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All Posts in "Month: September 2025"

AIICO Crowned “Outstanding Insurance Company Of The Year” At The 2025 Marketing Edge Awards

AIICO Insurance Plc, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s insurance industry, has once again earned top honours as it clinched the coveted “Outstanding Insurance Company of the Year” award at the 2025 MARKETING EDGE Brands & Advertising Excellence Awards held in Lagos.

This recognition marks the third consecutive year that AIICO has been celebrated at the prestigious event, reinforcing its stature as a leading composite insurer that continues to define excellence in the marketplace. In 2023, AIICO was named “Insurance Company of the Decade”, followed by another top industry honour in 2024, before emerging this year’s Outstanding Insurance Company of the Year.

The organizers of the award noted that AIICO’s selection was based on its sterling performance and the remarkable positive impact it continues to make on the Nigerian financial services industry. The company’s consistency in delivering value to customers, while driving innovation and service excellence, has positioned it as a brand of choice across generations.

Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Segun Olalandu, Head of Marketing and Communications at AIICO Insurance Plc, expressed the company’s appreciation: “We sincerely thank the organizers of the MARKETING EDGE Awards for consistently recognizing and honouring the AIICO brand over the years. This recognition affirms our strength and relevance in the marketplace. At AIICO, we will not rest on our oars. We remain intentional about delighting our customers, meeting their needs, and surpassing their expectations with innovative solutions and superior service.”

This latest award further strengthens AIICO’s long-standing reputation as a trusted brand and a consistent leader in Nigeria’s insurance sector.

About AIICO Insurance Plc

AIICO Insurance is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 60-year record of accomplishment in delivering quality service to its clients. Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families, and corporate customers.

Online Poster by — September 29, 2025 in News
Nigerian Insurers Shine With N83 Billion Claim Settlement For Britannia-U Nigeria

The Nigerian insurance industry has paid a staggering N83 billion claim to Britannia-U Nigeria Limited following a massive fire incident on one of the company’s exploration platforms.
The payment was made by a consortium of underwriters after the claim was adjusted from an initial estimate of $72 million to $55 million.
The Commissioner for Insurance of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, commended the industry players for prioritising prompt settlement of genuine claims. He expressed pride in the industry’s ability to pay the claim, noting that it demonstrates the industry’s strength and credibility.
The fire incident occurred on the 4,000 barrels of crude oil per day capacity Britannia-U1 FPSO operated by Britannia-U Nigeria Limited, offshore Forcados in Delta State. Despite initial doubts about the industry’s capacity to pay the claim, NAICOM intervened, and the claim was settled in full.
The NAICOM boss emphasised the need for industry players to publicise claims paid to change the negative perception of the sector. He noted that billions are being paid in claims annually, but these payments are not being publicised, contributing to the negative perception.
The settlement of the Britannia-U claim is part of nearly N180 billion in large claims settled by the industry for corporate clients this year, aside from numerous smaller claims. The NAICOM boss commended the industry’s responsiveness and reliability in settling valid claims, highlighting the importance of trust and confidence in the sector.
The premium for the risk was $170,000, while the claim paid was $55 million (N83 billion), highlighting the significant impact of the settlement on the industry’s reputation.
NAICOM has been working to ensure that the industry provides more oversight functions and makes informed decisions, leveraging data and encouraging collaborations across institutions.
Online Poster by — September 29, 2025 in News
SEC Raises Alarm Over AI-Generated Investment Scams In Nigeria

Amaka Obiefuna
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned Nigerians to beware of a rising wave of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven scams that are targeting unsuspecting investors with promises of guaranteed profits and fake celebrity endorsements.
The Commission recalls that platforms such as CBEX, Silverkuun, and TOFRO were operating illegally by advertising AI-powered trading systems that promise unrealistic returns.
“These platforms are not registered or regulated by the SEC, yet they continued to mislead the public with false claims of AI-driven investments. They posed serious risks to investors hence the commission issued series of disclaimers against their activities,” the Commission stated.
The SEC explained that fraudsters are increasingly turning to deepfake videos and AI-generated content to lure victims, pointing that manipulated videos featuring politicians, celebrities, and TV hosts are being shared through Facebook ads, Instagram reels, and Telegram groups to give fraudulent platforms an air of credibility.
According to the Commission, “Scammers are exploiting AI to fabricate endorsements and testimonials that appear genuine. This has made traditional fraud detection methods less effective, hence the need for tech-enabled regulation and greater public awareness.”
To counter the growing threat, the SEC explained that it is adopting advanced surveillance systems capable of detecting fraudulent activity in real time, adding that partnerships with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) are being strengthened to enable data-sharing and joint enforcement actions.
“We are moving from reactive to predictive oversight. This is essential in combating fraud and systemic risks in our market,” the Commission emphasized.
The regulator said it has also engaged social media companies to clamp down on misleading ads and cautioned influencers against promoting unlicensed investment schemes.
“Any influencer or blogger found to be complicit in promoting illegal platforms will face regulatory sanctions or even prosecution,” SEC warned.
The Commission urged Nigerians to take extra precautions before investing, stressing that any scheme promising daily profits, zero risk, or celebrity-backed endorsements should be treated with suspicion.
It stated: “Any investment that guarantees unrealistic returns or uses manipulated videos of public figures should immediately raise a red flag”.
The Commission further encouraged Nigerians to verify the registration status of any investment platform on its website, where a list of licensed Capital Market Operators is available.
It added that investors should confirm that registration numbers displayed on company websites match the details on the SEC portal and avoid platforms that only operate through Telegram or WhatsApp without a verifiable office address.
Suspicious platforms or fraudulent ads can be reported directly to the SEC via email at sec@sec.gov.ng, by phone at +234 9 462 1168, or through its online complaints portal.
Online Poster by — September 29, 2025 in Capital Market
PenCom DG Visits The Nigerian Union Of Pensioners, Assures Pensioners Of Improved Welfare

From Left: The Director General of the National Pension Commission, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran and The President Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi during a recent visit to NUP Headquarters in Abuja

The Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to enhance the welfare of retirees in Nigeria.

 

Ms. Oloworaran made this pledge on Thursday, September 25, 2025, when she led a PenCom delegation on a courtesy visit to the NUP headquarters in Abuja. The team included the Acting Commissioner, Inspectorate, Mr. Samuel Chigozie Uwandu, and other senior management staff.
Speaking during the visit, the PenCom DG lauded the NUP for its unwavering advocacy on behalf of pensioners. She noted that the Union’s representation on PenCom’s Governing Board has been instrumental to the effective implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

 

She assured the Union that PenCom remained resolute in its mandate to safeguard the retirement benefits of Nigerian workers. The PenCom DG said all outstanding pension increases approved by the Federal Government would be implemented this year, backed by the N758 billion bond approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She added that the funds would soon be made available for payments to commence.

 

Furthermore, she said PenCom and NUP share a common mission — the protection and welfare of pensioners. She tasked the Union to continue to collaborate with PenCom to ensure that retirees enjoy the dignity and security they deserve after years of service to the nation.

 

In his response, the President of NUP, Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, hailed the visit as historic, describing Ms. Oloworaran as the first PenCom DG to visit the Union’s Headquarters in Abuja.
He praised PenCom as a “star performer” in prioritising pensioners’ welfare and urged the DG to convey the Union’s appreciation to President Tinubu for placing retirees’ wellbeing at the heart of government policy. He added that the pensioners will reciprocate President Tinubu’s actions at the appropriate time.

 

Comrade Abumisi further tasked PenCom to ensure the full implementation of all past pension increases under the CPS — a request the DG reiterated would be achieved before the year runs out.

 

The visit concluded with the PenCom delegation touring the ongoing NUP building project located within the environs of its national headquarters. Both institutions pledged to sustain and deepen their partnership in the collective interest of pensioners nationwide.

Online Poster by — September 29, 2025 in News
Abia State, EU, UNICEF , ILO Collaborate To Bolster Social Protection For Vulnerable Families

L-R: Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS; Judith Leveillee, Chief of Field Services, UNICEF Nigeria; H.E. Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State; Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, Abia State Honourable Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection; and Mr Kingsley Anosike, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning Abia State, at the launch of the European Union (EU)-funded project, Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), by Abia State Government in collaboration with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other partners in Umuahia.

 

The Government of Abia State has launched the European Union (EU)-funded project, Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), in collaboration with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other partners.
Despite its importance, social protection coverage in Nigeria remains limited. According to the International Labour Organization 2024 World Social Protection report, only 14.8 per cent of Nigerians currently have access to effective social protection.
To close this gap, the project, which is also being implemented in Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto States, is designed to strengthen inclusive, shock-responsive, and sustainable social protection systems.
 It aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Eight-Point Agenda, aiming to reduce poverty, protect the most vulnerable, and promote resilient livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State, reaffirmed the State’s commitment: “I am also glad that the EU, ILO and UNICEF will be partnering with the State Government towards the successful delivery of the SUSI Project. We are encouraged to think of our children and the world we want to bequeath to them. Individually and collectively, we are called to remember that every decision counts, that we do not own anything but are merely custodians who would one day be required to look back, either in regret or fulfilment.”
H.E. Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underlined the import of the EU’s support: “Social protection is central to building equitable societies. This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly in states like Abia, by strengthening systems that can provide support when it is needed most.”
Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the transformative impact of inclusive systems:
“Social protection is not just a safety net, it is a springboard for inclusive development. Through this project, we aim to ensure that every child and family, particularly the most vulnerable, is protected from the shocks that can derail their well-being and opportunities for a better future.”
Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS stressed the importance of long-term sustainability: “A well-designed and inclusive social protection system is fundamental to decent work, economic stability, and social cohesion. With this project, we are working together to ensure that social protection becomes a reality for more Nigerians.”
The implementation of the SUSI project will support development of social protection policy, expansion of the social register, capacity building, strengthening the database system and make it interoperable with other related databases, and ensuring that social protection programmes are well budgeted for, at both federal and state levels.
Winifred Bosa by — September 28, 2025 in Health
AMCON Transfers 34% Stake In Unity Bank To Providus, Strengthening Merger Deal

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has offloaded 34 per cent of its stake in Unity Bank Plc to Providus Bank.

This has strengthened the business combination deal between Providus and Unity Bank.
The 34 per cent total equity stake in Unity Bank was transacted through a crossed deal on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) to the preferred bidder, 24 hours ahead of their Court-Ordered Meeting to approve the scheme of merger.
The transaction was completed involving four billion Unity Bank shares at N1.66 per share, amounting to over N6.5 billion in value.
A total of three deals was carried out on Unity Bank shares on the Exchange on September 25, 2025.
The ongoing business combination arrangement is a milestone for Providus Bank as it puts it in a comfortable position to beat the March 31, 2026, recapitalisation deadline that was placed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Providus Bank began operations in June 2017. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide banking services to individuals and businesses. The bank has a strong IT infrastructure and digital channels which it deploys to provide exceptional service to our customers so they can achieve their objectives.
Providus Bank is an innovative financial institution that provides personal, private, corporate, commercial and digital banking products and solutions.
Its tailored financial services delivery includes: Business Advisory, Portfolio Management, Personalised Relationship Management, Fast-tracked Service delivery and Self-service solutions. Providus Bank competitive advantage in Private, Institutional, Business and Personal Banking is driven by the philosophy to create support and value for Institutions, Agencies, SMEs and HNIs.
Its business development strategy also focuses on developing expertise and collaborating to improve the non-oil (emerging) sector of the Nigerian Economy, which includes but not limited to Agriculture, Mining, Hospitality, E-commerce, and Art & Entertainment.
Providus Bank believes that the New World of Fast, Smart, Personal, and Borderless banking relationship is here. We are therefore inspired by our Future Forward Banking ethos to make life (at work and leisure) more exciting for our partners with the use of cutting-edge technology that delivers best-in-class customer satisfaction.
In less than 10 years, Providus Bank has emerged as one of the fastest growing financial institutions in the country.
Through this merger, Providus aims to transform from a niche player into a national bank, leveraging Unity Bank’s over 211-branch network spread across all 36 states and the FCT.
The move aligns with Providus’ broader strategy to deepen its retail presence and diversify its customer base.
Additionally, Providus Bank would significantly benefit from scale in retail banking as it would expand its footprint from a largely digital operation to a full-fledged national player.
It also brings in a strong SME lending pipeline, especially in agriculture, mining, ecommerce, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, which both banks already support.
Providus plans to integrate its technology stack into Unity Bank’s branch network, enhancing service delivery and cost efficiency.
The bank believes the combined entity will unlock new value across its retail, SME, and digital channels.
At the court order meeting, Unity Bank shareholders will decide whether to approve a cash consideration of N3.18 per share or opt for a share swap under which every 17 Unity Bank shares convert into 18 shares in the enlarged Providus Bank.
If approved, Unity Bank’s assets, liabilities, intellectual property, and ongoing legal matters will be transferred to Providus. Unity Bank will be dissolved, with Providus continuing as the surviving entity.
The meeting is expected to pave the way for regulatory sign-offs from the CBN and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), both of which had already approved the merger in August 2024.
Winifred Bosa by — September 27, 2025 in brands and Marketing
NLNG, NCDMB Mark Graduation Of 122 Beneficiaries From Train 7 HCD Programme

By Winifred Bosa

(L-R) Engr. Joshua Anemeje, Train 7 Project Corporate Liaison Manager; one of the six candidates retained by AOS ORWELL; Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, NCDMB’s General Manager Human Capital Development (HCD); Engr. Omochi Adekwu,Manager, Maintenance, NLNG; Favour Ugochukwu, Contract Manager AOS ORWELL and Obe Akinkunmi, Co-ordinator of the AOS ORWELL OJT Training at the close out ceremony of NLNG T7 Project HCD Advanced Training Programme In Bonny….on Friday

NLNG, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), recently achieved a major milestone in the Nigerian Content development commitment, with the close-out of Train 7 Project Human Capital Development (HCD) Advanced Training Programme, at the plant complex in Finima, Bonny Island.

The training ends officially on 30th September 2025 with the departure of the trainees from its plant facility in Bonny Island. The HCD programme, run under the guidance of the NCDMB, is a Federal Government initiative to build capacity for the oil and gas industry and fulfil the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act’s requirement on human capital development.

A total of 122 trainees, having completed prior HCD Basic Training Programmes, were approved by the NCDMB, to participate in the rigorous three month On the Job Training (OJT) within NLNG facilities, covering both graduate and vocational categories. The training programme focused on development of technical expertise in plant and facility management, amongst other competencies, and has positioned the trainees to take advantage of future opportunities within the oil and gas industry.

Speaking at the ceremony, NLNG’s Train 7 Project Director Engr. Ali Uwais, represented by Engr. Joshua Anemeje, Train 7 Project Corporate Liaison Manager, described the advanced training programme as a testament of the resilience, discipline, and growth of the trainees.

He congratulated the trainees for their commitment to excellence and urged them to take advantage of future opportunities within the oil and gas industry.

“This programme is about building a new generation of Nigerian professionals who will shape the oil and gas sector for decades to come. Its successful completion with a zero-incident safety record reflects not only your dedication but also NLNG’s uncompromising culture of ‘Safety First and Always’, and its operational excellence”, Engr. Anemeje said.

He further commended NCDMB, for its role as a strategic partner in driving Nigerian Content targets and capacity development in the industry, and the training partners, Candix Engineering Nigeria Limited, AOS Orwell, Arco Marine and Engineering Limited, Dover Engineering and Amaiden Energy Nigeria Limited, for ensuring a world class OJT experience and HR management.

In his comments, the NCDMB’s General Manager Human Capital Development (HCD), Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq, expressed delight on the conclusion of the training programme, which produced a pool of skilled and globally competitive workforce, knowledgeable in key areas such as instrumentation, electrical, mechanical, lifting and rigging activities, and fabrication, preventive and corrective maintenance, and can compete globally in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.

Kikile described Train 7 Project as one of the largest gas infrastructure developments in Africa, noting that it not only created jobs but also provided a platform to groom young Nigerians with advanced technical and managerial competencies.

“This training provided hands-on experience on a live LNG project that complimented your academic and theoretical knowledge. This training further exposed trainees to specialised advanced technical disciplines, project management, health and safety, and emerging technologies critical to the future of the industry,” he added.

‘It is my delight to note that twenty-seven (27) of the trainees have received special recognition awards for their aptitude during the programme, out of which six (6) who were very exceptional have been offered automatic employment by AOS Orwell, one of the training partners,” he revealed.

He lauded NLNG and all other partner companies for their unwavering commitment to Nigerian Content development, referencing several other initiatives on which the Board is partnering with NLNG to deepen local content implementation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Winifred Bosa by — September 27, 2025 in brands and Marketing
IHS Nigeria And HSES Partner To Promote Environmental Sustainability , Public Health

 


L-R: Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria Limited, Dapo Otunla; Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria, Mohammed Darwish; Group Chief Human Resource Officer, IHS Towers, Ayotade Oyinlola; Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe; Permanent Secretary, HSES, Dr. Baba Gana Adams, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IHS Nigeria and HSES to promote clean energy, environmental sustainability, and improved public health in the Federal Capital Territory, held at IHS Nigeria’s corporate office recently.

 

IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja to promote clean energy use and improve environmental health standards in the Federal Capital Territory.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a collaboration agreement on Thursday, September 25th at the IHS Nigeria head office in Lagos, marking a significant step in advancing joint efforts towards environmental sustainability, climate action, and improved public health across the FCT.

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to address pressing environmental challenges, promote cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives, and reduce carbon emissions in the country.

The partnership also aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in tackling climate change and fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for citizens.

Under the terms of the agreement, IHS Nigeria will work closely with HSES to implement community-based projects that promote the use of cleaner energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support initiatives designed to improve environmental health standards in the FCT.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, said:
“Climate and environmental responsibility are central to our sustainability agenda. With over 16,000 sites nationwide, we are fully aware of our responsibility to reduce carbon emissions and advance clean energy solutions. Our investments in solar and hybrid power solutions, totaling over $750 million in the past decade, reflect our commitment. Partnering with HSES enables us to expand this impact by supporting healthier communities and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy transition and environmental goals.”

Speaking on behalf of HSES, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat, said:
“There is no health without a clean environment. This partnership with IHS Nigeria is a demonstration of how the public and private sectors can come together to drive sustainability and safeguard the well-being of our people. Through this collaboration, we aim to showcase practical solutions that reduce carbon footprints, promote the adoption of clean cooking and energy alternatives, and inspire other states across the country to follow suit. The FCT is proud to lead by example in this regard.”

This landmark agreement not only reinforces IHS Nigeria’s dedication to sustainability, one of its core values but also strengthens the FCT’s efforts to advance climate resilience, environmental protection, and public health.

Winifred Bosa by — September 27, 2025 in brands and Marketing
IHS Nigeria Releases 2023,2024 Impact Assessments, Renews Commitment To Sustainable Development

By Winifred Bosa

IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has  published its 2023 and 2024 Impact Report.

The report highlights IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to helping foster a more sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria, and covers sustainability and community impact activities from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
During this period, IHS Nigeria continued to contribute towards the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and execute IHS Towers’ four-pillar sustainability strategy – focusing on ethics and governance, environment and climate change, education and economic growth, and our people and communities, which IHS Nigeria seeks to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Nigerian Government.
Report Highlights
Details of the activity published in this report under IHS Towers’ four sustainability pillars include:
Education and economic growth
Supported the construction and operation of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, expected to be the largest innovation centre in Nigeria, and other hubs in Ogbomosho (Oyo) and Alimosho (Lagos)
Partnered with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy on the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative to help train more than 100,000 Nigerians in digital skills
Welcomed 10 Nigerian educators to the 12-month Limitless Global Educator Program, in partnership with the Limitless Space Institute, and helped facilitate a visit to the NASA Space Center
Partnered with UNICEF Nigeria to support 956 schools across the country with school connectivity; 421 of which were successfully connected to the internet, enabling them to access the Nigerian Learning Passport under the UNICEF GenU initiative
Environment and climate change
Planted and nurtured 4,000 trees across the country
Installed 144 solar streetlights in communities across eight states, benefiting approximately 23,990 residents by helping improve security
Fitted 6,747 tower sites with hybrid power solutions to reduce dependency on diesel
Supported over 700 students with climate and eco-friendly education tools
Our People and Communities
Constructed nine medical oxygen plants in Bauchi, Ogun, Cross River, Kano, Yobe, Oyo, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and Rivers states to help strengthen lifesaving oxygen supply in hospitals, benefiting up to approximately 90,000 patients so far, according to UNICEF estimates
Constructed four solar powered boreholes in Borno State to provide clean water to over 20,000 beneficiaries
Supported 201 hydrocele surgeries and helped deliver treatment for neglected tropical diseases to over 1,000,000 people in partnership with the END Fund
Partnered with the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund in Cross River State to vaccinate over 10,000 children
Ethics and governance
IHS Nigeria continues to align with the guidelines of ISO 26000 on social responsibility
Upskilled 238 suppliers and members of the IHS Procurement and Supply Chain team on sustainable supply chain management
Supported 11 research publications through the Telecommunications and Technology Sustainability Working Group
Awarded six start-ups with seed grants through the Sustainable Solution Africa Program
Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, commented, “As a business, our focus is not only on providing the connectivity that powers this economy, but also on making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. From a mother who is supported through childbirth with medical oxygen, to a child who writes his first line of code through our digital literacy initiatives, to a father who now worries less about health expenses, to educators who benefit from an unique opportunity to visit the NASA Space Center, these transformational stories provide us with fulfilment as a business and present a picture of progress. There is no better purpose than improving the wellbeing of our fellow citizens and helping encourage hope in the prospects of our country.”
Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria, commented, “We believe in the power of the community and in empowering our people to help them unlock their full potential. Our interventions cut across the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria, as we seek to help pave the way for socioeconomic development and ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of their location, benefit from a better quality of life.”

Winifred Bosa by — September 27, 2025 in brands and Marketing
Cholera Vaccination Campaign Kicks Off In Darfur, Aiming To Protect 1.8 Million People

By Winifred Bosa

 A cholera vaccination campaign kicked off on 21 September 2025 in Nyala Ganoub, Nyala Shemal and Biliel localities of South Darfur and on 22 September in Abu Jabra and Ad Daein localities, marking the start of a campaign that aims to reach 1.86 million people aged one year and older with oral cholera vaccines in 6 localities of the Darfur states in response to the ongoing cholera outbreak.

According to a press release by WHO , Plans are underway to launch the campaign in Tawila locality of North Darfur before the end of the month.

The campaign comes at a critical time, as cholera cases in Darfur continue to rise at an alarming rate and the ongoing conflict and lack of basic services  make it increasingly difficult to support essential health services and deliver lifesaving medical supplies, including vaccines, nutrition kits and emergency supplies to most localities of the Darfur states, leading to an increased burden of disease, malnutrition and further spread of infectious diseases such as cholera.

“WHO teams in Darfur are working tirelessly with health partners to provide the necessary technical and operational support for a successful implementation of the campaign to protect the vulnerable population in the affected localities from the further spread of cholera,” says World Health Organization (WHO) Representative and Head of Mission in Sudan Dr Shible Sahbani. “The people in Darfur, and the rest of Sudan, must be protected from disease and suffering, and we are here to do exactly that as we have been doing so for decades.”

A total of 1.86 million doses of vaccines were mobilized through cross-border and crossline operations for the vaccination campaign. Extensive efforts were made by WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Sudan’s Ministry of Health to deliver the oral cholera vaccines to the targeted localities in the Darfur States, overcoming numerous access and transport challenges.

Since 29 May 2025, when the first cholera case was reported from South Darfur, the disease has spread to 36 localities across all 5 Darfur states with reports of 12 739 cases and 358 deaths. Since July 2024, close to 113 629 cases and 3029 deaths have been reported across Sudan’s 18 states, making it the longest recorded cholera outbreak in the country’s history.

Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, is a global threat to public health and a major indicator of inequity and lack of social development. The 2-year conflict in Sudan has led to mass displacement, disrupted basic services and caused a severe lack of access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation (WaSH) services, creating a conducive environment for water-borne diseases such as cholera to spread. The rainy season poses an additional risk with flooding and contamination of water points contributing to the increase in cases.

Vaccines, together with a comprehensive and multisectoral response that includes disease surveillance, detection and timely reporting; rapid access to treatment of cases; improved access to clean water and sanitation and risk communication and community engagement will help interrupt transmission and contain the cholera outbreak.

As part of its coordination and operational support to the campaign, WHO has supported campaign preparations and implementation, including transport of vaccines between localities, capacity-building and deployment of volunteer vaccinators, and supportive supervision and monitoring of the campaign, building on its decades-long presence in the Darfurs.

“In line with its technical mandate, WHO supported the training of trainers and cascaded training sessions down to the level of vaccinators. Our teams will continue to work alongside the vaccination team to ensure the quality of the campaign,” said Dr Sahbani, describing WHO’s support to the campaign.

The campaign, launched by Sudan’s Ministry of Health with WHO and UNICEF, will run for 10 days, targeting 97% of the population in the 6 localities.

Vaccines were provided by the International Cooperating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG), of which WHO is a member, together with UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), with financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Winifred Bosa by — September 27, 2025 in Health