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Abia blames core investor for delay in Aba Leather/Garment Cluster take-off

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The Abia Government has blamed the core investor for the delay in realisation of the Umukalika Leather/Garment Cluster facility project in Aba.

The state Commissioner for Industry, Chief Henry Ikoh, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Aba that the investor, Reticulated Construction Nigeria Ltd. was not doing what the government had demanded of them.

He said the state government would soon decide on the way forward and what to do with the investor.

“If you call me in two weeks’ time, I shall be able to tell you if we are going on with him (the core investor) or not.

“What we planned is not what the government is seeing on ground at the site now,” he said.

According to him, though work is ongoing at the site, as the government has acquired a 500 KVA generator for its operations.

On alleged extortion of the project’s stakeholders by officials of his ministry, which they noted was also hindering take-off of the facility, Ikoh said he was yet to receive any complaint.

He, however, said that the N7,000 the off-takers were to pay was a “small amount of money” for forms to enable the government know the type of shop each applicant would need.

The commissioner said the state government was committed to clustering major businesses in Aba, adding: “Umukalika is for real and it is going to happen”.

Ikoh said that the government had also created and was working on what he called “the mechanic cluster” at Ovom Community in Obingwa Local Government Area for motor parts dealers and mechanics.

However, Mr Emem Coffie, the Managing Director, Reticulated Construction Nigeria Ltd, the contractor handling the project, said the company was waiting for guarantee from Abia state government to commence work.

He said that since they took over the job in 2015, they had spent so much money but when asked what the money was spent on, as there was virtually nothing at the site, he got angry.

Coffie said that his company had only collected N200,000 from the sale of forms to off-takers, and so could not do much until the end-users make enough commitment to the project.

According to him, the Umukalika cluster project is a Public-Private Partnership project as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) his company signed with Abia government and the off-takers.

According to him, the off-takers are to buy application forms for N7,000, fill and return it with initial deposit of N50,000 to show commitment before his company can begin work.

He said that these were some of the terms of agreement between both parties upon which his company could get the assistance of a bank to commit to building the project.

Coffie, however, said “things are on course” regarding the project.

A correspondent of NAN, however, visited the site and discovered that it was virtually empty, except for a block of building, which was just at the foundation level.

NAN also observed that weeds had also covered the rest of the openings dug for the foundation of some of the facility’s buildings.

It would be recalled that the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, had promised to develop industrial clusters in Aba when he assumed office in 2015, beginning with Umukalika Leather/Garment cluster.

But three years down the line, the plan to establish clusters for these creative, artisanal sectors had been mired in perpetual delays.

The President, Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Aba (LEPMAS), Mr Okechukwu Williams, said that there was the need to cluster the leather and garment sectors in Abia.

He said that this was because a cluster assembles small and medium scale manufacturers under one roof, providing them with common facilities like power, water, access roads and equipment.

According to him, clustering the sectors together will ensure increased productivity, creation of jobs in the affected sectors and fostering the competitiveness of their products against imported ones.

Williams said that the Leather Workers would prefer to be given another site with landed documents to enable them get banks that could build the facility for them in record time.

The President, Association of Tailors and Fashion Designers (AFTAD), Abia State, Mr Onyebuchi Nwaigwe, said there were many problems facing the realisation of the Umukalika cluster facility project.

He said that the realisation of a leather and garment cluster facility in Aba would require government knowing what the end users would need in the facility and what they were willing to do to have such facility.

He said that the personnel government sent to supervise the projects were not sincere, hence the delay and non-commitment shown over the years in the project resulting in its non-realisation.

Nwaigwe, therefore, urged the state government to hand over the Umukalika Cluster project to sincere and upright people who would not seek to “make millions” from it to ensure its realisation.

Both Nwaigwe and Williams agreed that the size of the Umukalika project would serve only one of the sectors.

They said that merging leather and garment workers at the place would result in some workers remaining at their old shops at Ariaria after others had moved to Umukalika.

They advised the state government to take a census of the leather and garment sector workers in Aba to know their numerical strength before deciding where to relocate any of them.

According to them, the census will save the government the stress of doing a haphazard job that will result in government’s inability to solving the targeted problem. (NAN)

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Transport

Travelers to Make Money as Ozi Launches to Redefine $460 billion Global Package Delivery Market

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Ozi Goes Live

Key Takeaways from Ozi launch:

  • With logistics representing a $1.34 billion in Africa, the demand for innovative delivery solutions has never been greater
  • Nigerians face numerous hurdles when it comes to moving packages, ranging from delays and high costs to a lack of secure options 
Ozi Founders
L-r: Co-Founders of Ozionline.com: Ikenna Ani (COO), Azubike Augustine (CTO) and Engr. Christian Chime (CEO)

Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.

By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.

Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.

With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”

“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient. 

“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.

He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.

“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in other country outside Nigeria but for their believe in the Nigeria dream and its potentials made us to choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, the CEO said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.

Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.

Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.

In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.

“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.

To enhance security further, Azubuike said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.

“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”

“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.

“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.

He added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025.  Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.

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Transport

Beer Sectoral Group and FRSC Warn Drivers on the Dangers of Drunk Driving

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BSG and FRSC
L-R: Executive Officer, Food, Beverage and Tobacco, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Elizabeth Lawal; Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun; Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma; Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), (Lagos State Sector), Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat; Chairman Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) and CEO Nigeria Breweries, Hans Essadi; Lagos state secretary National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Usman O Teslim and Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde during the launch of the Annual Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign organized by BSG in Partnership with FRSC at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, on Tuesday, 10th of December, 2024.

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has reiterated the dangers of drunk driving at the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign.

The two-day campaign began with a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, and continued with park rallies on Wednesday, December 11.

Both events emphasized the importance of avoiding drunk driving, the consequences of impaired driving, and the critical need for responsible road habits to enhance safety across Nigeria.

Speaking at the press conference, Chairman, BSG and CEO Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essadi, commended FRSC for its dedication to road safety and pledged continued support for initiatives that reduce traffic accidents. He stated: “Each year, countless lives are lost to preventable accidents caused by impaired driving. This campaign is built on three pillars: education, enforcement, and encouraging responsible behavior by all road users.”

Essadi also announced the following day’s park rallies, during which campaign teams visited major motor parks in Lagos—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi. At these locations, they engaged commercial drivers in discussions on the risks of impaired driving, distributed educational materials, and offered voluntary breathalyzer tests.

FRSC Lagos Sector Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat emphasized the importance of defensive driving and passengers’ rights to challenge reckless drivers. He also highlighted FRSC’s new app, which alerts users to speed limits, dangerous roads, and potholes.

The press briefing attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including executives from BSG, senior FRSC officials, and road safety advocates. Speakers highlighted the campaign’s objectives, shared success stories from previous editions, and renewed their commitment to reducing road accidents caused by impaired driving.

BSG and FRSC
L-R: Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun; Communications and Sustainability Manager, International Breweries, Damian Igwe; Head of Integrated Communications, Nigerian Breweries, Ayodele Alabi; CEO Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma; Chairman Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) and CEO Nigeria Breweries, Hans Essadi; Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola during the launch of the Annual Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign organized by BSG in Partnership with FRSC at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, on Tuesday, 10th of December, 2024.

The park rallies saw impactful interactions with drivers and park officials, with many participants pledging to adopt safer driving habits. The campaign reinforced the message of accountability and safety through practical demonstrations and community engagement.

The 2024 “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign exemplifies the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing critical societal issues. BSG and FRSC reaffirm their shared commitment to reducing alcohol-related crashes and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.

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AXA Mansard supports MSME customers, offers free exhibition stand at fair

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AXA Mansard -

As part of continued commitment to support its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) customers, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has planned to offer some selected Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME) customer’s free exhibition stands at the Made by Nigerians Fair.

The company has been paying particular attention to MSMEs because of their significance to the economy.

Earlier, the company has offered different media exposure opportunities to its MSME customers, giving them the platform to introduce their products and services to a wide range of customers for free.

According to the Head, Marketing, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Olusesan Ogunyooye, said this is another gesture by the company to show that MSMEs can benefit for having insurance.

He explained that MSMEs are the backbone of any economy, noting that they drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to national development.

“Our support for these businesses at the MBN Fair reflects commitment to their growth and sustainability.

“We are passionate about helping them reach their full potential by connecting them with resources and opportunities that foster success”.

“By the very nature of insurance, its benefits are in the future and they are uncertain. That has been a main source of discouragement, particularly to MSMEs. Businesses are geared to making money. So, when thinking about Insurance, an average MSME will rather invest the money in the growth of his business first”.

But the risks that businesses face are also real. There are various types of risks businesses have to contend with today. From burglary, to fire, health of employees, and so on. When these risks manifest, they can significantly impact a business negatively. We understand that to get MSMEs to protect themselves and the millions of jobs they create, we must help them strike a balance between growing their businesses and protecting them”.

So, we have come up with different Initiatives to help them grow their businesses. The opportunity to exhibit their products and services to thousands of visitors to the MBN Fair is another in the series of our initiatives. 

“We are convinced that for insurance to grow, we need to help people and businesses see it as a strategic lever to grow their businesses, not a cost that takes away from them. If we get this right, it can’t have a massive impact on our economy because, when MSMEs thrive, the economy will prosper”.

“We have experimented with this model, and we are particularly excited about the responses from our customers. It is a call for us to do more, and we are committed to Nigerian MSMEs”, Ogunyooye explained.

AXA Mansard has been recognised for its various MSME Initiatives. The organization has been recognised by Nairametrics as Best MSME Insurance Company of the Year, and Marketing Edge Magazine as Inclusive Insurance Brand of the Year.

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