Business

ECONOMIC RECOVERY: PR ROUNDTABLE SETS TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN MARITIME SECTOR

Published

5 years ago

September 2, 2019

As Nigeria continues to drive at an improved economy, experts at the next NECCI PR Roundtable are set to provide practical suggestions and solutions for a pragmatic approach to success for the country. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the Chief Executive Officer at NECCI Limited gave this assurance as the company announced plans for the 19^th edition of the NECCI PR Roundtable in Lagos.

According to Ali-Balogun, diversification of the Nigeria economy and optimally utilizing the country’s potentials are ready-made solutions for bringing out Nigeria from what appears to be an economic slumber. The roundtable will hold on Friday, October 17, 2019 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The theme for the 19^th edition of the NECCI PR is “Awakening the Blue Giant: Catalyzing the Growth of Nigeria’s Maritime Economy through Public Relations”. Several studies have shown that with the potentials in the maritime sector, all we need to do as a people and government is to put in an effective strategy and be committed to an effective execution of such strategies. That would ensure that we fully tap into the economic benefits of the blue giant; the sleeping but sometimes restless oceans surrounding us”, Ali-Balogun said.

She added that “we have been so dependent on oil for a long time. However, the present global economic situation appears not to be in favour of what is gradually becoming a dangerous dependence on a mono-economy. However, to ensure that all stakeholders align and contribute their quota towards achieving the objectives of diversified economy, the communication must be right within the scope of effective public relations by the government”.

Consequently, discussants at the event will explore the potentials of Nigeria’s Maritime Economy, Study the Challenges and Proffer sustainable solutions that will engender greater influx of Foreign Direct Investment into the Maritime Sector. The Roundtable will create strategies through which a systemic transformation of the maritime sector will be achieved through the methodologies of public relations.

The Lead paper will be presented by His Excellency, Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, AFREXIM, Cairo, Egypt. The Chairman of the occasion is none other than the highly dynamic Director-General of NIMASA, Ama Okusenibo Dakulu Peterside. A special panel on “Creating Synergies towards Catalyzing a Government and Private Sector Driven Development of the Nigerian Blue Economy” will feature panelists will including the Executive Secretary/CEO, Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, Femi Awoyemi, MD Proshare, Mr. Bashir Jamoh, Executive Director, NIMASA, Dr. Jumoke Kassim, Executive Director, Earthshield International Foundation, Squadron Leader Ibikunle Daramola among other distinguished personalities

Since its inception in the year 2000, the NECCI PR Roundtable has helped broker the assimilation of global trends within the Nigerian Public Relations sector by opening the eyes of critical stakeholders to case studies from around the world from which the country may tap experiences. Past Speakers include but not exhausted; The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Professor PLO Lumumba of Kenya, His Excellency Donald Duke, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Mr Femi Awoyemi.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

21 hours 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.

Business

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

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.