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SON Pledges Support for Innovations to Stimulate National Development
Malam Farouk Salim, the new director general of the Standards Organization of Nigeria, SON, has said that he will exert energy in driving changes that would promote innovations to stimulate national self-sufficiency.
Salim made the pledge in a short ceremony at the conference room of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as he assumed office.
He took over from Mr Osita Aboloma, former Director-General, on September 26, 2020.
His assumption was witnessed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the Permanent Secretary and Chairman, SON Governing Council, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, among others.
Commenting on his vision for the organisation, Salim promised to bring changes by promoting public safety, the role of standards in local manufacturing, import and export as well as creating an enabling environment for innovations.
He promised to bring his core competencies in organisational restructuring, quality assurance and project management to bear in driving further the relevance of SON in national socio-economic development.
Salim stressed his desire to strengthen enforcement through increased cooperation with the relevant law enforcement authorities and the Judiciary.
He promised to work more closely with the National Assembly and the Executive arm of Government to update regulations and penalties as well as lobby for improved budgetary allocations for needed improvements and staff welfare.
“We would also leverage on information and communication technology to disseminate our activities more efficiently, real time, in order to engender greater stakeholders’ buy-in and revamp public confidence in our organisation,” he said.
The SON helmsman promised to also lessen red tape, further simplify payment systems through increased investment in information technology, to guarantee improved service delivery.
He also promised to imbibe operational efficiency and encourage customer feedback and suggestions toward achieving the goals.
He assured the staff members of a level playing field to enable free flow of ideas and expression of competencies and urged them to continue to give their best to the Nation through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
Salim also promised to make stakeholders, particularly the organised private sector groups a fulcrum of his administration’s focus.
Malam Salim expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to further contribute to National development through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
He reiterated his commitment to putting in his best to justify the confidence of the number one citizen.
He also lauded his predecessor for his selfless services to SON in the last four years and wished him well in his future endeavour.
Mr Osita Aboloma, the former D-G, commended his predecessors for laying a solid foundation for the advancement of standardisation activities in Nigeria in line with international best practices.
He assured the new D-G of bequeathing to him a crop of highly competent staff members in virtually all fields of standardisation capable of being compared favourably with their counterparts in developed economies globally.
News
ALX Africa Enriches over 1,200 Lives Through CSR Initiatives Across Nigeria
In a concerted effort to impact their host communities, ALX, Africa’s leading tech accelerator, embarked on a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to enrich the lives of people in low-income communities across nine states in Nigeria.
This impactful exercise saw ALX Learners and Fellows (graduates), actively engaged in various uplifting activities centered around three key activities: food relief, education and tutoring, and orphanage visits.
ALX Community members in Abuja and Anambra State embarked on educational outreaches to secondary schools and universities.
In contrast, members in Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna, Rivers, Oyo, and Imo states provided food relief.
Speaking at the food relief exercise at the Ilaje community in Costain, Lagos State, the Country Operations Manager at ALX Nigeria, Helen Eboagwu, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “At ALX, we believe that our mission goes beyond equipping young people with the skills for a successful career in tech.
“We are deeply passionate about the people and communities that host us. This initiative shows our commitment to giving back and making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.
“The initiative shows ALX’s dedication to social impact and reinforces our core values of fostering a culture of empathy, leadership, and community service among our learners.
“By engaging in these activities, ALX learners gain invaluable life experiences and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” Eboagwu emphasized.
As ALX continues to empower the next generation of tech leaders, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to creating positive change and uplifting the communities it serves. This CSR initiative marks a significant milestone in ALX’s journey to make a meaningful impact across Africa.
ALX is dedicated to transforming Africa’s future by empowering young people with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the tech industry. Through world-class training programmes and a commitment to excellence, ALX is shaping the next generation of tech leaders who will drive innovation and progress across Africa.
News
Seplat Donates Two More STEAM Labs in Benin
The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV has unveiled two more Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Labs at both the Edo Boys High School and New Era College, both in Benin City, Edo State. The STEAM Lab project is part of a comprehensive Seplat Innovators Programme (SIP), which complements the Seplat Teachers’ Empowerment Programme (STEP).
The programme is a follow-up on the progress of the trained teachers, to ensure that Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) learning is passed on to the students, towards improved quality of education.
In her opening remarks, the Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, who was represented by the Senior Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Performance, Esther Icha, stated that, “Our commitment to education is unwavering, and we are thrilled to collaborate with the Edo State Ministry of Education to provide quality education in the state. These STEAM Laboratories are designed to foster the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills among the students, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.”
She further noted that the STEAM approach to learning is a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to explore the connections between different subjects, igniting their curiosity and creativity. She also expressed optimism that the laboratories will serve as hubs of learning, where students can engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that will enhance their understanding of the STEAM disciplines.
On her part, the commissioner for Education, Edo State, Joan Oviawe, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ero Ugiagbe noted that, “Seplat Energy’s commitment to empowering the next generation is truly commendable. The three STEAM Labs you have built and equipped are testaments to your dedication to innovation and education. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, providing them with the platform to exploit, learn and bloom. Your contribution to the development of STEAM education in our community is invaluable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Seplat for this remarkable feat. Your investment in our future is a beacon of hope and a reminder that collective effort can lead to remarkable achievement.”
It would be recalled that on April 14, 2023, the Seplat JV launched its first fully equipped STEAM Lab in Edo State. The Lab, complete with full internet subscription for a period of 12 months, was donated to Ihogbe College, Benin City, with a sustenance plan in place, to guarantee effectiveness and efficiency of the project.
Both the Principal of Edo Boys High School, Ebewele Christy and her counterpart at New Era College, Osaretin Uwaifo, appreciated Seplat Energy and the NNPCL for generously donating the State-of-the-art facilities to their respective schools. They equally expressed excitement and assured that the facilities will be put to maximum use and to achieve the purpose for which it has been provided.
The event attracted stakeholders in both the education and energy sectors, including the Acting Director, Social Mobilisation, State Secondary Education Board, Mabel Ojiefoh; Acting Director, School Support Management, State Secondary Education Board, Jennifer Aisuan; Acting Director, Shared Services Department, State Secondary Education Board, Ifueko Oseye; Managing Partner Teasoo Consulting Ltd, Sarah Ajose-Adeogu, while the NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) was represented by Yemisi Lawal and Owunari Tomikeimieye.
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Stanbic IBTC Insurance Launches Education Endowment Plan
Stanbic IBTC Insurance, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has launched Education Endowment Insurance Plan, an offering that empowers parents and guardians to secure the academic future of their children or wards.
Targeting young adults, the underwriting firm said the Education Endowment Plan encouraged parents and guardians to adopt a long-term strategy for investing in the educational future of their children through the launch.
The company aims to raise awareness about the importance of investing in education.
It said by opting for the Stanbic IBTC Education Endowment Plan, parents could benefit from a comprehensive investment solution that safeguards their children’s academic journey.
At the media launch of the product in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer Stanbic IBTC Insurance, Akinjide Orimolade, explained that the Education Endowment Plan offered families a strong financial safety net.
“This product ensures the protection of their children’s education, regardless of life’s uncertainties; providing reassurance and confidence. By making strategic investments today, parents can secure access to education for their children, enabling them to realise their full potential and pursue their aspirations.
“We are proud to launch the Education Endowment Plan campaign, an insurance product that aligns with our commitment to empowering parents in Nigeria to attain financial security for the education of their children,” he stated.
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