NEWS
WISCAR Collaborates with UN Women to Launch the Private Sector Forum on Gender-Responsive Procurement

L-R: Fabia Ogunmekan, Advisory Board Member, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR); Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG); Patience Ekechukwu, Programme Officer, Women’s Economic Empowerment, UN Women; Folake Ani-Mumuney, Head, Sponsorships, Partnerships, Events & Collaborations, First Bank of Nigeria and Afiniki Mangzha, Executive Secretary, at the Establishment of the Private Sector forum hosted by WISCAR in Lagos recently, aimed at addressing gender inequality in procurement practices within Nigeria’s private sector.
Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), a non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to advancing professional women in Nigeria and across Africa in partnership with the UN Women and Development Partner, has officially launched the Private Sector Forum on Gender-Responsive Procurement, an initiative dedicated to advancing gender equality within Nigeria’s private sector.This forum aims to promote and implement gender-responsive procurement practices, enabling private sector actors to lead the change. By addressing the gender gap in procurement, this initiative seeks to enhance women’s economic empowerment, foster innovation, improve organizational performance, and boost market competitiveness.The Private Sector Forum has several objectives, such as highlighting the importance of gender-responsive procurement in promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, identifying key challenges and opportunities in integrating gender and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) considerations into private sector procurement processes, and establishing a platform for ongoing dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action among private sector entities.
Other objectives are to create a collaborative environment for advancing gender equality through affirmative procurement practices, facilitate the exchange of best practices, strategies, and lessons learned, equip participants with practical tools and resources for implementing gender-responsive procurement practices within their organizations. Promoting networking and collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing gender equality in procurement is also a key objective of the forum.“The establishment of this forum is a crucial step towards ensuring that women-owned and women-led businesses have equitable access to procurement opportunities,” said Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, Founder of WISCAR. “By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape that empowers women, drives innovation, improves organizational performance, and enhances market competitiveness and socio-economic development.”The Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, Dr. Dirisu Osasuyi, representing Tayo Aduloju, the CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), emphasized the strategic business benefits of supplier diversity in her keynote address, “Supplier diversity, through the lens of gender inclusion in procurement opportunities, is not just a moral imperative or obligation, but a strategic business decision that can drive profitability and market share. We cannot overlook the gendered impact of corporate spending as the scale of corporate purchasing power can create catalytic value and shape diverse supply chains that unlock opportunities for women’s businesses and overall economic growth.”
The UN Women Nigeria, discussed “Operationalizing the Private Sector Forum.” The UN Women Nigeria outlined steps for private sector companies to start by signing on to WEPS, assessing procurement processes using the GRP assessment tool, developing a tailored action plan based on the results of the procurement assessment, and managing progress.The establishment of this forum represents a significant step towards reducing the gender gap in procurement, fostering a more inclusive business environment, and promoting sustainable economic development in Nigeria. Organizations that endorse the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) will benefit from valuable resources and guidance from UN Women, enhancing their credibility and reputation among stakeholders. By committing to gender-responsive procurement practices, Nigeria’s private sector can drive social and economic growth, ensuring that women-owned and women-led businesses gain equitable access to procurement opportunities, thereby contributing to a more innovative and competitive market.
NEWS
IBEDC workers shut Ogun office, begin indefinite strike

Workers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on Monday commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, non-remittance of pension and cooperative deductions, and the alleged dismissal of 17 staff members, among other welfare concerns.When our correspondent visited the Ogun Region office of IBEDC in Abeokuta on Thursday, employees were seen milling around while the main gate remained locked.Speaking on the development, the Vice President of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Lagos/Ogun Zone, Abiodun Shobayo said the workers had no option but to embark on the strike after months of failed negotiations with the IBEDC management.Shobayo said, “We are here this morning to say enough is enough. The IBEDC management cannot continue to take us for granted on issues we have raised for about nine months,” Shobayo said.
“For instance, our pension and cooperative deductions, running into billions of naira, have not been remitted. We are not given imprest, and workers have been using their personal funds to fix electricity faults and distribute bills.
“The management is not ready to implement the new minimum wage or even negotiate, claiming there is no money. They have also been sacking workers indiscriminately without following due process.“Seventeen of our members have already been affected, and we have said this cannot stand. We have exercised patience, but it seems the management has a hidden agenda. Just recently, 900 staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company were sacked; we do not want the same situation here.
“Seventy per cent of the workers here are casual staff, which is unacceptable. This strike is indefinite until the management sees reason. The action affects all IBEDC franchise areas, covering the six states of the South-West, as well as Kwara and Kogi.”Shobayo added that the union’s demands include the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and the reinstatement of sacked workers before any negotiations to end the strike can begin.
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NEWS
Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

Rite Foods Limited, a leading indigenous manufacturer in the Food & Beverages sector, has partnered the Noble Association of Social and Resourceful Editors(NASRE) Foundation to provide support for ailing journalists and widows of deceased media practitioners in the country .
This collaboration comes as part of NASRE’s ongoing efforts to assist journalists facing health challenges across the country, having embarked on three outreach programmes last year.
The NASRE team was warmly received on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, by the management of Rite Foods at its Head Office in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Receiving NASRE team on behalf of the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Saleem Adegunwa, the Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management , Mr. Ekuma Eze was elated with the visit.
Earlier during the visit, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NASRE, Mr. Adeyemi Obadimu had outlined the foundation’s mission and the purpose of the meeting. He revealed the health and financial challenges facing most veteran journalists, who had, during their active years, served the country meritoriously, but are now struggling to survive.
Obadimu highlighted that NASRE’s outreach programme last year was a success, benefiting over 70 individuals, including journalists suffering from partial stroke, widows, and widowers of deceased practitioners . He emphasised the importance of taking care of journalists in need, especially, the veterans who have contributed greatly to the industry.
“Journalism is a thankless job, and as much as we may be appreciated in our bylines, it is crucial that we care for our colleagues who have dedicated their lives to the profession,” said Obadimu.
Butressing his point, the Director, Public Engagement, Mr. Bunmi Obarotimi who represented the President of the association, Mr. Femi Oyewale said: “NASRE’s intends to launch the Foundation officially in this current year and we are proud to have Rite Foods as our partner going forward.”
In his response, Ekuma Eze commended NASRE Foundation for its noble and impactful initiatives, recognising the significant difference it has made in the lives of journalists and their families. He praised the foundation’s efforts in providing assistance to over 70 journalists and their dependents last year. Eze reiterated Rite Foods’ unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the well-being of the media community.
“At Rite Foods, we are deeply invested in contributing to the development of our society. We understand the importance of health and well-being, especially for those who dedicate their lives to sharing vital information with the public. We believe in the mission of NASRE and are committed to supporting your work in every way possible,” Eze stated.
“This partnership will go beyond just providing financial support; we are dedicated to helping create an ecosystem where journalists can thrive, even in the face of adversity,” he added.
He also spoke about the company’s long-term goals, highlighting Rite Foods’ plan to expand beyond Nigeria and into other African countries. “We have exciting plans for the future,” he added. “Rite Foods is committed to not only strengthening its footprint within Nigeria but also extending our reach to the wider African continent. We believe that our growth will not only benefit our business but also contribute to the national economy, creates job opportunities, and foster the development of the beverage and food sectors.”
Eze emphasised that Rite Foods has been actively involved in national economic development, focusing on reducing unemployment and improving service delivery. As one of the leading manufacturers in the beverage, drinks, and sausages sectors, Rite Foods remains committed to excellence in all its business operations, he said.
Through innovation, quality products, and partnerships like the one with NASRE, the company aims to continue breaking new ground in the industry.
He concluded that, “Our mission at Rite Foods is clear: to improve lives, deliver quality products, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We are proud to partner with organizations like NASRE that share our values of social responsibility and community development.”
The partnership between Rite Foods and NASRE marks a significant step in supporting the health and well-being of journalists, ensuring that those who have dedicated their careers to the industry receive the care and recognition they deserve.
NEWS
Public Assault; Ogun State Government Suspends Olorile of Orile-Ifo for six months

February 03, 2025
In a bid to ensuring dignity of persons and for the protection of sanctity of our revered traditional institution, the Ogun State Government led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, has placed Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo on six months suspension for his uncivil conduct not befitting the status of an Oba.
The decision was reached after the Kabiyesi and his victim were invited by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs for interrogation.
This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.
After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.
The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.
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