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BPE Boss Calls for Law to Protect Auto Industry
Christopher Anyanwu, director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), has called for appropriate legislation to protect the automobile industry in Nigeria.
He made the remarks through Samuel John Agbogun , the agency’s director of Post-Privatisation Monitoring (PPM), , when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation visited Steyr Nigeria Limited, Bauchi in discharge of their oversight duties.
Anyanwu noted that the lack of necessary legal framework to protect the industry is grossly impeding its growth and performance.
He pointed out that with appropriate legislation, the industry can perform optimally, creating job opportunities for the country’s teeming population and bringing in foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria.
The BPE boss decried the influx of finished automobile products from foreign countries into Nigeria, recalling that on June 9, 1994, the Federal Government as part of efforts to check the low patronage of products of the local automobile assembly plants, passed circular No SDPS/P/82/1/11.
Specifically, the circular stated that "all federal and state ministries, the local government and their agencies procure all their vehicles from the brands made by the local assembly plants" except when there was the need to supplement the shortfall in the output of the local assembly plants.
The penalties for flouting the provisions of the circular include forfeiture of budgetary allocation for purchase of vehicles by the affected ministries and government agencies for the year and procurement of motor vehicles for the affected agencies by the federal government through the National Automobile Council.
Subsequent flouting of the order attracted supervised procurement by the federal government for three years while officers responsible may be subjected to litigation and if found guilty could be liable to a prison term of two years or a fine of N1m.
The Managing Director of Steyr, Saidu Ahmed, while briefing the committee members on the activities of his company, also called for a legislation to protect the industry. He also asked for a tax holiday for privatised firms to cushion the high cost of turning around the companies.
Ahmed said his management inherited a tax overhang of N140million and appealed to the committee for a tax waiver of five years.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Ahmed Njjidah Gella, tasked BPE to immediately initiate a meeting between the Federal Ministries of Finance, Commerce and Industry as well as other relevant stakeholders in order to address the challenge.
The committee which is on tour of the North- east zone to visit privatised enterprises in the area, had earlier visited Savannah Sugar Company, Numan, Adamawa State and Ashaka Cement Company, Gombe.
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Nedjip Tozun, CEO d.light Named in 2024 TIME100 Climate List for Transformative Impact on Clean Energy Access
Nedjip Tozun, Co-founder and CEO at d.light, has been named one of the world’s most influential leaders driving business to real climate action in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list.
TIME’s annual climate list recognizes the world’s most innovative and impactful business leaders championing climate action and working toward a sustainable future. This honor celebrates Tozun’s visionary leadership and commitment to transforming energy access for underserved communities across Africa and Asia.
Since co-founding d.light in 2007 at Stanford University, Tozun has led the company’s mission to empower lives through sustainable, affordable, off-grid clean energy solutions. Under his leadership, d.light has reached over 180 million people, providing transformative products such as solar home systems, lanterns, and appliances, and connecting households and businesses to life-enhancing solar energy.
With a growing footprint across some of the world’s most energy-challenged regions, d.light’s innovative pay-as-you-go platform, Atlas, enables over 6 million transactions monthly, making clean energy accessible and affordable for millions.
“We are honored to see Nedjip’s dedication recognized by TIME as part of this esteemed Climate list,” said Wayne Keast, d.light board member and Managing Partner of Inspired Evolution. “His passion for bringing clean energy to the most remote communities is reshaping the future of energy, health, and opportunity in regions where the climate crisis hits hardest.”
As a pioneer in clean, off-grid energy solutions, Tozun has not only driven unprecedented growth for d.light but has also challenged and changed the industry landscape.
His work has made d.light a trusted partner in the global climate effort, positioning the company as a model for sustainable development and scalable solutions in emerging markets.
With a goal of impacting 1 billion people by 2030, d.light continues to scale operations and forge partnerships to meet growing demand while addressing critical climate issues head-on.
“I’m truly grateful to be recognized by TIME for our work in advancing clean energy access”, said Tozun. “This acknowledgment underscores the urgent need to prioritize equitable access to clean energy as we tackle climate change.
d.light’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to energy, and I am proud of what we have achieved together with our team, partners, and the communities we serve.”
Tozun’s inclusion in the TIME100 Climate list highlights the impact of d.light’s work across Africa and elsewhere. It follows d.light’s recent recognition as a finalist in the 2024 Earthshot Prize, the international environmental award founded by the UK’s Prince William that recognises groundbreaking sustainable solutions for repairing and regenerating the planet.
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Cloud Energy Solar Shines Bright with 200 Watts Street Lighting Bulb
Nigeria’s foremost indigenous Renewable Energy Company, decorated by industry partners as the most Outstanding Energy Provider, Cloud Energy Solar, living true to its appellations, is focusing its renewable energy competencies beyond the home and office.
Cloud Energy has increased its impact in street lighting with the design and production of the 200 Watts street lighting bulb.
The 200 Watts bulb consolidates the reputation of brightness and long lasting for the Cloud Energy range of energy saving bulbs, in the homes and offices.
Spurred by the abundance of the sun, the Cloud Energy Solar Company seems challenged to never let the sun set. The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, launching the 200 Watts bulb observed that the times are dangerous in terms of security.
Therefore, the brilliance of the street lighting will eliminate all lurking shadows from the streets and security posts. It is an answer to a call to duty for all patriots to deploy their competencies to enhance national security.
The renewable energy boss said that citizens must be prepared to make sacrifice to give Nigeria its deserved place as the giant of Africa. These sacrifices can come from the kind of opportunities that OEMs give to Nigerians. For example, Cloud Energy, a leading solar practitioner is currently offering rooftop solar panels with a flexible payment plan up to two years or more.
Property owners can now design their buildings with solar panels on the roof and keep paying long after they have completed and moved into the houses.
This flexible payment consideration, the Cloud Energy Boss explains, extends to the entire range of Cloud Energy Solar products – Energy storage products, Inverters, Batteries; Lifestyle products, Fridges, Freezers, Fans Television sets, and solar accessories.
These offers are conveyed in a campaign entitled Bridge the Energy Gap, a clear departure from the traditional way of presenting offers in the market.
The bridge has been used as a symbol to convey a sense of professional support, assistance, and partnership.
The bridge beyond meaning a make-up for a shortfall also provides a thorough fare to the energy transition, without bottlenecks. It deletes all doubts and gives a sense of certainty for a transition.to Solar.
The bridge is the fact that Cloud Energy in partnership with its finance partners offers different kinds of payment plan to ensure a done deal, in electricity, without tears.
Cloud Energy, founded in 2015 has earned respect by installing Solar and Inverter systems for discerning clients, mainly academic, research institutions and multi-nationals across the nation.
In less than a decade Cloud Energy has foot prints in the Banking and Finance sector with ATM installations; Homes and Public buildings with Solar Systems; and is a viable partner to governments through the Rural Electrification Project.
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Airtel HR Director, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias Honoured as HR Leader of the Year
The Director of Human Resources and Administration at Airtel Nigeria, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, has been awarded as HR Leader of the Year at the 2024 HR People Magazine Awards, organized by Mapelwood Global Resource.
The award ceremony, held recently at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, celebrated the achievements of outstanding HR professionals across Nigeria who have contributed significantly to organizational success and workplace culture.
Speaking on the recognition, Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, expressed immense pride in Ayo-Elias’s achievement, describing it as a milestone not only for her but also for the company.
“Adebimpe’s impact, dedication, and leadership extend well beyond Airtel, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her influence in the HR field. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her continued contributions to the industry,” he said.
Receiving the award, Adebimpe expressed gratitude for the honour, reiterating her commitment to advancing world-class HR practices within her organisation.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of those we serve within and beyond the organization. Airtel Nigeria creates an environment that nurtures growth, encourages innovation, and prioritizes the well-being of every employee and as such, this award motivates me to continue championing these values,” she said.
This award reaffirms Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to developing and empowering talent, further establishing the company as a leading force in creating an impactful, forward-thinking workplace.
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