Business
Project BLOOM Scales Up Impact with Second Outreach in Ajegunle, Lagos
The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), have expanded their flagship community nutrition intervention, Project BLOOM (Bringing Life to Our Overlooked Minors), to Ajegunle under Lagos State Health District V.
Biztellers reports that the outreach reached over 120 children with their mothers and caregivers.
It held at Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat in partnership with the Lagos State Health District V, builds on the success and measurable impact of the pilot held at Yaba’s Aiyetoro Primary Health Centre, where hundreds of children were screened and over 61% were found to need urgent medical intervention.
It was gathered that follow-up monitoring revealed that more than 48% of these children have shown remarkable nutritional recovery within weeks, regaining healthy weight and vitality. This progress has further strengthened the project’s mission to expand its reach across underserved communities.
At the Ajegunle outreach, children received Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) and comprehensive health checks, while mothers and caregivers participated in practical nutrition education sessions focused on preparing low-cost, nutritious meals and maintaining proper hygiene.
Initial screening results revealed that 69 children were moderately malnourished, 29 were severely malnourished, and another 24 were at risk of becoming malnourished. The outreach also emphasized early detection of malnutrition and sustained follow-up care through local Primary Health Centres.
Notably, over 20 NGX Group employees volunteered alongside District health workers during the engagement, assisting with screenings, data collection, and caregiver training. Their participation reflects the Exchange’s commitment to fostering a culture of service and social responsibility among its workforce. Through initiatives like Project BLOOM, NGX Group continues to encourage employees to actively contribute to community development efforts, demonstrating that true sustainability is achieved through collective action and shared purpose. This approach reinforces the organisation’s broader commitment to building the long-term resilience of society and the economy.
On the impact, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, said: “Seeing 48.8% of the children identified with malnutrition now in recovery, and others who were once at risk steadily improving, has been truly inspiring. It affirms that our partnership with Health Emergency Initiative and Lagos State Government, is driving real, measurable change in our communities. For us at NGX Group, building strong capital markets goes hand in hand with building strong communities, because inclusive growth and social well-being are the true foundations of a resilient economy. This recovery rate motivates us to do even more, to scale up, to reach further, and to continue investing in the wellbeing of underserved communities.”
On his part, the Executive Director, HEI, Dr. Pascal Achunine, described the expansion as a vital response to the realities revealed by the pilot: “The first outreach showed us the depth of the malnutrition crisis and the power of swift, coordinated intervention. The results prove that when public and private sectors work together with urgency and compassion, we can save lives and restore hope.”
Similarly, Director Planning Research and Statistics, Dr Oladeinde Ebenezer Oluwaseun, representing the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, commended NGX Group and HEI for their “unwavering commitment to restoring hope to vulnerable families,” noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with the Lagos State Government’s ongoing nutrition and child health programmes.
ALSO READ: FG Unveils Gas Vehicle Monitoring System as CNG Market Attracts $1bn Investments
Project BLOOM continues to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through measurable community impact, employee-driven engagement, and multi-sector collaboration.
With two successful outreaches completed, NGX Group is set to scale Project BLOOM across other underserved Lagos communities, with a long-term vision to reach thousands of children and across the state.
The national oil company of the Republic of Congo, the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) are discussing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the Republic of the Congo’s supply of refined petroleum products.
The parties also have on the agenda, advancing regional energy cooperation and industrial integration across Africa, Biztellers can report.
SNPC Managing Director, Maixent Raoul Ominga, who led a delegation from his country on a visit to the DPRP, described the facility as a strategic asset for Africa and expressed the national oil company’s interest in developing a long-term partnership with Dangote.
“We have visited this remarkable refinery, which represents a major industrial achievement for Africa. The Republic of the Congo has refining capacity and we are keen to explore strategic cooperation that will help strengthen the supply of refined petroleum products while creating value for both organisations,” Ominga said.
ALSO READ: PETROAN Calls for Dialogue over Fuel Prices
Discussions between both organisations, he said, focused on opportunities for collaboration in refining, petroleum products supply, energy security, industrial development, and knowledge sharing.
He praised the Dangote Group for demonstrating that Africa can successfully finance, build and operate world class industrial infrastructure, describing the refinery as an important milestone in the continent’s industrial transformation.
Ominga also commended the Group’s investments in the Republic of the Congo, particularly in the cement sector, noting that they have strengthened local industrial capacity, expanded production and improved access to construction materials.
On his part, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to Africa’s industrialisation through value addition, regional partnerships and investment across the continent.
“We are for Africa, not just Nigeria. Tell us what you need, and we will see how we can work together,” Dangote said.
He noted that the refinery has established a new benchmark for fuel quality in Africa by producing petroleum products that meet the highest international specifications, while improving access to cleaner fuels and reducing the continent’s dependence on imported refined products.
In the same vein, the Vice President, Oil and Gas, DIL, Devakumar Edwin, outlined the Group’s long term expansion strategy, which will increase its total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day, comprising 1.4 million barrels per day in Nigeria and a planned 700,000 barrels per day refining complex in Kenya to serve East African markets.
He also disclosed plans by the Group to invest an additional US$46 billion between 2026 and 2028 across its refining, cement and fertiliser businesses as part of its drive to accelerate industrialisation across Africa.
The engagement underscores the shared commitment of SNPC and the DPRP to deepen African energy cooperation, strengthen regional value chains and promote greater self sufficiency in refined petroleum products as the continent advances towards enhanced energy security and increased intra African trade.
Also present at the meeting were Group Executive Director, Commercial, Oil and Gas, DIL, Fatima Aliko Dangote; Adviser to the President of the Republic of the Congo, Peggy Ndongo and advisers to the SNPC Managing Director, Aymar Ebiou and Norbert Mabiala.
As part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil revenues and energy infrastructure, the Nigerian Navy recently recovered approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
It was gathered that the value of the seized petroleum product is put at about N39 Million.
The seizure, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, is part of an ongoing security intervention designed to disrupt illicit petroleum supply chains which the Navy says continue to undermine government earnings and legitimate operators in the oil and gas sector.
According to the Navy, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH acted on intelligence reports and intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a media statement, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, revealed that further aerial surveillance and ground searches uncovered an additional 45 sacks of the product concealed under vegetation and inside ponds, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing about 22,870 litres of AGO.
Navy Captain Forunsho stated that the operation highlights the growing use of intelligence and surveillance technology by security agencies to tackle crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, which industry stakeholders say contribute significantly to production losses, environmental degradation and reduced government revenue.
According to him, disrupting the logistics networks supporting illegal refining operations is critical to improving transparency in the petroleum value chain and safeguarding investments in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
“The recovered products and the wooden boat used for transportation were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reaffirmed the commitment of the service to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in oil theft and protecting the nation’s strategic economic assets.
Business
Tanzania, Dangote Group Explore Multi-Billion-Dollar Investments in Infrastructure, Energy, Fertiliser
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has held high level talks with President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, on a major expansion of the Group’s investments in Tanzania.
Biztellers reports that the discussions focused on transport infrastructure, fertiliser production, power generation, ports and regional trade.
The meeting, held at the State House in Dar es Salaam, reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Tanzania and the Dangote Group while opening discussions on a new phase of investments aligned with the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
Speaking after the meeting, Dangote said Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations, noting that the Group had identified several strategic sectors capable of delivering significant economic value.
“We have identified areas that can deliver significant value for Tanzania, and we are ready to work together to develop them for our mutual benefit,” he said.
The discussions covered a broad range of projects, including port development, the construction of a 40-kilometre concrete access road to support port operations, development of a special trade zone, a proposed 2,000-megawatt coal fired power plant, a urea fertiliser plant and transport infrastructure linking Mtwara with Mbamba Bay in southern Tanzania.
Dangote also explained the commercial and technical considerations behind the Group’s decision to locate its planned East African refinery in Lamu, Kenya, while extending an invitation to the Government of Tanzania to participate in the investment.
President Samia welcomed the Dangote Group’s continued confidence in Tanzania and directed relevant ministries and government agencies to commence detailed technical discussions on the proposed investments in line with the country’s legal, policy and development priorities.
She also appointed the Minister of Planning and Investment to coordinate the strategic partnership with Dangote Industries Limited, with both sides expected to begin formal negotiations in the coming days.
A Tanzanian government delegation led by the Minister is expected to visit Nigeria to advance discussions and develop implementation frameworks for the proposed projects.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications, the Government remains committed to strengthening partnerships with the private sector as part of efforts to mobilise productive investment, accelerate industrialisation, promote technology transfer, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
ALSO READ: FG Working with Petrol Marketers, Regulators on Appropriate Fuel Pricing – Oyedele
Dangote Industries already operates one of Tanzania’s largest industrial investments through its US$500 million cement plant in Mtwara, which has an annual production capacity of three million tonnes and supplies both the domestic market and neighbouring countries.
The latest engagement deepens the partnership between Tanzania and the Dangote Group and reinforces the company’s position as one of Africa’s leading private sector investors driving regional industrialisation, infrastructure development, and economic integration.
Court Affirms David Mark as ADC Chairman, Dismisses Abejide’s Suit
‘Tinubu’s Gov’t Is Held Hostage by Fraudsters’ – Atiku Declares
No More Khaki! FG Unveils Adire as New NYSC Uniform
Nigeria Lands Fresh $1.25bn World Bank Loan to Drive Jobs, Reforms
BREAKING: Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack on NIPSS
India Blocks WhatsApp Username Rollout Over Rising Scam Fears
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
2z0n2x
Its like you read my mind! You seem to grasp a lot about this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I feel that you can do with some to power the message house a little bit, but other than that, that is wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
I¦ve learn several excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you put to create the sort of fantastic informative site.
Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.
I’m very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
I precisely wished to appreciate you once more. I am not sure what I would’ve worked on in the absence of the actual creative concepts discussed by you about my subject matter. It absolutely was a very intimidating crisis in my opinion, nevertheless coming across a new professional avenue you treated it forced me to cry for contentment. Now i’m grateful for this support and thus trust you recognize what a great job you’re carrying out educating many people using your site. I am sure you’ve never come across any of us.
What i do not realize is if truth be told how you’re not really much more smartly-liked than you might be now. You’re very intelligent. You already know therefore significantly with regards to this topic, produced me individually consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t interested except it¦s something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs great. All the time maintain it up!
great points altogether, you just gained a new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
you’re really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent job on this topic!
It is really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.” by James Stephens.
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again
I very thankful to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for : D likewise saved to my bookmarks.