General
Stanbic IBTC Gives Succour to Children at 10th Together4Alimb Charity Walk
In a profound demonstration of commitment to societal welfare and support for underprivileged children, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group, successfully commemorated the 10th edition of its flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, the Together4ALimb Walk, on 17 August 2024. This hallmark event marks years of dedicated efforts towards enriching the lives of children living with limb loss and underscores Stanbic IBTC’s steadfast dedication to social responsibility.
Speaking at the event, Dr Demola Sogunle, the Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, emphasised the significant impact of limb loss on children’s emotional, psychological, and societal well-being. He highlighted the organisation’s holistic support approach, tackling not just the medical needs but also the financial and social challenges encountered by the families.
He emphasised the crucial role businesses play in offering comprehensive support, urging them to recognise that limb loss presents a complex challenge that goes beyond the physical condition. He highlighted the efforts of Together4ALimb, explaining how the initiative addresses both the visible and hidden obstacles faced by these families, ultimately providing a more holistic and inclusive form of support.
“Businesses have a crucial role in delivering comprehensive support, recognising limb loss as a complex life challenge beyond the physical condition. Through Together4ALimb, we address both the tangible and intangible hurdles these families face,” Demola stated.
The 2024 Together4ALimb Walk, resonating with the theme “Wellness in Motion” 2.0, was engineered to spotlight and ease the challenges faced by underprivileged children suffering from limb loss. Since the initiative’s inception in 2015, Together4ALimb has significantly improved the lives of 55 children by providing them with prosthetic limbs and creating educational trust funds of N1.5 million for each beneficiary. The programme witnessed a considerable expansion in 2023, extending its benevolence to 45 additional recipients.
To this day, the initiative proudly boasts of assisting 136 beneficiaries nationwide, ensuring each child receives an annual prosthetic limb replacement until age 18. This year’s event further solidified Stanbic IBTC’s commitment by welcoming 36 children into the programme, thereby cementing Stanbic IBTC’s role in creating brighter futures for children experiencing limb loss.
During the event, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, highlighted the remarkable impact of the initiative noting with admiration that 136 children have benefited from the organisation’s esteemed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
She said, “I want to sincerely appreciate Stanbic IBTC’s commitment and consistency over the years through this laudable initiative. It is imperative to note that supporting special children who have experienced limb loss either through accidents, mismanaged injuries, or congenital issues/birth defects and providing prosthetic limbs and educational trust funds for them will further assist them in realising their full potential and give them a sense of love, care, and support from society.”
“Over the years, issues around welfare and rights of persons with disabilities have become a recurring decimal in national discourse with successive administrations coming up with various initiatives to end discrimination and generally promote the principle of social inclusion. In today’s world, our society has realised that physical disability is not inability and therefore should not, in any way, hinder anyone from achieving something positive in life,” she stated.
Ejike Anih, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IfeanHealth Orthopaedics, stated that Stanbic IBTC has accomplished milestones through the Together4Limb initiative.
“This initiative explicitly targets the upliftment of underprivileged children, a segment of society often overlooked yet deeply impacted by systemic inequalities. By focusing on this group, the organisation sheds light on these children’s pressing issues and actively works to create tangible positive changes in their lives.”
“Such initiatives are paramount today, as they embody the essence of corporate responsibility—recognising the roles of businesses in the economy and as pillars of society with the power and resources to enact real change. By dedicating a portion of its resources to the welfare of underprivileged children, the organisation sets a laudable example for others to follow, demonstrating how corporations can make a significant difference in the world, one child at a time,” Ejike said.
Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Samson Okoigi, Corps Commander—Medical, Nigerian Army, commended the Together4ALimb initiative for its significant contribution, providing much-needed hope and support to those affected. This initiative is crucial in helping recipients tap into their inherent potential and navigate life more confidently despite their physical challenges.
He stressed, “We understand firsthand the impact of losing a limb, not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically. I stand here today with pride, recognising the vital work that Stanbic IBTC has been doing through this remarkable initiative. Your dedication to restoring mobility to individuals with limb loss across Nigeria aligns with our mission in the Nigerian Army to rehabilitate and support the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. We know that the journey to recovery is not just about restoring what was lost but empowering individuals to regain their independence, confidence and sense of purpose.”
The 10th Together4ALimb Walk commenced at the Stanbic IBTC Head Office on Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, and concluded at the Law School Bus Stop on Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue.
This year’s event marked a significant milestone by expanding its reach beyond Lagos, bringing the Together4ALimb Walk to several cities across Nigeria with staff and partners joining the walk with the aid of Steps by Stanbic IBTC. This expansion underscores Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to fostering the nation’s social, economic, and environmental welfare.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has intensified its compliance drive in the oil and gas midstream segment, convening a high-level sensitisation workshop aimed at deepening adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
The workshop, themed Compliance with the Provisions of the NOGICD Act 2010: A Pathway to Industrialization, held in Lagos, drew key operators across gas processing, transportation, storage and infrastructure development.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Felix Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Mr Omomehin Ajimijaye, described the midstream sector as “a critical bridge between upstream production and downstream utilisation.”
“The midstream segment plays a pivotal role in gas processing, transportation, storage and infrastructure development, all of which are essential pillars for achieving Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda,” Mr Ajimijaye said.
Mr Ajimijaye stressed that adherence to the NOGICD Act goes beyond regulatory obligation.
“Compliance with the NOGICD Act is not merely a statutory requirement,” he stated. “It is a strategic imperative for sustainable national development.”
He explained that the programme was structured to clarify registration processes, Nigerian Content Equipment Certification, expatriate quota requirements, statutory reporting templates and submission timelines.
“Our objective is to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of compliance requirements, address recurring gaps identified during Monitoring and Evaluation reviews, and foster constructive dialogue on operational realities within the midstream space,” he added.
According to Mr Ajimijaye, the board has received feedback from operators highlighting challenges in meeting Nigerian Content obligations, including reporting complexities and varying interpretations of certain provisions of the Act.
“As a responsive regulator and development-focused institution, we remain committed not only to enforcing compliance but also to providing guidance, clarity and the necessary support to enable stakeholders succeed,” he assured participants.
With Nigeria positioning gas as a transition fuel and economic growth driver, regulatory clarity in the midstream space is essential to unlocking investment and local capacity development.
The participants received technical presentations from key NCDMB divisions, including: Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Project Certification and Authorisation Division, Capacity Building Division and Zonal Coordination Division.
The interactive sessions provided practical guidance on engagement protocols with the Board and strengthened collaboration between regulators and operators.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the prosecution of his immediate predecessor, Mr Abubakar Malami.
Mr Malami is facing terrorism and illegal firearms possession charges brought against him by the Department of State Service (DSS).
Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), took over the trial from the secret police on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, announced the Attorney General’s appearance in the matter.
Mr Oyedepo told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the trial cannot proceed because Mr Fagbemi has just taken over the prosecution.
He informed the court that the prosecution needed more time to familiarise itself with the facts of the case.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Adedayo Adedeji, who did not oppose the application, however, urged the court to strike out the matter if the prosecution fails to open its case at the next adjourned date, citing lack of diligent prosecution.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter to March 10 for trial and for the prosecution to formally open its case.
The court had, on February 27, admitted Malami and his son, Mr Abdulaziz, to N200 million bail, with two sureties, each one of whom must own landed property either in Maitama or Asokoro.
Justice Abdulmalik had said that the title of the property must be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court along with valid international passports.
The sureties were also ordered to depose to an affidavit of means and submit their two recent passport photographs to the court.
Mr Malami and his son were also ordered to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs to the court.
The DSS had arraigned the ex-AGF and his son, Mr Abdulaziz, on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and illegal firearms possession.
In the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami is also accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were handed to him while he served as the AGF and Minister of Justice.
Mr Malami and Mr Abdulaziz are equally accused of warehousing firearms in their residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.
The DSS accused Mr Malami in count one of the charge, with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, while the ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a significant 24.8 per cent increase in total cargo throughput for 2025.
According to the NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report, total cargo throughput rose from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
The report identified Lekki Port as Nigeria’s leading port, accounting for 40.6 per cent of the nation’s total cargo throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 per cent, while Apapa Port handled 16.7 per cent.
Beyond volume, Lekki Port also received the largest vessels, recording an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly higher than Onne Port’s 53,022 GRT.
Apapa and Tin Can Island ports recorded average vessel sizes of 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT, respectively, while Delta Ports handled vessels averaging 17,414 GRT.
Although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of ship arrivals, accounting for 22.7 per cent of total ship calls, Lekki and Onne are increasingly attracting larger “heavyweight” vessels, strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to handle higher-value cargo.
The data showed that imports continued to dominate cargo traffic, and the report highlighted a steady rise in outward trade. Exports accounted for 39.0 per cent of total cargo throughput, while inward traffic represented 59.2 per cent.
Containerised cargo, widely regarded as a key indicator of trade activity, recorded substantial growth. Total container traffic increased by 25.7 per cent, surpassing 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
Import-laden containers surged by 32.8 per cent, while export containers rose by 3.1 per cent. Notably, transhipment containers recorded a remarkable 205.8 per cent increase, positioning Nigeria as an emerging regional logistics hub serving West and Central Africa.
Liquid bulk cargo, including petroleum products and chemicals, remained the dominant commodity category, accounting for 54.7 per cent of total cargo, while containerised cargo represented 24 per cent.
Speaking on the report, the Managing Director of NPA, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, described the 2025 performance as a historic milestone.
“Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity in 2025, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint. This underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Dantsoho expressed confidence that the Federal Government-approved port modernisation programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system would power the next phase of growth.
The comprehensive modernisation initiative aims to rehabilitate ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, upgrade quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital solutions across Nigeria’s ports.
The reforms are expected to reduce vessel turnaround time, cut cargo dwell time, improve safety standards, and boost overall operational efficiency.
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