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Crown Flour Mill’s robust economic contribution gets presidential recognition

Abuja, Nigeria, 12 May 2022 – Crown Flour Mill Limited (CFM), the wheat milling business of the agribusiness giant, Olam Agri, has won Nigeria’s National Productivity Order of Merit Award. The top award was presented to the flour milling firm by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, at an event held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, on Thursday, May 12, 2022, in recognition of its robust economic contributory role.
The National Productivity Order of Merit Award was instituted by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment to reinforce productivity consciousness and excellence in both the public and private sectors.
According to Dr Chris Ngige, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the award was “instituted by Government to recognize and honour productive individuals and organizations in Nigeria in the year of the award for achievements made in the three preceding years.”
The 2022 edition of the awards recognises individuals and businesses who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in key areas of the economy between the years 2019 and 2020.
Over 100 companies contested for the award category. A highly qualified panel comprising Barrister Ikechi Uko, a representative of the Productive Sector, Ms A.O Adenugba, a Director in the National Productivity Centre, and Alhaji Habu Adamu Jajere, representing Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, representing Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) amongst other notable top national figures put the contesting companies through a rigorous, highly competitive, selective process that involved a stringent screening and auditing of each business’ performance in the areas of customer service, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and customer satisfaction, environment health & safety.
CFM emerged top in the category having demonstrated overall leadership on each of the performance indicators. Olam acquired CFM in 2010 and to strengthen its market position followed with the acquisitions of the BUA Group flour milling business in 2016 and the Dangote Flour Mills in 2019. This move was aimed at optimizing its corporate strategy and formed part of a long-term investment and growth plan for the food production value chain in Africa’s largest market.
CFM continues to demonstrate unrivalled commitment to driving growth in the wheat value chain through the implementation of bold initiatives such as the Olam Green Land Webinar Series, its stakeholders’ engagement platform and the “Seeds for the Future” programme its signature and flagship wheat value chain development vehicle.
As part of that programme, it has provided irrigation equipment to female wheat farmers and only recently, CFM upgraded a dilapidated school in indigent communities to provide sound academic foundations for future leaders of the country as part of an overall focus on the development of Nigeria.
Most notably, the recent strong performances and latest recognition of the business’ robust contribution to the growth of the economy are a result of the dynamic leadership, vision and can-do spirit of its current Managing Director, Ashish Pande. Ashish took the reins of managing the organisation in November 2020.
Speaking shortly after receiving the National Productivity Award, Pande said, “We are most grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, for the consistent supports we have received over the years, and to the organisers of this award for considering us for this recognition.”
“We continue to generate new jobs and prioritize the delivery of safe, nutritious and affordable food brands to the growing national population as we expand operations across our production facilities. This latest award is a motivation to do more to enhance the national gross domestic productivity rating,” he added.
According to President Muhammadu Buhari, who presented the awards to the various winners, “Productivity is a vital determinant of economic growth, social progress and improved standards of living.”
He said, “I want to congratulate all the awardees for their various accomplishments and well deserved recognitions. You have been carefully selected among competitors. This award should spur you to greater heights.”
The awards were confered on 48 individuals and organisations at the ceremony. Other representatives of the firm at the award presentation ceremony are Moshood Quadri, Head, Human Resources, Crown Flour Mill, Datti Danjuma, Head Corp Affairs and Govt Relations, Crown Flour Mill (CFM) and Damilola Adeniyi, Corporate Affairs Manager, Olam Nigeria.
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Bigi Wins “Friendly Brand of the Year 2023” at Media Consortium Conference and Awards 2023

Bigi, a flagship brand of Rite Foods Limited, has been honoured with the prestigious “Friendly Brand of the Year 2023” award at the inaugural Media Consortium Conference and Awards (MCCA) held on September 28, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos. The conference, themed “Consumer Journey in a Digital Age: Prospects and Challenges,” united industry leaders and experts to explore the ever-evolving consumer landscape and underscore the vital role of customer-centric approaches.
The Media Consortium Conference and Awards (MCCA) 2023 marked a significant milestone by emphasizing the necessity for brands to adapt to the ever-changing consumer journey, maintain transparency in data collection and usage, and safeguard customer data privacy. In a world where digitalisation continues to redefine consumer interactions, this recognition reaffirms Bigi Cola’s commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of its consumers.
During the conference, industry experts and thought leaders convened to share valuable insights and best practices for thriving in the digital age. They highlighted the importance of maintaining continuous consumer engagement and prioritizing customer-centric approaches as essential keys to success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Biola Aransiola, the Assistant Brand Manager of Bigi, expressed profound gratitude to the Media Consortium and the esteemed industry professionals who acknowledged Bigi’s remarkable contributions. She stated, “it is an honour to receive the ‘Friendly Brand of the Year 2023’ award. This recognition speaks to Bigi’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional products and memorable experiences to our loyal consumers. We remain steadfast in our dedication to placing consumers at the heart of our brand strategy.”
The “Friendly Brand of the Year 2023” award underscores Bigi’s dedication to excellence and its exceptional ability to cultivate meaningful connections with consumers in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Rite Foods Limited remains resolute in its mission to deliver innovative, top-quality products while continually prioritising the preferences and needs of its valued customers.
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Nigerian Journalists, Media Houses, Battle For Awards At 17th NMNA, Oct 29th

The Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award (NMNA) is here again. And up for grabs are professional awards that stands out the worth of a Journalist and the Media Houses they represent.
The Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award since its inception in 2006, has honoured journalists in various categories of the media profession viz a viz Politics, Crime, Aviation, Tourism, Society and others.
Who wins this year? Which newspaper will emerge the best this year 2022-23? Which is the Best TV Station In Nigeria and which is the Radio Station of the Year?
The event will also have in attendance Top government officials, Captains of Industry, and Corporate organisations that are presently making waves. These will be honoured for their different contributions to the growth of the country and for their strong support and identification with the Nigerian Press.
The event is slated for Sunday, October 29th. The D-Day for Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award at The Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Host is the Honourable Minister for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Co-host, Honourable Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. Special Guest of Hounour, Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, Honourable Minister for FCT, Nyesom Wike and many other distinguished guests.
Keynote Address will be delivered by the Chairman of Odu’a Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.
This year’s theme is: ‘A Way Out Of Nigeria’s Quagmire In The Next Four Years.’
Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award, a celebration of the fourth estate of government.
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Development Expert, Mary Ikoku, Honored with Chieftaincy Award in Ghana

Accra, Ghana – Mary Ikoku, a renowned figure in Nigeria’s development and public relations sphere, has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Ugwu Igbo 1’ of Ghana chieftaincy title by the Eze Ndigbo Ghana, Dr. Amb. Chukwudi J Ihenetu.
This remarkable recognition comes as a tribute to Mary Ikoku’s exceptional integrity and leadership qualities that she has consistently demonstrated throughout her illustrious career, as well as her unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
The investiture ceremony took place during the 11th Igbo Day & New Yam Festival, held on September 17 at the picturesque Efua Sutherland Park, situated just opposite the National Theatre in Ghana.
Dr. Amb. Chukwudi J Ihenetu, the Eze Ndigbo Ghana, who presided over the ceremony, hailed Mary Ikoku’s outstanding leadership and pioneering contributions to humanitarian causes, emphasizing that her dedication sets her apart as a beacon among her peers.
Reacting to the honour, Mary Ikoku expressed her surprise and gratitude at receiving the title. She acknowledged that it served as a testament to the recognition of her contributions to the betterment of humanity through her intervention to the welfare of women and children by people beyond the borders of Nigeria.
Mary Ikoku is a multi-skilled development and policy expert specializing in strategy and communications. She has significantly advanced developmental initiatives in Nigeria, particularly focusing on women, children, the vulnerable and displaced populations, as well as policy formulation and execution.
In addition to her distinguished career, Mary Ikoku ventured into politics and stood as an aspirant for the House of Representatives in the Arochukwu-Ohafia Federal Constituency, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the previous general elections. Her multifaceted contributions have continued to inspire and make a lasting impact on various facets of society.
Mary Ikoku’s receipt of the ‘Ugwu Igbo 1’ chieftaincy title in Ghana stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to integrity, leadership, and service to humanity, further solidifying her legacy as a distinguished figure in Nigeria and beyond.
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