SON Marks DG’s Two Years Landmark Achievement , Commissions Sokoto office
All Posts in "Month: November 2025"
Nkanu West Chairman Hails Tinubu, Mbah Over Udeh’s Ministerial Nomination
The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. John Ogbodo, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement personally signed by him, Wednesday, Ogbodo described the nomination of Dr. Udeh — who currently serves as Enugu State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice — as a well-deserved recognition of excellence, loyalty, and hard work.
The council boss, who commended Governor Mbah’s visionary and merit-driven leadership, stressed that Udeh’s elevation was possible because of the governor leadership focus and mentorship.
He stressed that Udeh’s rise reflects the industrious and resilient spirit for which the people of Nkanu West are known, noting that his performance as the state’s chief law officer had set a high benchmark for public service.
“We have watched Dr. Udeh carefully weave the threads of hard work, honesty, humility, and loyalty into his duties as Attorney-General. His dedication convinces us of his ability to excel in larger national responsibilities,” the statement further read.
According to him, the governor’s attention to excellence in appointments has restored Enugu’s rightful place in national affairs.
“Governor Mbah’s foresight and insistence on putting square pegs in square holes have continued to yield positive outcomes for our state. We in Nkanu West remain solidly behind his administration and its transformative agenda,” he added.
While congratulating Dr. Udeh on his nomination, the chairman expressed confidence that he would represent Enugu State and Nkanu West with honour and distinction at the federal level.
Recall that the President had, Tuesday, transmitted the name of Udeh to the senate for confirmation.
Fidelity Bank Partners NCF And Lagos State To Promote Responsible Waste Management
Amaka Obiefuna
In a bold move to promote environmental sustainability and inspire a culture of responsible waste management amongst Nigerians, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has donated large-capacity recycling bins to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.
The donation was made during the 19th edition of the Walk for Nature event held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at YABATECH. The event, themed “Lagos, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution,” was organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to raise awareness on plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, affirmed the bank’s commitment to driving environmental consciousness and sustainability through consistent advocacy and impactful community initiatives.
“As a socially responsible institution, we integrate sustainability into our business and community impact programmes. Beyond reducing our carbon footprint through renewable energy deployment across our branches and ATM network, we are also deepening our advocacy for recycling and waste reduction.
“Through recycling partnerships with schools, tree planting campaigns, and environmental beautification projects in urban as well as underserved communities, we are committed to building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. In line with this commitment, we are donating three large recycling bins to YABATECH to encourage responsible waste management and recycling among students,” he said.
Dr Nwagboh equally applauded the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Lagos State Government for their collaborative efforts in driving environmental awareness, urging individuals and organizations to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and reduce dependence on single-use plastics.
“Beating plastic pollution requires more than policies. It starts with each of us making conscious choices. By rethinking our consumption habits, reducing single-use plastics, and embracing recycling, we can make Lagos a model megacity for environmental stewardship,” he emphasised.
In her address, the Chairman, National Executive Council, NCF, Hon. Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, emphasized that plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally.
“This year’s Walk for Nature is unique because, for the first time, we are taking the awareness campaign directly to a tertiary institution. Young people represent the innovation and energy needed to build a cleaner future. Fidelity Bank’s donation of recycling bins to YABATECH is not just symbolic, it represents learning, responsibility, and change,” Justice Adebiyi stated.
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, also noted that plastic pollution has become a silent global crisis.
In appreciation of the donation, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. (Engr.) Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, thanked Fidelity Bank and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), which also donated two additional bins to the institution.
“On behalf of Yaba College of Technology, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Fidelity Bank and the Lagos State Government for this thoughtful gesture. The recycling bins will be strategically positioned across campus and judiciously used to promote a culture of sustainability among our students,” he said.
The initiative, which aims to encourage students to adopt eco-friendly habits, strengthen the institution’s recycling, and waste management systems, is the latest of the bank’s ongoing environmental awareness and sustainability efforts.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Ecobank, Proparco Seal €10m Trade Finance Deal For SMEs
Proparco and Ecobank Group have signed a €10m trade finance guarantee for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.
In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Thursday, the partners said the trade agreement was signed on the first day of the Africa Financial Summit 2025.
The €10m trade finance guarantee facility was signed for Ecobank Chad to facilitate imports of raw materials essential for creating added value in the country.
The programme addresses supply needs not covered by the local market and is part of the Food & Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) initiative launched in 2022 by France, together with the European Union, the G7, and the African Union. Its objective is to strengthen food security in the most vulnerable countries.
This guarantee is also part of the Choose Africa programme run by the AFD Group (Agence Française de Développement, Proparco, and Expertise France), which provides financing solutions to small African businesses, start-ups, micro-enterprises, and MSMEs, supporting them through the various stages of their growth via local partners backed by the AFD Group.
Speaking on the agreement, the Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, said, “This renewed partnership with Proparco reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the economic resilience of Chad and the wider region, contributing to the implementation of Chad’s new National Development Plan.
“By facilitating access to essential raw materials, we are supporting local industrialisation, food security, and value creation on the continent. Using the combined expertise of our pan-African network and Ecobank International in France, we will continue to support our customers by facilitating trade and strengthening risk management to build sustainable growth.”
Proparco Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Djalal Khimdjee, commented, “We are very pleased to welcome Ecobank Chad to the Trade Finance programme that we have co-developed with the Ecobank Group since 2018. This new partnership will benefit local businesses, enabling them to import raw materials and become part of the international value chain to better meet the needs of local communities. This transaction brings the total volume of trade finance guarantees granted to the Ecobank Group since 2018 to €125m.
INEC Accredited Observers Pledge Credible, Transparent Election In Anambra
By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Accredited Observers Group for Credible and Transparent Election on the Saturday’s Anambra State Gubernatorial Election has agreed to work together in discharging their mandate of standing for credible, transparent, peaceful, free and fair election in Nigeria.
This was disclosed during a press conference held at Meloch Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.
The group added that the coalition has deployed over 350 observers across the 21 local government areas of the state, who are currently working and keenly observing the level of preparedness of all the key actors in the electoral system and their subsequent conduct during and after the upcoming election.
They commended the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for providing security in the state, which has created a more conducive environment for electoral activities.
“The security situation in Anambra State has shown remarkable improvement compared to previous election cycles. Comparatively during the 2021 Gubernatorial Election, our observers were unable to access many areas due to security concerns, specifically Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North and South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and South, but today, the previously identified flashpoints have witnessed significant security improvement, allowing our field agents to track distributions and observe preparations without major hindrances. Despite the general improved security situation, our coalition has identified potential threats that require urgent attention.”
According to them, “we have received credible intelligence that some anti-democratic forces are planning to disrupt elections in certain parts of the state to facilitate rigging in parts of Ihiala, Ayamelum, and Nnewi South”.
Based on their comprehensive observation of the pre-election environment, they advised INEC to continue to ensure neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to the provisions of the constitution and Electoral Act of 2022 and regulations, guidelines for the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
The group urged the security agencies to provide robust protection for voters, election officals and materials, and ensure strict enforcement of movement restrictions on election day.
They also encouraged political actors to respect the peace accord and maintain issue-based engagement, while Ndi Anambra should come out en mass on Saturday, 8th November, to exercise their franchise.
“Your vote is your power, protect it and make sure it counts,” they said.
Malta Guinness, TRACE Naija Energise Campuses Across Nigeria With “In The City” Tour
By Winifred BosaThis year’s edition of the annual Trace In The City campus tour will go down as one of the most exhilarating, thanks to Nigeria’s premium malt drink, Malta Guinness.
In partnership with the tour’s organisers, TRACE Naija, the brand, renowned for fuelling the greatness and positive energy of Nigerians, was on the ground to give students a tour to remember for a long time.
The tour, designed to celebrate youth culture, creativity, and optimism, delivered unforgettable experiences filled with music, dance, and real connections.
From the University of Ibadan to the University of Abuja, University of Calabar, University of Uyo, and a grand finale at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, the nationwide tour brought together thousands of students who were treated to live performances from some of Nigeria’s hottest acts, including Falz, Qing Madi, Shoday, and Poco Lee. Each stop was packed with high-energy moments, inspiring conversations, and vibrant displays of real Nigerian talent.
At the Malta Guinness activation zones, students enjoyed chilled cans of Malta Guinness and immersed themselves in the brand’s World of Goodness.
Dancers were not left out as students of each school competed in the Malta Guinness Steppers Challenge, winning cash prizes for themselves.
Malta Guinness also took it a step further by rallying each school towards a common goal, winning the Malta Guinness Goodness Challenge, which saw Yabatech coming in first, UniCal in second place, and UniIbadan in third place.
The entire experience mirrored the everyday optimism that defines the Nigerian youth spirit – bold, expressive, and full of life.
Speaking on the brand’s involvement, Garima Khandelwal, Head of Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Guinness Nigeria, said: “Malta Guinness has always been more than just a drink; it is a symbol of positivity, energy, and real vitality. With our partnership with TRACE Naija, we are celebrating the youthful drive that keeps Nigeria moving. The ‘Trace In The City’ tour is our way of inspiring students to stay energized, and live life fully.”
Across campuses, the atmosphere was charged with music, laughter, and shared moments of joy.
The Malta Guinness x ‘TRACE In The City’ Campus Tour reinforced the brand’s commitment to celebrating and elevating youth culture while fuelling everyday optimism among Nigerian students.
By bringing its signature energy to campuses nationwide, Malta Guinness once again demonstrated its commitment to championing real vitality and creating meaningful cultural moments that connect Nigerians everywhere.
Lagride Launches Low-Cost Omni With Safer, Smarter, And Air-Conditioned Rides
Lagos’ leading smart mobility platform has launched the Lagride Omni, a low-cost, air-conditioned shared-ride service designed for offices, churches, schools, and large groups.
The Omni represents a major step forward in modernising group transportation across the city, offering a safer, cleaner, and more coordinated alternative to the traditional Korope minibuses that many Lagosians use every day. Spacious, comfortable, and efficient, the Omni delivers a new kind of Lagos experience built on comfort, convenience, and community.
Early adoption has shown strong interest from individual riders who are choosing the Lagride Omni because of its lower cost compared to regular taxis and ride-hailing options.
Many are also booking it for convenience and comfort, enjoying the air-conditioned space and the ability to move together with friends, family, or colleagues without spending more.
Unlike regular buses that stop repeatedly to pick up and drop off passengers, the Lagride Omni makes zero stops. Each ride is private and direct, whether booked by an individual or a group on the Lagide app, and it still comes at an unbeatable price.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of Lagride, described the Omni as a significant leap forward in the company’s mission to democratise mobility in Africa’s largest city. “Mobility is one of the greatest drivers of opportunity,” she said.
“By making modern transport affordable and accessible to every segment of society, Lagride is helping to build a more connected Lagos where movement creates meaning and community thrives.”
The Lagride Omni blends comfort, technology, and affordability in one seamless experience. Each vehicle is fully air-conditioned, GPS-enabled, and operated by trained drivers certified through the Lagride Academy, which ensures top safety and customer-service standards. With space for up to six passengers, the Omni offers coordinated group rides that are reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective.
According to Mr Jubril Arogundade, Acting Managing Director of Lagride, the Omni was designed to meet the real needs of Lagosians who move together daily. “With the Lagride Omni, one person can make a single booking and everyone joins the same ride,” he explained. “From offices to churches and community events, this is how Lagos will move together safely, conveniently, and in comfort.”
Modern Transport for Modern Groups
The Omni has been created for the rhythm of Lagos life: fast, collaborative, and always in motion. Every unit offers spacious seating, flexible route coordination, and a cool, comfortable interior that redefines what shared transport can be.
Organisations, churches, and schools can now plan coordinated group trips without the need for multiple taxis or unregulated buses. The service is affordably priced and available through the Lagride app or via WhatsApp for bulk or event bookings. Payment options include corporate billing, pre-paid bookings, and cashless transactions, ensuring flexibility for every type of user.
Empowering Drivers and Strengthening Communities
Lagride is recruiting 1,000 new manual drivers to join the Omni fleet. Every driver will receive professional training and certification through the Lagride Academy, established in partnership with the Lagos State Government, LASTMA, and other transport-safety stakeholders.
Mr Arogundade noted that the initiative is both a transport innovation and an empowerment programme. “We are creating opportunities for Lagosians to earn sustainable income while providing a better commuting experience for everyone,” he said. “The Omni combines innovation with inclusion, and its impact will be felt across every community in the city.”
Qatar Airways , Air Algérie Expand Network Access, Deepen Cooperation With The Launch Of Codeshare Partnership
Qatar Airways and Air Algérie announced a codeshare partnership that will increase access to seamless connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East through the multiple award-winning Hamad International Airport. Starting today, travellers can book codeshare flights for travel starting on 15 November 2025.
Building on an existing interline partnership between the two carriers, the codeshare provides Qatar Airways customers easier access to Algiers as well as six other key destinations in Air Algérie’s domestic network, including; Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members will also earn Avios on codeshare flights operated by Air Algérie.
Similarly, through codeshare flights with Qatar Airways, the Algerian national flag carrier offers more travel options for its passengers traveling to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat via Hamad International Airport. This codeshare agreement will soon be expanded to include additional destinations.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air Algérie through this new codeshare agreement, further strengthening our presence across key African markets. This collaboration will offer travellers greater choice and seamless connectivity to the Middle East, and Asia. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to deepening strategic partnerships, such as with Air Algérie, that enhance global connectivity from and to Africa through our hub, Hamad International Airport, which has been named by Skytrax as the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, and ‘World’s Best Airport’ in 2021, 2022, and 2024. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Air Algérie.”
Air Algérie Head of Commercial Division, Samy El Karim Boutemadja, said: “This codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways will certainly give Air Algérie the opportunity to enhance the company’s positioning in the Middle East and in Asia, by offering its customers larger possibilities to reach new destinations, as well as promoting travelling to Algeria. This agreement contributes to Air Algérie’s global strategy to expand its network and connections through its Algiers hub. We are looking forward to a successful partnership with Qatar Airways.”
Qatar Airways currently has 30 interline and six codeshare agreements with airlines across Africa, and operates 213 weekly flights to 30 cities in 21 African countries.
About Air Algérie
Air Algérie is the flag carrier of Algeria, fully owned by the Algerian State. The Airline operates on four continents: Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, using Algiers International Airport as a hub to build bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. Air Algérie serves more than 80 destinations on regular and charter bases and currently operates an average of 300 flights per day. The airline has developed a dense network of more than 200 routes. Air Algérie operates its own maintenance base and handling services. The airline has three subsidiaries: Air Algérie Catering, Air Algérie Cargo and Amadeus Algérie.
Air Algérie has carried nearly 8 million passengers in 2024, and is planning an important fleet development program. Member of international aviation organizations, such as IATA, AACO, AFRAA and ATAF, Air Algérie is IOSA, ISO 9001:2015 and EASA Part 145 certified.
Hospitality, Safety First, Continuous Modernization, Commitment to Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility: these are the company’s historical core values. In July 2024, Air Algérie inaugurated its new headquarters, located in Algiers’ business centre, near Algiers’ International Airport.
About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ title for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways was previously named the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence and has yet again received recognition for ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’. As the leading connector in the region, Qatar Airways has also been lauded with the ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ title for the twelfth time.
Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the third year in a row, as voted by Skytrax. Hamad International Airport has previously been named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.
International Chefs Day 2025 : Nestlé Professional Celebrates With Young Food Explorers
By Winifred BosaNestlé Professional, in collaboration with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), joined chefs around the world to celebrate International Chefs Day 2025 under the inspiring theme “Food Explorers.”
The event held on October 21, 2025, at Nestlé’s Sagamu Factory in Ogun State, bringing together 10 professional chefs and 40 enthusiastic pupils from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools for a day of fun, creativity, and learning centred around food and nutrition.
From planting seeds in the factory garden to preparing colourful, balanced meals in the training kitchen, the children experienced the full journey of food. Guided by the chefs, they discovered how good nutrition, creativity, and sustainability come together to make healthy eating both exciting and enjoyable.
Speaking at the event, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional, emphasized the purpose of the initiative.
“For us, International Chefs Day provides the opportunity to not only celebrate those who curate special meals but also to engage children and nurture the next generation of chefs who are conscious about making healthier meals.
Events like this are in line with our core values at Nestlé, where we believe that nutrition, creativity, and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping a healthier future.”
Chéf Cyril Agbachom, Team Lead of the Association of Professional Chéfs, Nigeria (APCN) delegation, also shared his delight at the children’s enthusiasm.
“We are thrilled to connect with these young food explorers. Teaching school children about healthy diets in an engaging, hands-on way helps them understand the value of nutritious ingredients while having fun in the kitchen. It is about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for good, healthy food’
The children also participated in a practical gardening session led by Mrs. Halimat Adeniji, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture and Food Systems, who taught them how to plant and care for local fruits and vegetables that thrive in Nigeria.
“Catching them young is key to achieving food security,” she noted. “When children learn to grow and eat our locally available foods, they not only develop healthier habits but also build a lifelong appreciation for nutritious eating.”
At the close of the event, each pupil received a plant pot and a recipe card to take back to school, serving as a reminder of the lessons learned and the joy of exploring food in a meaningful way.
Since 2014, Nestlé Professional and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria have worked together to promote healthy eating and nutrition education among children across the country.
The initiative complements Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK), the company’s global flagship programme aimed at helping 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.
Through this partnership, Nestlé continues to inspire children to make informed food choices that support their wellbeing, empower their families, and strengthen their communities, one healthy meal at a time.
SON Commissions Newly Constructed Ultra-Modern SON State Office Complex In Minna
The Director General/Chief Executive of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, joined by the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago (represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman); the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago; the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (represented by Mr. Joseph Ejembi Eekpa, Director, General Services, FMITI)
and other dignitaries, cutting the tape to commission the newly constructed ultra-modern SON State Office Complex in Minna — a landmark milestone in SON’s commitment to expanding its infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and promoting quality and industrial growth across Nigeria.