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NGO Warns Against Reversing Military Pension to Old Order

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The executive director of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Blissful Life Initiative, and Chief Adekunle Seidu has joined in the ongoing debate of military pension by calling on the federal government, the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), The National Assembly and concerned Nigerians to prevail on those clamouring for a return of the to the old order to retrace their steps. He stated that the pensioners including the military men have suffered untold hardship in the past, stressing that their situation has improved in the past years under the management of the pension commission. He warned that if the situation is allowed to degenerate to the old order, it might spell untold hardship for the people who laid down their lives to save the rest of us. He recalled that before now, “collecting pension was a Herculean task which led to the untimely death of some soldiers including slumping and dying while on queue to collect their retirement benefits.” He stated that before 2004 when the contributory pension scheme came on board, it was stressful for government and the generality of Nigerians for pensioners to collect their pension, stressing that the situation has since changed.  Seidu warned that “if the military pension was reversed back to the old order, the soldiers of low rank particularly those who are very old and based in the rural areas may be alienated.” He stated that it was unfortunate that some people he declined to name have been mounting pressure on the National Assembly to reverse the military pension to the old order. These lobbyists, he said are “seeking to take us ten steps backward to where we left five years ago, stating that ‘it was the most un progressive thing to embark upon” He stated that in the past there was allegation that some people unduly sat on the retirement benefits of others while others were short paid or never get paid, if they where not in the good books of the masters. The executive director opined that the current scheme has done a lot to guarantee military pensioners their retirement benefits, adding that it has also averted the number of casualties which pervaded the old order. He recalled some of the ugly incidents of the past to include endless verification exercise, long queues, collapse and eventual death of retirees at payment centres. Under the new contributory pension reform, military workers contribute just 2.5 percent of the 15 percent while the rest is entrusted into their employer. This is unlike that of the private sector and the public services workers, where there is a shared contribution of 7.5 percent ach between the employer and the employed. Under Section 9(2) of the Act, the rates of contribution gave an option such that an employer may agree or elect to bear the full burden of the scheme, provided that in such case the employers’ contribution shall not be less than the 15 percent of the monthly emoluments of the employee. Seidu reiterated the fact that the issues raised by the proponents of the amendment could be taking care of under the current scheme, without having to take the military out of the scheme. The NGO leader applauded the opposition of concerned Nigerians who have raised their voice against the reversal, among them the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). NLC said it "believes that the proposed exemption of the military if passed through will trigger a whole lot of unintended and undesired reactions that will undermine the sanity that the Contributory Pension Scheme has brought into pension administration in this country." He pledged the commission’s readiness to dialogue with interested parties on how to accommodate the differences. It would be recalled that a group of people have been clamouring for a return to the old order on the basis of certain factors, Among the issues include the delay in the payments of entitlements, disparity in the lump sum paid to the personnel of the same rank, low monthly pension being owed retired personal as well differential between the old and the new system of pension administration. Proponents of the review are seeking to insert immediately after the figure "291" in S.8 (2) of the Pension Reform Act 2004, the phrase "and members of the Armed Forces of the Federation in sections 217 and 318 (h)". The effect of the amendment is to include the Military in the list of category of persons exempted by the Act from the Contributory Pension Scheme, such as Judicial Officers". The director-general of the commission Alhaji Mohammad Ahmad had advised those clamouring for a reversal that the issues calling for such amendment could be accommodated under the provisions of the Act as presently constituted.  He added that it was inimical to the collective interest of our people. He cautioned that “conceding to the request for policy reversals at this critical juncture when all efforts should be directed towards institutional consolidation would be unrealistic and counter productive". Seidu called on the National Assembly not to consider the reversal as doing so would be counter productive.


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Nedjip Tozun, CEO d.light Named in 2024 TIME100 Climate List for Transformative Impact on Clean Energy Access

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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

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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

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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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