Business

BUA Foods delights widows in Lagos

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2024

Celebratory cheers filled the air at the International Women Society’s (IWS) Skill Acquisition Centre in Lagos State on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 as Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa), donated BUA Foods products as a palliative to widows.

The palliative, comprising IRS Pasta, IRS semolina, and BUA Rice – and N10 million grant were donated by ASR Africa during the 2024 Widows Feast and Empowerment programme organised by the IWS in Lagos State.

While speaking to journalists at the sideline of the event, the widows expressed their heartfelt appreciation to ASR Africa and BUA Foods’ chairman, for the donation of essential food items, hailing the quality of BUA Foods’ products.

They were delighted that the IRS Pasta, IRS semolina, and BUA Rice donated to them would provide vital sustenance and access to nutritious meals for them and other family members.

ASR Africa, supported by BUA Foods, donated food and N10 million grant to bring relief to many widows facing economic hardship in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows’ Day.

“In our role as a company, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond business. It is about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around us.”

“Our commitment to corporate social responsibility drives us to engage in initiatives like this, where we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most,” the Managing Director of BUA Foods, Ayodele Abioye, said.

Many widows highlighted the positive impact the donation of BUA Foods products would have on them.

Expressing her gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Khadija Rufai, said, “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for ASR Africa for this generous donation of food items to us.

“This donation will alleviate significant pressure on my household, allowing me to focus on my children’s well-being and education.”

Another widow, Mrs Adebimpe Lanre, said, “This donation of BUA Foods’ product by ASR Africa is a lifesaver for many of us. It will make a huge difference in our households, allowing us to focus on other important needs.”

“Since I lost my husband, I’ve had to be resourceful in providing for my family. I know how nutritious and delicious BUA Foods’ products are and I am delighted to be going home with some, especially the IRS spaghetti, today,” a widow who is a resident of Lagos, Mrs Catherine, said.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, said the N10 million grant was part of ASR Africa’s ongoing efforts to invest in social development as one of its primary focus areas.

He mentioned that “the grant is a testament to the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group to improve the livelihoods and welfare of Nigerians”.

He added that “the grant, which will be distributed to widows in partnership with IWS, is aimed at bringing relief to the beneficiaries while ensuring its relevance and sustainability”.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Widows’ Trust Fund of IWS, Mrs. Adeola Adebanke, also expressed her utmost joy and satisfaction toward the food donation and grant to the organisation by the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

She prayed that the Chairman would continue to make giant strides and break new boundaries.

About BUA Foods

BUA Foods, a leading force in the Nigerian food industry, is known for its high-quality and nutritious products. We are a company dedicated to social responsibility, actively supporting communities, nourishing and enriching the lives of Nigerians across the nation. With a diverse portfolio of products, BUA Foods is dedicated to serving the needs of all Nigerians and empowering communities.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

22 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

⸻

About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.