AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In a world where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping industries, Nigerian physicist, Jamilu Tanko is making strides with a revolutionary innovation set to transform small and medium-scale industries.

His invention, the Cyclone Furnace, offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for drying products, with significant implications for sectors like baking, pharmaceuticals, rice mills, papermills, brickmaking, and local communities. 

Tanko, a Principal Scientist at the Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI) in Kano, which is part of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), developed the Cyclone Furnace powered by waste materials such as rice husks. The innovation is poised to significantly enhance productivity and competitiveness in industries reliant on drying processes.

NASENI, which discovered this promising talent, is eager to harness Tanko’s ingenuity. The agency recognizes the potential of this technology to boost local industries, particularly in reducing dependency on imported equipment.

Tanko, who hails from Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Physics from the same institution. His passion for developing more efficient heating equipment like furnaces and boilers, which he saw as underutilized by local industries, led him to embark on the development of the Cyclone Furnace in 2023.

Once fully completed, Tanko’s Cyclone Furnace will be able to dry the same quantity of rice in 10-12 hours, a stark improvement from the 48 hours required by imported furnaces. A member of the Nigeria Institute of Physics, Tanko’s innovation is expected to revolutionize various industries and improve efficiency nationwide.

NASENI, recognizing the significant impact of this innovation, has expressed its readiness to support Tanko’s work and ensure that the Cyclone Furnace reaches its full potential, benefiting industries and communities across Nigeria.

Established by Decree No. 33 of 1992 as a first-stop government institution for technology development in Nigeria, NASENI’s primary target is to empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through impartation of technologies, engineering principles and practices for the production of equipment that will meet international standards as well as sustenance of flourishing local capital goods or industry.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

More partners are lining up for the eighth annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Delta State and Lagos State, as well as the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and T-Pumpy Concept Limited, coming strongly behind the forthcoming event holding in Kogi State capital, Lokoja.

The 2024 Conference Planning Committee, chairman, Danlami Nmodu, mni, confirmed this in a press statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Sir Remmy Nweke, recalling that the likes of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Emadeb Group and Dangote Group had earlier joined the train of partners for the event slated for Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the Reverton Hotel, GRA Lokoja, Kogi State.

Other partners, Nmodu noted include the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Setraco Nigeria Limited, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Access Bank plc, Zenith Bank plc, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Fidelity Bank plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc (STI), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to name but a few.

According to him, the eighth conference theme would focus on “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy”  on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 10am, with the former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyle Imoke delivering the lead paper as keynoter.

High spot of this 2024 conference, Nmodu said, would be the business luncheon with GOCOP partners on Wednesday, 2 October, at the same venue, whereas the main conference, which is open for interested public would hold on Thursday, October 3.

As said by Nmodu, the 8th edition has been confirmed to be chaired by the former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman, accompanied by the former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd) and the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida as Guest Speakers, just as the Professor of Political Science at the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi and an edutainment communicator and veteran broadcaster, Ms Debrah M. Ogazuma would make up the panelists.

Nmodu recalled with excitement that GOCOP conference 2023 was chaired by the JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, while the first Nigerian Professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke was the keynote speaker.

Preceding speakers at the GOCOP annual conferences consist of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto who in 2019 delivered lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.”

In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, keynoted the conference and spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.”

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, delivered the keynote at the 2022 edition themed “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”

GOCOP was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Nestlé Nigeria reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and skill development with the graduation of 20 young men and women from its Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Flowergate.

This ceremony, marking the first-ever graduation at the Flowergate facility, is a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian youth with essential technical skills.

The Flowergate TTC, launched in 2023, is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s broader technical training initiative, which has been running since 2011.

Since its inception, the program has seen over 200 young Nigerians successfully complete the rigorous 18-month curriculum. With the company investing over six billion naira in this initiative, Nestlé Nigeria continues to prioritize developing the next generation of skilled professionals to drive the country’s industrial future.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, expressed pride in the graduates’ accomplishments, saying, “For over 13 years, our commitment to nurturing young talent has reflected our confidence in the future of this generation.

This year alone, we proudly graduated 70 skilled professionals across all our centers, including Agbara and Abaji, all of whom have now joined our team.

For us, this program is more than just skills training—it’s about empowering young people to shape their futures and become catalysts for change.

By equipping them with critical technical expertise, we are opening doors to personal growth and financial independence. Ultimately, this is a long-term investment in creating shared value, as their success extends beyond themselves, impacting their families, strengthening communities, and driving growth in the industry.”

The Technical Training Program combines theoretical learning with hands-on engineering experience and culminates in the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly boosting the employability of the participants.

The ceremony was attended by prominent community leaders, including His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, who applauded the initiative. Other distinguished guests included the President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir; the Executive Secretary of the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers, Mr. Adewale Jones; the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Naiwo; and representatives from the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA). Tumi Onamade also represented the Alliance for Youth Initiative.

Beyond the TTC, Nestlé Nigeria’s broader commitment to youth empowerment is embodied in its Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which helps young people access economic opportunities through various programs, reaching an average of 25,000 youths annually. The company’s efforts are part of a larger strategy to prepare Nigerian youth for the future, ensuring they can thrive in an evolving industrial landscape.