NESCAFÉ Celebrates Global Coffee / Nigeria’s Independence Day , Samples 65,000 Cups Nationwide






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

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.

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.
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.”

The Local Organising Committee of the E1 Lagos GP is proud to announce its sponsorship lineup for Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race, taking place from October 2–5, 2025, on the Lagos Lagoon.
The announcement was made at the Stakeholder Immersion Session, convened to ensure that every stakeholder – from sponsors and the media to creators and influencers – carries a unified understanding of the E1 Lagos GP’s identity, communication standards, and positioning. It was a unique platform to deepen stakeholder awareness of what the E1 Series represents globally and how Lagos is preparing to host its maiden edition on African waters. The session also featured opening remarks by Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, a presentation from the Lagos State Waterways Authority on established safety protocols, and guidance from the Teksight Edge team on proper brand use and communications guidelines.
Speaking at the session, Mr. Samuel Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of the E1 Lagos GP LOC, said: “Today marks not only an affirmation of our sponsors’ commitment, but a promise that we will uphold clarity, professionalism, and integrity in how Lagos tells its story on the global stage. We are proud to stand with First Bank as our Presenting Partner, and with all our partners who share in our vision for sport, innovation, and legacy.”
In his remarks, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, noted: “The E1 Lagos GP is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of Lagos’ readiness to lead Africa into a sustainable future, where innovation and culture meet global standards. Our responsibility is to ensure that the people, the media, and all partners tell this story with one voice.”
Mr. Olayinka Ijabiyi, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria, added: “First Bank is honoured to take its place as the Presenting Partner of the E1 Lagos GP. Our heritage of over 130 years in supporting innovation and development in Nigeria aligns perfectly with this groundbreaking event. We are delighted to support a project that not only showcases sport at its finest but also emphasizes sustainability and youth engagement.”
The sponsors of the E1 Lagos GP are: First Bank of Nigeria (Presenting Partner), Oando, Spiro, Sunbeth, and Tolaram Group (with Guinness Stout, Johnnie Walker, and The Singleton). These partnerships demonstrate the commitment of leading brands to Lagos’ vision of hosting world-class events that inspire pride and create lasting impact.
With these partnerships and the alignment achieved during the immersion session, the E1 Lagos GP is positioned to set a new benchmark for sports, innovation, and sustainability in Africa, while projecting Lagos as a hub of culture, commerce, and global excellence.
By Winifred Bosa

Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and skill development with the graduation of twenty young trainees from the 8th cohort of its Nestlé Technical Training Center, Agbara. This initiative is part of the broader Nestlé Needs YOUth program, a global commitment launched in 2013 with the goal of enabling 10 million young people worldwide to access economic opportunities by 2030.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Nestlé Technical Training Center, Agbara has invested more than ₦6 billion in equipping young Nigerians with hands-on technical and vocational skills. The program offers comprehensive training in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, giving participants the practical expertise they need to thrive in today’s industrial landscape. By empowering youth with employable skills, the initiative not only supports individual growth but also contributes to Nigeria’s industrial capacity and sustainable economic development.
The latest graduates completed an intensive 18-month curriculum that blends theoretical and practical engineering education. Their training culminated in the prestigious City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhancing their employability in Nigeria and beyond.
Since its inception, the Nestlé Technical Training Center has trained more than 200 young professionals across its three locations: Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji factories. Impressively, 95% of alumni have secured employment with Nestlé Nigeria, where they apply their technical knowledge in practical roles.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said:
“Each graduation ceremony is a true privilege because it allows us to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the Nestlé Technical Training Center. Many of our graduates have gone on to build remarkable careers, including one who now serves as a Factory Engineer in Angola, and several others excelling as Engineering and Production Supervisors. From this class, five outstanding graduates will embark on an eight-week internship in Switzerland starting this October, under the framework of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria.
There, they will sharpen their technical expertise and gain valuable global exposure. These achievements go far beyond individual success, they uplift families, strengthen communities, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.”
Highlighting the broader impact of the Technical Training Centers within the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, Mr. Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, said:
“The Nestlé Technical Training Center is a cornerstone of Nestlé Needs YOUth, which empowers young people across Nigeria through four key pillars: employability, skills development, support, and access to opportunities. Beyond the training centers, our initiative includes programs such as the Nesternship Program, a virtual internship platform that allows young people to gain practical experience remotely; the Nestlé Youth Development Program, which provides training and mentorship to enhance employability; and our active participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, a collaboration offering apprenticeships, traineeships, and job opportunities. Through these efforts, we reach an average of 25,000 young people annually, helping them build fulfilling careers and contribute to the growth of our communities.”
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Adenike Aderonke, Director of Social and Labour Affairs, the Director-General Mr. Adewale Smatt Oyerinde of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) praised the Center’s role in shaping future talent.
“This program reaffirms our belief that skills are the future of work, especially for young people in today’s competitive environment. To the graduands, I extend heartfelt congratulations. Strive for excellence in your endeavors, uphold values of consistency, and make a positive impact in your chosen fields.”
Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, along with representatives from the communities.
“I am proud to see a program that gives our youth real skills and opportunities,” Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade said. “It is especially wonderful to see young people from my community succeeding through this initiative. I encourage these graduates to lead by example and inspire others to make the most of education, training, and personal development.”
With every edition, the Nestlé Technical Training Centres continue to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial workforce, equipping young people with the skills to build sustainable careers and drive national growth.
About Nestle
Nestlé Nigeria is Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality, excellence, and commitment to creating shared value. With a heritage of more than 63 years in Nigeria and its house-hold brands, the firm continues to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food and beverage products. In addition, the firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes action to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices.
With over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria, Nestlé produces and markets iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn, Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac.

By Winifred Bosa


Marketing experts have urged brands to build trust and deliver holistic value beyond price in today’s changing marketing landscape, saturated with choices and increasingly discerning consumers.
They made this assertion at the third edition of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, held on Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). Industry stakeholders and captains of industry gathered to dissect the theme, “Defining ‘Value’ in the Modern Marketplace: Beyond Price, Quality, Experience and Ethics”.
Speaking on the choice of the theme, Adetunji Faleye, Co-Convener of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, said, “Our chosen theme reflects a pressing question for today’s brands, businesses, and leaders.” Faleye stated, “We believe the answer lies in a holistic approach—one that integrates all these elements and goes further to capture the intangible: trust, relevance, purpose, and sustainability. These are the benchmarks of success in the modern marketplace.”
Delivering the keynote address, Femi Opadere, Head of Digital Media at Globacom, challenged brands to shift their focus from cost to benefit. He emphasised that today’s consumers are digitally active, have numerous options, and make decisions based on more than just price.

Using Globacom’s introduction of per-second billing as a prime example, he illustrated how delivering genuine value can revolutionise an industry. “Somebody somewhere was not thinking about making money immediately. He was thinking about what kind of value I can give to Nigerians,” Opadere recalled, noting that this value-driven strategy led to over one million subscribers in a few months. He concluded with the adage, “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
The conversation deepened during a panel session moderated by Zion Rufus, Senior Brand & Content Strategist at Livespot360. The panelists, drawing from diverse industry experiences, offered practical insights.
Samuel Akinrimisi, New Product Development Lead at Eko Supreme Resources, warned that brands often fail when they operate on flawed assumptions about their customers. “The gap I identified is that we do not bring the point of the consumer into the product perspective,” Akinrimisi explained. He argued that true value is “needed satisfaction” and requires brands to understand the cultural relevance of their products and messaging.
Ayodeji Ajayi, Strategy/Creative Director at Hephzibah Experiential Ltd, spoke about the power of building an emotional connection and trust to foster unwavering loyalty. “You cannot take away emotions,” Ajayi noted, explaining that a deep connection is what makes a consumer choose a brand repeatedly. He stressed that “the culture that defines the experience is one thing that brands must prioritise to succeed.”
Representing the fast-evolving fintech space, Obinna Ojekwe, Marketing Lead, Hydrogen Pay described value as a powerful differentiator, which can even be found in simple accessibility. He called value a “cheat code” for brands, especially niche players, to excel by deeply understanding their specific market segment.
He added that in today’s digital age, brands must define value through co-creation with their customers. He states that co-creation means you “create products with your target.” He explained that co-creation typically refers to a collaborative process where you involve your target audience or stakeholders directly in the development or creation of products, services, or solutions. Instead of just designing with their needs in mind, co-creation actively invites their input, ideas, and feedback throughout the process to ensure the final outcome truly reflects their preferences and insights.
The experts underscored the message that: in today’s marketplace, sustainable success is built not just on what a brand sells, but on the comprehensive value it delivers to its customers.
The enlightening summit culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating the brands, agencies, and individuals who have exemplified excellence and successfully delivered outstanding value. The consumer goods sector was well-represented, with Checkers Custard named Outstanding Custard Brand of 2025 and Golden Penny Semovita taking home the Consumer Brand of the Year 2025 award. Culinary excellence was further celebrated as Ajinomoto was crowned Outstanding Culinary Brand of The Year 2025. In the beverage category, Amstel Malta was recognised as the Malt Drink of the Year 2025. Demonstrating innovation in the homecare segment, SoKlin received double honours as the Innovative Detergent Brand of the Year 2025 and for its Smart Liquid, which won Innovation of the Year in the Detergent Category. A special commendation for delivering tangible consumer benefits went to WideScope International Logistics Limited for Creating Real Value for Consumers.
Commitment to social responsibility was also celebrated, with BATN Foundation receiving the Social Impact Award of 2025 and Bet9ja Foundation earning the CSR Award of 2025.
Broader corporate excellence was also spotlighted, with Iron Resources named Outstanding Company of the Year 2025. In the financial sector, ALAT was recognised as the Outstanding Digital Bank of the Year 2025.
The agency and professional categories saw a wide array of talent recognised. SBI Media Ltd was awarded Innovative Media Agency of the Year, while SOULCOMMS PR was named Outstanding Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025.
Specialist firms also received accolades, with P+ Measurement Services celebrated as the Innovative Public Relations Measurement Agency of the Year 2025 and CI Public Relations Consulting Limited honoured as the Outstanding firm in Crisis/Strategic Communication. The future of the industry was also in the spotlight, as Seedar Group won Innovative Young Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025 and WhirlSpot Media was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution To Startups.
Individual excellence was lauded across the marketing and media landscape. Rotimi Bankole won Outstanding Media Personality of the Year 2025, while Melvin Udosen was named Outstanding Media Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. In journalism, Azeez Disu was crowned Brand Journalist of the Year 2025, and Afolabi Idowu was recognised as the BJAN Personality of The Year 2025. In marketing leadership, Ilyas Kazeem was awarded Marketing Director of the Year (Food Division), and Roseline Abaraonye won Marketing Director of the Year 2025 (Cosmetics). The rising stars were not overlooked, with Onoriode Akusu celebrated as the Fast-Rising PR Practitioner of the Year.
The MediaConsortium Conference and Awards is an annual event dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange, celebrating industry excellence, and inspiring the future of marketing, media, and communications in Nigeria. It brings together industry leaders, brand custodians, and innovators to discuss pressing issues and recognise outstanding contributions to the marketplace.

