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All Posts in "Day: June 9, 2025"

Nestlé Nigeria Deepens Environmental Stewardship With Nationwide Clean-Up And Community Sensitization Initiative 

For the sixth consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability through a nationwide clean-up and community sensitization campaign. This initiative, executed in collaboration with the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and local authorities, mobilized a total of 516 Nestlé Cares volunteers from the Nestlé head office, branch offices, and factories.
The clean-up efforts spanned 11 cities, focusing on high-footfall market hubs such as Oke-Arin Market in Lagos, Utako Market in Abuja, Abubakar Rimi Market in Kano, Satellite Market in Jos, Sabo Market in Sagamu, Bodija Market in Ibadan, Okoko Market in Agbara, Abaji Market in Abaji, Holyghost Market in Enugu, Aguawka Market in Awka and Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt. These locations were strategically selected based on their waste burden and community impact, resulting in the collective removal of 5,601 kilograms of solid and 379.2 kilograms of recyclable waste, highlighting the tangible results of corporate-community collaboration.
At the Lagos activation, Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka, Lead, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the World Environment Day theme, “Curbing Plastic Pollution,” She said, “At Nestlé, our commitment to fighting plastic waste is integral to our vision of a waste-free future.
This vision encompasses internal accountability and proactive stakeholder engagement. Through strategic partnerships with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and plastic waste recyclers such as Alef recycling, Wecyclers, Chanja Datti and Maladase Ecopreneurs Management Ltd. (MECOM), we are supporting the advancement of circularity within the plastics value chain.
In addition, our Employee Plastics Collection Scheme (EPCS), launched in 2022, empowers our employees to take responsibility for their environmental impact by recycling their plastic waste.
Through the EPCS, we have achieved diversion of 5,922 kg of plastic waste from landfills. Collectively, our initiatives have successfully retrieved over 61,000 metric tons of plastic from the environment since 2019”.
Dr. Alex Akhigbe, Founder of the African Clean-Up Initiative, articulated the broader vision driving this partnership “This initiative transcends a mere clean-up, it represents a sustainability movement grounded in the principles of collective responsibility, collaboration and the circular economy.
The fight against plastic pollution requires deliberate action. Every bottle collected, every conversation initiated, contributes to shaping a culture of environmental consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a generation that values and protects our planet.”
This annual clean-up campaign demonstrates Nestlé Nigeria’s integrated approach to sustainability, merging operational accountability with grassroots engagement.
As the company progresses in its broader sustainability agenda, initiatives such as this serve as a model for how corporate actions can stimulate community-driven impact, reinforcing the shared responsibility to protect environmental resources today, and for future generations.
Nestlé Cares is Nestle’s employee volunteering platform reflecting Nestlé’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility by engaging employees in community volunteerism. Through various projects, Nestlé Cares empowers employees to make a positive impact in their local communities.
Online Poster by — June 9, 2025 in News 0

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned Nigerians against investing in Punisher Coin, also known as Spun. In a notice on Saturday, the commission said its investigations showed that Spun is a meme coin and its promoters or issuers are not registered to operate in any capacity in the Nigerian capital market. The SEC said meme coins have no use case, value, or projects backing them.

“The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“The Commission”) has been drawn to several online publications advertising an unauthorized presale of Crypto coin termed “PUNISHER COIN” aka “SPUN”,” the statement reads.

“The Commission hereby informs the public that the promoters or issuers of “PUNISHER COIN” aka “SPUN” are NOT REGISTERED to operate in any capacity in the Nigerian Capital Market, and also PUNISHER COIN ($PUN) is not approved by the Commission for issuance to the public.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that PUNISHER COIN ($PUN) is a Meme coin. Meme coins generally have no use case, intrinsic value or tangible projects backing them.

 

“Any attributed value to meme coin is usually linked to its promoters or the community effort which most often than not are susceptible to pump and dump schemes (a form of fraudulent activity that involves promoters spreading false or misleading information to create a buying frenzy that “pumps” up the price of a ‘coin’ and then “dumps” the coin by selling their own coins at the inflated price.”

 

The SEC said once the promoters dump their coins and stops hype, the coin’s price “typically falls and investors lose money”.

 

Accordingly, the agency advised the public to refrain from engaging in the purported presale of Punisher coin, warning that “any person who invests in the scheme, does so at his/her own risk”.

 

“The Commission similarly reminds the investing public of the need to always VERIFY the authenticity of crypto/virtual or digital assets, the registration status of their promoters and trading platforms via the Commission’s dedicated portal: https://home.sec.gov.ng/fintech-and-innovation-hub-finport/registered-fintech-operators/ before engaging in any form of virtual or digital assets investment,” the statement reads.

 

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the rise of crypto-related ponzi schemes in Nigeria.

 

On May 1, the commission warned Nigerians against investing in tofro.com, an alleged illegal investment platform posing as a cryptocurrency trading website.

In April, some Nigerians lost their funds after investing in Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), a digital trading platform.”

Online Poster by — June 9, 2025 in Capital Market 0
Union Bank’s Wlpher Initiative Enabled Business Success At The NBCC’s Entrepreneurship Programme

Union Bank of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment through its alpher initiative by sponsoring the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) Cohort 2 Programme, which has graduated 125 entrepreneurs who have benefited from firsthand entrepreneurship training and business grants.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria account for more than 50% of industrial employment and contribute approximately 48% to the country’s GDP.
This makes entrepreneurship one of the economy’s building blocks and is a testament to Union Bank’s unwavering dedication to national development in partnership with NBCC.
In her welcome speech, the Director General of NBCC, Dr. Ebere Njoku, reiterated NBCC’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and youth empowerment, citing these as catalysts for economic development and sustainability.
She appreciated the sponsors, partners and facilitators who devoted their resources and time to upskilling the participants.
The entrepreneurship initiative stemmed from the visionary goal of Mr. Ray Atelly, President and Chairman of the Council, NBCC, FRPA, to provide entrepreneurship and grant opportunities to Nigerian women and youths.
Mr. Atelly told the graduates in his speech, “This is your chance, make sure you take it. Don’t let any obstacle stop you because there will be many; if you let it stop you, your dreams are not strong enough. You need to keep pushing, someday you will sit at the top of a conglomerate and people will aspire to be like you.”
Also in attendance was the NBCC’s Patron, Senator Akin Odunsi, FRPA, who congratulated the Cohort 2 graduates.
 He said, “I encourage all of you not to take the training you have received for granted. Use it as a landmark opportunity to be a beacon of hope to others who look up to you.”
He also urged the Chamber to provide internship opportunities after the six-month entrepreneurship training in organisations for the incoming Cohort 3 and beyond.
He added that the internship experience will give trainees the unique chance to practice what they learned and, in return, benefit the organisations from their acquired skills.
The goodwill message at the graduation ceremony was delivered on behalf of Mrs. Yetunde Oni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria, by Mrs. Vivian Imoh-Ita, the Bank’s Head of Retail and SME Business, who appreciated NBCC for the life-transforming training they are providing to the youth and women entrepreneurs.
She further stated, “As a Bank, we understand that when we invest in women and youth entrepreneurs, we are investing in the most powerful catalysts of economic transformation. Through the Bank’s alpher initiative, we have enabled success for women-led businesses. In a volatile economy like Nigeria, the challenges facing entrepreneurs are dynamic and significant. As a Bank, we intend to prove that these barriers are not unconquerable and are growth opportunities.”
Three entrepreneurs, namely Evelyn Ekene Ani of Evani.Ng (First place), Martha Padonu of Beyond Photography (Second place), and Therietta Vershima of La Teriz (Third place) were declared winners of the Union Bank Business Pitch competition held during the graduation ceremony and were rewarded with funding for their businesses.
The Bank’s sponsorship of the training demonstrates its commitment to fostering a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for women and all individuals.
Note to Editors:
alpher is the correct sentence case in the context of this press release. Please do not write as Alpher at any point.
About Union Bank Plc:
Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions. The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers various banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.
Online Poster by — June 9, 2025 in Capital Market 0
Plastic Waste Tops Agenda As Sterling One Foundation Marks World Environment Day

 With plastic pollution still threatening lives, coastlines, and ecosystems across Nigeria, the Sterling One Foundation is taking concrete steps to confront the crisis through community-led cleanups, strategic partnerships, and ongoing policy engagement.
Earlier this year, the Foundation led a major cleanup at Elegushi Beach under its Beach Adoption Programme, a national initiative that has now formally adopted more than five beaches since 2021, including Alpha, Eleko, Lafiaji, Iwerekun and Okun Ajah.
Across these sites, the Foundation has cleared over 9,000 kilograms of waste, including more than 4,800 kilograms of recyclables, while working with local leaders to embed awareness and long-term stewardship in coastal communities.
“Our work on the beaches is not symbolic,” said Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation. “It is a deliberate strategy to improve coastal resilience, protect vulnerable populations, and link sustainability with real opportunity. Every cleanup is a chance to restore dignity to the environment and build trust in the systems meant to protect it.”
On June 13, Sterling One Foundation will join other stakeholders at WEDex 2025, a World Environment Day convening hosted by GreenHub Africa in partnership with the United Nations.
The Foundation will speak at the “Financing Youth Initiatives for Green Entrepreneurship” session at the UN House in Abuja, focusing on unlocking capital for community-based solutions to plastic waste.
The United Nations, a key partner on WEDex, also returns this year as co-convener of the Africa Social Impact Summit, scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Lagos.
The summit will focus on practical solutions for climate resilience and policy innovation under the theme Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.
“Plastic pollution is a development issue but also an untapped opportunity,” said Ibekwe. “If we do not treat it as urgent and systemic, it will keep undermining livelihoods, health, and climate goals.
Yet, if we engage the right partnerships and investment, plastic waste can be turned into a driver of jobs and innovation, especially for young people across the continent. The call now is for both the public and private sectors to act, to see beyond the problem and unlock its potential for good.”
To learn more about Sterling One Foundation’s environmental work, visit onefoundation.ng  or register for the summit at theimpactsummit.org.
About Sterling One Foundation
Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through interventions and social impact programmes across three critical sectors namely: health, education and climate action & food security. Gender Equality and women empowerment are integrated as a cross cutting priority across all our programming areas.
The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central theme of prioritizing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information visit onefoundation.ng
Online Poster by — June 9, 2025 in News 0
Onitsha Market Chairmen Laud Soludo’s Achievements 

By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Market Chairmen in Onitsha, Anambra State have commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts to make the state  habitable for living.
The commendation was made when a team of journalists visited markets to ascertain their styles of leadership and the governor’s achievements.
Chairman,  Onitsha Main Market,  Hon. Chijioke Okpalugo( Chiboy) said his administration would make sure that lives and properties of traders in the market are secured, and retire those that have been on seat for years.
“My administration has given them one month to conduct election, if not, i will impose caretaker committee on them because it is no longer bussiness as before,” he said.
He mentioned introducing ultra modern  technology  where youths will learn computer, and will bring back the pride of Main Market as the best in West Africa.
” Gradually, we will stop most of the illegal road trading.”
He commended Soludo for construction of seven roads in Omoba Phase 2 community, securing the lives of Ndi Anambra and bringing night life back to the state.
Sectetary of the Main Market, Hon. Chukwudi Omaliko, and Vice Chairman, Hon. Emeka Okoye,  promised that their administration will sanitise the market as the governor has sanitised the state.
Chairman, Ochanja Central Market,  Chief Bonaventure  Muo (Omekaodinma Aniocha), eulogised Soludo for his good works,  especially in recruitment of teachers, security,  building of Government House, Fun City, creation of 1 youth 2 skills to remove the youths from the streets, among others.
Chairman, Sokoto Road, Hon. Emeka Mbachu, (Isimmili na Mbaukwu), priased Soludo for building bridge in Niger Street that has access to the market which past administrations failed to give listenning ear, to, Akpaka Housing Road, security and others.
Chairman, Bright Street Traders Amalgamated  Assocation,  Chief Sir Tony Esimoneze, said that Governor Soludo is an amiable governor, adding that one can now sleep with two eyes closed”.
“He is trying his best in the area of infrastructure,  health, roads, education. Most of the roads are being constructed, more is being affected. In area of security personnel and Operation Udo Ga-AChi, he called for more training  and orientation and pleaded for construction of flyover on Zik’s Roundabout to ease traffic.
Chairman, Main Gate Line, Emmanuel  Okafor (Sir White) thanked the governor for making it easy for traders, adding that those running after vehicles  disturbing passengers have seized, kidnapping, while criminality in the state is a thing of the past.
Online Poster by — June 9, 2025 in News 0