Business

Emirates’ exclusive agreement with Dom Pérignon champagne

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2022

Emirates’ exclusive agreement with Dom Pérignon champagne

As the only airline with an exclusive agreement to offer luxury champagne brand Dom Pérignon on-board, Emirates is currently presenting First Class passengers with the unique opportunity to enjoy a very special vintage -Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2, on board select routes until the end of October.

The exceptionally rare 2003 vintage in its second plénitude is a limited release, forming part of Emirates’ award-winning portfolio of exclusive wines, champagne, and spirits.

Dom Pérignon is one of the most respected, luxurious champagnes in the world and Emirates is the only airline with an exclusive agreement to serve it on board. In the 17th century, a Benedictine monk named Dom Pierre Pérignon, nurtured an ambition to create ‘the best wine in the world’.

Three centuries later, Dom Pérignon vintages are still produced using the best grapes on the estate. Each vintage has its own style and identity- a uniqueness that lies in the way it evolves, through successive windows of expression.

Cellar master Vincent Chaperon refers to these points in time as ‘plénitudes,’ with Plénitude 2 representing the secondary phase of aromatics developed through evolution. After close to 15 years of slow maturation in the cellars, Dom Pérignon describes Plénitude 2 as ‘wider, deeper, longer, more intense – and gifted further with an extended longevity’.

Rich and multi-layered, Plénitude 2 provides a complex spiral of aromas that reveal over time in the glass. First the softness of lime tree, then a toasty minerality followed by dried apricots and apples, along with candied raspberry and fig. Lemon verbena, rosemary and white pepper appear for an instant, followed by dark spices and liquorice root.

These develop in the glass into a profound and mineral-toned harmonious bouquet. Its vibrant yet generous palate, powerful and precise with great energy, leads to a persistent, spicy, and saline finish.
First Class passengers can discover if Plénitude 2 will be served on their flight, by checking the ‘What’s on your flight’ option on www.emirates.com or on the Emirates app.

For the last 16 years, Emirates has invested more than $1 billion into its wine program, buying exceptional wines at the earliest opportunity to let them mature, allowing them to express their full potential before serving them on board.

The Emirates Wine Cellar is in France, and currently houses 6.5 million bottles of fine wines, some of which will not be ready for tasting until 2035. Emirates currently offers 37 different varieties of French wines and champagnes on board its aircraft. Business Class Bordeaux red wines remain in Emirates’ cellar for an average of 8-10 years, while those reserved for First Class are only served an average of 12-15 years after purchase.

Emirates also has a vintage collection which includes Château Margaux 2004, Château Cos d’Estournel 2005 and Château Montrose 2005.

To complement the wine and champagne collection, Emirates also offers an enticing Spirits menu on board, which includes a mix of niche, hand-crafted brands, as well as popular and well-loved spirits such as Hennessy cognacs, served in all classes.

Business

Prof Lawan Bala Buratai Appointed Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu

Published

1 hour ago

April 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Prof Lawan Bala Buratai Appointed Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu After Rigorous Selection

In a significant leadership transition at one of Nigeria’s foremost military-civilian academic institutions, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB).

The appointment was announced following an intensive and merit-based selection process conducted by the Governing Council of NAUB at the Armed Forces Officers Mess and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja. The Council, under the chairmanship of Dr. Awwal Moriki, concluded its deliberations and formally presented the letter of appointment to Prof Buratai in a brief but momentous ceremony.

Dr. Moriki, while congratulating the new helmsman, described the selection as the culmination of a transparent and rigorous process aimed at identifying a visionary academic leader who embodies the university’s core values of excellence, discipline, and innovation.

With this appointment, Prof Buratai succeeds Professor Kyari Mohammed, whose single five-year tenure is widely credited with laying a strong foundation for the university’s academic and structural growth.

The Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) was established in 2018 as a unique public institution owned by the Nigerian Army and designed to serve both military personnel and civilians. Located in Biu, Borno State, the university was conceived as a strategic response to the security and developmental challenges facing Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

NAUB is focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, defense studies, and technology-driven research. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in diverse fields ranging from engineering and environmental sciences to social sciences, computing, and military history.

What sets NAUB apart is its civil-military partnership model, which aims to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between Nigeria’s armed forces and the general populace. The university plays a key role in developing indigenous solutions to security challenges while also contributing to national capacity building and economic resilience through education.

With increasing national and international recognition, NAUB continues to attract scholars and partnerships across Africa and beyond, committed to transforming it into a world-class institution in security and development research.

Professor Lawan Buratai, a respected scholar and administrator, is expected to lead the university into its next chapter—deepening academic standards, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening NAUB’s role in national transformation.

His appointment signals a continuity of vision with a renewed focus on excellence, innovation, and service to the nation.

Business

Dangote Supports FCT, Kogi In N16bn Food Programme

Published

12 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Supports FCT, Kogi In N16bn Food Programme

……FCT Minister, Kogi Gov applaud ADF

The Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Abuja and the Kogi State Government have received food donation from the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), as part of the N16 billion Annual National Food Intervention programme launched last month.

Speaking at the flag off Tuesday in Abuja, Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Hajiya Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, said 10,000 bags of 10kg rice were donated to the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Abuja for onward distribution to the poor and the vulnerable persons.

She said the intervention programme by the Aliko Dangote Foundation is aimed at supporting governments at all levels to cushion the effects of economic challenges in the country.

According to her, the intervention programme debut in 2024 when the company donated food worth N15billion to all the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

She said Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is passionate about given back to the society, and the needy especially.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, who was represented by Ango Abdullahi Suleiman, said the government appreciates Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s gesture.

The Minister said Mr. Dangote has contributed enormously to the economic development of Nigeria, while promising to ensure that the food items reach the poor.

Meanwhile, in Kogi State, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabietu Okute, said 40,000 bags of 10kg rice have been received from the ADF.

She said the food items were distributed to the poor and vulnerable persons in the State.

On the distribution process, she explained that it followed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s directive, who tasked the committee with ensuring the food items reach vulnerable residents across the state.

Mrs. Okute stated that the distribution was flagged off in the state on March 26, 2025.

Speaking on how the food items were shared, the Commissioner said: “We shared the 40,000 bags of rice through the 21 Local Government Areas. The LGAs also shared the product to the 239 wards.”

She added: “Before this, a committee of 12 persons per Local Government was set up, and the State Government moblized the committees. The products were distributed to vulnerable groups like the union of disabilities and the 23 orphanages in the State.”

The Commissioner applauded the Aliko Dangote Foundation, while describing the intervention as a genuine act compassion and philantrophy.

She added: “On behalf of the people and government of Kogi State, we want to thank the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and specifically Alhaji Aliko Dangote himself for this food support. We are grateful and happy, and it means a lot to us. May God continue to support him and his businesses.”

Responding, General Manager Community Affairs/Special Duties, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, who supervised the distribution on behalf of ADF, said the food donation to Kogi will further boost the relationship between the company and the state.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, had said that the Annual National Food Intervention programme is a way of giving back, and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

She said Mr. Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is reduced to the minimum in Nigeria.

Business

NYCN Governor, Idahosa Urges Diaspora Youths to Seize Global Market Opportunities …Pledges to Collaborate with The Global Clusters

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2025

Sahara Weekly

NYCN Governor, Idahosa Urges Diaspora Youths to Seize Global Market Opportunities

…Pledges to Collaborate with The Global Clusters

Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), European Chapter, has urged Nigerian youths in the diaspora to transcend limitations and seize the abundant opportunities available in global markets through innovation and entrepreneurship.

He highlighted that such initiatives would facilitate international networking, enabling young Nigerians to establish businesses, create jobs, and forge partnerships that stimulate economic growth and technological advancement in Nigeria.

In his address titled “Rise Up, Nigerian Youths,” Idahosa asserted that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth, both at home and abroad.

Speaking at a youth forum on Monday, themed “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Nigerian Youth in the Diaspora,” he urged Nigerian youths overseas to capitalise on global opportunities to reshape both their nation and the wider community.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship offer limitless prospects for Nigerian youths in the diaspora to contribute significantly to their home country and the global arena.

“With their exposure to diverse cultures, advanced technologies, and innovative business models, diasporan youths are uniquely positioned to drive innovation across various sectors,” he stated.

He emphasised the importance of the diaspora, describing it as an extraordinary asset. In 2023 alone, Nigerian remittances surpassed $20 billion.

“By harnessing their international networks, they can establish businesses, create jobs, and foster partnerships that promote economic growth and technological progress in Nigeria,” he added.

He further pointed out that the growing availability of digital platforms and the rise of global collaboration facilitate the ability of Nigerian youths abroad to provide innovative solutions to local challenges, particularly in technology, healthcare, agriculture, and education.

“By tapping into global markets and leveraging their acquired skills and knowledge, they can play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s economy. Additionally, by fostering innovation and creating sustainable business models, diaspora youths can actively contribute to their states’ development agendas.”

He reiterated his call for the establishment of State Diaspora Agencies to create formal frameworks for engagement between states and their citizens abroad.
He said states such as Edo and Kwara have already made progress with dedicated agencies, and he urged others to build upon these efforts for sustainable diaspora engagement that ensures continuity, maximises investments, and drives development.

Idahosa expressed his honour at being invited to the prestigious World Youth Summit 2025 in Thailand, scheduled for July 14–18, 2025, at the United Nations venue in Bangkok.

He pledged to continue advocating for Nigerian youth worldwide, with the support of Ambassador Dr. Adekunle Badmus, Global President of The Global Clusters.

He noted that The Global Clusters is a groundbreaking international network committed to youth development, innovation, and global impact, making it a strategic ally in shaping the future of African youths both at home and abroad.

Notably, Dr. Badmus also serves as Nigeria’s ambassador to the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Turkey. Idahosa aims to leverage this opportunity to further champion the values and goals of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.