Business
3rd SITEI Conference gathers steam as business leaders set to atten
Lagos-
THERE are high indications that key stakeholders in the in the Nigerian Public and private sectors would be attending this year’s Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference holding at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This was contained in a statement issued by the organisers of the event in Lagos and made available to Biztellers. It reads in part that plans are in top gear for a successful hosting of the third, with endorsements and confirmation of attendance by keynote speakers, industry captains and heads of relevant government agencies, ministries and parastatals.
“Top on the list of endorsements and confirmed attendees are the Executive Governor, Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Ernest Nwapa.
Others include Raymond Wilcox, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Chevron; Lara Banjoko, Chief Executive Officer, Zone 4 Energy; Yomi Awobokun, Chief Executive Officer, Oando Downstream; Dayo Okusami, General Counsel and Executive Director, Atlantic Energy; Ladi Bada, Chief Executive Officer, Shoreline Natural Resources Limited;
Meka Olowola, Managing Partner, Zenera Consulting; Douglas Kativu, Head, Global Reporting Initiative Focal Point; Emeka Ene, Chairman, PETAN; Niyi Yusuf, Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria; Innocent Chukwuma, West Africa Representative, Ford Foundation; John Momoh, Chairman, Channels Television; Christine K, Director, Heinrich Boell Foundation Nigeria;
Jeffrey Corey, COO, Seven Energy; Prof. Wale Omole, Member, Board of Trustee, CSR-in-Action; Fidel Pepple, Immediate Past General Manager, NAPIMS; Olufemi Olarewaju, Director Sustainability School; Taofiq Tijani, Hon. Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State; Doyin Olutona, Co-Founder, U-turn Africa; Owanari Duke, Country Director, Empretech Foundation; Innocent Lagi, Attorney General, Nasarawa State; Samuel Ayinde, Director, International Organisation for Youth Advocacy and Development, among other dignitaries from relevant government parastatals, community advocators and companies in the mining and oil and gas sectors.
The theme for the SITEI conference, which is the third in the series, is “Local Content Participation, Accountability and Transparency.” The highly anticipated event will address the challenges of local entrepreneurs, job seekers, policies and critical issues surrounding the implementation of quality local content participation in the Extractive Industries and proffer practical solutions towards improving entrance, accountability and transparency in the sector. “
The conference holds on Friday, October 24, 2014, and is organised by CSR-in-Action, a non-profit organisation devoted to the advancement of social ethics, social responsibility and corporate governance in Africa.
According to CSR-in-Action’s Executive Director and Conference Convener, Bekeme Masade, the conference is a call to action for players, aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector to play more active roles towards better industry practices and a more rewarding experience for all.
“We are hoping the conference would encourage the youths in particular to explore the unique opportunities that abound in the sector in Africa and leverage on the current boom in investments in mining and associated infrastructure. We are also hoping that investors, lenders and bigger companies reduce the entry threshold for healthy competition and the empowerment of the average, focussed citizen,” she enthused.
Speaking further, she added that “We want to see more emphatic commitments by the big players to ensure merit-based increase in local content participation to drive Nigeria’s economic development into the future.”
Mr Esimaje Brikinn, Head, Social Performance and Planning, Chevron Nigeria, in explaining why they decided to support the conference echoed the sentiments of the other sponsors in the room, saying “the Conference theme closely relates to the DNA of Chevron’s activities around Nigerian Content Development”.
The theme of this year’s event is a natural sequel to the successful second SITEI conference, which had as keynote speaker, the former World Bank Vice President for Africa Region, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili. The second edition discussed the need for implementable policies in the sector and produced a convergence of important opinions and contributions on the topic from different stakeholders cutting across private sectors, government representatives and community leaders.
The SITEI event this year is, therefore, expected to address nagging issues that have threatened to stagnate the local content drive, like quality of local content players – vendors, contractors and business men – to play more active and dominant roles in the extractive industries.
The conference will feature workshop sessions with stimulating topics for discussion, with a potpourri of sustainable solutions expected to be provided to enforce the message and spirit of the conference, which is geared toward greater local content participation in the extractive industries.
To drive youth and mass participation in entrepreneurship, skills development and in the activities within the Extractive Industries, CSR-in-Action brings a new twist to this year’s SITEI Conference with the introduction of an Essay and Logo Design competition. This competition with the theme “Quality Local Content Participation in the Extractive Industries: Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions” is an opportunity for interested members of the public who have a burning desire to see increased local content in the extractive industries to provide a precise overview of the sector and proffer lasting panacea for all stakeholders. Visit www.csrinaction.org/SITEI2014 to participate and for more details.
To address any health fears with regard to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) currently ravaging some West Africa countries, Executive Director, Bekeme Masade assures conference participants that appropriate measures have been taken to ensure simple and necessary health practices are adhered to at the event to guarantee a hitch-free conference following a partnership with PathCare Nigeria.
Social media audiences will enjoy a live streaming of the key messages and proceedings. Media partners include Inspiration FM, Channels Television, Y Naija, Nigeria Info FM, CNBC, FRCN Radio one Sweet Crude Reports, and African Energy, and Technical partners are Pathcare Laboratories to address health fears and Swift Networks for exclusive Internet Connectivity at the conference.
Business
Content Creation Can Buy 4 Lamborghini’s – Comedian Josh2Funny Reveals
Nigerian comedian and popular skit maker, Chibuike Josh Alfred, known by his stage name Josh2Funny, has shed light on the profitability of the content-creating industry.
In a recent interview with Echo Room, Josh2Funny highlighted the impressive financial potential that content creators can achieve, noting that it is possible for them to comfortably afford multiple luxury cars, including up to four Lamborghini vehicles.
Speaking candidly, Josh2Funny emphasised that content creation has become an extremely lucrative field due to the constant demand for fresh and engaging material. “If you want to buy four Lamborghini from content creation, you can buy it,” he said.
His remarks underscore the significant revenue opportunities available in the digital content landscape.
Josh2Funny explained that the continuous consumption of online content is what drives its profitability. “What do you think we are doing in the content-creating industry? Are we joking? You all are with your phones, when you’re in the bathroom, when you’re [using the restroom], you’re consuming our stuff. It’s like pure water,” he stated.
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The comedian further elaborated that businesses or industries that deliver products consumed on a daily basis often see the most substantial financial returns. Content creation, with its high rate of daily consumption by audiences worldwide, aligns perfectly with this model.
“People are out there, consuming our content every time,” he said, reinforcing the idea that the reach and influence of content creators have never been more extensive.
Josh2Funny’s insights reveal why the content-creating industry has become a lucrative career path for many in Nigeria and around the world. With the continuous growth of social media platforms and the public’s insatiable appetite for entertainment and relatable content, creators are finding new and innovative ways to monetize their craft.
This shift not only highlights the potential for significant financial gain but also showcases the evolving landscape of digital media, where influencers, comedians, and skit makers can turn creativity into a sustainable and highly rewarding business.
Business
NIVEA Black & White Invisible Roll On Deodorant Batch No. 93529610 Not On Sale in Nigeria
A safety alert notification by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria issued on October 31, 2024, regarding NIVEA BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorant (50 ml) batch number 93529610, in relation to the general European Union (EU) Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX), has come to our attention.
The batch is said to contain 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (BMHCA).
In a statement on Saturday, in Lagos, Beiersdorf, the owner of NIVEA brand, assured that the “the Batch No. 93529610 in question has not been marketed in Nigeria and thus never recalled”.
According to the statement, Beiersdorf was well informed that “Based on current European legislation, the use of ingredient 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (LilialTM) in cosmetic products has been banned from the European markets as of March 1, 2022.”
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It acknowledged that “The batch in question, in fact, expired in January 2022 and was hence at the time fully compliant with the then valid European cosmetic regulation.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, Beiersdorf is working collaboratively with NAFDAC to safeguard the interest of the Nigerian consumers by ensuring that our locally manufactured product meets the global quality standards.”
It maintained that “The safety of our consumers remains our highest priority, consistent with our ethical philosophy as a business.”
In pursuit of this commitment, Beiersdorf’s entire NIVEA product portfolio formulations have been reformulated to be Lilial-free formulas in full compliance with the EU Regulation on cosmetic products well ahead of its Lilial ban coming into effect as far back as March 1, 2022. For instance, the formulation of NIVEA BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorant has been Lilial-free since at least 2020 across the globe, including Nigeria.
“Our trade partners were informed ahead of time and reminded of their responsibility to remove the outdated Lilial-containing products within the legal timeframe to fulfill their obligations with the European Cosmetic Product Regulation,” it added.
Business
Shell, NNPC Ltd, Others Gift Three Universities ICT Centre, Digital Library
The Shell companies in Nigeria teamed up with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and other stakeholders to build Information Communication Technology (ICT) centres and a digital library in Nigerian universities in 2024.
Biztellers reports that it initiative is part of their continuing support for education.
Some of the corporate bodies that executed the projects include the Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) and NNPC Ltd, and the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB).
The benefiting institutions were, the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, which got a digital library in April, the Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau in Bauchi State, where an ICT Centre was commissioned in July, by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) as part of the Joint Venture with NNPC, TotalEnergies and NAOC.
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In what would sound like singing-off on the educational intervention initiative for 2024, the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), overflew with joy at the unveil of a world-class engineering design studios and ICT hub, courtesy of the SPDC, NNPC Ltd and other Joint Venture partners collaborated with NCDMB.
Reflecting on the three facilities, Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, and Managing Director, SPDC, Osagie Okunbor, said, “This is Shell working to power lives in Nigeria. The projects have changed the academic and physical landscapes in the three universities and linked the students and lecturers to the global learning arena.”
The facilities at FUTO include two state-of-the-art engineering design studios and a fully furnished 100-seater ICT lecture hall, equipped with computers and smartboards with dedicated power and water supplies. FUTO was selected for the project as part of the “institutional strengthening” in the catchment area of SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project. They were launched at a colourful ceremony attended by representatives of the Imo State Government and principal officers of the university.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said, “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and NAOC JV, who have invested in the future of Imo State by supporting this critical project. Your commitment to human capacity building aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we will continue to drive innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth for our people.”
Okunbor’s address at the commissioning was read by General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, in which he expressed happiness “that the collaboration of SPDC, Joint venture partners, NCDMB, and FUTO has resulted in this successful social investment project that demonstrates our commitment to improving access to quality education for every Nigerian.”
On his part, the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, called on Nigerian institutions to domesticate the advancements in AI and other technologies.
“Our AI must understand Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, and other local languages,” he said, speaking through Dr. Ama Ikuru, the Director in charge of Capacity Building.
“We must leapfrog the innovations of other nations and become a net exporter of advanced technology to achieve the lofty ideals of Nigerian content development,” he added.
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala Wunti, said in his address which was read by the Senior Advisor Stakeholders Relations, Halimat Wilson, “Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and developed. The Engineering Studio and ICT Hub is designed to be such a place where students, researchers, and faculty can collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Welcoming guests earlier, FUTO Vice Chancellor, Prof Nnenna Oti, thanked the sponsors of the project “for a landmark donation” to the university.
The Shell Companies in Nigeria have been education since the 1950s through scholarships and other initiatives. These efforts have resulted in the award of thousands of secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship awards, provision of educational infrastructure and establishment of sabbatical and internship programmes as well as centres of excellence in several universities.