Business

Lafarge Supports over 130 Secondary Schools in Cross Rivers

Published

3 years ago

January 16, 2022

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, Lafarge Africa Plc., has reaffirmed its commitment to host communities in Cross Rivers State with the inauguration of several development projects to mark its annual community day celebration.

Speaking at the 2021 community day and stakeholder engagement event which held recently, the Production Manager of Lafarge Africa Plc Mfamosing Plant, Cross River state, Mrs. Idara Uyok, said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between Lafarge, its host communities and the Cross-River state government.

Uyok remarked: “This initiative is to further demonstrate our commitment to supporting community development in line with our sustainability strategy, one of which focuses on people and our communities.”

Uyok stated that the forum did not only provide an opportunity for Lafarge to interact with its various stakeholders but also to share its CSR scorecard for 2021 and other footprints within the communities.

“As an organisation, our commitment with our host communities goes beyond our activity today. We are focused on sustainable initiatives that will leave an enduring footprint within the communities, impacting generations in a sustainable manner”

“In the year 2021, as part of our CSR footprint in the community, we supported over 130 secondary and tertiary students to stay in school through our annual educational support programme, donated school desks across communities, recruited NYSC volunteers for teaching support in our host communities, donated school materials for pupils in our host communities’ primary schools,” she further stated.

In addition, the company trained over 50 youths on scaffolding, carpentry, block moulding, fashion designing, computer and other vocational skills while several women were trained on poultry and feed making. Motorcycles and Keke Napeps were also donated to youths in the various communities as part of the education and empowerment pillar of its CSR and Sustainability Development Goals – goal 4.

“We prioritize the health and well-being of members of our communities and we were able to launch a free medical outreach across communities, facilitated WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) projects in schools by ensuring that our public schools have good toilet systems and provided portable water for members of our communities”, she added.

She noted that the building solutions company is committed to building progress for its communities through sustainable projects that will improve the lives of the people. As part of the Infrastructure pillar of its CSR efforts, the company supported its host communities to build a teacher’s quarters in Ekong Anaku community and a town hall in Essien town community. It renovated the traditional council palace in Kasuk, and the shopping mall at Obutong community as well as the on-going town hall in Mbobui community.

She later expressed the company’s appreciation to the Mfamosing Plant Community Relations Committee, the entire village councils of the various host communities and the state government for supporting the company’s goal of creating peaceful and sustainable communities. “While we appreciate the people of Mfamosing Host Communities for continuously ensuring an enabling environment for our business, we believe that we will continue to receive the understanding and support from all our stakeholders to enable us to achieve set goals and objectives which will positively impact our local communities,” she added.

Commending Lafarge for its contributions to the growth of its host communities, the Clan Head , Kasuk Qua Clan, HRM Ntoe Patrick Agbor , said the highly impactful interventions by the company would really build capacity, alleviate poverty and curtail youths’ restiveness.

Various government representatives also took turns to express their joy and gratitude to Lafarge for the consistent show of a good neighbour to both their immediate host communities and others.

The community day event is an annual event by Lafarge Africa to celebrate with its host communities, give back, and demonstrate its commitment to doing sustainable business in Nigeria as a responsible corporate citizen. This community day is celebrated across all the communities where Lafarge Africa has its operations.

Present at the event were special guests of honour and dignitaries from the government and across the host communities which include Rt. Hon. Gorge O. Ben, Commissioner for Affordable Housing, Cross Rivers State, Dr. Janet Ekpeyong, Director General Cross Rivers State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Hon Linus Bassey , Chairman Akamkpa Local Government, Evangelist Ntufam Alphusus Bassey, Chairman, Community Relations Committee, Mfamosing Plant as well as royal fathers from all the host communities.

“In 2020, Lafarge invested a total of N1.2 billion in development initiatives in host communities, reaching more than 10,000 families across Nigeria. The support also included collaboration with the Nigerian government at all levels to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and also reduce its socio-economic impact on communities. The company is still investing in interventions to curtail the new coronavirus pandemic in host communities”.

Business

BUA Industries secures US$200 million Facility from Afrexim Bank to support Expansion Plans

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2024

august24admin

BUA Industries secures US$200 million Facility from Afrexim Bank to support Expansion Plans

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a US$200 million Corporate Finance Facility in favour of BUA Industries Limited to support its expansion plans.

BUA is a Nigerian conglomerate with diversified business interest spanning across, sugar and cement manufacturing, flour milling, oil milling, port logistics, real estate development, oil and gas, and shipping. The first tranche of $150 million was disbursed on October 16, 2024.

Speaking on the transaction, Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON, Chairman of BUA, said that the $200 million corporate finance facility from Afrexim Bank, marks a crucial step in BUA’s commitment to industrialising Nigeria’s manufacturing, infrastructure and energy sector for local use and export. “With Afreximbank’s support, BUA can increase investments to strengthen industrial capacity and meet regional demand. Our goal is sustainable growth that boosts Nigeria’s self-sufficiency and Africa’s global trade presence, creating jobs and building economic resilience,” he said

Commenting on the transaction, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra Africa Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, said that the facility would provide critical financial support to a leading Nigerian conglomerate as it pursues its expansion plans, thereby boosting its industrial base and Nigeria’s export manufacturing capacity.

“We are delighted at this partnership, which promises to deliver significant impact through job creation, import substitution, and export diversification – thereby boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Over the past decade, BUA has solidified its reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing and reputable companies with business interests spanning critical sectors of the African economy. With its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, BUA has expanded its business operations in the past few years to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area through exports.

.About BUA Group

Established in 1988, BUA Group is one of Africa’s largest diversified groups operating out of Nigeria with its key interests in foods, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure. Its vision is to unlock opportunities that will drive sustainable development whilst providing value to all stakeholders and the African continent. The Group’s investments span the following sectors: Cement, Sugar, Flour, Pasta, Steel, Rice, Real Estate, Energy, Logistics, Ports and Terminals with a core focus on building local manufacturing capacity to generate employment, and provide high quality products and develop the African continent. www.buagroup.com

Business

Zenith Bank Says It Now Has best IT infrastructure After Successful Upgrade, Commends Customers

Published

1 week ago

November 6, 2024

august24admin

Zenith Bank Says It Now Has best IT infrastructure After Successful Upgrade, Commends Customers

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Zenith Bank Plc has announced that it now boasts the best technology infrastructure in the banking industry, positioning itself to provide an exceptional customer experience and superior service delivery moving forward.

This upgrade follows a recent comprehensive technology enhancement.

The bank expressed its heartfelt gratitude to customers for their support and patience throughout the upgrade process, while also extending apologies for any inconveniences experienced during this time.

This announcement was made in a social media post on Wednesday, signed by Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the Group Managing Director/CEO.

In her message, the GMD/CEO emphasized the bank’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled service experience, stating, “We undertook this upgrade to ensure we can offer our customers the best possible service.”

Umeoji pledged that Zenith Bank will continue to innovate, ensuring that customer needs are met swiftly, safely, and conveniently.

The post read in part: “On behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of Zenith Bank PLC, I would like to thank you for your patience and support during our IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.

“We are truly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in us. The primary reason for undertaking this extensive endeavor was to better position Zenith Bank PLC for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and to create memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints.

“While I regret the inconveniences and challenges you faced during and immediately after our migration, I am pleased to inform you that Zenith Bank PLC now has the best technology infrastructure in the industry. We are committed to ensuring you experience superior service delivery going forward.

“Rest assured, you remain our top priority, and Zenith Bank will continue to innovate and offer value-added products and services to meet all your banking needs quickly, safely, and conveniently.”

Business

Polaris Bank Clinches “Best Mobile App” Award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

Published

1 week ago

November 5, 2024

august24admin

Polaris Bank Clinches “Best Mobile App” Award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Polaris Bank’s commitment to digital innovation and excellence has once again been recognized, as the Bank was awarded the prestigious “Best Mobile App” award for its renowned digital banking platform, VULTe, at the Digital Jurist Awards held October 31 at Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

This honor comes less than a week after Polaris Bank was named Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, further solidifying its status as a leader in Nigeria’s digital banking landscape.

At the event, attended by representatives from all nominated companies, Polaris Bank’s VULTe app stood out among its peers, winning the hearts of users and the recognition of industry experts.

The Digital Jurist Awards Committee had nominated Polaris Bank in three categories: Best Website, Best Web Portal, and Best Mobile App.

The Bank’s innovative approach and customer-centric digital solutions have made it a formidable contender in each category, with VULTe’s win affirming the Bank’s continued drive to redefine digital banking in Nigeria.

Commenting on the the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to providing seamless, reliable, and secure digital solutions.

“This award continuously shows our dedication to delivering the best digital experiences to our customers. We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation to ensure that our platforms remain intuitive, accessible, and impactful,” he said.

Polaris Bank’s VULTe app has gained widespread acclaim for its user-friendly design, robust security features, and diverse functionalities, enabling customers to manage their banking needs from the comfort of their devices.

Winning the “Best Mobile App” award is yet another milestone in the Bank’s digital journey, reinforcing its position as a digital pioneer in Nigeria’s banking sector.

The Bank extends its gratitude to the Digital Jurist Awards Committee and its loyal customers for their continued trust and support.

Polaris Bank is committed to advancing digital banking in Nigeria, creating convenient, modern, and secure solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its customers.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2024,2023, 2022 and 2021 and MSME Bank of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2024 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.