Personality in Focus
Nestlé Nigeria Celebrates Excellence, Wins NECA, CIPM Awards
Leading dairy and beverage manufacturers, Nestlé Nigeria, has showcased its prowess in the field of manufacturing, employer excellence and sustainability with victory at two major award events, according to a statement by its Corporate Affairs Manager, Toju Egbebi, and made available to Pointblank.ng.
The statement reads in full:
Nestlé Nigeria emerged winner of the “NECA Excellence Award in Food & Beverages (Food) category at the “Employers’ Excellence Awards 2024”, organized by Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), in Lagos recently. The Company was also recognized for its investment in sustainability with the “Visible Impact Award in Investment in SDG and Green Projects” award.
The Employers’ Excellence Awards celebrates companies that made significant contributions to the economy during the year while prioritizing employee well-being, inclusivity, diversity and sustainability, especially in a challenging business environment.
Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA said, “The Employers’ Excellence Award has become a beacon of inspiration for companies in Nigeria, demonstrating that businesses can thrive by nurturing their workforce, investing in innovation, and giving back to the community. Nestlé has set a remarkable example of delivering positive impact for their people and the environment while successfully navigating today’s business challenges.”
It is significant to note that in October 2024, Nestle Nigeria also emerged winner in 11 out of 15 categories at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPMN, Human Resources Best Practices OSCAR Awards.
“We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards,” stated Mr. Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager, Nestlé Nigeria. “This recognition reflects our sustained efforts to nurture our most valuable assets – our people from hiring to retirement, by creating an open and respectful environment, investing in development, and ensuring access to coaching and mentorship.”
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Manager at Nestlé Nigeria added, “In addition to our people first culture, we believe that our business success will be sustained by contributing to the growth of our environment, a principle we call Creating Shared Value. We believe that our success as a company is tied to the well-being of our employees, our communities, and the planet, and we remain committed to empowering our people while creating shared value.”
Nestle continues to make giant and significant strides through our people by prioritizing and investing in their development.
In line with its commitment to protecting the planet for future generations, Nestlé Nigeria sustained its plastics neutrality status, achieving 100% of 1ton in 1ton out basis removal of plastics packaging from the environment. The company remains the first and only company in Nigeria to achieve the maximum allowed quantity of recycled PET in its water bottles.
Nestlé has also begun transitioning its packaging to recyclable materials and has launched energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction initiatives across its operations, leading to substantial energy savings of over 46,729 GJ and a reduction of 5,274 tons of CO2 equivalent in GHG emissions.
A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt Gen. Jeremiah Useni (retd), is dead.
He passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.
His death was announced in a statement issued in Jos by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
He described the of the former Minister and Quarter Master General of the Nigerian Army as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.
Highlighting the roles played by the late army general, Governor Mutfwang noted that he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape with his tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.
The governor prayed that god grants the family, plateau state, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, and also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).
Dr. Opeifa, a renowned transportation expert and former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, is celebrated for his transformative policies that redefined public transport and traffic management in one of Africa’s busiest cities.
During his tenure as Commissioner, Dr. Opeifa introduced reforms that significantly eased traffic congestion, improved public transportation systems, and laid a solid foundation for Lagos State’s rapid urban growth.
His expertise extended to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he served as Transport Secretary, implementing forward-thinking policies that enhanced mobility in the nation’s capital.
In his new role, Dr. Opeifa is expected to spearhead the modernization of Nigeria’s railway network, a critical infrastructure component for the nation’s economic advancement.
Industry stakeholders have expressed optimism about his appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in transportation planning and infrastructure development as assets for implementing sustainable solutions.
“This is a timely and commendable appointment,” noted one transportation expert. “Dr. Opeifa’s deep understanding of Nigeria’s transportation challenges makes him the ideal candidate to drive meaningful reforms in the railway sector.”
The Tinubu administration’s decision underscores its commitment to appointing competent professionals to execute its Renewed Hope agenda. With Dr. Opeifa at the helm, there is growing anticipation that the NRC will achieve improved connectivity, efficiency, and broader contributions to national development.
News of the early departure of Mr Ahmad Farroukh from the telecom giant Globacom suggests that he has been eased out in a shakeup by the management, according to an investigation.
“Ahmad Farroukh failed to meet up to expectations within his probationary period and he was politely asked to resign…” said an impeccable source.
“Despite the shake-up, Globacom’s commitment to innovation and expansion continues, reinforcing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape..” the source further told us.
A former CEO of MTN Nigeria from 2006 to 2010, Farroukh joined Glo in October last year.
