Business
Abia Govt to resuscitate cocoa processing industry
The Abia Government says it will resucitate the state-owned cocoa processing industry to boost production of the commodity and enhance economic fortunes of the State.
The Vanguard reported that the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu, announced this on Tuesday during a meeting with the members of the State Cocoa Transformation Committe in Umuahia.
He said that Nigeria was the largest exporter of cocoa after Cote D’Ivoire, hence the state government was poised to explore the entire value chain in the production and processing of the commodity.
He added that government would provide funding and training for cocoa farmers to adopt improved ways of farming to boost production of the produce.
“We are determined to make Abia State one of the largest producers of cocoa in Nigeria,” he said.
Emetu said that the meeting was to acquaint the farmers with government’s policy thrust on cocoa production and as well remind them of the imperatives of cocoa production.
He explained that cocoa production contributed towards enhancing food security, good nutrition, organic fertilisers, raw materials for industries and served as a source of foreign exchange.
The deputy governor expressed displeasure over the leasing out of Agbozu Cocoa Estate, a government- owned property, in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area of the State.
He directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Okey Ihedioha, to furnish him with the lease agreement for further necessary action.
In his remarks, Ihedioha said that the state was blessed with cocoa producing belts in areas such as Ibere community in Ikwuano LGA and Itumbuzo community in Bende LGA.
He said that with encouragement and adequate support from the government, the state would record improved cocoa production.
Mr. John Kalu, the State Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association, said that Abia was ranked 8th among cocoa producing states which created room for improvement.
Kalu urged the government to subsidise the rates of inputs and distribute improved cocoa seedlings to farmers for mass production and bumper harvest.
The representative of Cocoa Institute Of Nigeria, Mr. Prince Olaniyi, expressed disappointment that the only government-owned cocoa plantation had been leased out .
He said out of the cocoa-producing states, Abia had one of the best cocoa seeds nationwide .
Business
Exchange Rates Today Friday, 12 June
Black Market Rates
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Business
Airtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said that the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Web Data Calculator, a new digital tool designed to help customers estimate and better understand their internet data consumption based on real-life usage patterns.
Available through Airtel’s website, the calculator enables customers to estimate data usage across common digital activities such as video streaming, social media engagement, voice and video calls, and everyday web browsing.
Speaking on the launch, Oladokun Oye, Customer Experience Director, Airtel Nigeria, said that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to customer empowerment and service transparency.
“As Nigerians become increasingly dependent on digital services for work, education, entertainment and communication, it is important that customers have clear visibility into how their data is consumed.
The Airtel Web Data Calculator was developed to help our customers understand their usage patterns better, make informed choices, and enjoy greater confidence in their digital experience,” he said.
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
“The future of telecommunications will be defined not only by network investments but also by how effectively operators help customers understand and manage their digital lives. The Airtel Web Data Calculator represents a practical innovation that places more information and control directly in the hands of our customers.” He said.
Business
Kingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
Bluecode Africa, the European payments infrastructure operator backed by leading US and European institutional investors, has named Prof Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu as Chairman of the Advisory Board of its Nigerian subsidiary, Bluecode Payments Nigeria Limited as the company formally enters the Nigerian market.
The appointment was jointly announced by Chris Pirkner, Founder of Bluecode, and Odin Krismayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, who described it as a foundational governance decision for the company’s Nigerian and continental operations.
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
He led the team that introduced the unique-identifier Bank Verification Number (BVN), enrolling 50 million banking users, simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and doubled Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate from 33 to 60 per cent.
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