Nestlé Nigeria has launched a mentoring program for secondary schools powered by Nestlé Cares, the company’s global employee volunteering program.
The mentoring program which aims to reach over 10,000 JSS2, SS1 and SS2 students in public secondary schools across the country with training on life values and life skills is delivered incollaboration with REVAMP Africa, a youth-focused non-profit organization with the vision to revive educational values and maximize potential among young people, especially in public secondary schools.
Starting with over 1,000 students of the Ilupeju Secondary School, in Lagos, in July 2021, Nestlé Cares volunteers have extended the program to the Company’s host communities in Sagamu and Abaji, reaching over 2,000 students at the Owode High School, Obafemi Owode in Ogun State and at the Government Secondary School, Abaji over a 4-week period.
According to Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, “Nestlé Cares, provides employees the opportunity to make an impact in local communities.
It is a proven fact that good habits formed at a young age, set the tone for a productive, successful future. Through the Mentorship Program developed in collaboration with REVAMP Africa, we are happy to make a difference by helping young Nigerians in secondary schools to imbibe the values that would equip them as a future generation of transformational leaders.”
“We are delighted to see how passionate our employees are to engage with the young people, teaching them the benefits of having the right values. We also teach the youth how to handle
peer pressure, interpersonal relationships, time management and goal setting. In addition, we teach them the benefits of healthy nutrition which is key to a healthy life
Speaking on the collaboration with Nestlé, the Founder, REVAMP Africa, Kelechi Anyalechi said, “We are a youth-focused non-profit organization with the vision to revive educational values and maximize potential among young people, especially in public secondary schools. We are raising leaders, who will transform their communities, country, Africa and the world.
We are always so inspired to see the turn-out of Nestlé employees which demonstrates their strong commitment to making a difference in society.
In addition to Lagos, Sagamu and Abaji, we will be extending the mentoring program to public secondary schools in Enugu, Port-Harcourt, Jos, Kaduna, Agbara and Abuja reaching over 10,000 students in the coming months.”
Recounting her experience during the four weeks of the mentoring program, Akinwale Temitope,a student of SS1 C in Ilupeju secondary school said, “I learnt a lot about values. The value that stood out most for me was humility, the quality of modesty. I also learnt about setting goals, time management and self-reliance. Thank you, Nestlé Cares and Revamp Africa, for the opportunity to learn.”
Commenting on the program, the principal of Ilupeju Secondary School Mr. Adeoye B. Adebowale said “I want to thank Nestlé for coming to mentor our students, and for helping us and the government add value to the younger generation. Our mission is to be the foremost school where academics with high moral values are achieved.
This mentoring program reiterates what we do and what we believe in. ”Victoria Uwadoka reaffirmed that Nestlé Cares Employee Volunteer Program will continue to provide opportunities for Nestlé employees to give back to society by offering their time, talent and resources while impacting individuals and families, communities, and the environment. About REVAMP Africa:
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
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.”
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.