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B-R-E-A-K-I-N-G: How 17 Nigerian Widows, Widowers Founds Cassava Processing Factory In Ogun State

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Nigeria’s Dreamfo widows and widowers sector is still largely evolving and unable to cope with the daily needs for widows/widowers of the country’s population of over 180 good million. There are key players in the Dreamfo Multi-purpose Cooperative sector who needed to be reach out to in Nigerian.

Cassava processing food is a good and lucrative business with largest consumers in Nigera that is why seventeen Dreamfo widows, widowers comes together by demonstrated total commitment to developing the sector, thus blazing a trail that others may follow.

When Dreamfo widows/widowers and multi-purpose cooperative, Nigeria’s leading cassava processing factory began its multi-billion naira Development Programme (MDP) few years ago, not many people in the agricultural sector and cassava food processing knew this seventeen widows, widowers prospect Projects it was in it for the long haul, because similar efforts by others had failed in the past. This story is a lesson in corporate commitment and Nigeria at large. In just a few short years, the factory’s commitment to growth and the development of Nigeria’s agricultural, cassava food processing sector has yielded encouraging results.

Today, over 500 rural widows, widowers within Opic Estate at Agbara in Ogun State, where Dreamfo Multi-purpose Cooperative and cassava food processing factory operates its successful scheme, have been sharing huge testimonies of how the DCP has improved their lives, living conditions and livelihood, amid the thousands of farmers and widows/ widowers who are benefitting from the scheme.

Recently, some widows, widowers gave account and shared little testimony on Dreamfo cassava food processing factory.

Smiling as they reflected on what had changed since the advent of DCP including the real founder of Dreamfo Olubunmi Ojo Afolabi who is an illustrious Daughter of Akure in Ondo State who resides in London told this writer, “at Dreamfo where seventeen widows/widowers comes together to actualised their dreams and visions of establishment cassava processing factory in our dear County the giant of Africa Nigeria.

In addition to the boost in Dreamfo widows, widowers income and economy sustainability, some beneficiaries, like many other widows and widowers in farming and agricultural especially those in some cassava processing, testifies to the immense social and lifestyle benefits that the Projects has brought their way. Saying further, “some widows said they’re now belong to a women forum they encouraged us to form and join where we learn and discuss things of great benefit to us as widows. Before, things were very hard, but today, our lives and that of our family is easier. Some even said they have even started an additional business of selling and taking this beyond Agbara in Ogun State.

While another widows said, “I now have time to do other things as my family makes steady income from selling raw starch and Garri from Dreamfo widows, widowers cassava food factory to the people outside the jurisdiction. Also with more people coming to trade and live among us, this boosts our sales as we sell other things like foodstuff to the community and transporters.”

Both women like many others in the Agbara communities use some portion of Garri, Elubo known as white powder supplied to the market women to nourish their families.

According to Mrs Olubunmi Ojo Afolabi, Managing Director and Founder Dreamfo, “Our multi-purpose cooperative widows, widowers cassava food processing factory Development Programme has supported many young widowers farms where cassava processing factory projects are currently running and there are more under development.

Saying further, widows, widowers were trained on entrepreneurial and leadership skills to increase their income and sources of livelihood. They would also be trained on vocations fabric designs and dress making.

Windows, Widowers’ families living in those axis and its environs will be enhanced communities usage of potable water which would be provided by Dreamfo Multi-purpose cooperative and cassava food processing factory for domestic and personal hygiene like cooking, cleaning and drinking.

As some of these windows, widowers have made significant socio-economic progress; a good number moved out of the thatched huts they used to live in.

Again, in Olubunmi Ojo Afolabi’s voice “Dreamfo cassava processing factory is the first chapter of our history and a new era for the cassava food processing industry in Nigeria. Studies show that 95% of farmers in Nigeria are nomadic and they face challenges such as lack of knowledge, poor infrastructure and low financing. Dreamfo widows, widowers cassava food processing stimulates local sourcing of raw cassava, starch and Garri.

The Dreamfo widows, widowers cassava food processing has grown new sources of income for rural widows/widowers and they have direct control over this income. There is increased food security for rural families and Dreamfo products have become more available and affordable for these widows and their families in the cassava food, starch and garri producing communities.

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

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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.

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

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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.

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Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

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Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

In a show of solidarity, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended a helping hand to victims of the September 2024 floods in Jigawa State. On Thursday, a high-profile delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), visited Dutse, the state capital, to present relief materials to the state government.
The donated items, worth several million Naira, included essential food supplies such as rice and cooking oil, along with mattresses and beverages. Dr. Alawuba highlighted that the gesture aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by flood victims and support critical institutions, especially public hospitals, in their efforts to assist those affected.
“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Jigawa State during this difficult time. This donation is our way of expressing empathy and supporting those who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods,” Dr. Alawuba stated.
The delegation included notable banking leaders such as Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc, among others. Their collective presence underscored the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.
Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the donation, describing the visit as a rare and commendable act of compassion. He assured the delegation that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding lives and communities.
The Committee of Banks also reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigerians during emergencies, drawing attention to previous interventions, including relief efforts during the 2011 and 2013 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and security initiatives like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
This humanitarian gesture reflects the collective resolve of Nigeria’s financial institutions to foster social and economic growth, making a meaningful impact in times of need.
Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

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