Business

VFD Donates Administrative block, Education materials to Anambra schools

Published

5 years ago

November 20, 2019

VFD Group has recognized education as one of the building blocks of any nation as it renovated administrative block and provided some educational materials for Uga Boys Secondary School, and Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Anambra state, respectively.

The financial institution, which donated the educational aids to mark its 10^th anniversary on November 13^th and 14^th, used the initiative to emphasised that education is a priority area in its CSR activities. Its aim is to nurture young minds and educate them, so that they contribute to the nation’s development.

Realising the importance and relevance of education, VFD renovated an administrative block with tables, chairs and donated other educational materials to Uga Boys to benefit the community by boosting literacy levels in the state.

Group Managing Director, VFD Group Plc, Nonso Okpala, explained that when he visited the school and found that the facilities are not suitable and conducive for learning, he decided to convince the management of the institution that the project, if approved, could enable the students to compete favourably with their counterparts in the state.

He said, “We pen down the project idea and I went to convince my colleagues on how important it is for us to contribute to the uplift of the school. The difference between an advanced society and an unadvanced is education.

“If Uga is to do well, we must make education a cardinal point of our programme. I understand that there are huge challenges the student face in their daily lives, it should not hold them back in progressing. If Prof Charles Soludo graduated from this school and succeed, I believe nothing can hold anyone back from attaining great heights in life.

“I know that the school may still lack certain things but I also urge the students not to be held back by the challenges they face, believe in yourself and study like there is no other way to success. VFD contributes to a number of initiatives, funding and building schools. All these initiatives have been undertaken to benefit communities by helping increase the literacy levels.”

Principal, Uga Boys Secondary School, lauded the efforts of VFD to transform the school that has produced several successful Nigerians.

The elated principal said, “VFD is a great company. It has done a great thing for us, deeming it fit to give back to a school that had fed great Nigerians. The company has fulfilled the dreams of JF Kennedy when he encouraged us to ask what we can do for our country and not what the country can do for us.

“The era when our student tried to avoid dripping water falling from the roof of the hall while writing examinations has gone with this development. We assure VFD that the infrastructure development will help towards improving teaching and learning in the school.”

He added that the school still need the intervention of all stakeholders on perimeter fencing to check influx of trespassers including human and animal; renovation of its science laboratory, security personal, ICT complex, renovation of the principal house and provision of library shelves and current books among others.

While presenting some educational materials to the school authority of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Managing Director, VFD Microfinance Bank, Azubike Emodi, said, “I am excited to make a little donations to the school like Education materials and we hope that it makes a lot of impact in the lives of the students. We will be back and do a lot more.”

While at DMGS, Nonso Okpala in his personal capacity made a promise to sponsor the University education of the best student in the upcoming Senior WAEC Examination, leaving the principal, teachers and administrative staff members delighted.

Commissioner for Basic Education, Anambra state, Prof. Kate Omenugha, also urged other institutions to emulate VFD to lift the faces of schools in the state and across Nigeria.

She said, “When I was coming here, I didn’t know what to expect. I salute VFD as the new examination hall dazed me, with amazing flat tables. It is beyond our expectations. The borehole and toilet facilities are amazing.

“With this development, the students would be able to know what it takes to learn in a serene environment and we must thank the VFD family for the lovely gesture.”

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.