Business
Golden Morn Champions Environmental Responsibility with Launch of New Sustainability Packaging
By Eric Elezuo
In its bid to further nourish customers with the best of food, especially cereal, and maintain a new 100% recyclable laminate packaging, Nestlé Nigeria, Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality, excellence, and commitment to creating shared value, and its iconic breakfast cereal, Golden Morn, have proudly launched its new sustainable packaging, which underscores the brand’s dedication to providing nutritious food while championing environmental responsibility, and solidifying Golden Morn’s commitment to both nutrition and sustainability.
The launch took place on Monday during an elaborate press conference at the company’s head office in Lagos in the presence of senior management officers and notable members of the media.
A press statement released by the company remarked that “This significant update reflects Golden Morn’s over three-decade legacy of nourishing Nigerian families and its forward-thinking approach to sustainability.”
The statement added that “Aligned with Nestlé’s global recycling vision, the new packaging is a testament to the company’s pledge to ensure that more than 95% of its plastic packaging is recyclable by 2025. Crafted with sustainability at its core, the packaging utilizes materials that are easier to recycle, thereby reducing environmental impact and fostering a circular economy.”
In his address, the Managing Director, Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to safeguarding the planet in addition to dishing out mouthwatering wheat and dairy products.
“At Nestlé, our responsibility, in addition to delivering nutritious products, also includes safeguarding our planet for future generations,” Elhusseini said.
The MD informed that the beauty of the Nestlé production line is that over 80 per cent of packaging is done with a pro-active view to enhancing recycling, and informs the upgrading of the Golden Morn’s packaging to suit the positive narrative.
“Today, over 80% of all Nestlé’s packaging in Nigeria is optimized for recycling and we are happy that Golden Morn’s packaging has been upgraded to a designed for recycling laminate from the previous aluminum foil packaging. By embracing recyclable materials, we are not only minimizing waste but also reinforcing our leadership in environmental stewardship within the industry,” he stated.
Speaking further on the Golden Morn brand, the Category Manager, Dairy, Mr. Omofasa Orhiunu, hinted that the highly nutritious Golden Morn is proudly developed in Nigeria for Nigeria, and has been a staple in Nigerian households for more than 38 years, offering a delicious and wholesome start to the day.
He maintained that the production is crafted from locally sourced maize and soya, adding that the cereal is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, B5, C, and iron. These ingredients are carefully formulated to energy, protein, dietary fibre and calcium.
“Golden Morn is more than just a breakfast cereal; it’s a brand driven by purpose, dedicated to nourishing families across Nigeria, while protecting the planet for the next generation.
“As we introduce our new sustainable packaging, we remain committed to delivering the same great taste and nutrition that Nigerians have trusted for over 38 years,” Omofasa Orhiunu said.
Also responding, Corporate Communications /Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka, remarked that the company has stood out in its operations over the years because it chose to be Nigerian and identify with the people in addition to nourishing families and taking care of their nutrition demands.
It is worthy of note that Golden Morn’s commitment is not only grounded in nutrition but also in its focus on local sourcing. The brand sources 100% of its maize and soya locally, collaborating closely with Nigerian farmers to ensure the freshness and quality of its ingredients. This partnership guarantees a superior product while bolstering the local economy and empowering farming communities.
Nestlé has a heritage of more than 63 years in Nigeria and continues to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food and beverage products as well as supporting the communities closest to its operations, taking action to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices.
Other products in its line of production are Maggi, Milo, Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac, and boasts of over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria.
Feature Photo: Left to right: Category Manager Dairy, Omofasa Orhiunu; Country HR Manager, Shakiru Lawal; Corporate Communications /Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, and Commercial Manager, Boladale Odunlami
West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, FirstBank, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels — including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide — will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential. While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times. Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
Fidelity Bank Plc has donated firefighting and preventive equipment, including hoses and gasoline-powered water pumps, to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos, reinforcing efforts to improve emergency response and promote community safety.
The donation was executed under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) by the bank’s True Serve team. Through the initiative, Fidelity Bank employees identify critical community needs, raise funds, and receive matching financial support from the bank to implement impact-driven projects.
Speaking on the initiative, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division at Fidelity Bank, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, said the intervention reflects the bank’s commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable community development.
“Community safety is a shared responsibility. Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect lives, property, and the environment,” Nwagboh said, adding that preventive measures remain more effective than emergency responses.
He noted that providing the right tools to first responders aligns with the bank’s broader goal of enabling people to live safe, meaningful, and empowered lives.
Lagos State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Controller of Fire (CF) Funke Adebayo, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely support, particularly as the festive season approaches amid dry weather conditions that heighten fire risks.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and warned parents against allowing children to handle fireworks during celebrations, stressing that careless handling of fire could lead to avoidable disasters.
Adebayo also disclosed that the Fire Service has intensified sensitisation visits to corporate organisations to promote fire safety and discourage unsafe practices.
Also speaking, Area Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Oswere Michael, expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that it would strengthen the station’s operational capacity.
He encouraged households, businesses, and community members to prioritise fire safety, describing collective responsibility as critical to preventing fire outbreaks.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial deposit money bank serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received multiple local and international awards in recognition of its performance in digital transformation, MSME banking, and innovative financial services.
Photo – L-R: Lagos State Controller, Federal Fire Service, CF (Controller of Fire), Adebayo Funke; Tolulope Rojaiye, Marketing Business Partner, Fidelity Bank Plc; Assistant Superintendent of Fire, Ishola Folorunsho Olufemi; and Station Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Lagos, Okeke Ferdinand; during the donation of firefighting equipment to the Federal Fire Service at Ikoyi, Lagos, recently.
