₦airaland Forum

Beyond Capital: Rethinking Finance to Unlock MSME Growth

At the heart of global economic development lies a persistent paradox: micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), widely acknowledged as engines of growth, yet they remain critically underserved by the very financial systems designed to support them.
This contradiction continues to shape global discourse, including at the SDG Investment Fair convened by the United Nations, where policymakers, financial institutions, and development leaders gathered to interrogate one pressing question—why does the MSME financing gap persist despite increasing global capital flows?
At this high-level engagement, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Bank, joined global leaders including Peter Simon of the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) and European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG), Karolin Schriever of DSGV, and Krishnan Sharma, to explore practical pathways for enhancing access to finance for MSMEs.
The global consensus from the dialogue was clear: the challenge is not simply about capital—it is about systems.
According to the World Bank, MSMEs account for about 90% of businesses and over 50% of employment globally, yet face a staggering $5.7 trillion financing gap in developing economies. In Nigeria, insights from Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) indicate that financial inclusion has reached 74%, but a significant number of MSMEs remain excluded from formal credit systems. The Central Bank of Nigeria similarly underscores persistent barriers such as lack of collateral, limited credit histories, and informality.
These realities point to a deeper structural disconnect.
Many MSMEs operate within informal ecosystems—relying on cash transactions, limited documentation, and non-traditional business structures. Yet, financial institutions continue to apply rigid frameworks that prioritize documentation over potential and standardization over flexibility. The result is systemic exclusion—not due to absence of finance, but misalignment of financial systems with real-world business dynamics.
This is particularly evident in the “missing middle”—a segment of enterprises that have outgrown microfinance but remain too unstructured for commercial banking. These businesses sit at the cusp of growth, capable of scaling operations and creating jobs, yet constrained by lack of appropriate financial instruments.
While financial technology has introduced new opportunities—through mobile banking, digital platforms, and alternative credit scoring—the global conversation acknowledges its limitations. Technology can expand reach, but it cannot replace trust, financial literacy, and human engagement. Without these, access does not translate into meaningful inclusion.
It is within this context that Cynthia Ikponmwosa’s intervention at the SDG Investment Fair becomes particularly instructive.
She emphasized that “sustainable access to finance requires systems that are inclusive, adaptive, and grounded in the realities of the businesses they serve. When we get this right, we do more than improve access to finance; we unlock jobs, resilience, and economic opportunity at scale.”
This perspective reflects the lived experience of institutions like LAPO Microfinance Bank, whose model is built on proximity to customers, community-based engagement, and tailored financial solutions. By integrating financial literacy, group lending structures, and flexible products, LAPO MFB has demonstrated that inclusion is not merely about providing capital—it is about building ecosystems that enable businesses to thrive.
The bank’s contribution aligns with broader global priorities articulated by the United Nations and the World Bank—priorities that recognize financial inclusion as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

An inside look at how LAGride captains in Lagos face hidden charges, mounting debt, and recent car seizures over unexplained payments. Is the system fair?

Let’s be honest—what LAGride sold to the captains and what the captains are actually experiencing are two very different things.

At the beginning, it looked like a real opportunity. Government-backed, structured, and promising steady income in a city like Lagos where hustle is everything. They told them to come in as captains, take responsibility, and build something for themselves.


But nobody prepared them for what happens after they entered.



The Deposit Trap

You are asked to bring out serious money—hundreds of thousands. They tell you it’s a deposit. They tell you it’s secure. They make it sound like something you will get back.

But in reality, that money becomes a trap.

Because once you are inside, you start seeing deductions, charges, and balances that don’t add up. You are no longer working to earn, you are working to clear confusion.

You Work, But You’re Still Owing

This is the part that doesn’t make sense.

You wake up early, face Lagos traffic, deal with passengers, manage charging, and still at the end of the day—you are being told you owe.

How?

Nobody breaks it down clearly. One charge here, another deduction there. Before you know it, your effort is no longer translating to profit. It’s just survival.

All the Risk Is on You

Accident? Your problem.

Low demand? Your problem.

Car issues? Still your problem.

But when it comes to control and deductions, that’s fully on them.

So what exactly are they partnering on?

Because it doesn’t feel like partnership—it feels like responsibility without protection.

The Pressure Is Real

Every day comes with tension:

Targets to meet

Remittance to settle

Fear of penalties

You are not just driving. You are under pressure.

And the truth is, that kind of system doesn’t build people. It drains them.

Just Recently things Got Worse. On Monday, 13th April 2026, something happened that raised even more concern.

Cars were collected from captains, with instructions to make payments for debts that were not properly explained.

No clear breakdown. No transparency. Just pressure.

For many, this crossed a line. Because it’s one thing to operate a strict system but it’s another thing entirely to enforce penalties or seize working tools without giving people a clear understanding of what they supposedly owe.

Let’s Call It What It Is. This is not what was promised. And if something starts to look like a system where:

People put in money

Work continuously

And still remain in debt

Then we need to start asking real questions. Because at that point, it stops feeling like opportunity.

Where Is the Accountability?

This isn’t just a private setup. The Lagos State Government is involved, and that means there should be structure, fairness, and accountability.

Agencies like the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency should be looking into how captains are being treated.

Because silence only allows things to continue.


Final Word

Nobody is afraid of hard work—they are used to that in Lagos. But what people won’t accept is working every day and still feeling trapped.

If LAGride truly wants to succeed, then things need to change:

Be transparent

Be fair

Stop shifting all the burden to captains

Because right now, too many people are asking the same question:

“Is this really a job… or just a well-structured scam?”

LAPO MICROFINANCE BANK DRIVES EDUCATIONAL ACCESS WITH AFFORDABLE EDUFINANCE LOANS

In a country where quality education remains a privilege for many, the cost of schooling has become a heavy burden on the shoulders of low-income families and under-resourced private school owners. For years, financial exclusion has silently eroded the aspirations of countless Nigerian children and dimmed the future of community schools. But a quiet revolution is unfolding—driven by financial innovation and a deep-seated commitment to educational empowerment.

Leading this shift is LAPO Microfinance Bank through its Edufinance Loan Products—targeted as School Improvement Loans for school proprietors and School Fees Loans for parents—the bank is addressing a glaring but underreported crisis: financial inaccessibility to education.
This move comes at a time when the statistics are dire. According to UNESCO, over 20 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, the highest figure globally. While public education is often underfunded and overstretched, low-cost private schools—many serving marginalized urban and rural communities—are bridging this gap but remain chronically underfinanced. Proprietors often operate under severe infrastructural deficits, with dilapidated classrooms, insufficient furniture, and lack of access to digital learning tools.

Recognising this, LAPO MfB launched its Edufinance Loans as a twin-edged solution. The School Improvement Loan provides up to ₦3 million for proprietors to upgrade facilities, expand capacity, and improve the learning environment. On the other hand, the School Fees Loan—a lifeline for many low-income parents—offers up to ₦100,000 to spread tuition payments over time, ensuring children stay in school.

Both loan types are offered with competitive interest rates ranging between 3% to 5% per month, depending on the loan type, amount, and repayment duration. These rates are structured to be significantly more affordable than informal lenders or loan sharks, whose interest rates can exceed 20% monthly.
“Access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers to education in underserved communities,” said Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication. He further noted, “We designed these products not just to support education, but to empower families and school owners with dignity and flexibility.”

And the numbers show the impact. Since inception, LAPO’s Edufinance initiative has disbursed over ₦4 billion, supporting more than 45,000 students and 3,800 school proprietors across Nigeria. Beneficiaries range from mothers running backyard schools in peri-urban Lagos to farming families in northern Nigeria seeking to secure their children’s academic future.

EFInA (Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access), in its 2023 report, noted that while 64% of Nigerian adults are financially included, a significant portion of this population remains underserved when it comes to targeted education financing. LAPO’s intervention, according to education analysts, is filling this void in a manner that aligns with both financial inclusion and Sustainable Development Goal 4—inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
In Kaduna, Mrs. Hafsat Danladi, a mother of five and petty trader, recounted how the School Fees Loan helped her two sons continue their secondary education after her husband lost his job. “We were struggling to meet up. The school was about to send them home. LAPO came in just in time,” she said, her eyes welling with tears.

But the impact isn’t just anecdotal. A joint study by the World Bank and the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics revealed that households in the bottom 40% income bracket spend up to 30% of their income on basic education. In many cases, this results in children dropping out when sudden economic shocks occur—illness, job loss, or inflation.

LAPO’s EduFinance model uses responsible lending and community-based trust systems to mitigate these risks. Loans are disbursed quickly with flexible repayment terms, allowing beneficiaries to avoid exploitative lenders while building a credit history that may support future economic activity.
More importantly, the program is gender-sensitive. “A significant percentage of our school proprietors are women,” said Lilian Ehigiamusoe, Executive Director, Operations, LAPO Microfinance Bank. “When you empower women to run schools effectively, you’re not just improving education—you’re transforming communities.”

As Nigeria grapples with inflationary pressures and rising costs of living, interventions like LAPO’s EduFinance offer more than financial relief. They represent a paradigm shift: from reactive aid to proactive empowerment.
With plans to expand the product reach to more rural communities and deepen financial literacy alongside credit access, LAPO Microfinance Bank is not just lending money—it’s restoring hope and rebuilding futures, one school and one child at a time.

Lifting Women, Lifting Nations: How LAPO Microfinance Bank is Empowering Female Entrepreneurs Across Nigeria

Since its inception in 2007, LAPO Microfinance Bank has remained one of Nigeria’s most dedicated financial institutions focused on transforming the lives of women, especially those at the base of the economic pyramid. With a mission rooted in poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, the bank has, over the years, become a lifeline for millions of female micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners across the country. Now serving over 6.4 million clients in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, LAPO’s impact is both broad and deep—empowering women through access to finance, business support, and recognition.

Originally incorporated as a limited liability company in April 2007 and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2010, LAPO began operations as a National Microfinance Bank in 2012. It set out with a clear focus: to provide financial services tailored to economically active poor and low-income households, particularly women who had long been excluded from formal financial systems. Over a decade later, that focus has not shifted. From market women expanding their stalls to rural farmers cultivating new acres, LAPO has helped unlock the potential of women who are often the backbone of their communities but lack access to capital.

That commitment to women’s empowerment was again on display at the 11th anniversary of the LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA), an initiative launched in 2013 to honour Nigerian women excelling in business, farming, and professional careers. Held annually to mark International Women’s Day, LOWLA is not just an award ceremony—it is a public declaration that women’s contributions to national development matter and deserve to be celebrated.

At this year’s event, four women were recognised for their exceptional achievements: Mrs Elizabeth Ehigiamusoe received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mrs Helen Azuni Matthias, Chinyere Gladys Okoro, and Mrs Jackson Durodola Mary were honoured in the professional, business, and farming categories respectively. In addition to public recognition, each awardee, except for the lifetime honouree, received a cash prize of ₦300,000—support to continue their impactful work.

Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, Chief Executive Officer of LAPO Group, used the occasion to highlight the systemic barriers many women still face. Citing disturbing global statistics on gender-based violence and inequality, he called for more intentional efforts to dismantle discriminatory structures and ensure the equitable distribution of resources. “If we fail to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to biases, and seek out inclusion, we may not be able to achieve the desired progress, including the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
But beyond the statistics and policy discussions, the lives of the women LAPO serves tell the real story. These are women who, through access to credit, have become job creators. Women who have built businesses from scratch, sustained their families through economic downturns, and become pillars of their communities. Through LOWLA and its various financial products, LAPO not only funds women’s dreams but validates them.

Board Chairman, Dr Osaren Omokpae, lauded the resilience and determination of the award recipients, noting that their achievements were a testament to what Nigerian women can accomplish when given equal access to resources. Since LOWLA’s inception, a total of 37 women have been honoured—each representing thousands more who are quietly making a difference with LAPO’s support behind them.

Guest Speaker Prof. Adefunke Adekunle, Director of Gender Studies at the University of Benin, called for more inclusive policies and investments in women-led enterprises. She argued that collective prosperity is only possible when women are empowered to participate fully in the economy. Chairperson of the event, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, echoed this view, stressing the importance of education and entrepreneurial training for the girl child as a long-term solution to poverty and social inequality.

In a country where many women still face structural and cultural barriers to economic participation, LAPO Microfinance Bank stands out as a model for what inclusive banking should look like. Its success demonstrates that empowering women is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic strategy that benefits everyone. And as it continues to grow and evolve, LAPO remains anchored to its founding belief: that lifting women is the surest way to lift nations.

Which institution is revered? Are you joking? 🤔

MadamExcellency:
This calls for celebration.
Never reward rascality, insolence, blackmail and barminess.

Even if Akpabio was her estranged boyfriend, this nonsense doesn't warrant disrespecting the parliament, the most revered institution of the government.

Water.org Grants $200,000 to LAPO Microfinance Bank for WASH Solutions in Nigeria

Water.org has awarded a $200,000 grant to LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) to advance its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in Nigeria. This collaboration is set to empower underserved communities by improving access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene solutions, fostering healthier and more sustainable living conditions.

Building on the successes of its WASH loan adoption program across 56 groups in Kano and Jigawa states, LAPO MfB plans to scale the WASH program across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The initiative will focus on delivering innovative financial solutions as part of the bank’s social impact strategic move.

The WaterCredit program will adopt a holistic approach, targeting diverse populations with a particular focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Guided by market research, LAPO MfB will develop tailored financial products delivered through conventional branch networks and digital channels. By the program’s conclusion in December 2027, the bank aims to provide WASH financing solutions to 12,000 households and 500 SMEs.

In a statement, Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at LAPO Microfinance Bank, added, “We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from Water.org, which marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions to underserved communities across Nigeria. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to uplift lives and foster socio-economic development through innovative financial services.”
Water.org’s extensive experience in empowering communities with access to affordable water and sanitation solutions will be pivotal to the success of this partnership. Having positively impacted over 73 million people worldwide, Water.org’s innovative approach ensures lasting change, and this collaboration with LAPO MfB is a testament to their commitment to driving meaningful transformation.

Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, honoured with the “Distinguished Service Award" by the Nigerian Economic Society

In recognition of his pioneering efforts in microfinance and dedication to improving the lives of underserved communities, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, Founder of LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB), a premium microfinance institution, has been honoured with the “Distinguished Service Award” by the Nigerian Economic Society during the 65th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society in Abuja.

With a legacy spanning over 30 years, Dr. Ehigiamusoe has dedicated his career to building institutions that empower low-income households and support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. His visionary leadership has led to the establishment of mutually reinforcing social and economic structures that have transformed the lives of countless Nigerians.

This prestigious honour underscores Dr. Ehigiamusoe’s significant contributions to Nigeria's economic development, particularly in the areas of financial inclusion and poverty alleviation. 
The "Distinguished Service Award" by the Nigerian Economic Society is a testament to Dr. Ehigiamusoe's unwavering commitment to social and economic development. His work through LAPO has not only provided financial services to those in need but has also created sustainable opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive.

In his address, the President of the Nigerian Economic Society, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, highlighted that Dr. Ehigiamusoe's leadership in establishing LAPO MfB and his commitment to social justice have set a high standard in the microfinance sector. 
Expressing his gratitude for the honour, Dr. Ehigiamusoe reaffirmed his commitment to advancing economic development through innovative financial solutions.

He stated, "This award is a testament to the collective efforts of the LAPO team and our unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of Nigerians. I dedicate this recognition to the millions of hardworking individuals who inspire us to continue our mission of poverty alleviation and financial empowerment." 

Under Dr. Ehigiamusoe's visionary leadership, LAPO MfB has become one of Nigeria's leading microfinance institutions, empowering millions of Nigerians through access to financial services, capacity-building programs, and community development initiatives. His work has not only transformed the microfinance sector but has also significantly contributed to national economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence among low-income earners.


About LAPO Microfinance Bank

LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) is a leading microfinance institution in Nigeria, dedicated to improving the lives of low-income individuals through access to financial services, capacity-building, and community development initiatives. Established with the mission of empowering people to overcome poverty, LAPO MfB has grown to serve millions of clients across Nigeria, providing a range of financial products and services designed to meet the needs of the underserved.

LAPO Microfinance Bank Wins Big at the 4th Edition of the Development Bank of Nigeria's Service Ambassadors Award


LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited (LAPO MFB) emerged as the star awards winner at the 4th edition of the Service Ambassadors Award, organised by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) at the Civic Centre in Lagos. The event, which celebrates financial institutions demonstrating exceptional service and impact in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Nigeria, saw LAPO MFB winning multiple awards, reaffirming its position as a leader in the microfinance sub-sectot .
LAPO MFB was honored with the DBN MFB Award for the Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria, recognizing the bank's exceptional efforts in providing financial support and driving economic growth for small businesses across the country.
Additionally, LAPO MFB received the DBN MFB Award for the Highest Impact in DBN Focus States, highlighting its significant contributions to the economic empowerment of states prioritized by DBN.
The bank further solidified its impact with the DBN MFB Award for the Highest Impact on the South-South Zone, acknowledging its remarkable efforts in fostering economic development and financial inclusion in the South-South region of Nigeria.
Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria, commended LAPO MFB for its dedication to sustainable development and its innovative approach to MSME financing. He noted that the bank's success is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and collaboration within the financial ecosystem.
"We are proud to recognize LAPO Microfinance Bank for its outstanding contributions to the MSME sector in Nigeria," said Dr. Okpanachi. "Their efforts have not only supported the growth of small businesses but have also significantly impacted the economic development of focus states and regions across the country."
Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at LAPO Microfinance Bank, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the bank’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment through accessible and affordable financial services.
"We are immensely proud to receive these awards from the Development Bank of Nigeria," said Akande. "These awards are testaments to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our relentless pursuit of excellence in providing financial solutions that meet the needs of underserved communities. We will continue to drive innovation and expand our reach to uplift more Nigerians out of poverty."
This recognition from the Development Bank of Nigeria not only highlights LAPO Microfinance Bank’s achievements but also sets a new benchmark for excellence in the microfinance sub-sector . LAPO Microfinance Bank looks forward to furthering its partnerships and expanding its services to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.

About LAPO Microfinance Bank:
LAPO Microfinance Bank is a leading microfinance institution in Nigeria dedicated to providing value-driven financial services to low-income households and owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With a strong focus on social impact and economic empowerment, LAPO Microfinance Bank offers a range of financial products, including micro-loans, savings and social impact are designed to meet the unique needs of its clients in the most sustainable manner..

DBN Awards: LAPO MfB Wins Microfinance Bank with Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria

LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, a premium microfinance institution in Africa, wins the Develoent Bank of Nigeria awards for "Microfinance Bank with the Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria and PFI with the Highest Impact in the South-South, respectively.
In a release by the bank, Oluremi Akande, Director, Marketing & Communications, says, "We are delighted and thank the management of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) for these awards and commend the institution for its contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
MSMEs play a pivotal role in the growth of our economy, and these awards are in recognition of LAPO MfB's invaluable contributions and impact on micro, small, and medium-owned enterprises in Nigeria through its provision of easy access to credits in the most sustainable manner.
The bank remains committed to its vision of social and economic development and will continue to explore meaningful partnerships with institutions such as the Development Bank of Nigeria to provide critical funding interventions to reach more owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises for greater economic prosperity."
LAPO Microfinance Bank is committed to delivering responsive financial services to members of low-income households and owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the most sustainable manner.

BAFI Awards: LAPO MfB Wins Microfinance Bank of The Year           
 
LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, a premium microfinance institution in Nigeria wins the “Microfinance Bank of the Year”  2023 Businessday Banks' and other Financial Institutions’ (BAFI) Awards.
 
In a press release issued by the bank , Oluremi Akande, Director, Communications & Branding, said “LAPO Microfinance Bank has won this award category for the 9th consecutive times since its inception of the BAFI awards; an explicit  recognition of the bank’s consistency in the delivery of its core mandate, industry leadership and social impact. The Management of the microfinance bank  appreciates Businssday Media the  organisers of the  awards for enduring legacy of BAFI and  its invaluable contributions to growth of  the financial sector”.
 
In a recent development,  Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, Founder, LAPO Microfinance Bank was conferred with the honour of ‘Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers’ in recognition of his immense contributions through LAPO Microfinance Bank to the development of the financial sector. Growth of the national economy and social and economic empowerment of members of low-income households and owners of micro small and medium enterprises in Nigeria ”
 
LAPO MfB remains committed to its over 30 years mandate of social and economic empowerment of members of low-income households and owners of micro small medium enterprises in the most  sustainable manner.

Kilogbe?
No be thing of joy? 🤔 😂

ojobolinda:
Mogbe!.. Hah!

Thank you sir

…Residents Demand Investigation, Justice

Unknown assailants unleashed terror on a private property owned by the Shonowo Family at No. 1 Okunola Martins Road, Ikoyi, Lagos and occupied by a reputable corporate tenant in the oil and gas industry. It was gathered that the sad event took place in the early hours of October 10, 2023 causing huge damage on the building and leaving many of the occupants wounded.

There are insinuations that the unwholesome attack was allegedly orchestrated and sponsored by one Chief Chidi Anyeagbu, owner of Chisco Motors in collaboration with some officials of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).

Eyewitness accounts painted a harrowing picture of the attack saying that the hooligans stormed the location of the property brandishing dangerous weapons and fueled by anger, descended upon the property, shattering glass windows, defacing the walls of the property, and causing untold suffering to the occupants. The chaos and destruction continued unchecked for hours, leaving the corporate staff and nearby residents terrified and helpless.

The assailants reportedly repeated the attack the following day - October 11, 2023 – leaving ranging degrees of damages to the property and causing injuries to the occupants of the premises.

Eyewitness accounts also revealed that the second attack was carried out by irate individuals comprising over 20 people including some construction workers, attacking security personnel causing injuries and damaging property within the premises and causing injuries to occupants of the building. In the fit of the overbearing nature, the invaders sealed off the premises with the Corporate Tenant's property inside.
Few hours after the attack, the Lion Building Area Command issued a warrant of arrest to the occupiers of the property backed up a claimant who was said to be an official of Lagos State government alleging that the building was occupied by miscreants.

Contrary to this claim, the said property has been occupied by the corporate tenant who have been residing in the property for over three decades without defaulting in rent and other statutory payments.

This attack has put a question mark on the safety of lawful business owners to operate freely in Lagos without fears. As investigations progress, the hope is to bring the perpetrators to justice and implement stringent security measures to fortify the city's corporate landscape against future threats.

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIGERIA TAKES BOLD STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY: COMMISSIONS 1MWP DC GRID-TIED SOLAR PANELS IN ITS IBADAN FACTORY

In line with its sustainability agenda of creating A Better Tomorrow™, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has announced the commissioning of its state-of-the art solar power plant in its Ibadan factory.

The commissioning of the solar plant was done by the Area Operations Director Sub-Sahara Africa Charles Kyalo and other members of the leadership team.

The Managing Director of BAT Nigeria and Cluster Director of West and Central Africa, Yarub Al-Bahrani remarked that the commissioning of the 1 MWp DC grid-tied solar panel system in the Ibadan factory, is “a significant step forward in BAT Nigeria’s journey towards sustainability.
This initiative not only showcases the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint but also sets a clear example for others in the industry”. He continued “by harnessing the power of renewable energy, BAT Nigeria is not only securing a cleaner future but also contributing positively to the community and the environment. BAT’s commitment to sustainable practices is unwavering, and this project is a testament to that commitment." He said.

The newly commissioned 1MWp DC grid-tied solar system is capable of generating an average of 2,800 KWh per day, while reducing carbon emissions by 450 Tons as it was designed in line with the BAT Photovoltaic (PV) Standard, using Tier-1 Solar panels (Jinko) and Inverters (SMA) equipment.

The Director, External Affairs, Odiri Erewa-Meggison posited that the installation of the new solar power plant reaffirms the BAT Nigeria’s position as a frontrunner in the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.

She said, “we are proud of this significant milestone as it affirms BAT’s commitment to our bold ambition to build A Better Tomorrow™ and reduce the impact of our business on the environment”.

Recall that BATN recently announced its zero waste to landfill and 100% recycling of all waste in the Factory. The Factory was also globally recognized and awarded the Alliance for Water Stewardship certification, in recognition of its responsible water governance, sustainable water use, protection of water quality, community engagement and continuous improvement.

Those good old days... Master of the Universe! 🌌

Martin Rohner, Director, Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GAVB) visits LAPO MFB, a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GAVB) and founding member of the GAVB- Africa Chapter.

Globally, the discussions on sustainable finance and climate change are on the front burner between State and Non-State actors. Energizing and leading this discourse are institutions and organized bodies such as LAPO MfB and GAVB. In 2019, LAPO MfB in partnership with GAVB organized the first-ever international sustainability conference themed “Enhancing Sustainable Finance in the Microfinance sub-sector” https://www.lapo-nigeria.org/Environmental-Social-Governance

In a press release issued by the bank, Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Communications, says, “Beyond Savings and Loans, LAPO MfB is deliberate about its social performance. In essence, the bank has carefully designed social components into its business operations, products, and services it provides to ensure a positive impact on people, the planet, and profit in the most sustainable manner.

Akande reiterates, “Our vision is to continue to deliver triple-bottom-line returns through our genuine commitment to the implementation of our various ESG mandates, partnerships, and advocacy programs aimed at improving the lives of members of low-income households, especially, women and children”.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7087356785497452545

The earth is our habitat; its sustenance largely depends on deliberate individual and collective actions!

World Humanitarian Day: Driving Positive Change with The Coca-Cola Foundation's Initiatives in Nigeria

The formidable strength of humanity inspires and galvanizes everyone to harmoniously collaborate in pursuit of the greater good, transcending personal ambitions. This unity prevails regardless of cultural, national, socioeconomic, political, or religious distinctions. To acknowledge these values, World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19, casting light on these critical qualities.
On World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate the selfless efforts of humanitarian workers and acknowledge champions who help advance sustainable development across the world. The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) is one of such champions whose commitment to making a difference in communities in Nigeria and beyond continues to stand strong.

As the primary philanthropic arm of The Coca‑Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation supports local and global changemakers leaving a measurable and lasting impact in areas around the world where the Company operates.
Established in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has contributed over $1.5 billion to elevate the wellbeing of the communities it serves.
TCCF consistently innovates to meet the growing needs of our world. Its initiatives empower women and youth through economic programs, providing valuable financial and digital literacy skills.

The Coca-Cola Foundation's swift response to disaster-affected areas, such as the 'Operation Ladder' project launched in Nigeria in November 2022, highlights its dedication to providing relief to communities in crisis. In partnership with Whitefield Foundation, the project delivered nutritional and sanitation essential relief materials alongside financial support, reaching over 52,000 people in Nigeria and helping smallholder farmers regain their livelihoods.

Placing people at the core of its strategy, The Coca-Cola Foundation has proudly championed several social impact programs that have recorded great success across the different geopolitical zones of the country. Some of the programs implemented in Nigeria between 2021 and 2023 include Catalyst for Change, EQUIP 60,000, JAMII Femmes, Awambi, D.A.F.E., Safe Birth Initiative and its Digital Skilling and Employment Project, all which support women and youth through their transformation journeys.
By delivering training, networking, and mentorship, TCCF empowers women to unlock their full potential, bloom into entrepreneurs, and enact change in society. As Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, reminds us, “World Humanitarian Day's true power lies in our shared dedication to raising each other up.”

Looking to the environment, TCCF's commitment to nurturing the planet is unequivocal. The Foundation pioneers comprehensive recycling solutions, while its sustainable water programs aim for a world where clean water and proper sanitation are universally accessible. Through key projects launched from 2022 till date such as the Resilient Watershed for All project, Project Kunyami, Empowering Collectors Initiative, Green Campus Project, and Waste in the City, TCCF displays a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship.
With an unwavering devotion to social good and sustainable development, The Coca-Cola Foundation is indeed fulfilling its mission of creating a brighter and more compassionate future for all.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

Henkel’s Global Corporate Volunteering Initiative Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary in Nigeria with Sustainability Awareness and Community Empowerment Event Themed “Project Waste to Wealth”


Henkel, a leading German multinational, and global manufacturer of industrial and consumer goods, commemorated the 25th anniversary of Make an Impact on Tomorrow (MIT) Initiative with an inspiring local theme in Nigeria, “Project Waste-to-Wealth”.

The primary objective was to educate underprivileged children in public primary schools about the importance of sustainability and empower them to become catalysts for positive change. To successfully deliver this project, Henkel Nigeria partnered with GWETO NGO and the Waste Museum to impact the lives of 100 primary school children in Ibadan, Oyo state. The children were taught to create arts and crafts using recyclable items, fostering creativity while instilling a sense of environmental consciousness. The event took place at several St Michael’s Primary schools (1, 3, 5, 7) and Special Basic school in Ibadan, where Henkel Nigeria volunteers gathered to create an engaging and interactive learning experience.

The MIT program, launched in 1998 for employees and retirees of Henkel has become a momentous occasion for Henkel, marking its commitment to voluntary social engagement as a vital component of its Corporate Citizenship activities. Henkel Nigeria’s Managing Director Rajat Kaput noted in a statement that Henkel Nigeria firmly believes that investing in education and environmental stewardship at grassroot levels will yield long-lasting results.

“As a socially responsible corporate citizen, we recognize the significance of sustainable development and are committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental consciousness whilst strengthening community relationships with local stakeholders and demonstrating our dedication to creating a positive impact beyond our business operations. Through ‘Project Waste to Wealth’ we hope to inspire these young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits and foster a sustainable future” Rajat noted.

The Assistant Head Teacher at IMG Basic Special School Ibadan, Mrs. Ganiyat Alabi commended the company for consistency in training the children over the years, noting: “This is not the first time Henkel Nigeria is doing an educational training and it is very great for the development of our children, we are very grateful to Henkel for these commitments. This is because these pupils are special children, and they are always eager to practice what they learn.”

Chidera Akwuba, the Transformation Manager and CSR Ambassador for Henkel Nigeria also noted through events like MIT day, Henkel Nigeria strives to create a positive impact, promote sustainability, and empower the younger generation with the necessary skills to build a better future. “Through Project “Waste to Wealth”, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation to adopt sustainable practices and take steps towards a greener future” she added.

As one of the first German companies to integrate voluntary social engagement into its core values, Henkel has consistently encouraged its retired and current employees to actively engage in community development projects within their immediate communities. Presently, Henkel’s employee’s dedication has resulted in over 38 million euros in donations, facilitating more than 17,000 volunteer programs and engaging approximately 10,000 volunteers globally.





About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The Adhesive Technologies business unit is global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in hair care and laundry & home care in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2022, Henkel reported sales of more than 22 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.3 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of more than 50,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com

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In today's digital era, there is a growing emphasis on increasing female participation in entrepreneurship to bridge the digital literacy gap. More women are making strides in technology, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce as they break down barriers.

The tech industry's male-dominated landscape has left little room for women to excel and created a shortage of technical professionals.
This widening gap in digital literacy among low-income female entrepreneurs necessitates more experts due to technological advancements.

Digital literacy enhances access to education and learning opportunities, empowering individuals to leverage online resources and educational platforms for self-improvement and personal growth. To address this need, The Wivesroundtable Foundation created the Digital Academy for Female Entrepreneurs (D.A.F.E) project, with funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF).

The recently concluded D.A.F.E cohort focused on fostering gender inclusivity and economic advancement for women in Lagos State through digital literacy training. Its curriculum covered social media basics, strategies, and digital marketing. The initiative empowered women to amplify their voices, challenge stereotypes, and drive societal change using social media, blogging, and digital content creation.

The project targeted female entrepreneurs aged 18 to 60 in Lagos State with the sole purpose of economically empowering over 500 women in Surulere, Lagos, promoting digital training, and establishing a learning assistance framework.
Celebrating the successful completion of its latest cohort, the 12-week-long program ran from March 2nd to May 31st, 2023. It brought together prominent members of commercial, entrepreneurial, and charitable communities to acknowledge the achievements of these female entrepreneurs and showcase TCCF's commitment to economic progress and gender inclusion.

The Coca-Cola Foundation continues to support women and youth empowerment initiatives through grants to non-profit organizations for social impact programs. The D.A.F.E project focuses on women and youth empowerment in Africa's economic development and sustainability in a bid to increase women's interest in technology, enable digital tool usage, reduce inequality, and boost income.

The closing ceremony recognized the success stories of D.A.F.E beneficiaries and provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and creative thinking. Many showcased their innovative business ideas and digital products or services, demonstrating technology's transformative influence on women-owned enterprises.

Throughout the training, 528 women entrepreneurs participated in two-day physical and virtual classes, each supported by dedicated staff to aid effective learning. By the program's end, 40% of previously digitally illiterate participants became comfortable in the digital space, with 60% already recording online sales and expanding their digital knowledge.
Amaka Chibuzo-Obi, Founder/Program Director of the Wivesroundtable Foundation, expressed gratitude for TCCF's support in making a meaningful impact in women's lives. She emphasized the importance of easy-to-understand technological concepts and digital literacy for middle-aged women to increase sales, grow businesses, and improve living standards.

To successfully kickstart the project, the Wivesroundtable Foundation utilized various channels to target women, including social media, community leaders, religious places, women's associations, and structured markets for information dissemination.
The partnership between the Wivesroundtable Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation marks a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of life of low-income female entrepreneurs through digital literacy.

The Coca-Cola Foundation continues to support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. The Foundation’s giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting its hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited (LAPO MfB) a premium microfinance institution in Nigeria, has disbursed over N74 billion in the first half of the year 2023.

In a statement issued by the bank, Oluremi Akande, Head of Marketing and Communications, stated that “LAPO MFB remains committed to its core mandate of providing easy access to credits to owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as members of low-income households who are financially excluded from the formal financial sector. This underscores our firm resolve to continue to promote economic activities and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”

Akande reiterates “LAPO MfB, in the last decade, disbursed over N1 trillion to owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises in Nigeria. Our 2023 strategic objective is to disburse over N200 billion by the end of the financial year.

LAPO Microfinance Bank is committed to its over 30 years mandate of social and economic empowerment of members of low-income households and owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises in a sustainable manner.

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FOUNDATION FOR CONSUMER FREEDOM ADVANCEMENT EMBRACES SWEDEN’S APPROACH TO TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION: IGNITING AFRICAN HARM REDUCTION MOVEMENT ON WORLD VAPE DAY 2023

[Abuja, Nigeria, 29th May 2023] - The Foundation for Consumer Freedom Advancement (FCFA) proudly joins the global community in celebrating World Vape Day 2023 on May 30th. This significant occasion allows us to reflect on the remarkable achievements made in combating smoking and to underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies, drawing inspiration from Sweden's successful model. By adopting Sweden’s approach, Nigeria can pave the way for other African nations, offering a beacon of hope in reducing smoking rates and promoting a healthier future.

Sweden's remarkable accomplishment is evident as it moves closer to becoming a smoke-free society. Over the past 15 years, smoking rates in Sweden have plummeted from 15% to an astonishingly low 5.6%, making it the lowest rate in Europe. This achievement not only reflects a decline in smoking but also signifies a substantial reduction in associated health risks. It also places Sweden 17 years ahead of the European Union's target. These remarkable statistics are a testament to the effectiveness of the Swedish way of making reduced risks alternative products to smoking widely accessible, acceptable and affordable.

In contrast, Nigeria continues to face the devastating consequences of smoking-related diseases. The World Health Organisation, in 2022, reported that nearly 30,000 lives were lost in Nigeria due to this. According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, 4.1% of the adult population in Nigeria are current smokers, representing approximately 4.5 million individuals. The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction reports that while 7.9% of men in Nigeria are current smokers, only 0.3% of women engage in smoking. These figures underscore the urgent need for the Nigerian government to prioritize THR and learn from the Swedish model.

Sweden's remarkable achievement in reducing smoking rates can be attributed to two main steps. Firstly, they adopted Snus, a smokeless oral tobacco product, which kickstarted their smoke-free journey. Secondly, Sweden promotes diverse alternatives to traditional cigarettes. They ensure comprehensive accessibility by offering a range of reduced-risk alternatives such as e-cigarettes or vaping products and nicotine pouches. These alternatives are made readily available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and tobacco stores, simplifying the transition process for smokers. To further motivate smokers, Sweden focuses on promoting acceptance of these reduced-risk alternatives. They conduct public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and targeted messaging to reduce the stigma associated with these products. Additionally, Sweden addresses the affordability factor by implementing taxation policies and pricing strategies that make reduced-risk alternatives more affordable than traditional cigarettes. This eliminates a major barrier for smokers who want to switch to safer options

Sweden's latest health miracle could save millions of lives across the African continent. Adopting this approach to tobacco harm reduction, African countries, including Nigeria, have the opportunity to transform public health outcomes and reduce the staggering toll of tobacco-related diseases.

The success of Sweden in drastically reducing smoking rates and improving public health outcomes provide an invaluable roadmap for Nigerian policymakers, public health officials and advocates. With accessibility, acceptability and affordability of reduced-risk alternatives to smoking, Nigeria can begin to address the pressing health challenges associated with smoking and reduce the staggering number of preventable deaths caused by tobacco-related diseases.

The Foundation for Consumer Freedom Advancement (FCFA) calls upon the Nigerian government to make Tobacco Harm Reduction a priority. Embracing the principles exemplified by Sweden provides Nigeria an opportunity to save lives, improve public health outcomes and alleviate the burden on health-care resources. Through education, regulation and provision of safer alternatives, Nigeria can empower its citizens to make informed choices and transition from traditional combustible tobacco products.

On this World Vape Day, let us celebrate Sweden's victory over smoking and use it as a catalyst for change in Nigeria (and Africa in general) and #Quitlikesweden. The FCFA stands ready to support and collaborate with stakeholders in Nigeria to promote Tobacco Harm Reduction initiatives and work towards a smoke-free future. Together, we can protect the health and well-being of Nigerian citizens and make significant progress in reducing the devastating impact of tobacco-related diseases.

The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has partnered with the Rural Africa Water Development Project (RAWDP) and the Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction and Urban Resilience (IDRRUR) to increase water security and resilience for communities within Imo State through its ‘Resilient Watershed for All’ initiative.

The initiative will support the State’s Water Corporation Board and the social and economic development of 25 communities within Imo State, all of which depend on the Otamiri River as a critical water source.

The community-based interventions focus on watershed governance, sanitising and protecting watershed sources through the conservation of forest and woodland ecosystems. It attempts to provide long-term access to clean water and lower the prevalence of water-borne illnesses.

Similarly, the project addresses several important challenges faced by these communities such as inadequate access to clean drinking water caused by the degradation of the significant Otamiri watershed; low awareness levels of the importance of, and capacity for, watershed management; insufficient capacity of the communities to sustainably manage the watershed; and loss of biodiversity and forest cover caused by high levels of deforestation.

Speaking to the project’s significance, the President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg, remarked saying, We are dedicated to enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities by promoting sustainable access to safe water. We take pride in collaborating with strategic partners and stakeholders to amplify our impact and efficacy.

Over a 24-month period, this project is set to reach a total of 2.5 million people across the three urban local government areas of Owerri North, Owerri West and Owerri Municipal LGAs of Imo State. This intervention will restore and replenish over 15,000m3 of riparian landscape using nature-based solutions especially riparian buffers on the riverbank.

To sustain this, the initiative will mainstream asset management into the management of these water facilities to guarantee longevity and sustainability of this impact investment. The project will also accelerate community impact by prioritising sustainability and ensuring that key inputs to unlock sustainability gains are optimised.

On the project aspirations, Ogechi Ezeji, Executive Director, Rural Africa Water Development Initiative, explained ” By working together under this approach, RAWDP and the Coca Cola Foundation, hopes to successfully address critical challenges in dozens of communities and a wide variety of issue areas and sectors, including but not limited to: water and sanitation, health, food security, climate change, education, energy, and entrepreneurship. RAWDP is leveraging this partnership with TCCF to espouse its avowed commitment to increasing its development impact in Nigeria and is available to engage and collaborate with other stakeholders and the development community. Such collaborations are essential to achieving our mission of ending extreme poverty and reducing mortality rates due to low levels of sanitation and hygiene.”
The Coca-Cola Foundation continues to improve access to safe water, facilitating sanitation and reliable protection of natural water resources in Nigeria through meaningful partnerships with the government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and local communities.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

In the face of natural disasters, the efforts towards supporting affected communities around the world are crucial to environmental safety, wellbeing and effective handling of the aftermath of such occurrences. Dealing with the problems of disaster management also requires the adoption of practical measures to positively impact society through humanitarian interventions.

To avoid or mitigate the effects of a natural disaster like flooding, community engagement and participation by stakeholders can help to increase awareness and motivate people to take precautions to protect lives and properties. The effectiveness and sustainability of flood mitigation techniques can be increased by involving communities in the planning as well as execution phases.

In 2022, Nigeria experienced its most devastating flood to date, affecting several states and resulting in the destruction of homes, farms, and infrastructure, further leading to displacement of residents and loss of lives.

The excessive flow of water from the Lagdo Dam in Northern Cameroon was released into Nigeria through the River Benue, causing harm to the neighboring communities. The floods damaged over 300,000 houses and an estimated 569,251 hectares of farmland, causing affected households to lose food sources and income. This disaster prompted many organizations, including The Coca-Cola Foundation, to step in and offer humanitarian aid to affected communities, including The Coca-Cola Foundation.

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, has a long history of supporting communities around the world and is committed to a charitable giving strategy that makes a difference in communities around the world, particularly in areas where the company operates. Speaking on itstheir commitment, TCCF President Saadia Madsberg said, “ours is a long standing commitment to do what we can, where we can, to improve the lives of those who have been negatively impacted by these unfortunate but natural occurring events.

We will do our part, leveraging key stakeholders and the expertise available, partnering where we are able to, to ensure that lives and livelihoods are preserved.The Coca-Cola Foundation maintains a steadfast dedication to aiding communities adversely affected by natural disasters. By supporting nonprofit organizations and harnessing the knowledge of crucial stakeholders, we help safeguard lives and sustain livelihoods in these challenging times.

When the floods hit in 2022, The Coca-Cola Foundation recognized the urgent need to help those affected and set up a mitigation strategy that birthed “Operation Ladder”, a comprehensive disaster relief program to provide assistance and support to flood victims and communities, in two of the affected states; Anambra and Delta States.

Implemented by Whitefield Foundation (WFF), a non-profit organization, the project was funded by a $175,000 grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation and tagged “Operation Ladder” meaning “Laugh at Deluge, Drink, Eat and Rejuvenate” because it sought to helpsupport 30,000 individuals (who make up 5,000 households) in the affected communities climb out of the difficult situation caused by the floods.
In the immediate aftermath of the project, over 8,700 households; 52,554 individuals and 78 communities across 12 LGAs received nutritional, and WASH supplies, alongside medical assistance to 5,000 households in the affected areas of Delta and Anambra States. The program also provided clean water and sanitation facilities to help prevent the spread of disease in the communities, accompanied by seedlings to 2,800 small-holder farmers, wherein 80% of them were women, in a bid to restore their means of sustenance.

In the longer term, Operation Ladder focused on helping communities rebuild and recover. The program provided funding and resources for rebuilding homes and infrastructure, as well as for restarting businesses and livelihoods.
One of the key objectives of Operation Ladder was to empower communities to become more resilient in the face of future disasters. The program included training and education initiatives aimed at equipping people with the skills and knowledge they need to prepare for and respond to future emergencies.

Speaking about the impact of the programme, Funmi Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Whitefield Foundation (WFF), stated, “Operation Ladder has been a true testament to the power of collaboration and the impact that can be made when we come together to support those in need. Through this, we have been able to provide critical support and assistance to thousands of people who were affected by the devastating floods in 2022”.

For two months, the Operation LADDER relief project was implemented with stakeholder engagements targeted at the relevant government agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency in Delta and Anambra States, local authorities such as chairpersons and community leaders, while also working with women leaders.

The relief materials were distributed directly in the communities through a three-pronged strategy of Identify, Distribute and Partner (IDP) involving major stakeholders including local government chairpersons, monarchs, religious and community leaders, and the women's groups.
In Delta State, however, the intervention was concentrated in four LGAs; Isoko South, Ughelli North, Ndokwa East, and Oshimili South where the relief items were distributed at the community and local government levels over three weeks.

The relief intervention included 700,000 high-yield cassava stems/seedlings which are estimated to cover the cultivation of 490-560 acres of farmland to produce 3,120-3,580 tons of cassava tubers and reproduce an estimated 5,600,000 to 8,400,000 high yield stems for farming by the next planting season.

Speaking to the project’s significance, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria stated, “Through Operation Ladder, we were able to provide not just immediate relief, but also long-term support and assistance to help affected communities rebuild and recover. One of the most rewarding aspects of the project has been seeing the resilience and determination of the communities we have been working with and the positive impact that our support has had on their lives".
She further explained, "Our investment in Operation Ladder has been a true demonstration of The Coca-Cola Foundation's commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate, and we are proud of the results we have achieved”.

The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

Since its inception in 1984, the foundation has been committed to supporting sustainable community initiatives worldwide by investing over $1.5B in areas such as water stewardship, women's economic empowerment, and environmental protection. By partnering with local organizations and leveraging the strengths of the Coca-Cola system, the foundation aims to create lasting positive impact and foster thriving, resilient communities where the company operates.

BAT’s commitment to DEI recognized as Director of External Affairs joins the Institute of Directors Nigeria[i][/i]

British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Ltd. is proud to announce that the Director of External Affairs, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, has been inducted as an associate at the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD Nigeria), alongside 99 others, at the flag-off of its 40th anniversary event that was held in Lagos recently. The induction is a testament to the Institute's efforts to support directors in Nigeria and promote best corporate governance practices in the country.

"BAT Nigeria is committed to building a Better Tomorrow™ and contributing to the economic growth and development of the nations in which it operates," said Odiri Erewa-Meggison. "I am grateful to the institute for considering me fit in character and competence, and I would leverage my capability to contribute to the institute achieving its objectives."

As a global business operating in over 180 markets, BAT recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a key organizational strength that enables it to attract and retain the best talent and provide the best products and services to its consumers. The company is proud to be recognized as a Global Top Employer in Nigeria and West Africa and awarded the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives award and overall winner of the 2022 HR Oscars award conferred by the Chartered institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Erewa-Meggison, an expert in corporate governance practices, is also an experienced lawyer as well as a chartered secretary, with experience garnered over 20 years of working across diverse sectors of the economy including oil and gas, telecoms and tobacco manufacturing sectors. As the External Affairs Director for West and Central Africa, she is responsible for leading the external affairs and communications strategy in accordance with BAT Group’s positions within those markets.

With a robust workforce, BAT Nigeria continues to drive ownership and accountability, build diverse talent pipelines, create enablers and invest in its people, to achieve its DEI goals.

BAT'S BATTLE OF MINDS COMPETITION 2023: CALLING ALL YOUNG INNOVATORS TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW™

British American Tobacco (BAT) is committed to building a Better Tomorrow™, and we believe young people play a vital role in shaping the future. That's why we are pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 Battle of Minds Challenge, a global internship program designed for young innovators to solve real-world problems and transform the future of business.

Our global battle of minds challenge commenced from May 9th and ends on June 30th; we are looking for creative minds to join us. Participants will work in teams representing different countries, competing in challenging rounds to secure a place in the global final. The winning team members will receive a coveted internship opportunity with BAT, as well as other prizes. This year's prize portfolio has been broadened, with local winners having employment opportunities with BAT, while the global winner will go home with £50,000 in investments as well as participation in an accelerator programme.

We are calling on final year students in tertiary institutions, young graduates (2-3 years post-graduation), serving youth corps members, young start-up founders (up to 4 years post-graduation), and young Nigerians in the diaspora who fit into these sets.

The competition aims to solve four different challenges. The Tech Challenge –focused on how cutting-edge technologies like AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality can be used to create a more sustainable world. The Bio Challenge - aims to reduce the CO2 footprint of our everyday lives through sustainable farming and packaging alternatives. The Inclusion Challenge - seeks ideas that can drive an inclusive culture in the workplace through technology and innovation. The Energy Challenge - calls for innovations in the renewable space to make our planet greener.

Sergio Berlanga, the HR Director of BAT West and Central Africa remarked: " To accelerate our Better Tomorrow™ transformation we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and investing in next generation leaders. The Battle of Minds enables us to do this and I encourage every young person at the start of their career and with BOLD ambitions of innovation, to join the Battle of Minds global competition”.

Be part of the future of innovative business solutions by joining the Battle of Minds today. Visit the competition website at competition.bat-battleofminds.com. Register, Prepare and submit your innovative ideas. The entries will close on June 30th, 2023.
Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity to showcase your ideas and change the future of business.

Ramadan, considered the most important month in Islam, comprises a 28 to 30 day period when adherents of the Islamic faith observe fasting, prayers, and spiritual reflection. Importantly, during Ramadan, Muslims are called on to engage in acts of charity and kindness in their communities. These acts of giving include sharing gifts and meals, especially at Sahur and Iftar.

By sharing meals and gifts with family members, friends, and the indigent members of the community during the holy month, individuals and groups strengthen family and community ties, build bonds, as well as empathize with the struggles of those who do not have enough to eat or drink.

To amplify the significance of this holy time of the year, Coca-Cola launched its thematic campaign reinforcing the importance of sharing this season. It’s campaign tagged, "This Ramadan, sharing makes us one", focused primarily on individuals and groups who make an impact in their communities by prioritising other people's needs above theirs.

For the 30 days of Ramadan, Coca-Cola excited its consumers across communities in the Northern and Western regions of Nigeria including Ibadan, the Oyo State capital; Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Kano, in Kano State. The total beverage company, known for refreshing the world and promoting sharing and bonding occasions, not only celebrated the holy month with Muslims, but also created experiences around the season by distributing packages, comprising specially curated gift boxes, a month's supply of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and selected groceries.

Led by prominent Muslim influencers across Ibadan, Abuja, and Kano, the campaign saw Popular Nollywood actor and producer, Femi Adebayo, distribute gift boxes to Muslims in Ibadan; renowned singer, Umar Sheriff, lead similar efforts in Abuja; while Kano-based film actor and director, Yakubu Mohammed, also made visits to selected consumers in Kano to engender the spirit of sharing.

Across the three cities selected for the campaign, thirty individuals and groups were presented with gift boxes throughout the month of Ramadan. This move by the beverage leader sought to demonstrate its appreciation to its valued consumers who continue to promote acts of kindness and philanthropy by supporting their communities with their talents and resources, culminating in notable impact across society.
Whether through volunteering, providing meals, funds or serving their communities in various capacities, these recipients have selflessly done their charitable acts for years, impacting the lives of several community members.

Odebode Hakeem, an educational consultant and resident of Ibadan who participated in the sharing experience, has facilitated scholarships for medical students. From 2002 to 2022, the Master’s degree holder from the University of Ilorin facilitated fully funded scholarships for 10 medicine and surgery students to Russia at no cost to the students. In addition, Hakeem assists and encourages aspiring students seeking to gain admission into higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.

Speaking on the gesture by Coca-Cola, Hakeem expressed gratitude to the brand saying, “This was a one-of-a-kind experience for me and I am truly grateful to Coca-Cola for extending a hand of kindness to me during this special time of the year; I implore others to follow in the example set by this great brand by showing kindness to people within your communities”.

Alhaja Saidat Adebayo, another Ibadan resident, is known to her community as one who continuously assists fellow residents by giving aims to the indigent members of the community, and makes Iftar for Muslims every Ramadan season at one of the mosques in the Oyo State capital.

With heartfelt thanks to Coca-Cola for the timely package, Adebayo said “A big thank you to Coca-Cola for this wonderful token. I have been a strong advocate of philanthropy and I encourage others to adopt an attitude of kindness wherever you find yourself, all for the good of our society. It feels good to be recognized and valued by this great brand”.

Feeding a group of people during the month of Ramadan can be financially draining. Yet, Imam Fuad Adeyemi’s organization has over the years hosted the biggest Ramadan feeding program in Abuja. Adeyemi’s organization feeds over 1,000 people daily during the holy month. In addition, his organization hosts several educative Islamic programs and the annual Ramadan lecture to enlighten Muslim faithfuls on television.

“You really can’t explain the joy experienced by putting smiles on the faces of people around you. For me, providing basic resources to those in need is a way of improving their welfare and helping our community by extension. I am thankful to Coca-Cola for acknowledging our efforts in making the Abuja community a better place”, Adeyemi said.

In the same vein, Khadija Kubura uses her talent not just to earn an income for herself, but also to improve the lives of the indigent in Abuja. The talented content creator established the ‘Feed a Stranger Foundation’ which caters to the underserved in the capital city both during and after Ramadan through the provision of meals and other amenities.

Kubura simultaneously creates and uploads content on the Islamic faith, thereby enlightening her audience on the teachings and practices, especially on what is expected of Muslim faithfuls during the month of Ramadan.

Desirous to see children excel and become great personalities for society, Surayya Muktar has for over two years tutored school children in Kano whose parents cannot afford to enrol them in formal schools. The private school teacher takes a special interest in helping students achieve academic excellence by providing extra lessons to school children free of charge.

Also noteworthy is Mubarak Usman, a community health worker who strives for a healthy population in his locale in Kano. To support this, Usman provides free or subsidized healthcare for patients who cannot afford treatment, and he has done this for over 10 years. Following receipt of the curated gift box, Usman expressed his appreciation and excitement for the surprising recognition from the leading brand.

Other recipients who spoke expressed their delight at the initiative and lauded Coca-Cola for appreciating their efforts. They registered their surprise around the recognition, noting that the gesture has spurred them to continue doing great work in their communities.

Speaking on the rationale behind the company’s presentation of gifts, the Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Yusuf Murtala, explained that the campaign sought to promote the spirit of sharing and togetherness as one of the core messages of Ramadan.

"As a company, we understand the value of sharing and rewarding good deeds, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. We know that we have good people in our communities, all doing their part in making a difference across their different demographics. We will continue to support our consumers by making positive impact across the communities we call home”, he said.

To celebrate the end of the month of Ramadan, Coca-Cola wrapped up its campaign with an Eid celebration that hosted its consumers and members of the Kano community to a refreshing time with the leading brand.

Three Crowns milk, Nigeria’s leading low cholesterol milk from the stable of the No. 1 dairy company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, has announced its readiness to sustain its acknowledged culture of promoting health and wellness among consumers and the general public across Nigeria as the brand has flagged off the seventh edition of its Three Crowns Fitness campaign.

It would be recalled that the 30-day Fitness campaign was established by the iconic brand in 2016 as a platform to encourage every Nigerian, especially mothers to live healthy lifestyles by cultivating healthy habits. Till date, the campaign continues to serve as a platform to help mums keep fit, while emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

The campaign, this year, is continuing with the same tag, ‘’EveryBody Is Welcome’’ which it had last year. This tagline is for the purpose of driving inclusivity of everyone, irrespective of body shape, size, etc. It so resonated with consumers and the general public such that there was immense participation in last year’s campaign; and more of such is expected this year.

Speaking on the campaign idea for 2023, Three Crowns’ Marketing Manager, Chioma Otisi-Igwe, noted that the theme of the campaign, ‘’EveryBody Is Welcome’’, refers to a double speak of every shape, form and size of human physical build up as well all sexes”. “The heart of this is to ensure there is inclusivity and position the brand as a cheerleader that motivates people as they work towards achieving their body goals to have a great health”, Otisi-Igwe said.

She continues, “Through the campaign, we intend to engage consumers with daily routines using unconventional work out tools to grow fitness in exciting ways”.
The campaign which is scheduled to hold from May 1 to May 30 will feature daily exercise videos tailored to suit different levels of fitness challenge participants, including the Newbie (Beginner’s level), Wannabe (Standard level) and Pro (Advanced level), based on their thresholds to exercises.
These videos will be deployed across the brand’s digital platforms (social media, WhatsApp and Telegram); and consumers are expected to recreate same, repost on their social media handles and tag the handle @3crownsmilk, using the hashtag #TC30DaysFitnessChallenge. Similarly, they can also share their videos directly on the WhatsApp and Telegram coaching groups.

According to the marketing manager, interested participants can sign up for the sessions via the Three Crowns website. They can also join dedicated Whatsapp and Telegram groups for the campaign.
And, following the daily routines, participants will be sent meal plans, which will further help them to stay in check as they keep fit and stay healthy.
As Jacob further disclosed, for the duration of the campaign, Saturday sessions will feature different cardio dance exercises which will hold online across the brand’s social media pages and streamed real time. These sessions will be anchored by Shedams (Creator of Nigeria's 1st Weight loss Reality TV Show - The Fastest Shedder) and other fitness influencers.
Also, participants will be engaged in different mini-workout challenges, such as Speed bounce, for a chance to win amazing prizes.
It is worthy of note that Three Crowns is the first milk brand to show care for mothers, while acknowledging the important roles they play in the family. The brand recognizes that when mothers, socially believed to be primary care takers, are themselves taken care of, this directly and positively impacts the care they give to their families. The brand has thus given itself the patriotic task of encouraging women to eat and live healthy, thereby making fitness a lifestyle.

International Women’s Day, commemorated on March 8 annually, is a global event that celebrates women’s achievements and shines the spotlight on issues such as enabling economic and gender equality, as well as promoting female empowerment. Throughout the year, individuals and organizations around the world are taking action to support gender equality.

As part of activities to mark the 2023 edition of the IWD, Henkel Nigeria, makers of the premium detergents, WAW and Nittol, reiterated its commitment to women's development and empowerment by supporting the maiden edition of “Iya Henry”.

“Iya Henry” is an event adopted to celebrate womanhood and discuss issues affecting women in all spheres of life, including business, health and wellness, finance, relationships, and motherhood.

Speaking at the “Iya Henry” event, Chidera Akwuba, Manager, Transformation and PAG, at Henkel Nigeria, said Henkel Nigeria remains committed to the advancement of the welfare of women and girls in the country. She noted that the company’s advocacy of women's development aligns with the 2023 IWD theme: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”

“At Henkel Nigeria, we are passionate about women. We want to see them thrive and achieve great feats. In our dynamic world today, women have more opportunities to excel, and we are, therefore, glad to partner with ‘Iya Henry', which provides a safe space for women to live up to their full potential,” she said.
In the same vein, Henkel Nigeria has announced plans to launch a women's empowerment programme which will commence in the third quarter of 2023.
According to Rajat Kapur, Managing Director of Henkel Nigeria, the initiative was born out of the company’s dedication to the advancement of the socio-economic development of women in Nigeria.
‘We are dedicated to helping women and girls reach their full potential, whether at home, in business or the classroom. The initiative will equip participants with the skills they need to excel in their chosen fields,” Kapur explained. The programme will be open to female entrepreneurs, fresh graduates, and experienced professionals, Kapur revealed.

Akwuba noted that one of the cornerstones of Henkel’s global company culture is the incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its operations. She stated that Henkel was one of the first German-stock listed companies to establish a dedicated global diversity team, adding that the company has established a wide DEI network, involving women, who work collaboratively across all departments and regions where it is operational.

Henkel currently has around 39 per cent of women who work across its management positions globally, and the company has made considerable progress in recent years while striving towards increasing the number of women working in its organization, both in Nigeria and at the global level.

According to Akwuba, the company is keen on its commitments to ensure that it is a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization, as it has taken it up as its social responsibility to mirror the gender parity of the global population and provide equal access to opportunities.
“Also, as part of our commitments, we strive to achieve gender parity across all management levels by 2025, with a significant increase in the number of women in the top positions”, she added.


About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market of adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in hair care and laundry & home care in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2022, Henkel reported sales of more than 22 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.3 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with concrete targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of more than 50,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com

Humanity is blessed with the earth – one of the most natural resources ever known. This gift of nature is the magnanimity of elements such as air, water and fire. Earth otherwise known as Mother Nature is the keeper of what makes life so unique and special. Thus, a thick ball strung together by the crust, the inner and outer core of races from different continents of the world.

Every year, World Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd as a day that raises awareness on the degradation and possible extinction of our planet. This year’s theme, “Invest in Our Planet” suggests a more pragmatic approach towards the kind disposition with the environment and, purposefully, reaching out and collaborating with others in raising high the flag of advocating a safer environment.
According to Environmentalists and Climate Change experts, one of the rising concerns of the earth is the climate change phenomenon. This is attributed to the release of hazardous gaseous substances into the air and the indiscriminate disposal of industrial waste. However, leading organisations around the world are now taking initiative to preserve the earth by advocating for energy and water reduction, pollution, and waste management.
Leading this charge is The Coca-Cola Company, who through its longstanding mission of making a difference in communities across the world, continues to deliver on this promise through its diverse sustainability commitments. In 2022, Coca-Cola launched its Africa Sustainability Platform, JAMII, focused on three strategic pillars where it has made considerable progress to deepen its ESG impact; water leadership, women and youth economic empowerment and packaging waste management.
With its focus on water, climate, energy, and waste management among others, The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria and its bottling partner, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), consistently displays its commitment to investing in our planet by supporting a better shared future for communities and minimizing its impact on the environment.
Sustainable Packaging and Environmental Sustainability
As one of the key players in the global business space, The Coca-Cola Company in 2018, announced its World Without Waste commitment to help collect and recycle the equivalent of a bottle or can for every one the company sells by 2030; to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025; and to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.
This initiative has impacted the production and packaging of plastic bottles in ways that help curb the adverse effects of climate change. Following exact scientific procedure on the company’s Science-Based Target for climate, there has been an introduction of substitution of fossil fuel with plant-based outputs. Other adopted strategies include lightweighting packaging bottles, production of refillables and encouraging recycling programmes to recover PET packaging.
This objective is shared by the company and its local bottling partner in Nigeria, Nigerian Bottling Company, who as a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, invests in strategies that significantly bolster its efforts in the areas of energy use reduction, water use reduction, emissions reduction, and waste output reduction. As a result, 50% of its production operations are now partially powered by solar energy, with photovoltaic cells delivering up to 3,640 Kilowatt peak power output (KWp) to its plants.

Over the years, The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, in collaboration with other recycling partners, has co-created environmental sustainability programs that has helped to deepen the thrust of its sustainability agenda. Some of these programs include Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE) by MEDIC, RecyclesPay by African Cleanup Initiative, Waste in the City and the Green Campus Project by SWEEP Foundation, Tidy Nigeria by FABE Foundation, Cash 4 Trash by WASTE Africa, Project Revive and Project DORI by Recycle Points, Waste to Wealth by Do Good Foundation, Empowering Collectors Initiative by Growing Business Foundation and Cycleplast by Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre.

Over 4 billion plastic bottles have been extracted collectively, while also assisting in the scaling and establishment of 23 small to medium-sized collectors and aggregators, which are in turn producing thousands of employments in their local environments.

In addition to this, Coca-Cola Nigeria, through an industry-wide move facilitated the creation of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) – a coalition of forward-looking companies united by a shared concern for the environment. The coalition has evolved from a four-member group to 30 big organizations with a commitment to build a sustainable recycling economy for food and beverage packaging waste. FBRA and its members have been able to shape public policy and take action that supports a circular economy and the evolution of waste management in Nigeria.

Water Leadership

The organization’s water leadership efforts supports its climate targets by not only helping to reduce carbon emissions through efficiency and reuse but also creating significant ecosystem and carbon benefits through nature-based solutions and replenishment.
The company in 2021, announced a holistic water strategy which aims to achieve water security across its operations, local watersheds and communities. The goals related to the strategy’s key focus areas include:

• Achieve 100% circular water use – or regenerative water use across 175 facilities identified as “leadership locations” by 2030.
• Work with partners to help improve the health of 60 watersheds identified as most critical for the company's operations and agricultural supply chains by 2030.
• Aim to return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally, between 2021 - 2030.
In driving goal 3, The Coca-Cola Foundation’s flagship program, Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) was introduced to address Africa’s water challenges through healthy watershed programmes and community water programs. The Pan-African program aligns with the company’s global vision to replenish water in communities they operate and source ingredients through strategic partnerships in order to deliver sustainable projects, aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6 which is Clean water and Sanitation for all.
The program which was managed by the Global Environment and Technology Foundation (GETF) ran in two phases. At the end of the second phase in 2020, it recorded a positive impact of over 7 million people across the continent. The program replenished over 20 billion liters of water to communities and nature, improving access to water, health and sanitation which in turn improved hygiene behaviours, established and enhanced sustainable water management practices, improved environmental stewardship and community health and promoted efficient and sustainable use of water for economic development.
To further drive the goal of water replenishment, The Coca-Cola Foundation has provided over $1.3million to two NGOs namely the Rural Africa Water Development Project (RAWDP) for Disaster Risk Reduction and Urban Resilience in Imo state; and GETF who is partnering with WaterAid on an 18-month project targeted at improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in four communities within and around the Maiduguri Metropolis of Borno State.
With its giant strides in areas of climate change advocacy and circular economy, The Coca-Cola Company has indeed proven its unshaken commitment towards preserving the earth for future generations and continues to take concrete steps to invest in our planet.

Curlla, a premium beauty salon is set to hold the highly anticipated grand opening for its state-of-the-art salon, located at 17, Wole Ariyo Street, off Admiralty Way in Lekki, Lagos State.

Scheduled to hold on 26th April, 2023 at Curlla's flagship center in Lekki, , located at 17, Wole Ariyo Street, off Admiralty Way in Lekki, the event promises to showcase Curlla's commitment to providing unparalleled luxury and personalized experiences to guests.

Curlla invites lovers of elegance to join them for a private evening of glamour as they unveil the luxury salon. The evening will feature a live band, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience Curlla's signature services, including manicures, pedicures, facials, and hair styling.

The Premium salon’s highly trained and experienced beauty experts will be on hand to offer guests a personalized consultation and provide expert advice on the best services for their specific needs with the finest quality products to ensure that every guest leaves feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and beautiful.

Curlla's grand opening is an event not to be missed.