RedStar commits to ‘I Care’ project

NaijaAgroNet

RedStar Express plc, a leading logistics company in Nigeria has reiterated commitment to caring for the less privileged with a visit to the Red Cross Orphanage on Makoko Street and the Old peoples’ Home on Lancaster Road, both in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Marketing Manager at RedStar Group, Ngozi Ochokwu disclosed to NaijaAgroNet that the visits saw officials of donating items, mostly food and kitchen appliances to improve the quality of life of the inmates.

She also told NaijaAgroNet that the company is executing this scheme as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative tagged ‘I-Care Project’ aimed at alleviating the plight of the less privileged in the community.

Ochokwu noted that every year, Red Star Group, uses the I-Care Project as a platform to reach out to communities with needs.

“It is the least we can do as a corporate organisation and we are committed to it. The project kicks off with a nationwide campaign in all our offices. Staff and customers are encouraged to drop items in the special I-Care boxes located in the offices over the collection period. These are then brought together and delivered to the selected homes. Our sincere desire is that our little gesture will help in no small measure in making life for the beneficiaries more comfortable” she said.

Responding, the Administrative Officer, Red Cross Orphanage Yaba, Gloria Chiekwe, appreciated the visit and commended RedStar for donating to humanity as some of the commodities given are used to assist unfortunate victims of natural disasters and accidents.

In her part, the Matron, Old Peoples’ Home, Feyisayo Olaore, commended RedStar for the donations, urging other corporate business organisations to emulate the gesture.

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Maina lauds MTN over women empowerment

NaijaAgroNet:

The Federal Minister in-charge of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has lauded MTN Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of MTN Nigeria, for empowerment of Nigerians, especially the widows, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Hajia Maina gave this commendation at the presentation of tools of trade to beneficiary widows, under the Foundation's new initiative for empowering widows tagged, MTNF Widows Empowerment Scheme, in Abuja.

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the Widows Empowerment Scheme by MTN Foundation is being managed by Growing Businesses Foundation and aimed at empowering widows who have existing businesses, across the six geo-political zones of the country.

Also, Hajia Maina urged that such positive intervention be emulated by other organisations, especially in telecommunications sector. Stressing that widows comprise a significant proportion of women, ranging from 7 to 16 per cent of all adult women, noting that it is regrettable that this significant section of the population is neglected in the society, especially due to their state of widowhood and the various traditional laws and customs which work against them, thus preventing them from gaining access to resources that will better their lot.

"Nigeria should abide by the United Nations' declaration during the 2013 International Widows Day which states that 'all widows should be protected by the rights established in the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and other international human rights treaties. Equal opportunity bill and violence against persons bill presently receiving attention at the National Assembly would greatly benefit widows, when passed into law," she said.

Equally speaking, a Director of MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, said the scheme was the result of a stakeholder's workshop held in October 2011, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Pointing out that the workshop highlighted areas of need for widows in communities and discussed ways of empowering them to meet those needs, eventually an Expression of Interest (EoI) was declared and five states, including Imo, Taraba, Lagos, Rivers and Sokoto, in addition to the Federal Capital Territory, representing the six geo-political zones of the country, were selected.

“After an analysis of the needs assessment forms, 226 widows were selected to benefit from the scheme,” he asserted.

Okoro further disclosed that adopting a micro-finance model, the successful beneficiaries were trained on business management skills and to be mentored by two microfinance institutions, namely the Lift Above Poverty (LAPO) and Development Exchange Centre (DEC) to ensure sustainability of the project.

Additionally, he said, beneficiaries were later presented with tools of trade to boost their existing business ventures as interest-free loans, explaining that the loans were expected to be repaid over a 10 month period, with a two month moratorium.

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Photo: Hajia Zainab Maina

Obasanjo, Annan lead panelists to unveil Africa Progress Report 2014 on 'Grain, Fish, Money'

NaijaAgroNet:


The former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, are expected to lead eight other panelists to unveil this week in Abuja, the Africa Progress Report 2014 on Grain, fish, money reveals NaijaAgroNet.

This NaijaAgroNet gathered forms part of the launch of the Financing Africa’s Green and Blue revolutions, at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja.

Last year, NaijaAgroNet also gathered that last year chaired by Kofi Annan, saw the launch of report on Equity in Extractives – Stewarding Africa’s Natural Resources for all, which made headlines with its analysis of the oil, gas, and minerals industries on the continent.

This year’s report NaijaAgroNet revealed would be argued that Africa could and must unleash green and blue revolutions in its agriculture and fisheries. It will highlight the opportunities for Africa of the world’s growing demand for food and the critical importance of agriculture and fisheries for two thirds of people in Africa engaged in these sectors.

Further, the report tend to recommend related policies, including scaling-up Africa’s infrastructure and extending its financial services, outlining the urgent need to stop the plunder of Africa’s timber and fisheries.

The following Panel Members and Members of the Secretariat will be attending WEF on Africa to outline findings shared in the report.

Other members of Africa Progress Panel, and former President of Nigeria;  Peter Eigen, Member, Africa Progress Panel, Founder of Transparency International, and Founding Chair and Special Representative of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI); Bob Geldof, Member, Africa Progress Panel, Musician, Businessman, Founder and Chair of Band Aid, Live Aid and live8, Co-Founder of DATA and ONE Advisor and Advocate; Caroline Kende-Robb, Executive Director, Africa Progress Panel as well as Max Bankole Jarrett, Deputy Executive Director, Africa Progress Panel

NaijaAgroNet recalls that the 10-member Africa Progress Panel advocates at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa. The Panel releases its flagship publication, the Africa Progress Report, every year in May.

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Power generation exceeds 4,000mw in Nigeria

NaijaAgroNet:

Federal Government of Nigeria may have exceeded 4,000 mega watts (mw) which saw to increase in power supply to homes, offices and business across the country, according to the Kande Daniel, special adviser, media and communication to the minister of power, Prof. Chinedu Ositadimma Nebo, reports NaijaAgroNet.

A press statement endorsed by Kande Daniel and sighted by NaijaAgroNet informed that after grid information was released last weekend, Nigeria’s generation capacity has gone up in excess of 4,000mw to 4,105.90mw as at last Tuesday.

Daniel further revealed a breakdown of how generated capacity was shared, with the industrial nerve-centre Lagos and environs getting the highest, a maximum load totaling 985.0mw, while the maximum load allocated to Abuja through Katampe and Gwagwalada power line was 410.80mw.

NaijaAgroNet recalls that Nigeria’s generation capacity as at mid last week stood at 3,795.30mw.

“The latest grid information has dismissed insinuations in some sections of the media that power generation dropped to less than 2,000mw,” Daniel declared.

Pointing out to NaijaAgroNet that the general view since mid-last week suggests that many households now enjoy enhanced power supply in their domains.

The ministry went on to assure on government’s resolve to consolidate efforts at removing all bottlenecks to sufficient power supply.

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Photo: Chinedu Nebo, power minister

CTA collaborate AYE on Girls in ICT Day 2014

NaijaAgroNet

In the context of the International Girls in ICT Day, plans have been conclude by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) in collaboration with the African Youth Foundation (AYF) is organising an e-debate entitled “Enhancing Young Women’s engagement in ICT and Agriculture” on the ARDYIS discussion group (http://dgroups.org/groups/youth) from 16^th April – 7^th May 2014, reports NaijaAgroNet.

During the three weeks e-debate, NaijaAgroNet gathered that several themes and questions will be addressed and some key matter experts from different organisations will be participating in the debate and answering to youth’s questions.

NaijaAgroNet recollects that in 2011, the International Communication Union (ITU) launched the ‘Girls and ICT Day’ to celebrate girls’ interests and strengths in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and to encourage them to choose a career in this area. Since then, it is being celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April, through different events organised globally.

Some of the objectives of this e-debate are to “Discuss the objectives and the use of ICT by young girls and women in the agricultural sector and share experiences from various ACP countries.”

Alos CTA officials revealed that to discuss the opportunities, challenges faced and perspectives regarding the use of ICT by young women in agriculture or ICT entrepreneurs offering services for the agricultural sector; and contribute to the celebration of the International Girls in ICT Day.

Further, NaijaAgroNet learnt that the primary target group for this e-debate are youths  between the ages of 15 and 35 years) interested or involved in ICT or Agriculture, especially young girls and women.

This includes women agropreneurs and women developing ICT solutions for agriculture. Organisations supporting young women in these activities are also targeted. Finally, any person or organisation interested or working in this area is most welcomed to join the debate.

Isaac

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Gov Obiano, swears in Nnamdi Meko as Agric Commissioner, 18 others

NaijaAgroNet:

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has sworn-in Mr. Nnamdi Austin Meko as the new Agriculture Commissioner for the state alongside 18 others recently cleared by the State House of Assembly, reports NaijaAgroNet.

This is coming as Gov. Obianoo also sworn-in were nine special advisers including some five women, just as signed into law, the 2014 appropriation bill.

NaijaAgroNet equally reports that other 18 commissioners comprise of Mr. Anali Chude, attorney general and commissioner for Justice; Mr. Anthony Onyima, Information; Mr. Callistus Ilozumba for Works;, Mrs. Azuka Enemuo for Local government and chieftaincy affairs; Greg Obi for Finance; Lawrence Chinwuba for Housing, Prof. Solomon Chukwu is in-charge of Economic Planning and Budget; Ifeatu Onyejeme heads Trade and Commerce; Dr. Victoria Chukwuelu for Women Affairs, Dr. Chinedu Emeka is to preside over Public Utilities, Water Resources; and Chukwuma Mbonu heads Transport.

Also, NaijaAgroNet gathered that Evaristus Ubah has been assigned to Environment; Stella Onuorah for Lands, Survey and Urban Development; Professor Kate Omenugha of the Mass Communication department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University is incharge of Education; Tony Nnachetam, who was a former vice chairman of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to head Youth and Sports ministry in the state, Norbert Obi for Special Duties; Dr. Josephat Akabuike for Health; and Obi Nwankwo for Science and Technology.

While the nine special advisers include Alex Ejesieme for legal; Anthonia Tabansi for special duties; Vivian Nwandu for Millennium Development Goals (MDG); Amaka Ilobi is for Public Utilities; Ngozi Okonkwo is for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), just as Chikaodi Anara is for security, Chidi Ibezim for youth empowerment and Amaechi O. is for town planning.

Further, NaijaAgroNet reports that Gov. Obiano used the opportunity to enjoin the appointees to be diligent as anyone found wanting will be removed immediately.

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Pix: Mekoh on redcap with SSG, Oseloka Obazie

Nestle unveils online nutrition calculator for kids

NaijaAgroNet:

Nestlé through its MILO brand, has unveiled a web-based nutrition calculator to help foster healthy nutrition among kids at a time when health statistics indicate that obesity rate in both private and public schools may be as high as 50 percent among kids between ages six and 12 in Kenya.

Dubbed MILO Nutrition Calculator, the tool is designed for parents of kids between ages 6 to 12 and allows them to track and monitor their nutrition intake in every day’s serving.

The web nutrition calculator enables parents to calculate the nutrition component of their kid’s meals, analyse their activeness, set up a balanced diet and schedule their kid’s sports activities by just a click of the mouse, on their web-enabled phones, tablet or ipad.

The application is currently available as a link on the website and as a widget.

“Currently the application is web-based but we will unveil a mobile application version for both Android and ISO platforms in two months’ time,” says Diana Irungu, Category Development Manager at Nestlé

The application will not only enhance nutritional awareness but empower mums and caregivers with information to make better nutrition choices to help their children grow strong and healthy, according to Diana.

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Story by BizTech Africa

2014 Innovation Prize for Africa name 10 finalists

NaijaAgroNet:

The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) has named 10 finalists of its prestigious Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2014, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The 10 African innovators, NaijaAgroNet also reports according a press statement by the African Press Organisation (APO), as having created practical solutions to some of the continent’s most intractable problems, from a domestic waste biogas system to a wafer matrix for paediatric antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment. Chosen from almost 700 applications from 42 countries, the finalists for the IPA 2014 represent Africans’ potential to address the challenges that are unique to the continent.

The winners of the IPA 2014 will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 May in Abuja, Nigeria, where keynote speaker, the Honourable Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of finance, will highlight the importance of innovation to unlock Africa’s potential for sustainable development and economic growth.

The winner will receive USD 100 000 for the best innovation based on marketability, originality, scalability, social impact and clear business potential.  While a runner up will receive USD 25 000 for the best commercial potential and another winner will receive USD 25 000 as a special prize for innovation with the highest social impact. 

Prior to the awards ceremony, a roundtable featuring innovation experts will take place, to address the theme “A Path to Building Industrial Nation Skillsets in Africa.”

Founder, African Innovation Foundation and the IPA, Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais, noted that as global leaders gather for the 2014 World Economic Forum on Africa to discuss approaches to inclusive growth and job creation.

“The IPA 2014 innovators demonstrate that the best way to achieve equitable economic growth for all Africans is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship,” Bastos de Morais said.

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Democracy of the stomach, right of every Nigerian – Adesina

NaijaAgroNet:

… Commends local wheat production

The Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has declared that democracy of the stomach is the right of every Nigerian, just as he reassured on how important the leadership of President Gooodluck Ebele Jonathan holds agriculture, reports NaijaAgroNet exclusively.

Addressing participants at the 2014 Wheat Farmers Field Day at Kadawa in Kano State recently, Adesina asserted “Thank you for calling me the farmers' minister, but I work for the Farmers' President. Democracy of the stomach is a right of every Nigerian.”

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that the minister appreciated what he called the invaluable contributions of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) in the promotion of improved wheat technologies in Nigeria, and for organizing this wheat field day. 

“Your tenacity in continuing to do excellent work, to help our farmers, in the face of security challenges. Nigeria will succeed, against all odds,” he said.

As said by him, the occasion is a revival of hope for Nigeria to produce its own wheat and free itself from decades of dependence on imported wheat.

“I am delighted that the African Development Bank has funded the production of wheat across African countries. Africa must produce its own wheat and the funding by ADB is therefore strategic,” he said.

Adesina recalled that in 1987, the government of Nigeria banned the importation of wheat and implemented an Accelerated Wheat Production Programme aimed at stimulating local production of wheat in Nigeria.

He sees the ban on wheat importation as a bold move, which has provided local farmers the opportunity to mobilized so as to produce wheat and were provided necessary inputs at subsidized rates, and equipment to boost wheat production.  

"The production of wheat expanded from 50,000MT in 1987 to 600,000MT by 1990,” he said. 

The minister emphasised that farmers had proven they could produce wheat, if well supported, adding that several challenges scuttled the burst of energy to produce wheat locally, especially with the introduction of varieties of very low yields, as average yield was less than one ton per hectare.

“But more importantly, the programme failed because of the reluctance of wheat millers in the country to patronize wheat produced locally in the country. With the lifting of the ban in 1990, the programme abruptly ended, and wheat production spiraled downwards to 70,000MT by 1991.

“Today, Nigeria’s wheat import is about 4 million MT per annum and estimated to grow at an alarming rate of 5 per cent per annum,” he lamented.

Adesina further stated that at this rate, the country would be importing 10 million MT of wheat per annum by 2030, and spending US$15 billion annually on wheat imports alone, hence wheat farmers in the country deserved commendation.

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Pix: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (right), tasting bread made from 100 per cent Nigerian wheat variety at Kadawa, Kano State, recently. With him are Minister of State for Agriculture, Mrs. Asmau Asabe Ahmed and House Chairman on Agriculture, Mohammed Tahir Monguno.

How to start a power business in Nigeria by Onwuasoanya

NaijaAgroNet:

In the beginning:

I had never before been without a job, so I was convinced I would find something.     While looking for work immediately, I went on a field trip with my wife to follow up   on a project my son had carried out for a science competition using methane from   landfills to power a fleet of garbage trucks. We visited the research facility Rutger EcoComplex and went to a landfill site that converted waste into electricity. I was so excited about the idea of solving two problems at once: Nigeria generates a lot of waste (70% organic) and has a huge shortfall in electricity production. With this solution, I saw myself as the knight that would come in and save the day.

On May 21, 2013 Atlantic Waste & Power System was born. The director at the EcoComplex introduced me to people who would partner with me to execute my projects. I dusted up my trusted Rolodex and reached out to people I knew in Nigeria. We were introduced to the State of Kaduna’s environmental protection agency and shortly after arrived in Nigeria.

Waste to energy was the craze, the only issue was that we arrived a little late to that party. Everyone wanted a waste to energy facility, but nobody knew how to fund the projects. Very few states had policies in place that made it possible to turn the facilities into revenues. The one state, Lagos, that had things in place was yet to generate electricity from land fill gas and every one you met there had already received a proposal and had completed a study.

Readmoore:

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Pix: A set of generating sets by courtesy: Christopher J. Onwuasoanya,