Wike urges FCT residents to reflect on the significance of Easter 

By Favour Nnabugwu 

 

 

Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has urged resident of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) to reflect of the significance of the Easter celebration.

He also urged them to take time out to reach out to those in need, offer helping hands to the less privileged while also spreading kindness and goodwill whenever they go.

Wike in his Easter greetings to all residents, and Christians in particular in the Territory, made the appeal.

The message read this; “On behalf of the FCT Administration, I extend my sincere felicitations to all residents of the Federal Capital Territory, especially the Christian faithful on this joyous occasion of Easter, which is a profound celebration of faith, sacrifice, and hope renewed

In the story of Easter, we find the ultimate symbol of sacrifice in the selfless act of Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for the redemption of humanity.

Therefore, as we gather with our loved ones to commemorate this sacred occasion, let us pause to reflect on the significance of the celebration as a time for reaffirming our commitment to the values of compassion, forgiveness, and empathy.

Let us therefore reach out to those in need, to offer a helping hand to the less fortunate, and spread kindness and goodwill wherever we go.

In the Federal Capital Territory, we are blessed with a diverse and vibrant community that embodies the spirit of unity in diversity. Regardless of our differences in culture, religion, or background, we are bound together by the shared values of tolerance and respect for each other.

This Easter, let us therefore celebrate our diversity as a source of strength and let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious society for all.

Permit me also to express my sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the progress and development of our nation.

Under his guidance, we have embarked on a journey of transformation, driven by a renewed sense of hope and optimism. As residents of the FCT, let us keep faith with President Tinubu and his administration, and let us actively contribute to the realization of his vision for a better Nigeria.

On our part, the FCT Administration remains deeply committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of all residents. We are working tirelessly to address the various challenges facing the Territory, from security to infrastructure development and education as well as healthcare provision.

Many of our interventions as many will attest to, are already yielding the desired results. However, I recognize that true progress can only be achieved through collective effort and collaboration.

I therefore call upon every one of you to join hands with the government in our quest for progress and development. Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

As we celebrate Easter with our families and loved ones, let us remember the true essence of this joyous occasion and embody the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and renewal in all that we do.
Let us also celebrate responsibly and obey all extant rules and regulations, especially on environmental sanitation and traffic while also being security conscious.

Once again, I wish you all a joyous and memorable celebration,” he concluded.

PenOp launches WOPEN for industry female leaders

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, PenOp, has launched Women of Pension Network (WOPEN), a coaching and mentoring session, connecting seasoned female industry leaders with young female professionals.

The PenOp ideology initiative aims to provide guidance, support, and development opportunities to young female professionals in the industry who are seeking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and performance.

The WOPEN launch was in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration held annually on March 8th.

It commemorates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.

In the spirit of the 2024 celebrations with the theme Inspire Inclusion, the PenOp, organized a hybrid event to commemorate the celebrations. The networking and informative session was supported by Infracredit, Providus bank and 10Alytics.

The event attracted top female professionals within the pension industry and beyond to discuss some themes that affect women in the workplace.

The event with the theme Accelerating Gender Parity in the Workplace consisted of two exciting panel sessions with the topic Women as a Solution to Nigeria’s Economic Challenges and Drivers Seat: The Role of Women in Digital Transformation. The panel had female C suite experts within the pension industry deliberate on key issues confronting women in the workplace and in the society at large.

The keynote speaker, Mrs. Anana Emanuel Esq. who is also chairperson of NLPC PFA, in her speech, stated that she has always been interested in the topic of gender parity, while she emphasized that she isn’t out to disparage men but to talk about equity and fairness.

She spoke about the goal of living in a world where every woman and girl can exercise their freedom and choice and realize their right such as to live free from violence, go to school, participate in decisions and to earn equal pay for work of equal value. Emphasizing the same right, rewards, opportunities, and resources to work.

In conclusion, the session sought to shine the light on the disparity between the genders in the workplace, particularly in the pension industry and to fashion a way forward in accelerating gender parity in the workplace.

PenOp throws more light into diabetes

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) recently organized a medical webinar titled “Managing Diabetes in Everyday Life,” where experts shared knowledge of healthy living and health management.

The webinar aimed to provide pension industry professionals with comprehensive insights into diabetes, including its types, identification, causes, and management strategies.

Adaobi Okoye, PenOp’s Head of Human Resources, opened the session by underscoring the necessity of health management for optimal functioning both at work and in daily life. Oguche Agudah, CEO of PenOp, further emphasized the importance of regular exercise and encouraged attendees to maximize the webinar’s opportunities. The online session garnered participation from over 200 pension industry professionals.

Facilitated by Dr. Akinkunmi Ilori, Group Head of Medical Operations at Bastion HMO and a renowned medical doctor and public health specialist, the webinar delved into the signs, symptoms, screening methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies for diabetes.

Dr. Akinkunmi explained that diabetes encompasses a group of diseases affecting how the body’s tissues utilize glucose, resulting in high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin response. He discussed various types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, and Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), along with their causes and management approaches such as oral medications, insulin injections, and lifestyle modifications.

Addressing risk factors such as age, ethnicity, family history, and obesity, Dr. Akinkunmi stressed the importance of dietary habits and regular physical activity in diabetes management. He also highlighted optimal blood sugar levels for diabetic individuals.

The webinar concluded with attendees gaining practical knowledge on diabetes screening, treatment options, and effective management and prevention strategies, empowering them to take proactive steps towards better health and well-being.

The webinar was part of PenOp’s ongoing monthly knowledge-sharing sessions. These sessions provide a platform for professionals in the pension industry to network, exchange ideas, and listen to subject matter experts discuss relevant topics.

Steel, cornerstone of infrastrural, economic development- MITI Minister

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The  Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to industry revitalization with a keen focus on steel, the cornerstone of infrastructural development and economic renewal.

This emphasis comes in tandem with an appraisal of the $600m Iron-Ore Mining & Processing Facility by the African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) in Kaduna state, a significant stride in Nigeria’s mining sector.

“Our Industry Revitalization Plan prioritizes steel due to its foundational role in building our nation’s infrastructure,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite stated. “One pressing issue within our industry is the spiralling cost of goods, especially burdensome for manufacturers. By scrutinizing production costs, we aim to facilitate more affordable manufacturing processes.”

The Federal Executive Council has approved an Infrastructure Development Fund, which Dr. Uzoka-Anite describes as a “project de-risking fund,” concentrating on crucial infrastructure sectors vital to Nigeria’s economy. This fund, alongside the Industry Revitalization Plan, aspires to stimulate the economy, build additional roads, railways, and essential infrastructure. Increased production is anticipated to please investors and stakeholders alike.

“We owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gratitude for championing this initiative,” the Minister added, signalling the administration’s progressive vision.

In aligning with the remarks of Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Uzoka-Anite praised the ANRML facility for its substantial foreign investment and commitment to value addition and beneficiation in its iron-ore processing. She asserted that these efforts are in line with the federal government’s policy to require value addition plans for mining operations license approvals.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite underscored the ANRML’s alignment with the Nigeria Automotive Industry Plan, enhancing local steel production for the automotive manufacturing sector. She highlighted the significance of the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) produced

through the facility’s advanced beneficiation and pelletisation processes, setting Nigeria on the path to becoming a leading crude steel producer.

The Minister concluded by drawing a parallel between the country’s economic restructuring efforts and ANRML’s success, “The same tenacity and strategic groundwork that propelled ANRML to success are what our administration is channelling towards Nigeria’s transformation. Like the concrete foundations necessary for ANRML’s plant, our nation is laying the groundwork for sustainable prosperity.”