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Tinubu’s Directive On Food Importation Ignored By Nigerian Customs, Status Quo On Import Duties Maintained –Importers

The presidential directive aimed to curb soaring prices of food, raw materials, and manufacturing inputs, and also covered agricultural production inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, pharmaceuticals, poultry feed, flour, and grains.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s June announcement suspending import duties and tariffs on essential food items for six months, Nigerian importers claim they are still being forced to pay these fees.

 

The presidential directive aimed to curb soaring prices of food, raw materials, and manufacturing inputs, and also covered agricultural production inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, pharmaceuticals, poultry feed, flour, and grains.

 

However, importers say the suspension has not been implemented, contradicting the Executive Order tagged “Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measures, ETC.) Order, 2024,” which was issued under the President’s constitutional powers.

 

Also, the order, effective from May 1, 2024 stipulates that “authorized millers would now import paddy rice at zero duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of six months in the first instance in order to improve local supply and capacity utilisation of rice millers.”

 

On importation of rice, it says that from the commencement of this order, the following measures and reliefs shall apply: “Value Added Tax, where applicable, is hereby suspended on the for the rest of the year 2024: basic food items and semi-processed staple food items such as noodles and pasta; raw material inputs for the manufacturing of food items, electricity and public transportation; agricultural inputs and produce and pharmaceutical products for a period of six months.”

 

Contrary to the Executive Order’s directive to fast-track customs clearance and reduce processing time by at least 50%, the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) reports that its members continue to pay duties on all listed food items, agricultural equipment, manufacturing inputs, and pharmaceutical products, two months after the Order was issued.

 

The Nigeria Customs Service’s failure to implement the order’s provisions has resulted in ongoing delays and duties payments, contradicting the government’s aim to reduce inflation and stabilize prices.

 

Chairman of IMAN in Nigeria’s Northern region, Aminu Dan-Iya said, “Customs officials tell our members at entry points that they don’t have any written communication about the suspension.

 

“Therefore, nothing has changed, we’re paying duties as usual.”

 

“As matter of fact, people are outraged, asking to know why prices of food and other commodities keep skyrocketing despite removal of taxes. The truth is that something is fundamentally wrong somewhere because we cannot fathom why such a crucial presidential order is yet to be implemented,” he added.

 

Dan-Iya expressed optimism that the short-term tax suspension policy would help mitigate inflationary pressures and lead to a decrease in the prices of grains and related items, bringing relief to consumers.

 

Steel Ministry plans greenhouse farming initiative using scrap metal from abandoned vessels 

The Minister of State for Steel Development, Hon. Maigari Ahmadu has disclosed plans by the Ministry to combat the problem of food insecurity by building greenhouse farms using scrap metals from abandoned vessels across Nigeria’s waterways.

 

The Minister disclosed this during an interview on Channels TV program, Sunrise daily, while commenting on the recent national address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

He further stated that the plan will help combat insecurity in the country like banditry in the Northwest and other forms of insecurity in the Southeast.

 

He said, “We have a wonderful project called the vessel to grain house initiative from vessels abandoned from all territorial waters across the country from Lagos to Bayelsa. We are partnering with four indigenous steel companies- we want to recover these vessels and turn them into greenhouses. What do we intend to do with them, to locate them around city centres to produce crops that can be grown under greenhouses to contribute towards food security.”

 

“Especially in areas where we have issues- in the Southeast where we have issues with criminality and insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest. That is a problem we are very confident will make significant impact in the lives of the people with regards to food security.”

 

Also, Hon. Ahmadu stated that contrary to public opinion, the Ajaokuta steel company is not moribund, but operates at a little capacity and in the next six months, there will be significant output from the company.

 

He also explained that the Ministry hopes to train 100,000 Nigerians on varies aspects of steel development, metallurgy at the Metallurgical Training Institute in Onitsha, Anambra state.

 

He said, “We cannot look away from Ajaokuta, it belongs to us, and we should be hopeful. Ajaokuta is not moribund like its often put out there. This same government has engaged professionals like AfDB and UNIDO to look at it and they have sent their report back to the President. In the not distant future maybe a month or two, we should be able to see something.”

 

What you should know

The Ajaokuta Steel Mill, a multi-billion-dollar integrated steel plant established in the late 1970s and early 1980s, has faced numerous administrative setbacks hindering its operations.

 

The Federal Government recently announced plans to raise approximately N35 billion for the Ajaokuta Light Steel Mill by leveraging the local financial market. The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has estimated that the cost of reviving the Ajaokuta steel mill will range between $2 billion and $5 billion.

 

Miss South Africa: More controversy as Chidinma Adetshina’s Nigerian wedding clip surfaces

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Criticism of Chidimma Adetshina, a 2024 Miss South Africa pageant finalist, over her eligibility to contest for the pageant due to her Nigerian heritage does not seem to be waning, as further evidence (her marriage video), allegedly violating the competition guidelines, surfaced online.

 

Adetshina was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambique mother, who is now a naturalised South African.

 

According to the South African Citizenship Act, an individual automatically qualifies for citizenship if they are born in South Africa, if at least one of their parents is a South African citizen, or if a South African permanent residency permit holder or a South African citizen adopts them.

 

This Act provides the legal basis for Ms Adetshina’s South African citizenship as she is a dual citizen of South Africa and Nigeria.

 

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the controversy surrounding Ms Adetshina’s eligibility to contest for Miss South Africa, scheduled for 10 August at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, began shortly after she entered the beauty pageant.

 

The 23-year-old became the frontline of the country’s xenophobia debate and national identity after she advanced to the Top 30 Miss SA and then finalist of the competition.

 

Adetshina terms the criticism as black-on-black hate

 

However, the criticisms became more intense on Monday as South Africans dug out the video that delved deeper into Ms Adetshina’s marital and private life.

 

A popular news and entertainment blog, MDNnews, published her traditional Nigerian wedding video on X on Monday. This video, which features Ms Adetshina and her husband (name undisclosed) dancing to music in traditional Nigerian attire, has sparked controversy due to the perception that a married, divorced woman or a nursing mother is not eligible to contest for Miss South Africa.

 

 

The 24-second clip also captured attendees showering Ms Adetshina and her husband with money, further fueling the debate about her eligibility for the Miss SA pageant.

 

The criticism of the wedding video was that a married, divorced woman or a nursing mother is not eligible to contest for Miss South Africa.

 

Furthermore, the guidelines provided by the Miss South Africa organisation website revealed that being married, divorced, or a mother does not disqualify contestants from entering the Miss South Africa pageant.

 

Audience Survey

Divorce

In an interview with Sowetan SMa (a quarterly fun and lifestyle magazine), the 23-year-old revealed that she was once married but divorced in February 2024.

 

The netball player and Law student at Varsity College, Sandton, South Africa, said she divorced her husband because of his ideology of an African married woman.

 

“I got divorced in February. We were not compatible because he had this ideology of what an African married woman is. I didn’t want to be in a position where I couldn’t go out, but I had to clean and cook… that was just not for me because, as a society, we are way past that phase. My parents have been very supportive, and although my marriage robbed me of enjoying the beauty of pregnancy and being a wife – overall, it brings me joy that I get to take new steps with my son.

 

“I didn’t think I’d be a mom at my age as he was conceived out of wedlock, but I’m glad to have him. At the beginning of the year, I was so depressed and worried about how life would turn out for me, but getting this far in the competition made me believe there was more in store for me”, she said.

 

Minister speaks

Reacting to the xenophobic attacks and criticism, South Africa’s Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, urged Ms Adetshina to prove her nationality.

 

In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) last week, McKenzie asked Ms Adetshina to produce documents proving her South African citizenship.

 

Mr McKenzie, the President of South Africa’s anti-immigrant political party, Patriotic Alliance, who led a crusade against “illegal foreigners” in the country, including Nigerians, in January 2022, said, “Why can’t she just produce (documents) and say she’s South African? Beautiful South African young ladies might be robbed of this opportunity.”

 

Eligibility

Despite several criticisms and calls for her disqualification, the Miss South Africa organisation’s website maintains stringent citizenship and ethical conduct criteria. Surprisingly, the body has supported the model.

 

They stated that citizenship, regardless of origin, is the primary requirement. It correlates with the revised South African Citizenship Act, which acknowledges birth, descent, and naturalisation as valid routes to citizenship.

 

In a statement to The South African newspapers, the organisation confirmed that Ms Adetshina met all the requirements to participate in the pageant.

 

The statement read, “All documentation provided by the entrants is screened and vetted. Chidimma is a South African citizen and has met all the requirements to participate in the Miss South Africa competition. Her mother is South African (Zulu), and her father is Nigerian.”

 

The Miss South Africa 2024 competition winner will succeed Natasha Joubert of Gauteng, the 2023 titleholder, and represent South Africa at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico.

Why fuel importers will frustrate Dangote – Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that those benefiting from the lucrative business of fuel importation are going to make efforts to frustrate the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

 

Obasanjo stated this in the wake of allegations by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that some ‘mafias’ were making efforts to frustrate the $20bn refinery.

 

This came as it was gathered on Monday that the multi-billion dollar refinery and other domestic refineries had yet to purchase crude oil in naira based on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

 

In an interview with Financial Times, the former President described the Dangote refinery as something that should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

 

“Aliko’s investment in a refinery, if it goes well, should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Nigeria.

 

“If those who are selling or supplying refined products for Nigeria feel that they will lose the lucrative opportunity, they will also make every effort to get him frustrated,” Obasanjo stated.

 

Officials of the Dangote Group recently cried out that international oil companies were frustrating the refinery by refusing to sell crude or by selling to them at a premium up to $4 above the normal price.

 

They also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority of deliberately granting licences to individuals to import dirty fuel.

 

The regulator denied this, saying Dangote diesel was inferior when compared to the imported ones.

 

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, also stated that the country would not stop fuel importation to avoid a monopoly by the Dangote Group.

 

Obasanjo, speaking further, disclosed that Nigeria made a deadly mistake by putting all its eggs in what he called one basket of oil, ignoring gas and agriculture.

 

“I believe we made a very, very deadly mistake. We put all our eggs in one basket of oil. We even ignored gas. We were flaring gas, which is a very important commodity

 

“We ignored agriculture, which should have been the centrepiece of our economic development,” Obasanjo stated.

 

He recalled how he persuaded Shell to run the country’s refineries but the International Oil Company refused, saying there was too much corruption in the sector.

 

“When I was President, I invited Shell and I said, look, come and take equity participation and run our refineries for us. They refused. They said our refineries have not been well maintained.

 

“We have brought amateurs rather than bringing professionals. They said there’s too much corruption with the way our refinery is run and maintained. And they didn’t want to get involved in such a mess,” he explained.

 

On the promises that the refineries will be fixed, he asked, “How many times have they told us that? And at what price?

 

“Those problems, as far as the government refineries are concerned, have never gone away. They have even increased. So if you have a problem like that and that problem is not removed then you aren’t going anywhere.”

 

The former President also condemned the style adopted by President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidies, stating that the present administration should have first considered the hardship the subsidy removal could cause people and how to ameliorate the same.

 

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Not just wake up one morning and say you removed the subsidy. Because of inflation, the subsidy that we have removed is not gone. It has come back,” the former President stressed.

 

He said there must be investor confidence in Nigeria, adding, “You have to go from transactional economy to transformational economy.”

 

Obasanjo expressed concern over youths’ restiveness caused by unemployment, fearing that Nigeria might be sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

 

“Our youth are restive. And they are restive because they have no skill. They have no empowerment. They have no employment. We are all sitting on a keg of gunpowder. And my prayer is that we will do the right thing before it’s too late,” he warned.

 

Crude in naira

 

It was also gathered on Monday that the Dangote refinery and other local refineries in Nigeria had yet to start buying crude oil from NNPC in naira as directed by President Tinubu.

 

The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria said letters have been written to NNPC by individual refiners requesting crude, but there has been no response yet.

 

The Federal Executive Council recently adopted a proposal by Tinubu to sell crude to the Dangote refinery and other upcoming refineries in naira.

 

FEC approved that the 450,000 barrels meant for domestic consumption be offered in naira to Nigerian refineries, using the Dangote refinery as a pilot. The exchange rate will be fixed for the duration of this transaction.

 

However, almost one week after the announcement, the refiners said they had not heard from the NNPC.

 

The Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, said the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority is expected to kickstart the process.

 

“We have not started buying crude from NNPC. Individual members have written to them (NNPC) already, and they have several requests from these refineries before them.

 

“Typically, we would expect our regulator, in this instance, the NMDPRA, to kick start the process by calling for a meeting of all parties to discuss the framework for such supply or have NNPC respond to the various letters to it by the refineries requesting for crude,” Idoko noted.

 

The CORAN spokesperson had earlier stated that the supply of crude oil to local refineries in naira would bring down the cost of petrol and strengthen the naira against the dollar.

 

Idoko commended Tinubu for listening to the voice of indigenous refiners but noted that an executive order should be issued on the new directive.

 

The crude oil refiners also sought a meeting with the economic team to work out a rate that would favour the Nigerian market.

 

“Yes, we will see a rebound in the pricing of fuel once the President’s order is implemented. Mind you, the pronouncement alone is not enough. It must be with a force of law, either by executive order or by incorporating it into a new guideline so that the crude producers will be bound to sell to us in naira,” Idoko stated.

 

Dangote refinery and other domestic refiners have been complaining about the difficulties associated with accessing crude oil for their plants. Recently, the management of Dangote Group insisted that the IOCs were still frustrating crude supply to the 650,000-capacity refinery.

 

In a statement, the group alleged that the IOCs insisted on selling crude oil to its refinery through their foreign agents, saying the local price of crude will continue to increase because the trading arms offer cargoes at $2 to $4 per barrel, above NUPRC official price.

 

The group also alleged that the foreign oil producers seem to be prioritising Asian countries in selling the crude they produce in Nigeria.

 

A senior official at the Dangote refinery, who pleaded not to be named due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, confirmed that the plant had yet to start buying crude in naira from NNPC.

 

The spokesperson of NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, did not respond to enquiries on the matter when contacted by our correspondent.

 

NNPCL unveils new crude oil grade, begins export to Spain

NNPCL unveils new crude oil grade, begins export to Spain

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd., has announced the introduction of Utapate crude oil blend, a new oil grade into the international crude oil market.

FILE PHOTO: The new logo of the privatised Nigeria oil company is seen at the NNPC Mega Gas Station in Abuja, Nigeria August 30, 2022. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

The NNPC Ltd. said from Oil Mining Lease, OML, 13, fully operated by NEPL, NNPC Ltd’s upstream subsidiary, the Utapate crude oil blend commenced operations in July 2024, as its first cargo headed for Spain.

 

The Utapate crude oil blend is located offshore Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria.

 

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, in a statement on Monday explained that Utapate’s current crude oil production is at 28,000 barrels per day (bpd).

 

Mr Soneye disclosed that it has potentials to increase its production to 50,000 barrels per day while the sulphur content of the new crude is 0.0655 per cent.

 

“Spanish oil giant Repsol, won the tender for the initial cargo of 950,000 barrels of the new crude blend which is comparable to the much sought after Amenam crude.

 

“Gulf Transport and Trading, another leading crude oil dealer, have also secured the cargoes’ tenders for Aug. and Sept. 2024,” he said.

 

During the Argus European Crude Conference in London 2023, the NNPC Ltd. announced the inauguration of Nembe crude oil, produced by the NNPC/Aiteo operated OML 29 Joint Venture (JV).

 

Similar to the Nembe crude oil grade, the Utapate crude oil blend has a low sulphur content and low carbon footprint due to flare gas elimination, fitting perfectly into the required spec of major buyers in Europe.

 

This remarkable achievement signals the commitment of the NNPC Ltd. to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production and grow reserves through the development of new assets.

 

NAN

EndBadGovernance: Nigerian Defence slams protesters calling for coup and flying Russian flag

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The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha on Monday, August 5, said those flying Russian flag in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence, adding that the law would catch up with them.

 

Speaking after an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, the General said: “All of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.

 

That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.

 

Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive.

 

We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason, to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what will continue to defend.

 

The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria. And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria that we have assured Mr. President.

 

We’ve said that clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they want to be prosecuted.”

Dangote Refinery: CSOs to monitor NNPC compliance on crude sale

Dangote Refinery: CSOs to monitor NNPC compliance on crude sale

CSOOs

L-R: Global Integrity Crusade Network, Edward Ejembi; Guidance of Democracy and Development Initiative, Igwe Ude – Umanta; Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, Mary Ogwiji; Rising Up for a United Nigeria, Solomon Adodo; Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Empowerment For Unemployed Youth Innovative, Danesi Momoh and Zero Tolerance for Corruption Association, Abdulmalik Zakari during the visit of members of the Civil Society Organisations to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemical And Fertiliser Plants, in Lagos.

 

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has announced their intention to closely monitor the compliance of the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited in its crude oil sales to the Dangote Refinery.

 

This move, according to the CSOs aims to ensure transparency and adherence to regulatory standards in the dealings between the state oil company and the privately owned refinery.

 

The CSOs made their accusation known during a facility tour of the 650,000 bpd refinery in Lagos.

 

Speaking, Solomon Adodo of the Rise Up for A United Nigeria, spoke on behalf of the 28 CSOs through a statement issued on Monday.

 

Adodo expressed dismay over the government’s apparent reluctance to support the local refinery, despite its potential to alleviate the nation’s fuel crisis and foreign exchange challenges.

 

The group further accused the NNPCL of disregarding President Bola Tinubu’s directive to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira.

 

The CSOs vowed to intensify advocacy efforts to compel the government to prioritise the Dangote Refinery and ensure its smooth operation.

 

The statement read, “The disposition of the NNPCL and the regulatory agencies is a clear indication that they deliberately held down the nation’s refineries so that they could continue importing petroleum products.

 

“Having gone round to see this world-class project, we are at a loss as to why the government could decide to turn against Nigerians in this manner.

 

“We are ready to defend this facility with everything as civil society organizations.

 

“We are going to set up a situation room to monitor the compliance of the NNPCL with the directive of Mr President that Dangote Refinery would be supplied with Crude in Naira because we know that the enemies of the people would want to adopt another strategy to sabotage the presidential directive.”

 

The Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, echoed the CSOs’ concerns, highlighting the refinery’s potential to transform Nigeria’s economy.

 

“This is what Dangote refinery seeks to correct, we did the same in the Cement and Sugar sectors where Nigeria was a leading importer of those products and with the coming of Dangote leading the backward integration programme of the government, others came into the sector and together Nigeria now exports cement to other countries,” Edwin explained.

 

Despite facing numerous challenges, including difficulties in securing crude oil supply, the Dangote Refinery remains committed to its vision of transforming Nigeria’s petroleum industry, according to Edwin.

Digital economy: International Telecommunications Union urges Nigeria to streamline NCC, NITDA’s functions 

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has advised the Nigerian government to streamline the regulatory roles of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to address multiple regulations in the digital space.

 

The global telecom body stated this in its report on Nigeria titled, ‘Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation’, which was recently launched in Abuja.

 

According to the report, areas of overlapping functions of the two agencies include responsibility for developing sector-specific ICT policies, data protection, and content regulation, among others.

 

It added that with increasing convergence between telecommunications, IT, and ICTs generally, there is a need for a clear understanding of where the delineation of the roles of NITDA and NCC lies.

 

Streamlining roles with NITDA Bill

While noting that there are also some overlaps between the mandate of NITDA with NCC, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and potentially other entities, the ITU said the NITDA Amendment Bill, which is before the National Assembly should clarify the mandate and role.

 

“The NITDA mandate in policy-making and regulation, i.e., whether it is a standards body, a regulatory authority, or a policy-making institution, is unclear, and stakeholders currently differ on what the role should be,” it said.

 

“While the Bill seeks to clarify the position of NITDA, it may inadvertently cause conflict between NITDA and other sector regulators including NCC given the NITDA broad mandate in relation to the ‘digital economy,’ and the lack of clarity in the distinction between the IT sector and the ICT sector.

 

Should NCC and NITDA roles not be streamlined or clarified, it opens the possibility for forum shopping, and the duplication of roles, licences and fees levied by public agencies, and payable by ICT sector companies,” ITU added.

 

What you should know

The NITDA Amendment Bill generated controversies in the Nigerian ICT industry last year as major stakeholders see it as an attempt by NITDA to usurp the powers of other regulators in the industry.

 

Specifically, organizations such as the Computer Professionals Council of Nigeria (CPN), Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) among others, have all condemned the NITDA Bill, saying it was an attempt to make NITDA a ‘super regulator’ in the ICT industry.

 

According to the Chief Executive Officer of ICT Derivatives Ltd., Mr. Ayoola Oke, the NITDA Act of 2007 had a central purpose to facilitate the adoption of ICT throughout the nation in the private and public sectors, and consequently support its infrastructure and connectivity.

 

Oke said that the new NITDA bill is not an amendment but a reenactment as it seeks to make the agency a regulator.

 

He said the agency’s primary function was to focus on developing business, talents, and job creation, noting that there were agencies already carrying out regulatory functions in the ICT industry.

 

SKLD hosts education stakeholders in partnership with Sterling Bank to discuss bridging the school supplies gap in Nigeria’s education sector 

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SKLD hosts education stakeholders in partnership with Sterling Bank to discuss bridging the school supplies gap in Nigeria’s education sector

 

Individuals and organizations involved in Nigeria’s education sector must adapt technology, engage in curriculum development, and secure adequate financing to close existing gaps.

 

This was discussed at an education showcase event hosted by SKLD (School Kits Limited) Integrated Services Ltd in partnership with Sterling Bank at the Education Supplies Showcase 2024.

 

The event, themed “Bridging the Education Supplies Gap in Nigeria,” was held at Four Points by Sheraton on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

 

The event began with Tayo Osiyemi, the Executive Director of SKLD, who introduced the organization founded by Mrs. Temilola Adepetun, MD/CEO of SKLD. He explained that SKLD was established to assist parents by consolidating educational supply needs into a single location.

 

Currently, SKLD collaborates with over 600 schools, operates a retail network of approximately 7 stores across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and maintains an online presence. The business focuses on educational supplies for both public and private sectors, including primary and secondary schools. Additionally, its corporate services extend beyond education into for-profit non-educational sectors and humanitarian organizations.

 

SKLD aims to bring value to stakeholders by maintaining relationships with schools, aiding in closing the supply gap, and managing procurement processes.

 

The organization believes education is a human right and should be subsidized, integrating a social element into its business to deliver value.

 

For example, in 2016, SKLD established a local manufacturing company equipped with over 100 machines, producing more than 8,000 garments annually. Currently, SKLD is a distributor for major OEM manufacturers such as Casio, Epson, and Canon, collaborating on delivering high value products at lower costs.

 

Change Management and Technology Integration in Education

The former Commissioner of Education in Lagos State, Folashade Adefisayo, addressed school owners on the importance of change management and the integration of technology in education delivery.

 

She highlighted that investment in physical equipment is no longer essential due to technological advancements.

 

Furthermore, she emphasized the need for teachers to be well-trained and equipped to adapt to the current advancements in education.

 

Improving Manpower and Environmental Factors Impacting Education Quality

A panel discussion covered various topics, including the importance of collaboration, curriculum development, teacher self-development, and financial support from banks.

 

The panelists included Barr. (Mrs.) Doris Chinedu-Okoro, CEO of Evergreen Group, Enugu; Moses Egwumo, Managing Director of Goldenville Schools, Lagos; Dr. Emmanuel Tarfa, CEO of Krypton IP; and Njideka Nwabueze, Group Head of the Education Sector at Sterling Bank.

 

Barr. Chinedu-Okoro emphasized her passion for improving the quality of education, especially in the Southeast region, stating that teaching is a calling and therefore, her ultimate goal is to provide quality education, despite the existing gap.

 

She recognized the importance of technology in powering content but highlighted the challenge of affordability, necessitating collaboration.

 

Dr. Emmanuel Tarfa, an education business consultant, addressed the need for basic and real-world practical skills in schools. He identified comprehension and composition as fundamental skills necessary for aptitude tests and employment, arguing that subjects without real-world applications should not be taught.

 

He recommended new teaching methods and curriculum development to reflect real-world scenarios, suggesting that students work on real business problems to gain practical experience.

 

Moses Egwumo highlighted the empowerment of educators through conferences and the significance of volunteering, which provides entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.

 

He emphasized the shared responsibility of entrepreneurs and students in learning the right skills, and advocating for a problem-solving education system.

 

Education Financing: An Urgent Need

Njideka Nwabueze, Group Head of Educational Finance at Sterling Bank, discussed the bank’s focus on education.

 

She noted that while the bank serves other sectors, education is a key thematic area. Furthermore, she addressed the infrastructure deficit and affordability issues, calling for strategic partnerships.

 

Sterling Bank so far has partnered with various organizations such as Chronicles to provide device financing for students and is working with SKLD, Ulesson, HP, Epson, and others to build capacity for school owners and parents.

 

Nwabueze also mentioned that Sterling Bank offers lenient terms and conditions to help education entrepreneurs secure financing for their projects.

 

 

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TikTok honours African content creators

TikTok, the leading short-form video platform, on Thursday announced its inaugural Visionary Voices List for Africa, recognising 15 individuals driving innovation and cultural representation across the continent.

 

The list, categorised into creators, small-owned businesses, and industry disruptors, highlights significant contributions to African music, arts, entertainment, and cultural diversity.

 

TikTok said in a statement recently that the recognition solidified its commitment to empowering African creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators and its role in shaping the continent’s digital landscape.

 

The creators’ category acknowledges those who have captivated audiences with their engaging and dynamic content. From comedians and sports enthusiasts to dancers, these creators are expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved on the platform.

 

In the small-owned businesses category, TikTok honoured entrepreneurs who use the platform to showcase their unique products and services.

 

According to the platform, these businesses are revolutionising their industries and demonstrating that vision, creativity, and success are intertwined.

 

The Industry Disruptors category recognises individuals who are challenging conventional industries with innovative perspectives. These pioneers are reshaping their fields and driving positive change through a hunger for success, placing Africa on the global map.

 

The Head of Content Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, Boniswa Sidaba, commented, “The Visionary Voices List Africa celebrates the extraordinary talent and innovative spirit of the African community.

 

“These 15 individuals have made a profound impact on and off the platform. Their dedication to cultural representation and innovation is truly inspiring.”