Business

Breweries Ignite Skills Revolution in Kaduna

Published

4 weeks ago

April 27, 2025

By Adewunmi Oluwaseun

Nigerian Breweries Plc has unveiled a state of the art Maltina Skills Acquisition Centre in Kaduna, delivering fresh hope and economic lifelines to residents of its host communities and beyond.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, hailed the project as the birth of new opportunities for young people, charting pathways toward economic independence and self reliance.

“This centre is more than a building. It is a beacon of dreams, growth, and resilience that will strengthen our economy and inspire communities,” Balarabe said, applauding Nigerian Breweries for its steadfast commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment.

She praised the initiative as perfectly aligned with the administration of Senator Uba Sani, which prioritizes skills acquisition in critical sectors such as Information and Communication Technology.

“This centre will transform job seekers into job creators and drastically cut unemployment in Kaduna State,” she affirmed, pledging government support to foster a thriving environment for businesses to flourish.

Hans Essaadi, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the project as a defining milestone in the company’s journey toward building a future of opportunities.

“Unemployment and underemployment remain major challenges. This centre is a direct response, offering practical solutions that drive entrepreneurship and economic growth,” Essaadi stated.

He revealed that the centre would offer training in tailoring, shoemaking, catering, hairdressing, ICT, and other vital trades, urging beneficiaries to seize the chance to transform their lives.

Representing the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamali, District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani, commended Nigerian Breweries for decades of unwavering support to the community and urged continued maintenance of the newly commissioned facility.

With this bold initiative, Nigerian Breweries has once again positioned itself not just as an industry giant, but as a catalyst for dreams, growth, and lasting impact in Kaduna and beyond.

Business

Dangote Holds Fuel Price Steady

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adewunmi Oluwaseun

Despite the rising cost of crude oil on the global market, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping petrol prices stable for Nigerian consumers.

The company said its decision to maintain affordable pump prices amid international volatility reflects its firm dedication to supporting the nation’s economy and easing the burden on the public.

According to a statement from Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Refining locally at the world’s largest single-train refinery strengthens Nigeria’s energy security, conserves foreign exchange, and boosts economic resilience,” the statement noted.

The firm praised the President’s Naira-for-Crude initiative, which it said has enabled consistent price cuts on petroleum products.

The refinery also assured stakeholders of its continued focus on affordability, quality and national interest in its operations.

Meanwhile, the refinery has taken delivery of 146,000 metric tonnes of crude oil, with another 125,000 metric tonnes expected soon.

Additionally, three vessels have arrived to lift jet fuel exports, further positioning the facility as a key player in the global energy market.

Business

Africa Pushes for Cheaper Flights, Seamless Skies

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

Top aviation leaders from seven West African countries have renewed the call for urgent adoption of a single air transport market to lower ticket prices and improve connectivity across Africa.

Speaking at the 18th plenary of the Banjul Accord Group in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), would transform travel on the continent.

“It is time Africa connected itself more. SAATM will make flights shorter, cheaper, and more efficient,” he said.

Keyamo described SAATM as a key driver for realizing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and boosting global competitiveness.

Also speaking, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Council, Adefunke Adeyemi, urged countries to embed SAATM into their national laws and empower aviation regulators to make it work.

Nigeria’s Civil Aviation chief, Captain Chris Najomo, called the meeting an opportunity to tackle major challenges such as infrastructure gaps, skilled manpower shortages, safety risks, and digital transformation.

The gathering includes aviation authorities from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cape Verde, and Gambia.

With firm backing from regional lawmakers and regulatory bodies, the push for unified skies across West Africa is gaining momentum.

Abuja Reports

Abuja: Tinubu, Akpabio Lead Talks on Real Estate Reform

Published

2 weeks ago

May 5, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ekaete Bassey

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are billed to headline the 55th Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), in Abuja.

The week-long event, themed “Transform, Invest, Thrive: Optimising Real Estate Finance and Taxation,” will run from May 5 to 10 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

A statement by NIESV’s National Publicity Secretary, ESV Richard Olodu, confirmed Tinubu will serve as the special guest of honour, while Akpabio will attend as guest of honour.

The conference aims to chart a transformative path for real estate development through deeper fiscal reforms and investment strategies.

Also expected at the high-powered gathering are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa; and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Presidential Adviser on Revenue, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, will deliver the keynote address, expected to dissect current tax policies and their impact on property financing.

NIESV President, ESV Victor Adekunle Alonge, has extended an open invitation to estate professionals, public sector leaders, investors and diaspora stakeholders to partake in what he described as a defining moment for Nigeria’s real estate sector.

The conference is projected to offer insights capable of unlocking economic growth, with real estate positioned as a strategic anchor.