By Charles Ebi
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has said that achieving the Agency’s goals require a high level of professional proficiency and technical expertise in procurement management. This call, Halilu said, is essential in order to achieve the overall mandate and goals of the agency.
In his welcome address at the opening of ceremony of the 2024 three-day in-house training for procurement officers and other participating staff from NASENI system-wide, which commenced on Tuesday in Abuja, he stated that the Agency wanted to be the best in everything it does in order to deliver quality services to achieve the overall goals of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The EVC/CEO while highlighting the importance of the training, said it was designed to equip officers involved in procurement with the professional capacity needed to manage NASENI’s procurement processes effectively and in full compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2007.
While assuring that NASENI was committed to complying with everything outlined in the Act, he said “the importance of the workshop cannot be overstated, particularly for newly hired or deployed officers. It is essential that incumbent officers are trained and retrained to align with NASENI’s vision and mandate.”
He admonished participants to put into practice what they would learn in their daily work to make a difference in how they carry out their roles and responsibilities, he urged them to take the training serious and gain from the extensive knowledge and experience of the resource persons, leading to improved service delivery.
Also, in his keynote address Ag. Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Barr. Olusegun Omotola represented by the Director of Training, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said NASENI has a crucial role in national infrastructure development thus building skills and competencies are critical for the execution of transparent and efficient public procurement which guarantees good value for money.
He noted that every government agency must comply with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Circulars on procurement plans and procurement records and that no procurement process could commence without properly approved procurement plan via the use of the NOCOPO system and must have a full-fledged procurement department/unit/division manned by BPP trained/certified officers.
In addition, he urged NASENI to be very thorough and careful in the discharge of its responsibilities in the public procurement process with the highest sense of accountability, ethics and integrity, saying it is expected that at the end of the training, all factors militating against effective performance of procurement related activities and budget implementation would have been addressed.
Lotus Bank Sponsors NIMSA Games, Celebrates Successful FASU Games, Abeokuta Marathon
From Rotimi Asher
Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, Managing Director of Lotus Bank, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing non-interest banks, is proud to announce the bank’s sponsorship of the upcoming Nigerian Medical Students Association (NIMSA) Games. This initiative highlights Lotus Bank’s commitment to fostering youth development, health, and sportsmanship across Nigeria.
The NIMSA Games are set to commence on Saturday, October 5, 2024, starting with student registration. The event will bring together medical students from various institutions nationwide, promoting friendly competition while emphasizing teamwork and physical wellness. “Encouraging a healthy lifestyle among our future healthcare professionals is essential,” stated Mrs. Araoye. “Sports not only enhance physical fitness but also cultivate vital skills such as collaboration and leadership.”
Additionally, Mrs. Araoye reflected on the recent sponsorship of the Federation of African Student Universities (FASU) Games, which took place last week. This event served as a platform for students from across the continent to unite, compete, and celebrate their diverse cultures. Participants from countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Angola, Ghana, Zambia, and Mauritius showcased remarkable team spirit, resilience, and responsibility. “We are proud to have supported an event that promotes unity and excellence among African students,” she added.
Last week also marked the successful conclusion of the Lotus Bank Abeokuta Marathon. Attracting participants from both local and international backgrounds, this event aimed to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. Notably, the marathon crowned its first Nigerian winner since inception, encouraging a culture of fitness while supporting local charitable initiatives. Participants also had the chance to explore the scenic routes of Abeokuta, showcasing the city’s beauty.
“Our sponsorship of these events reflects Lotus Bank’s dedication to investing in the future of our youth and fostering a sense of community,” remarked Mrs. Araoye. “We are excited to be part of these initiatives that celebrate sports and wellness, and we look forward to the inspiring moments they will bring.”
As we approach the NIMSA Games, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and the potential of our youth. Together, we can create an environment that nurtures the next generation of leaders.
. … Opens New Location in Lekki”
LOTUS Bank Limited, one of Nigeria’s fastest growing non-interest bank, is excited to announce the opening of its new branch at Admiralty Way, Lekki. This strategic location aims to provide enhanced banking services to the growing community in Lekki and surrounding areas.
The new branch, which officially opened its doors to the public, is part of LOTUS Bank’s commitment to expanding its footprint and making ethical banking more accessible to individuals and businesses alike. With a focus on non-interest banking principles, LOTUS Bank offers a range of products designed to cater to the financial needs of its customers while promoting economic empowerment.
“We are thrilled to flag-off our new branch in Lekki, a vibrant hub of commerce and innovation,” said Araoye, CEO of LOTUS Bank. “This location not only strengthens our presence in Lagos but also underscores our commitment to providing our customers with seamless access to our services. We are dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and supporting the aspirations of our clients.”
“LOTUS Bank is dedicated to showcasing our superior passion for customer satisfaction,” she continued. “With the support of our highly trained staff, we are determined to fulfill our mission in the non-interest banking sector by providing best-in-class service delivery.”
The Admiralty Way branch will feature digital banking solutions, a customer service lounge and an ATM gallery to ensure a convenient and efficient banking experience. Customers can expect personalized service and guidance from a knowledgeable team committed to understanding their unique financial needs.
LOTUS Bank remains committed to adhering to the highest ethical standards in banking, offering products that are compliant with Islamic finance principles. The bank’s focus on transparency, integrity, and social responsibility sets it apart as a trusted financial partner for all.
