Month: March 2023

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FG averted over 4,000 industrial disputes in 7 years – Ngige

The Federal Government says it successfully averted over 4000 impending strike actions by industrial unions across the country through dialogue in the last seven years.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, made this known at the weekly Ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, dialogue remains the best tool for settling labour disputes.

“We have been very proactive in handling industrial disputes.

”We have conciliated about 4000 labour disputes, more than that figure I think about 4300 or so since I came into that ministry and you don’t hear about that.

“Once we get notice of an impending strike, we call them to come, we discuss and we resolve the matter.

”Some of them are not very big unions especially in the oil and gas sector. But you don’t hear about that because we are forever committed to doing what we are supposed to do.

“The Ministry of Labour holistically conciliates but we don’t make those ones public because an agreement is reached almost immediately and the agreement ground is easy and you won’t see a strike.

”Once you write to us of a pre-action, (Trade Dispute Notice) once you do that, you have exercised your right and the rest is left for us.” he said.

Ngige added that the Ministry has Labour Dispute Desks and Rapid Response Teams in all the States of the federation that help in addressing industrial disputes.

According to the minister, modalities are already in the pipeline to give pay rise to civil servants especially those that enjoy peculiarity allowance, adding that the authorities are just waiting for the president’s approval to implement.

“We are already addressing the envisaged challenges associated with the current high cost of living.

“We are handling the issue of pay rise, some of the Ministries Departments and Agencies are doing that; even for Federal Civil Servants, there is a peculiar allowance that is envisioned for them.

“The Presidential Committee on Salaries has approved it and we have sent that to the President and once he approves it, implementation will start for them.

”Other people in the public service are also taking a queue, some are giving five or ten per cent pay rise,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that Nigeria had completed arrangements to collaborate with the International Organization for Migration to prevent illegal migration by job seekers.

He added that efforts had been intensified to revive textile industries in the country, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria had since put in place special funds for cotton growers.

He said that the fund was to locally source raw materials for the textile industries.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Oil exploration in Benue trough key to prosperity, energy security – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says the discovery and drilling of oil in Nasarawa State will lead to greater prosperity for Nigerians as well as enhance overall energy security for the country.

The president stated this in his virtual message to the official spud-in of the Ebenyi-A Well located in the Middle Benue Trough, in Obi Local Government of Nasarawa State on Thursday.

The president said the surrounding communities would particularly benefit from the value created by the exploration and eventual production activities.

He directed NNPC Limited and its partners to take due care of the environmental consequences of these oil exploration activities and to mitigate the negative effects.

He thanked the Government, people of Nasarawa State and the host community for their unfettered support and collaboration towards the success of this exploration campaign.

The president recalled that the official commencement of drilling activities in the Middle Benue Trough is in line with ongoing campaigns for the exploration of crude oil and gas in the Nation’s Frontier Basins.

He listed the Chad Basin, Dahomey Basin, Anambra Platform, the Calabar Embankment, Sokoto Basin, Bida Basin, Benue Trough as well as the Ultra-Deepwater Niger Delta as areas where NNPC would be extending its crude oil exploration.

‘‘This is consistent with the commercial discoveries of hydrocarbons in the Kolmani Area of the Upper Benue Trough.

‘‘I am pleased to note that activities are currently ongoing to develop the Kolmani petroleum discoveries to commercial production to add to the nation’s considerable hydro-carbon assets.

‘‘I am encouraged by the enormous work done by NNPC Limited to exploit the prospects in the Middle Benue Trough, leading to the event of today.

‘‘I congratulate NNPC Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other partners for their immense contributions towards making this day and this event possible,’’ he said.

He directed Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Group CEO, NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari to spud on his behalf.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Eliminating NTDs will boost Nigeria’s economy by $19bn – Study

A study by Deloitte says Nigeria’s economy will expand by $19 billion in productivity if the country eliminates Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030.

The study, commissioned by the END Fund, was released in a statement by Ms Oyetola Oduyemi, its Senior Director for Public Affairs, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The END Fund is a private philanthropic initiative dedicated to ending the most common NTDs.

Neglected tropical diseases are a group of parasitic and bacterial diseases that are widespread among economically disadvantaged groups.

The diseases are often chronic and cause severe symptoms that significantly hinder the ability of an individual to live an independent life.

The study focused primarily on the five most common NTDs in Nigeria, namely, lymphatic filariasis; onchocerciasis (river blindness); schistosomiasis (snail fever); soil-transmitted helminths (STH, intestinal worms) and trachoma.

Oduyemi said the report’s objective was to fully present key economic and social benefits of eliminating the five most prevalent NTDs in Nigeria by 2030.

She said it also included long-term financial returns and a cost-benefit assessment of elimination programmes.

According to her, the study shows that in Africa, the share of the population suffering from NTDs is negatively related to wealth.

“It shows that as countries develop their economies, they become better at handling NTDs through investment,” she said.

She added that the elimination of NTDs was correlated with good educational outcomes.

“The Report is designed to galvanise a concerted effort by the public, private and philanthropic sectors of the country and sub-region to elevate the NTDs in public health systems.

“They should also increase the domestic resource envelope for NTDs and influence policy making that will effectuate these objectives in working to achieve the indicated potential benefits of achieving the WHO NTD Roadmap 2030 on disease control and elimination.”

Oduyemi said that the gains of eliminating the NTDs would extend beyond 2030, as individuals who were cured or avoided infection live more productive and fulfilling lives.

She listed the additional economic benefits as avoided out-of-pocket expenses, enhanced productivity of caregivers and increased school attendance of pupils. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Angola trains manoeuvring boats for African Sailing Championship

Boat manoeuvring training will dominate, as of Wednesday, in Luanda, the second week of preparation of the National Optimist Sailing Team, with a view to the African Championship, to be held from 2 to 9 May, in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The information was provided to ANGOP, by the national coach, Moisés Camota, who also highlighted the adjustment of the sailor’s movement in the curves, in order to avoid irregular tricks that compromise the score.

He said that after this, the position keeping control will be tested, as a way of managing the opposing pressure and the movement of the wind.

The group, which kicked off work last week, has already reviewed the race course, pre-start techniques, tackling management and other techniques.

In the continental event, the national combined team aim to revalidate the title.

Angola was crowned African champion for the first time in the 2016 Edition, held in Luanda, followed by achievements in Egypt 2017, Seychelles Islands 2019 and South Africa 2022.

In addition to the National Team, representatives from Egypt, Tanzania, Sudan, Tunisia and the host Morocco are confirmed, as well as guest counterparts from Argentina, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, Spain and the UAE.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

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Angolan Head of State receives message from Zimbabwean counterpart

The Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, received, this Tuesday, a written message from his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, within the framework of strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The message was conveyed by Patrick Chinamasa, special envoy of the President of Zimbabwe, who at the end of the audience said that it was the intention of both governments to keep working for the unity and development of Southern Africa.

Patrick Chinamasa, who highlighted the importance of friendship and cooperation ties, recalled that Angola and Zimbabwe maintain deep and fruitful ties from a political, diplomatic and commercial point of view.

Located in Southern Africa, like Angola, the Republic of Zimbabwe is a country placed in the south area of the continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers.

Zimbabwe is bordered to the north by Zambia, to the north and east by Mozambique, to the south by South Africa and to the west by Botswana.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

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We will oppose interim government – Sen. Adeyeye

Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, the National Coordinator of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), says lovers of democracy in the country will oppose constitution of any interim government ahead of the May 29 presidential inauguration.

The former senator and minister of state for works stated this in Abuja on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

NAN reports that SWAGA was one of the foremost support groups which campaigned for the election of Sen. Bola Tinubu, the President-elect.

Adeyeye cautioned those calling for an interim government as a way of placating the grievances of certain politicians following the outcome of the February 25 Presidential Election.

He said such calls were geared towards possible anarchy, thereby calling on all stakeholders in the nation’s democratic journey to resist the move, especially prophesies by some fake pastors.

He said that in every election there must be a winner and loser, and that Nigerian politicians must develop the spirit of sportsmanship in their electoral contests rather than threatening national peace and unity at every opportunity.

“I am not saying the elections are perfect, but from the point of view of INEC and point of view of any objective Nigerian, these elections are very good and transparent, making it the best ever to be conducted since 1999.

“I want to appeal to all Nigerians to disregard the noise making of these people who want to create anarchy and that Nigerians should begin to reason and desist from fake prophecies.

“I saw a video and I think this is what is propelling the so-called “Obidients”. A fake pastor was saying that yes, Tinubu will be declared winner but he would not be sworn in. And an interim government would be formed and the government will give it to Peter Obi.

“And I Dayo Adeyeye will be a citizen of this country and allow that to happen? It is not going to happen. We will join forces with others to oppose it.”

He further cautioned that those nursing such an ambition were capable of destroying the country and tear it apart.

“You want to destroy the country, you want to tear it apart and say bye bye to Nigeria? Some of us who are patriotic citizens of this country will not allow that to happen.

“Would I have voted my candidate and he emerged and he was declared and you will now say no, you are looking for an interim government? On what ground are you looking for that?

“What will be the legitimacy of that interim government? Who voted the interim government and who constitutes the interim government? On what mandate will the interim government be constituted and who and who will be members? These are the big questions to ask.

“Millions of Nigerians have exercised their civil rights and a winner has emerged. Well, you may not like the person. That’s the beauty of democracy.

‘i want to say that interim government will never happen again in this country. Some of us who fought for NADECO will not allow it. In the case of June 12, 1993, the results were not even declared.

“But in this case, the results have been declared, we have a President-elect. May 29 is around the corner and a new president would be sworn in.

“Anything short of that means you are asking for Nigeria to come to an end. Therefore, those calling for an interim government should go and bury the thought. It will never happen.

“Elections are over now and I have been waiting for the past four weeks for any of the opposition political parties to come out with their own version of results apart from what INEC uploaded, nobody has come up with anything other than shouting that they’ve been rigged.

“That’s the proof of rigging. Yes, you can say from our agents these are the numbers of votes given to us by our agents and these are the figures uploaded by INEC. We’ve not seen such claim by anyone yet.

“Instead, they’ve been spreading hatred, trying to create anarchy and cast aspersions on the integrity of the INEC.

“They have been creating impressions not only within the country but in the international community that the election was anything but free, fair and transparent, without any proof, without any evidence and any alternative results they can present anywhere,” he said.

Adeyeye further said that, ” now they have gone to court, good let them go and prove their cases in court. But for you to be demonstrating everyday and going to foreign embassies in Nigeria that your elections were rigged; I will never agree with that.”

He, therefore praised the INEC and in particular thanked its chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for giving Nigerians an election which according to him, has further engendered the unity of the country.

“This is the type of election that brings unity to the country.

“A candidate from southwest was able to win in Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto. This is in spite of the fact that it was a Muslim) Muslim ticket. We buried religious and tribal sentiments.

” A candidate from southeast was able to win in Lagos and Plateau, while Atiku was able to win in Osun. I think this should be able to bring Nigerians closer and unify us rather than threatening our togetherness,” he said.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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151 stranded Nigerians depart Libya as FG resumes evacuation – Envoy

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on Tuesday evacuated 151 stranded Nigerians from Benghazi, Libya as the government resumed its voluntary evacuation in Libya.

Amb. Kabiru Musa, Charge D’affiares en titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Musa, the evacuees who included 71 females, 54 males, 14 children and 13 infants are expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos at 8 p.m.

Musa said that in 2022, the IOM, Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Nigerian Mission in Libya, successfully repatriated almost 4,000 Nigerians who were irregular migrants in the country.

He said that the March 28 voluntary evacuation was the first in the year with several other exercises to follow in the coming days and weeks.

“Under the IOM’s voluntary repatriation exercise, we successfully evacuated 151 stranded Nigerians from the city of Benghazi to Lagos, Nigeria at 16:00 hours local time aboard chartered flight no. UZ189.

“The flight is expected to arrive the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at 20:00 hours Nigerian time the same day.

“There are several Nigerians living illegally in this country who have been subjected to very inhumane treatment, and the Federal Government, through the Mission here, has continued to intervene with local authorities to stop this.

“The voluntary repatriation offers an opportunity for those who want to return to Nigeria to do so safely and reunite with their families.

“There are always officials of relevant government agencies on ground to receive them and ensure their resettlement and reintegration back to society,” Musa said.

Musa said that more Nigerians would be evacuated from Tripoli on Wednesday, with another exercise to be carried out on April 3 from Misrata, Libya. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Wood Mackenzie appoints new Chief Financial Officer

Simon Crowe, formerly of ERM, brings sustainability and energy industry experience

Headshot of Simon Crowe

Headshot of Simon Crowe, CFO at Wood Mackenzie.

LONDON and HOUSTON and SINGAPORE, March 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wood Mackenzie, a portfolio company of Veritas Capital, has appointed Simon Crowe to its global executive leadership team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective 27th March.

Simon brings a wealth of experience in private and public companies in the US, Europe and Asia. He joins Wood Mackenzie after nearly five years as CFO of ERM, the world’s largest Sustainability and Environmental Consultancy where he played a key role in their rapid growth, diversification, and successful investment from KKR.

Commenting on Simon’s appointment, Mark Brinin, CEO of Wood Mackenzie said: “Simon is a commercially minded CFO, with a breadth of international experience, having worked with private equity backed ERM and companies listed on New York, London and European stock exchanges. He has strong financial management and strategic leadership skills. Simon’s diverse background in environmental consulting and global energy markets brings deep knowledge of our end markets. His considerable experience will benefit the future success of Wood Mackenzie. We are delighted that he has chosen to join us.”

“He is well qualified to help the team build on its decades of leadership and innovation in the energy industry. It is an exciting time to join Wood Mackenzie as the company is well positioned to expand and enhance the critical insights provided to its growing customer base across the entire energy and renewables value chain,” Brinin added.

Simon Crowe, CFO, commented: “I am really excited about joining the Wood Mackenzie team. The global energy, renewables and commodity markets are in transition to net zero and Wood Mackenzie has a new strategic partner in Veritas Capital. The world will be increasingly reliant on the critical insights, data and knowledge that Wood Mackenzie’s research and consulting teams have developed over the last 50 years. I am looking forward to working with a first-class global team and helping to drive the growth agenda.”

EDITOR’S NOTES
View the full Wood Mackenzie executive leadership team here.
Read the press release announcing Veritas Capital’s acquisition of Wood Mackenzie in February here.

For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie’s media relations team:
Sonia Kerr
+44 330 174 7267
Sonia.kerr@woodmac.com

You have received this news release from Wood Mackenzie because of the details we hold about you. If the information we have is incorrect you can either provide your updated preferences by contacting our media relations team. If you do not wish to receive this type of email in the future, please reply with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject header.

About Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie is a trusted source of commercial intelligence for the world’s natural resources sector. We empower customers to make better strategic decisions, providing objective analysis and advice on assets, companies and markets. For more information, visit: www.woodmac.com or follow us on Twitter @WoodMackenzie
WOOD MACKENZIE is a trademark of Wood Mackenzie Limited and is the subject of trademark registrations and/or applications in the European Community, the USA, and other countries around the world.

About Veritas Capital 
Veritas is a longstanding technology investor with over $40 billion of assets under management and a focus on companies operating at the intersection of technology and government. The firm invests in companies that provide critical products, software, and services, primarily technology and technology-enabled solutions, to government and commercial customers worldwide. Veritas seeks to create value by strategically transforming the companies in which it invests through organic and inorganic means. Leveraging technology to make a positive impact across vitally important areas, such as healthcare, education, and national security, is core to the firm. Veritas is a proud steward of national assets, improving the quality of healthcare while reducing cost, advancing our educational system, and protecting our nation and allies. For more information, visit www.veritascapital.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc6a85fd-6cd6-4b57-b37d-ca7c25a9ea5b

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000800450

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Classic Parade announces its incorporation as an LTD company

Classic Parade announces its incorporation as an LTD company

Classic Parade is now an LTD company that has financial backing from Qatari investors.

LONDON, March 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After 20 years under family ownership, Classic Parade, a hypercar hire company in London, will now effective immediately become an LTD company that has financial backing from Qatari investors.

This move comes from a strategic business decision to focus on growth beyond the United Kingdom. Currently, Classic Parade services luxury hypercar hire customers all over the UK, but with the revitalizing investment from its new owners, it aims to become the premium hypercar hire company that services all of Europe. No other luxury supercar for-hire provider serves that large of a geographical location in the area; Classic Parade will be the first.

Its existing portfolio of vehicles is vast, including well-known brands in the luxury vehicle community such as Ferrari, McLaren, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Audi, and more. A hire agreement can be completed in as little as 24 hours, making it possible to get a next-day hypercar hire in the UK. With these same services offered in all of Europe, Classic Parade will expand its fleet to meet the demand of its growing customer base. All of the available vehicles can be found on Classic Parade’s website, but a brief snapshot of the Classic Parade fleet is as follows:

  • Ferrari SF90 Stradale: The Ferrari SF90 Stradale has impressive power with 986 bhp. In a bold red color, this is one of the most sought-after vehicles today.
  • McLaren Speedtail: The sleek body of this vehicle offers aerodynamics and its 1050 bhp is a selling point for many customers.
  • Lamborghini Sian: With a daily rate of £6000, this model sits at the top tier of available Lamborghinis. It features 808 bhp and goes from 0-60 MPH in 2.8 seconds.
  • Porsche 918 Spyder: With a price of £3500 per day, drivers can test out the Porsche 918 Spyder’s ability to get from 0-60 MPH in 2.2 seconds.

Supercar hires have a range of price points, with each agreement requiring a security deposit. When the vehicle is returned to Classic Parade in good condition, the security deposit will be refunded to the customers. Every agreement includes self-drive hire insurance for 2 drivers, though drivers must be at least 25 years of age to drive vehicles hired from Classic Parade.

Expanding with a phased approach, Classic Parade will provide updates when servicing starts for locations around Europe. Once up and running, these locations will be able to access 24-hour service and deliveries any day of the week.

Another service that will be available to customers in all of Europe is the “Try Before You Buy” Program, which connects potential buyers with the vehicles they are interested in before they permanently purchase those vehicles. Prior to investing in an expensive vehicle, Classic Parade’s customers can drive the same luxury vehicle for any length of time. Flexible hire terms and customized pricing packages make this possible.

Those interested in hiring a supercar from Classic Parade in the UK can reach out to rent@classicparade.co.uk or +44 (0) 333 355 3595. There are no hires available in other locations, but as that changes, updates can be found here. The Classic Parade team is available 24 hours, 7 days a week to answer questions or finalize supercar hire details for customers in the UK.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e320844d-7478-4095-83aa-44c56e95cb84

Contact
Classic Parade
+44 (0) 333 355 3595
rent@classicparade.co.uk

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000800415