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Implementing SDG 8 in Nigeria: What Role Should the Sustainability Profession Play?

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Implementing SDG 8 in Nigeria: What Role Should the Sustainability Profession Play?

The Association of Sustainability Professionals of Nigeria (ASPN) is set to host a virtual seminar on Implementing SDG 8 in Nigeria: What Role Should the Sustainability Profession Play? to understand the role of sustainability in advancing the development of effective policies around SDG 8.

The virtual seminar will hold on Monday, November 29, 2021, from 10:00 am -12:00 noon. Participation at the seminar is free and will be drawn from the public, private and development sectors. To participate in the webinar, registration via the link https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsfu6qpjgrG9NhxW5i8eIqCmhOrFeaSgzM is required.

Unemployment and under-employment are major challenges faced by many developing countries such as Nigeria. As at the last quarter of 2020, the data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics put unemployment and youth unemployment rates at 33.3% and 53.4% respectively. Some direct outcomes of these two conditions are poor economic growth and poverty. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 is the global ambition set to address inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. The goal identifies that not only should jobs be created but they should be decent and capable of lifting people out of poverty.

Over the years, organisations have played a critical role in addressing issues related to SDG 8 such as employment, economic inclusion, non-discrimination, capacity building, availability of a skilled workforce, elimination of forced or compulsory labour. Organisations have created job opportunities, offered apprenticeship opportunities, mentored young entrepreneurs, initiated skills development programmes, put in place mechanisms to identify child and forced labour throughout its supply chains, and developedpolicy against unfair hiring and recruitment practices, amongst many interventions. There is no doubt that sustainability professionals have been at the centre of developing and implementing these interventions for organisations,

Therefore, sustainability professionals have been and will continue to be crucial in the achievement of the SDGs, and it is on this backdrop that the Association of Sustainability Professionals (ASPN) has decided to organise a seminar on Implementing SDG 8 in Nigeria: What Role Should the Sustainability Profession Play?

This high-level stakeholder engagement programme aims to unravel the issues and challenges faced by the sustainability profession and its professionals in the implementation of the SDGs within the context of SDG 8 in Nigeria. This is in direct alignment with the objective of ASPN to support and enhance the development of the sustainability profession and advance sustainable development in Nigeria. The workshop will also provide a compelling examination of the state of the profession in Nigeria. This will include, how the profession has contributed to the sustainability evolution both in the fiscal policy, regulatory and private sector spaces; the capabilities and competencies required by sustainability professionals for the growth of the profession; and the solutions that will transform the profession to have a broader sustainable socio-economic development role in the holistic implementation of the SDGs and within the context of SDG 8.

Speakers at the seminar will comprise of leading voices in the sustainability space such as Ismail Omamegbe,Director, Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations Directorate, ASPN; Professor Chris Ogbechie, Dean, Lagos Business School; Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, Chair, Business and Sustainable Development, University of Edinburgh; Rukaiya el-Rufai, Partner, Sustainability and Climate Change, PwC West Africa; AmarakoonBandara, PhD, Senior Economic Adviser, UNDP; Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business, Unilever, West Africa; Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Co-Chair, Private Sector Advisory Group on SDGs, Nigeria; Eunice Sampson, Director, Learning and Development Directorate, ASPN.

Participants at the seminar stand to benefit from the opportunity to identify ways of strengthening and developing the sustainability profession in Nigeria; contribute to an innovative transition that will have a significant impact in Nigeria by helping devise strategies for sustainable socio-economic development, inclusive growth and decent work; be part of and network with a community of practice to shape, drive and support the sustainability agenda across different sectors

Additionally, the seminar participants will also be able tounderstand the challenges associated with Nigeria’s SDGs implementation journey, the fundamental linkage between SDG8 and other SDGs that are required to be taken into consideration in developing effective policies around SDG8, and understand the trend (evolution and current state) of the sustainability profession in Nigeria and the contribution of the profession to the sustainability agenda amongst others.

About ASPN:

The Association of Sustainability Professionals of Nigeria (ASPN) is a body of sustainability practitioners set up to develop the capacity of members and support Nigerian businesses towards actualising sustainable business growth, while driving Nigeria’s sustainable development.

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*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.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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.

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

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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.

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MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

 

 

 

Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.

 

 

 

Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.

 

 

 

FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.

 

The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.

 

 

 

You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.

 

 

 

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.

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