri, Head, Human Resources, Crown Flour Mill, Datti Danjuma, Head Corp Affairs and Govt Relations, Crown Flour Mill (CFM) and Damilola Adeniyi, Corporate Affairs Manager, Olam Nigeria.
Business
Access Bank Group, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Pledge $300m to Transform Africa’s Economic Landscape
“We can’t wait to be saved; Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality’’ – Aig-Imoukhuede
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Access Bank Group have pledged $300 million in charitable commitments over the next 20 years. Access Bank has committed $200 million and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation committed $100 million.
President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.
This will fund African government initiatives with a proven potential to transform national economic performance.
Speaking about the commitment, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings and Co-Founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, said, “We can’t wait to be saved, Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality.”
President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.
Appropriately, this announcement was made at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, where the theme of this year’s event is ‘At the table or on the menu?’. At the event, CEOs from across the continent joined to discuss how Africa can demand a seat at the global table, rather than continuing to wait to be invited.
The fund will see the creation of an African-led Super NGO in partnership with academics, experts and philanthropists across the globe who are committed to closing the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. The NGO will work with African governments to provide the funding, governance and talent required to successfully execute game changing government reform programs, especially in the delivery of digital public infrastructure.
The development comes at a time when Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, has warned wealthy countries that it would be short-sighted to “ignore” Africa. This landmark Africa-led initiative could not have been better timed.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC and Co-founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.
“We African leaders cannot sit back and watch the 4th Industrial Revolution transform the rest of the world while leaving Africa falling further behind. We have to create our own ‘table’ by using technology to unlock the power of our youth, giving Africa a greater voice in the world. It’s today’s leaders who will determine whether or not we grab this opportunity,” Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede continued.
The availability of digital public infrastructure is a proven and cost-effective way for developing nations to break free of the status quo. It provides citizens with access to the same public goods and services available to citizens of advanced nations.
The India Stack has become a shining example of what can be achieved when visionary public and private sector leaders partner for development.
The Access Bank and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation inspired NGO will make such partnerships a reality and delivering measurable improvements to the lives of Africans across the continent.
Notes to Editor:
For media inquiries, please contact:
communication@aigafrica.org or +234 808 5716 788
mediarelations@accessbankplc.com or +234 803 320 4315
ABOUT THE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE FOUNDATION
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation accomplishes its mission by supporting the reform initiatives of public sector entities, providing financing, technical support, and capacity-building programmes and resources for the public sector workforce. The Foundation also provides funding and strategic support to drive the work of affiliate organisations such as Africa Business Coalition for Health (ABC Health), the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) and others.
For more information, please visit www.aigimoukhuedefoundation.org.
Business
AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL
AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
At the esteemed Choose France Summit 2024, held on Monday, May 13, 2024, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, was formally appointed as the President of the France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) by the President of the French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede having a handshake and a tête-à-tête with President Macron at the Council’s meeting with the President, and Gilbert Chagoury looking on.
The France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) stands as a pivotal coalition of Nigerian private sector business leaders, committed to enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and France. Its core objectives revolve around the facilitation of trade, investments, infrastructural development, job creation, and cultural integration between the two nations.
Since its establishment in June 2021 under the auspices of President Emmanuel Macron, the FNBC has diligently utilised its member network to champion investments across key business sectors, fostering cultural understanding and driving economic growth between Nigeria and France. Notably, it has catalysed Nigerian businesses’ ventures into investment opportunities within France.
Comprising 13 distinguished members, the Council boasts prominent figures including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (President), Abdul Samad Rabiu, Gilbert Chagoury, Mike Adenuga, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, and John Coumantaros. Additionally, Kola Karim, Leo Stan Ekeh, Daisy Danjuma, Gbenga Agboola, and Jean Haas serve as integral members, with Jean Haas holding the position of Secretary.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment follows the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Council’s former President, in February 2024.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede having a handshake and a tête-à-tête with President Macron at the Council’s meeting with the President, and Gilbert Chagoury looking on.
The Choose France Summit is an annual gathering that convenes business magnates, investors, and governmental dignitaries to explore investment prospects within France. The highlight of the Summit was the Presidential Dinner, characterised by high-level engagements and mutual commitments between participating parties.
Business
ACCESS BANK (SL) LTD STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH KEY BOARD APPOINTMENTS, NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd (‘Access Bank (SL) Ltd’) has announced the appointment of new executives to its Board of Directors (‘the Board’), further strengthening its leadership team and advancing the implementation of its growth and transformation strategy.
These appointments also reflect the Bank’s commitment to fostering growth and development while maintaining the highest standards of governance and stewardship.
Joining the Board as Non-Executive Directors are Maurice Nathaniel Cole, Nsikak N. Usoro, Michala Mackay, Ibrahim Khalil Lamin, and Kolawole Augustine Ajimoko.
The appointees boast a wealth of expertise from diverse sectors, including banking, telecommunications, corporate governance, compliance, and finance. Their combined experience and vision will contribute to shaping the future trajectory of Access Bank (SL) Ltd.
Cole will serve as Chairman, following the exit of Alice Marie Onomake and will bring his experience to the fore as Access Bank (SL) Ltd works to consolidate its market position and deliver value for all its stakeholders.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new executives to Access Bank (SL) Ltd,” said Ganiyu Sanni, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. “Their leadership and vision will be invaluable as we navigate through challenges and pursue sustained success. We extend our gratitude to outgoing Chairman, Alice Marie Onomake, and Non-Executive Director, Aminata B. Dumbuya, for their dedicated service and contributions to the Bank.”
Access Bank (SL) Ltd remains committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability as it embarks on this exciting new chapter. The Bank looks forward to leveraging the collective expertise of its leadership team to drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting impact for its customers and communities.
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