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”.
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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.

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on January 30 sentenced a businessman, Kenneth Amadi, to 18 months imprisonment over a fraud of N2.9 billion. The court found, among others, that Amadi, while an employee of Eunisell Ltd owned by a businessman Chika Ikenga, abused his position and diverted the proceeds of sale of Eunisell's goods to a company operated by he and his wife. The case highlights the growing problem of trust deficit among highly-placed employees handling sensitive employer business, …… reports.

In the year 2000, seven years after Chika Ikenga set up Eunisell Limited in Victoria Island, Lagos, he hired Kenneth Ndubisi Amadi – an ambitious university graduate fresh out of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme – as a salesman. As Eunisell’s chemicals importation, distribution and manufacturing business grew, so did Ikenga grow the welfare and work conditions of his employees, including Amadi, who soon rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a salary of N2.5million plus $4,000 monthly (according to his employer), an official Lexus SUV, business class tickets for travels, and free medical care abroad, all paid for by Eunisell, as of October 2016.
But on January 30, 2023, almost seven years after he left the firm, Amadi was on his way to jail for some of his actions while working for Eunisell. His company IDID Nigeria Limited was also about to be liquidated.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos convicted and sentenced Amadi to 18 months imprisonment over an alleged fraud of N2.9 billion belonging to Eunisell.
Justice Alagoa arrived at the decision, after finding Amadi guilty of counts 4 and 5 of the criminal charge FHC/L/355C/2019 filed against him by the Federal Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The court held that the conviction was without an option of a fine. It equally ordered that IDID Nigeria Limited be liquidated with immediate effect.
Amadi was, however, discharged of counts 1, 2 and 3.

The charge

On October 2, 2019, the Office of the AGF filed a five-count charge against Amadi and IDID for allegedly obtaining Eunisell’s N2.9b by false pretence and with intent to defraud from A-Z Petroleum Ltd and AMMASCO International Ltd. He was also accused of forgery of invoices and waybills, as well as suppression of data concerning financial transfers to Eunisell “with intent to confer economic benefits” on himself

Counts four and five of the charge read in part: “That you Kenneth Ndubisi Amadi and IDID Nigeria Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, while being trustees of the sum of N2.9b belonging to Eunisell Ltd did convert same without authority to create sufficient deposits to promote the credibility of your own company (IDID Nig Ltd) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 434 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004 and punishable under the same Section of the Act

“That you Kenneth Ndubisi Amadi and IDID Nigeria Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, while serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Eunisell Ltd, at Lagos, did receive the sum of N2.9b belonging to Eunisell Ltd and with intent to defraud, omitted from making full and true entry thereof in the books and accounts of the company and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 435 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004 and punishable under the same Section of the Act.

The Federal Government arraigned Amadi on June 25, 2021.

He pleaded not guilty.

Trial

The trial commenced on October 15, 2021, with the government calling Ikenga as Prosecution Witness 1 (PW1). Ikenga said he was the Managing Director of Eunicell Limited, a firm into importing and distribution of chemicals, which are used to manufacture lubricants, like engine oil used in cars and oil and gas, to manufacture drinks and also used in the food industry. He said he had been in business for 25 years and that his company was incorporated in 1993. PWI stated that Amadi was his employee, who was hired in 2000. PWI said that Defendant started as a Salesman in 2000 after his NYSC, grew to become an Assistant Manager and was promoted to a General Manager and in 2012 was made Eunisell’s CEO.

PWI said, among others, that customers make payment for goods purchased directly into the company's account and Eunisell's customers included Shell, Total, ExxonMobil, Cando, A-Z Petroleum, Conoil etc.

Ikenga testified that Amadi’s responsibilities as CEO included growing the company, day-to-day operation of the company, promoting the company and its products to the customer and also serving as an account manager for big customers.


Betrayal

He also stated that 1st Defendant Amadi left Eunisell on October 28, 2016, as CEO following an enquiry by one of Eunisell’s foreign suppliers and partner Lubrizol which manufactures lubricant used in manufacturing engine oils and other types of lubricant used in vehicles. Lubrizol wrote to Amadi and copied Ikenga in July and told Amadi Defendant that their competitor called Oronite had appointed a distributor in Nigeria and they wanted him to find out about this local distributor called A.B.D. Energy Solutions Ltd.

Ikenga said Amadi did not get back to them with the information and gave no reason for that. PWI stated that he then asked his lawyers to find out from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) the particulars of the company so that he could furnish the foreign firm with the information.

According to PWI, the search from the CAC revealed that his CEO Amadi was the owner, shareholder, promoter and director of A.H.D. Energy Solutions Limited.

Ikenga said he was shocked, as Amadi's salary at Eunisell was N2.5m plus $4,000 monthly, his official car was a Lexus SUV and he was flying business class which the company was paying for. “Also, the defendant had all his medicals abroad and the same was paid by PWI's company.” However, PWI did not produce a document showing that the said $4000 was part of the 1st defendant's salary.

Ikenga further stated that Amadi had been going to the Research Development and Technology of his company's suppliers in the United Kingdom for training. He stated that the research centre “was the heart of his business and it wouldn't be difficult for an American company to accuse somebody, therefore the defendant would have been sharing market information with Oronite.” PWI also said that when Amadi was confronted, he resigned on October 28, 2016.

How defendant’s alleged fraud was exposed

According to PWI, upon the defendant leaving, an audit was carried out to reconcile the account of the big companies he was managing. Ikenga stated that the audit revealed that payments that had been coming into PWI's Company bank account were from the 1st and 2nd Defendants. PWI said he wrote to the bank on why the payment coming into his company's account did not have a narrative or details of the buyers. The bank (Diamond Bank now Access) wrote back to PW1's Company, giving the details of the payer, who were Amadi and IDID.

“On further search at the Corporate Affairs Commission, it was revealed that the 2nd Defendant (IDID Nigeria Limited) was owned by the 1st Defendant and his wife being both directors and shareholders.”

“PWI said he reported to the Police and the Police investigation revealed that the 1st Defendant was receiving PW1's company payment from A-Z Petroleum and Ammasco International for the goods that PWI's Company sold to them.

“PW1 said the company sent goods to A-Z Petroleum and Ammasco International via waybill and the company gave the Defendant the invoices to send to them, of which the 1st Defendant would give the customers his own bank account and retain the money paid into it for a while before remitting it. PW1 said that the Defendant's duty as Chief Executive officer did not empower him to pay this money into his account as he has no mandate to do so.”

Ikenga testified that he wrote to his bankers because the payment was coming without details of the payer and it was discovered that the persons paying money into the bank account were Amadi and IDID who received the money from his two main customers A-Z. Petroleum and Ammasco International, totalling over N2.9b.

According to Ikenga, Amadi left the Company when the audit of the company was conducted, because of the first conflict of interest. Based on the letters from the bank, other customers and investigation, PW stated that the defendant had betrayed their trust, as he used his position and information of PWI's business to the benefit of Eunisell’s competitors.

Ikenga told the court that Amadi used Eunisell's funds to operate IDID. He alleged that Amadi altered the invoices to Ammasco and A-Z Petroleum to enable him to receive Eunisell’s payment “without authority, mandate and approval and diverting funds to build up the profile and credibility of the Defendant. PW1 also testified that the Defendant forged documents in order to carry out fraudulent activities.”

Ikenga further testified that Amadi made payments into the company's account without narratives from 1 January 2016 to 28 October 2016, and from January 2012 to 31 December 2015, which were discovered during the police investigation. He stated that what was reflected in the bank statement as manager's cheque MC/Ammasco and also MC/A-Z Petroleum were not from A-Z Petroleum as they were paid in by Amadi and IDID. He alleged that N2.9b was diverted from his customers by Amadi.

He further testified that the firm did not really audit its banking activities because “they trusted the 1st defendant who will always inform them whenever a customer will make payment.”

The Federal Government also called several other witnesses who corroborated some of PW1’s testimony.

They included Eunisell’s Finance Manager Phillip Odekina, who had worked with the firm for 10 years, who testified, among others, that no one had the right to nominate any account details, other than Eunisell’s, to a customer, except with the approval of the firm’s board of directors

Defence

But in his defence, Amadi through his lawyers prayed the court to hold that he had no case to answer.

He contended that no document said to be in possession of the prosecutor was tendered to show that he defrauded Eunisell Ltd “of the bogus amount of N2.9b..."

He also submitted that the charge was an abuse of court process, adding that PW1 and PW2 gave contradictory testimonies, regarding the auditing of Eunisell's banking activities.

The defendants also submitted that Ikenga claimed N2.9b at a time, "but later claimed that N103million was unaccounted for..."
They said that based on the evidence of PW1, 2, 3 and 4, "the prosecution's evidence is replete with contradictions which resulted in the prosecution's failure to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt."

The defendants urged the court to hold that the prosecution failed to prove essential ingredients of the offences beyond a reasonable doubt.

They were opposed by the Federal Government, which prayed the court to convict the defendants.

Judgment

In his judgment, Justice Allagoa agreed with both the prosecution and the defendants in part. He held that the prosecution did not prove counts 1, 2 and 3 beyond reasonable doubt, He however convicted Amadi and his firm of counts 4 and 5.

Justice Allagoa held: “I am in agreement with the submission of counsel for the prosecution in paragraph 9.1. of his final argument that the position of the 1st Defendant occupied as the Chief Executive Officer of EUNISELL, that he is in a position of a trustee even if he is not expressly so appointed.

“He owes the company the duty of care to discharge his duties honestly and conscientiously and not to act in a dishonest manner by receiving the company's invoices but concealing them and instead deciding to transact with the companies customers via telephone and also without authorization nominating the account of another company IDID Nigeria Ltd owned by himself and his wife as shareholders to the customers to make payments due to his employer EUNISELL for goods supplied.

“More particularly, the evidence of the accountant of AMMASCO International is demystifying to the Defendant's case when he testified that since they started doing business with Eunisell represented by Kenneth Amadi, they never saw the invoice of EUNISELL LTD, they only received EUNISELL'S waybills without invoice while all negotiation about the price of goods supplied was unilaterally negotiated by the 1st Defendant with word of mouth on the telephone.

“The mere act of diverting the proceeds of the sale of Eunisell's goods (his employers) and as Executive Officer to a company where he is the alter ego different from his employers account constitutes conversion.

“I have therefore come to the conclusion that the 1st Defendant and his company IDID Nigeria Limited are guilty as charged in Count four, the prosecution having proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.”

The judge held further that there was evidence that Amadi was an officer of Eunisell, “he had diverted the company’s monies to the account of IDID NIGERIA LIMITED, wherein he was a director. He caused payments meant or due to the company EUNISELL to be paid to IDID from where payments due to EUNISELL was being paid to EUNISELL ACCOUNT with Diamond Access Bank; the payments made to EUNISELL's account had no narratives so that the company will have complete information of the payment. It was only on the query to the bank that the bank now released the narratives of the payments to the company wherein EUNISELL now discovered that payments to its accounts were coming from IDID company whose alter ego was EUNISELL Executive officer.

Therefore, the 1st Defendant as an officer of EUNISELL omitted or is privy to omitting a material particular from the accounts of EUNISELL with Diamond Bark, the 1st Defendant and by extension the second Defendant have done or committed an offence contrary to SECTION 435 (2) (C) OF THE CRIMINAL CODE ACT, CAP C38 LFN 2004.”

The judge added that there was an obvious “intention to defraud. Consequently, count five is also proved beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution and the Defendant is accordingly guilty as charged.

Sentence

I have heard counsel for the Defendant plead allocutus, I have also taken cognizance of the fact that the Defendant is a first-time offender and all the other circumstances of the case.

“Ordinarily, the Defendant is supposed to serve seven years imprisonment in each of the two-count charges in court four and five, but I have looked at the side of mercy and the Defendant is hereby sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in Count four (4) and five (5) respectively. All the sentences run concurrently and there shall be no option of fine. As for the 2nd Defendant, I hereby liquidate that company having been found guilty of the offence.

Ramadan: Coca-Cola Nigeria Launches 30 Days of Gifting Campaign

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the period that Muslims throughout Nigeria observe the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During this period, Muslim families come together to share meals, especially at Iftar and Sahur.
Muslims engage in gifting within their communities during Ramadan. In line with this, Coca-Cola Nigeria has launched its Ramadan campaign titled; "This Ramadan, sharing makes us one" followed with community engagements across Abuja, Ibadan & Kano over the 30 days of Ramadan.
Every day during Ramadan, Coca-Cola will give out Ramadan packages comprising a specially curated gift box, one month's supply of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and groceries to make a good Iftar to those who serve and put other people's needs above theirs in these communities.
According to the Brand, the local influencers will lead this experience; Popular Nollywood actor and influencer Femi Adebayo will distribute to Muslims in Ibadan; renowned music artiste Umar Sheriff will present to the recipients in Abuja while Kano-based film actor and director Yakubu Mohammed will gift consumers in the Kano Muslim community.
Speaking on the campaign, Coca-Cola Nigeria Marketing Director Murtala Yusuf said, "as a company, Coca-Cola understands the value of sharing and rewarding good deeds, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. We believe that we have a lot of good people in our society who are doing good and impacting the people around them positively. Hence we decided to use the month of Ramadan to reward these good people in our midst." He added that the month of Ramadan significantly contributes to fostering good relations and promoting community cohesion, adding that the campaign is the company’s way of promoting sharing and togetherness, one of the core messages of Ramadan.

About Coca-Cola Nigeria
Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited is a total beverage company, offering one of the world’s most valuable brands, Coca-Cola. Our company portfolio includes valuable beverage brands, such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, 5Alive juices, Eva water, Schweppes and Limca. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.
We’re also working to reduce our environmental impact by replenishing water and promoting packaging recycling across our value chain. With our bottling partners, we employ more than 5,000 people with over 700,000 distribution partners helping bring economic opportunity to local communities. Learn more at the Coca-Cola Nigeria website at www.coca-cola.com.ng and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

On a mission to empower women and girls across underserved communities in Lagos State, the African Fashion Development and Empowerment Centre (AFDEC) through funding by the Coca-Cola Foundation has announced the commencement of the AWAMBI Project, aimed at empowering about 250 women with entrepreneurial and vocational skills.
This announcement was made at the virtual inaugural event, attended by key stakeholders including the Coca-Cola System led by Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability.
The Awambi project is designed to educate and support selected women and girls in creating sustainable livelihood avenues through entrepreneurship while driving access to mentorship, internship and networking opportunities between female entrepreneurs and young women in the technology space.
Adeola Ogunkolade, Executive Director of AFDEC, highlighted the project's duration while emphasizing the program's significance. "Awambi, which means "We Are Here!” will be implemented in communities in and around Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, and Alimosho local government areas from January 30th through March 31st, 2023. To ensure that we provide meaningful contributions to the beneficiaries, AFDEC will deploy grant resources to train participants in new creative skills such as modern adire training including Adire Oniko, Batik, and Marbling , wig making/revamping, tech skills for creative teenagers, and entrepreneurial skills ".
“In addition, we will be engaging seasoned and experienced facilitators to educate and mentor these women and girls on how to convert their ideas into a winning brand,” she added.
Speaking on the Coca-Cola Foundation's support of the initiative, President Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg, said, “Our support of the AFDEC programme is hinged on the Foundation’s goal to lift women out of poverty by harnessing their entrepreneurial and learning skills through critical education on financial literacy, and skills acquisition.
Along with the technical training, all the participants will undergo entrepreneurship training in business finance, law -business name registration, marketing/sales, leadership, operations and strategies and so much more. Awabi will also offer training on Graphics and Video animation, content management, and social media management to participants.

About AFDEC
African Fashion Development and Empowerment Centre (AFDEC) is a Non - Governmental Organization, that provides economic empowerment and supports for creative women and girls in Africa, inspiring them to use fashion, culture and crafts to end poverty and bridge cultural diversity.

About TCCF
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives —from water to women's empowerment, from community recycling to wellbeing—around the world.

This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) themed ‘Embrace Equity’ marks a call to action for accelerating women's opportunities and promoting equity to forge harmony, unity, and help drive success for all. British American Tobacco in West and Central Africa recognizes that our employees are all unique and have different needs, experiences, and opportunities, and through equity everyone has access to the same opportunities.
Embracing equity provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate British American Tobacco’s (BAT)’s diverse and inclusive culture which shows the company’s commitment to gender diversity. The company is proud of its diversity & inclusion agenda, remarkably, we were globally awarded the Brandon Hall excellence award for best diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy, recognized in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender Equality Index inclusion for demonstrating commitment to addressing gender diversity and transparent reporting.
The BAT of tomorrow will be a high growth, consumer goods company, with sustainability and diversity at our core. To further help accelerate the pace of progress, we have set bold ambitions:
• Increase the proportion of women in senior leadership teams to 40%
• Increase the proportion of women in management roles to 45%
• Achieve at least a spread of 50% nationalities within all key leadership teams
This accelerated focus on diversity is crucial in creating a dynamic and inspiring workplace that will propel BAT into the future and create A Better Tomorrow™ for all our stakeholders. In building A Better Tomorrow™ we understand and are committed to fostering a gender equal-equity workforce which is evident in the independent accreditation from Fair Pay Workplace (FPW) for equitable pay practices.
Identifying the unique skills set and capabilities, perspectives, ideas, and background of our employees, empowers them and creates an inclusive culture that unites us as ONE and makes BAT a Great place to work. “Equity is everyone’s responsibility” remarked Odiri-Erewa-Meggison, the External Affairs Director, West and Central Africa “and at BAT we create an inclusive workplace that acknowledges the unique contributions of women to the organization”.
Sergio Berlanga, the Human Resource Director, also remarked “As we aim to transform our business, we need to challenge the status quo and drive innovation. This means becoming better at attracting and retaining an increasingly diverse set of capabilities, welcoming a more inclusive working environment, and striving for even greater gender balance.”
This year, employees of BAT in West and Central Africa marked the day with the theme #Embrace Equity and a call to action for accelerating women’s equality in the workplace and society at large. Hosting a series of activities and open forum conversations, calling for change, and leading the way in bringing about change for an equitable environment where every can thrive. Equality is the goal, equity is the means to get there, through the process of equity, we can reach equality.

As the World marks the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) with the theme, ‘Embrace Equity,’ today, British American Tobacco (BAT) in West and Central Africa said it is aiming at ensuring that the proportion of women in leadership and management in the company is enhanced.

The company said the theme of the 2023 celebration is a call to action for accelerating women's opportunities and promoting equity to forge harmony, unity, and help drive success for all.

British American Tobacco in West and Central Africa recognizes that its employees are all unique and have different needs, experiences, and opportunities, and through equity, everyone has access to the same opportunities.

Embracing equity provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate British American Tobacco’s (BAT)’s diverse and inclusive culture which shows the company’s commitment to gender diversity.
The company said in a statement that “it is proud of its diversity and inclusion agenda, remarkably, we were globally awarded the Brandon Hall excellence award for best diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy, recognized in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index inclusion for demonstrating commitment to addressing gender diversity and transparent reporting.

“The BAT of tomorrow will be a high growth, consumer goods company, with sustainability and diversity at our core. To further help accelerate the pace of progress, we have set bold ambitions, increase the proportion of women in senior leadership teams to 40 per cent, increase the proportion of women in management roles to 45 per cent, and achieve at least a spread of 50 per cent nationalities within all key leadership teams.

“This accelerated focus on diversity is crucial in creating a dynamic and inspiring workplace that will propel BAT into the future and create A Better Tomorrow™ for all our stakeholders. In building A Better Tomorrow™ we understand and are committed to fostering a gender equal-equity workforce which is evident in the independent accreditation from Fair Pay Workplace (FPW) for equitable pay practices”, the statement adds.
In her remark, Odiri-Erewa-Meggison, the External Affairs Director, West and Central Africa, said, ”Identifying the unique skills set and capabilities, perspectives, ideas, and background of our employees, empowers them and creates an inclusive culture that unites us as ONE and makes BAT a great place to work. And at BAT we create an inclusive workplace that acknowledges the unique contributions of women to the organization”.

Sergio Berlanga, the Human Resource Director, also remarked “As we aim to transform our business, we need to challenge the status quo and drive innovation. This means becoming better at attracting and retaining an increasingly diverse set of capabilities, welcoming a more inclusive working environment, and striving for even greater gender balance.”

This year, employees of BAT in West and Central Africa marked the day with the theme #Embrace Equity and a call to action for accelerating women’s equality in the workplace and society at large. Hosting a series of activities and open forum conversations, calling for change, and leading the way in bringing about change for an equitable environment where everyone can thrive. Equality is the goal, equity is the means to get there, through the process of equity, we can reach equality.

The Coca-Cola Foundation Supports Entrepreneurial Digital Literacy Program For Nigerian Women

THE Wivesroundtable Foundation has announced the relaunch of its Digital Academy for Female Entrepreneurs (D.A.F.E) program, designed to improve the livelihoods of female entrepreneurs in Lagos state. This phase of the program is supported by a $10,000 grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF).

The initiative, which seeks to economically transform the businesses of 500 women in the Surulere area of Lagos State through increased levels of digital literacy, is expected to run from 2nd of March 2023 till May 2023. The program will help boost the overall efficiencies of small businesswomen and will scale their businesses, increase revenue, and create more jobs in their communities.

Amaka Chibuzo-Obi, Founder/Program Director, the Wivesroundtable Foundation, reiterated the commitment of the Foundation to supporting low-income women to live better lives for themselves, their families, and society. She said: “We are committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the women in our communities. Having The Coca-Cola Foundation support us in this mandate, is something we will always be grateful for”.

According to the President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg, TCCF continues to support such initiatives based on its legacy of driving community wellbeing in Africa through grants to non-profit organizations for social impact programs. “We are thrilled to partner with Wivesroundtable Foundation as they work to bridge the digital divide by empowering middle-aged female entrepreneurs to upscale their business operations and thrive in a competitive landscape”.

She further explained that the number of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria has increased over the years due to opportunities made available to women. The initiative also reflects a pillar of the system’s African sustainability platform, JAMII, which is to economically empower women and youth entrepreneurs in Africa.

Through its unique style of education, the initiative is designed to increase the interest of women in technology and the utilization of digital tools which will help create more digitally savvy women, reduce inequality in the digital space and boost income. The initiative will take the women through a curriculum encompassing an introduction to social media, social media strategies as well as digital marketing.

About The Wivesroundtable Foundation
The Wivesroundtable Foundation is a non-profit established in 2018, with a vision to empower, support and educate underserved women. We realize the huge influence women have in their homes and communities and we realize the ripple effect of having empowered women in a home. When women thrive, all of their families as well as society, benefit. And this is why we are fully committed to helping women thrive, starting from our community and spreading to other parts of our country.

You call these low-budget in this economy? you must be either of these four: a ritualist/kidnapper/armed robber or politician.

YorubaNiBaba:


https://dailypost.ng/2023/01/09/2023-only-god-can-stop-tinubu-sule/

And God will surely stop him. He's a disaster waiting to happen for Nigeria, but God will not allow that after this current disaster government of Buhari.
Nigeria and Nigerians must be liberated!