Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) alongside its development partners, is pleased to announce the launch of the Africa Project Developers Initiative (APDI). This announcement was made in LAGOS, Nigeria on 20 April 2016. APDI is a think tank and network to promote and enable project development in Africa. It creates a platform that fosters continuous dialogue amongst members, standardises project development documentation, develops market benchmarks, enables knowledge transfer, leads and facilitates independent research and serves as a policy advocacy forum for the industry. A significant bottleneck in unlocking Africa’s infrastructure is the development of viable projects that meet the viability and bankability tests…
Author: Admin
While I commend the leadership of the PDP for setting up a zoning committee for the forthcoming congresses in Cross River State, those that have been charged with this daunting task must carry out critical analytical reason. Those charged with the responsibility of zoning positions across the State must look critically, they must understand that zoning most times is used to unite diverse groups, it is used to win the minds of the people, it is also a means of creating stability within a group or an organization. And so, the members of the PDP zoning committee must carry out…
In recognition of over a decade of dedicated humanitarian service in Kwara State, Nigeria and beyond, the Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, received the Rotary Club of Ilorin G.R.A Award of Excellence in Leadership and Humanitarian Service on Saturday 9th April 2016. Presenting the award, the President of the Ilorin G.R.A. Rotary Club, Rtd. Colonel Theophilus Oladapo Bamigboye, commended Mrs. Saraki for her commitment to philanthropy, development and the empowerment of those in need. Receiving the Award of Excellence in Leadership and Humanitarian Service on behalf of H.E Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Mrs. Funsho Abdullahi of…
[LAGOS, April 8]: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is pleased to announce it is to invest up to US $140 million in the Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ). The GSEZ was created in 2010 to accelerate Gabon’s economic diversification and development and is a joint venture vehicle between Olam International, a leading agricultural business, and the Republic of Gabon. The venture, which has a portfolio of infrastructure projects spanning a variety of sectors, combines the expertise, networks and capital of both the public and private sectors. AFC’s investment will make a significant contribution to the development of these projects, which include:…
[Abuja, April 7] Speaking on the 22nd Rwandan Genocide Memorial Day, the Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Her Excellency, Mrs Toyin Saraki, today, reminded all of the calamity and loss that Rwanda suffered, but also how the country later attained ultimate triumph in the protection and empowerment of women and girls, including through advancements in access to health and education. “Rwanda’s national week of mourning commences today, and all of Africa joins her,” Mrs Saraki said, “Any loss of innocent life is a grave injustice, and the loss of many is calamitous. The Rwandan Genocide brought great suffering to…
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) today announces its 2015 fiscal year results. Despite a difficult operating environment, AFC delivered strong underlying operating results, achieving 25% growth in its balance sheet, with total assets in excess of US$3.2 billion, net interest income increased by 39% to US$108.4 million with net interest margins growing to 4.4%, a 7% improvement over the prior year, as the Corporation continues to lower its borrowing costs. Fees, commissions and other income however declined by 85% largely due to one-off revenues of US$46 million recorded in 2014. In April 2015, as part of its efforts to diversify its…
In support of the United Nations global action to attain dignity for all by the year 2030 through the Sustainable Development Goals, the leading maternal and child health empowerment organization – the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), continues to work towards ending poverty and transforming lives in Africa’s most populous nation. Empowering 400 WBFA Dignity4All Citizens from various Kwara State social welfare institutions with WBFA Dignity Packs (containing food and welfare products) between March 21 and March 26, 2016, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa spread hope, joy and generosity in line with the Easter season. While the supported institutions this year included…
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) recently held a gala and web awards night organised to recognise all those using the .ng domain names. The event had two sets of awards; the first was the .ng web awards while the other was the Presidential awards. The .ng web awards recognised companies and institutions that have effectively used the .ng domain over the years and have indirectly helped to promote the Nigerian brand online. The other set of awards were given by the NiRA President to organisations and individuals that have been committed to the development of the ICT industry in…
On the second day of the Africa CEO Forum, speakers on various panels shared their belief that Africa has the necessary tools to develop by making use of its own resources. The continent thus possesses the means to take back its future into its own hands. Pierre-Antoine Balum, Partner and Africa Advisor at PWC, whilst presenting the results of an opinion poll to African CEOs during the panel “How to manage in a changing world”, underlined the growing importance of African consumers´ demands. African CEOs are the best placed both in terms of awareness of and responding to these expectations.…
Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), on March 24 in New York, spoke of the need for legal frameworks to protect the rights of women for a sustainable future at the Women in Sustainable Development: New Legal Frontiers side event at the United Nations Conference for the Status of Women. “The long-term economic success and wellbeing of nations rest firmly on the shoulders of addressing structural issues of gender parity and equality,” Mrs Saraki said. “The international data speaks for itself. If we strive for sustainable long-term economic development, then we must take a robust approach to address…
Chaired by Wife of Nigeria Senate President, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, the second Senators Wives Forum meeting in the Eighth National Assembly has called for Nigerian men and women to work together to promote dignity for all and bridge the gap in gender equity and opportunity. The assemblage was addressed by Senator Biodun Olujinmi, Sponsor of the Gender Equality and Opportunity Bill, Madame Grace Ongile, Country Director of UN Women, and Julia Bunting, President and CEO of the Global Population Council. Delivering the keynote address at the meeting which held today, 17th March 2016, the Forum Chair, Mrs. Toyin Saraki,…
In acknowledgment of her humanitarian efforts both in Nigeria and globally, Rotary International has decorated and welcomed into the Rotary family, the Founder/President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and Wife of Nigeria’s Senate President – Her Excellency, Mrs. Toyin Saraki. Performing the decoration, President of Rotary International, Mr. Ravi Ravindran commended Mrs. Toyin Saraki whose credentials in selfless humanitarian service, he said, clearly spoke for her. He called on more Nigerians to imbibe the culture of Rotary International and commit to making lasting change in the world. It would be recalled that Mrs. Toyin Saraki has over the years,…
To further commemorate International Women’s Day 2016, the Wife of Nigeria’s Senate President and Founder of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, called for women to be placed at the centre of development and national progress, during the Daily Trust National Women’s Summit and Exhibition 2016. Organized by the Daily Trust Newspaper, in partnership with Octlan and Mayfun Limited, the one-day national summit held on 10th of March, 2016 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, and brought together Nigerian women from diverse backgrounds, while providing a platform to address issues and challenges that collectively affect women and…
With the growth of the internet into every aspect of our lives, the risk of data breaches is increasingly becoming a concern, and the healthcare industry has much to lose from failing to protect personal data. In fact, the statistics for healthcare-related data breaches are nothing short of alarming. For example, Crittenden Research suggests that the annual number of healthcare breaches increased from 160 to 333 between 2010 and 2014. The Ponemon Institute’s study on Privacy & Security of Healthcare Data found that over a two-year period, 65% of healthcare organizations experienced electronic security incidents, and 54% experienced paper-based security…
Cross River Born Public Affairs Analyst, Prince Thomas Abi Jr., has expressed great worry over past administrations nonchalant attitude towards the call for the industrialization of the groundnut in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State. Therefore, he called on Governor Benedict Ayade to Industrialize the State by keying into the groundnut in Bekwarra Local Government Area. He said the groundnut in Bekwarra has the capacity to employ thousands of Cross Riverians if given the needed attention. He described the groundnut in the area as one that can Industrialize the State and move the State from a civil service…
The Bill to provide for Independent Candidacy in the Nigeria political system was on the floor of the Senate was on Wednesday re- introduced by Senator Stella Oduah, the Lawmaker representing Anambra North Senatorial District. The Bill titled: 1999 constitution of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill 2016 (SB. 228) in the tradition of the senate was introduced and read for the first time by the Senate Leader Senator Ali Ndume and the Clerk of the Senate This Bill seeks to amend sections 131 (c) 177 (c) 62 (2) & 106 (d) of 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended which stipulates that candidates for elections must…
Joining the global community to commemorate International Women’s Day 2016, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa has called for gender equality, especially in the areas of education and employment. Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Friendraiser Community 2016 International Women’s Day event in Abuja on March 8, 2016, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and Wife of Nigeria’s Senate President, stated, “In all sectors, women continue to suffer from gender inequality, which unequivocally hinders advancement. However, girls’ education is a vital tool for both development and empowerment. Globally, 31 million girls of primary school…
Senator Stella Oduah, who is representing Anambra North Senatorial District under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for the revival of the non-functional river basins by the River Basin Development Authority to ensure a forward leap in agricultural production. She disclosed this on Thursday, 3rd March 2016 while contributing to the motion titled: Need to Revive & Resuscitate River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) which she co-sponsored with 16 other lawmakers. “My major concern is that we are not harnessing our river basins, fishing deficit is about 65% not because we are not fishing enough but because storage…
Many a time Christians have failed to reflect on the true virtues of Jesus Christ which is love. We have chosen to follow the pathway that leads to destruction and condemnation. As humans, we must imbibe and follow the teaching of Jesus Christ which is love. As we step into the month of March which promises to be fruitful, I urge all Cross Riverians to chose a pathway which is geared towards liberating Cross River State and emancipating our people from stagnation. As a people, we must understand that it is only when we love our brothers that we can…
2016 shortlist reflects multi-talented ‘Gamechangers’ from across the continent The first edition of the New African Woman Forum Awards sets out to honour extraordinary women who have made significant achievements in their countries and communities. The awards are given across 11 categories: Business; Politics and Public Office; Education; Science, Technology and Innovation; Finance and Banking; Media; Sport; Arts and Culture; Civil Society; Rising Star; and New African Woman of the Year. The shortlist announced today recognises over 60 remarkable women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. The winners, as voted by New African Woman magazine’s readers, will…