By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The organisers of the prestigious The SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards have called for applications for this year’s edition.

A statement disclosed that entries opened on May 20, 2025, and will close on August 15, 2025, with all submissions expected to be made via www.theseras.com.

Currently in its 19th edition, the 2025 The SERAS, created to amplify sustainability and corporate social responsibility, is scheduled to take place on November 29, 2025.

The award ceremony has spotlighted the boldest changemakers, the most innovative ideas, and the most committed organizations shaping Africa’s sustainable future.

This year’s programme will not be different, as the theme, Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth, is a call for organizations to evolve from reactive interventions to embedding sustainability into the very DNA of their operations.

It also serves as a response to growing concerns around greenwashing, encouraging companies to lead with substance, not just storytelling.

“As The SERAS celebrates its 19th anniversary, we’re not just marking time—we’re marking impact. Over 18 editions, we have catalyzed a new way of thinking about corporate responsibility, inspired companies to act boldly, and helped align Africa’s private and public sectors with global ESG imperatives. This is the award that sets the bar,” the Executive Director at TruCSR and Chairperson of The SERAS Local Organizing Committee, Mrs Mary Ephraim-Egbas, stated.

With over 5,367 organizations from 27 African countries having participated since inception, The SERAS continues to recognize excellence across a broad range of categories that reflect today’s most pressing development issues.

These include areas such as circular economy, climate action, environmental stewardship, water and sanitation, stakeholder engagement, gender equality and women empowerment, food security, financial inclusion, education intervention, health and wellbeing, workplace practices, poverty reduction, innovation, rural population integration, and supply chain management.

Additionally, the awards will honour excellence in partnership building, infrastructure development, transparency and reporting, and recognize standout performance by not-for-profits, social enterprises, and through media excellence in sustainability reporting across electronic, print, and online platforms.

The highest distinction remains the Most Responsible Organization in Africa—a title earned in 2024 by Zenith Bank, which led a competitive field including NNPC Foundation, AbInBev, and Naspers & Prosus who placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively, among 267 entries.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have deepened their collaboration to integrate Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) into the procurement process for goods, works, and services as part of efforts to align public procurement with national economic priorities

This step is part of the federal government’s Nigeria First policy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The initiative draws its authority from Paragraph 13 of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Circular Ref No. 59780/S.2/B/532 dated May 27, 2025, which mandates prioritisation of Made-in-Nigeria goods and the requirement for all procurement activities to conform to established Nigerian standards.

According to a joint statement, the partnership was strengthened at a high-level strategy meeting held on July 10, 2025, at the BPP Headquarters in Abuja. Both agencies affirmed their commitment to integrating NIS into the federal procurement framework,  to improve the quality of government projects, protect public investments, and bolster local production and services.

Among the major resolutions from the meeting is a new requirement that companies bidding for government contracts must present a valid certificate of subscription to SON’s Digital Standards Platform (DSP). This certificate, which will serve as a prequalification document, confirms access to applicable standards for their products and services.

Additionally, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will now be required to utilise the DSP during procurement planning and specification writing. This ensures that procurement specifications are based on prescribed standards, allowing for early verification of compliance and guaranteeing quality from the outset.

In preparation for full implementation, MDAs have been directed to begin updating their procurement procedures, ensuring access to the DSP and integrating standard requirements into all bidding documents.

Meanwhile, companies and stakeholders in the procurement value chain are encouraged to begin subscribing to the DSP to access relevant standards and secure their subscription certificates in anticipation of enforcement.

The federal government stated that by mandating Nigerian standards in procurement, the initiative will help reduce substandard imports, stimulate local production, and reinforce Nigeria’s industrial capabilities.

The statement added that officials from SON and BPP expressed confidence that the integration of standards into procurement will improve the credibility of government projects, promote industrial self-reliance, and build public trust in procurement outcomes.

“All stakeholders are enjoined to embrace these changes,” the statement read, “as the resulting procurement system will not only champion ‘Nigeria First’ but also uphold a ‘Quality First’ ethos that benefits all.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has declared tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, this is furtherance with the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday.

The Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who declared the public holiday on behalf of the federal government, following the approval of President Tinubu, said the work-free day was a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.

He urged citizens to use the day to honour the memory of the deceased by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

The national flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday,  July 13, 2025.

Earlier, the Governor of Katsina State, Mr Dikko Radda, announced the burial arrangements for the late Nigerian leader who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in London at the age of 82.

At a press briefing on Monday, the Katsina Governor said following consultations with the late president’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of Mr Buhari would arrive in Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by noon.

He disclosed that the burial would take place in Daura, the hometown of the late president, by 2 pm on the same day.

Mr Radda expressed deep condolences on behalf of himself, the state government, and the people of Katsina State, to the family of the late President and all Nigerians mourning the loss of a national icon.

The remains of the late Nigerian former president would be released once the documentations were perfected and will his remains will be brought to Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, earlier on Monday arrived in London, the United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late former president.

The late Buhari, who hailed from Daura, Katsina State, in Nigeria’s North-West zone previously served as the country’s military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. He was elected in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and he was succeeded by President Bola Tinubu.