The Head of Mechanical department of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Ijacha Ego, has urged stakeholders, especially, manufacturers to always seek its assistance in the area of quality control for their products.Delivering a lecture titled: “The Impact of SON Activities on the Nation’s Economy Development” at its sensitisation workshop in Asaba on Friday, Mr Ego noted that the main task of SON is to ensure quality of products in the country.

Giving an overview of activities of SON, Ego disclosed the organisation has multiple testing laboratories tor products and urged the stakeholders to get closer to the organisation for quality control of their products and goods. ”Get close to SON, SON is available and willing to support your businesses, ” he emphasised.In his presentation titled: ”Promoting Quality and Standards Culture via Self- Regulation And Ethic Codes”, The Head of Department, Science Laboratory Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-ukwu, Mr Timothy Oni, emphasised the need for owners of businesses to establish clear policy and procedures to ensure better compliance.Oni, a guest speaker, advised them to always ensure they educated their employees through regular training as well as regular auditing.Also, the Director of SON in charge of the South South Zone, Mrs Patience Kussy-Wanza, in her presentation, urged the participants to prioritise promotion of quality standards through self-regulation and observations of ethics to increase their organisation’s profit.“It will earn you tremendous respect, unquantifiable goodwill and global recognition, all of which significantly ensure globally competitiveness.”She emphasised that apart from being a regulatory agency, “we are indeed your partner in this critical imperative.”We are willing and available to support you to embrace standards and qualify assurance in your operations with just a visit or a call for necessary support or information”.(NAN)

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with LASACO Assurance Plc, on Friday presented cheques worth N978.62 million to 510 beneficiaries as insurance death benefits for the dependents of deceased public servants in the state.The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi, who led the presentations, said that N978.

62 million was presented to provide relief for families of the deceased workers. He commiserated with the families of the deceased and explained the role of government in ensuring the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of citizens. Oluyomi asked for forgiveness from beneficiaries who had anticipated the payments earlier than they came, while acknowledging their difficulties after losing their beloved ones who were in active service of the state.According to him, all the staff of Lagos State know that the government is taking care of them, whether they are alive or not.“So, today, in consideration of what this particular government has been doing, we are going to be giving out cheques to over 510 people, totaling close to one billion Naira,” he said.He called for financial prudence from beneficiaries and patience on the part of those not captured in the current phase, adding that another batch will come up in three months.The commissioner, who earlier called for a minute’s silence to honour the departed, prayed for the repose of their souls and the wellbeing of those they left behind.He commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lqgis State for huge investments in the workforce and assets for the overall wellbeing of Lagos residents.“This year alone, we paid a premium of over N3 billion to LASACO Assurance Plc for people and assets insurance,” he said.The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Mahmud Alao, called for financial diligence, urging the beneficiaries to shun the temptation of lavish spending that may jeopardise the intent of the funds as succor.He said the 510 beneficiaries received N978.62 million in this first batch of the exercise for 2025, adding that other phases would follow in quick succession.Mr Femi Saheed, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance in the Lagos State House of Assembly, explained the lawmakers’ oversight function in ensuring the government’s compliance with its insurance obligations.Saheed praised the executive arm for its diligence while urging civil servants to take out insurance policies to complement the government’s efforts for their welfare.The Managing Director, LASACO Assurance Plc, Mr Rasaq Abiodun, commended the state government for its consistency in the payment of insurance premiums on its workforce.He advised beneficiaries to invest wisely while assuring that the company will continue to support the course of the state government and workers.The Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr Segun Balogun, also thanked the state government for its commitment and consistency regarding workers’ welfare, while also demanding financial intelligence from beneficiaries.Mrs Constance Ajayi, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked the state government for coming to their aid while explaining the difficulties arising from the demise of her husband. (NAN)

Shareholders of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) have expressed satisfaction with the company’s impressive financial performance and the declaration of a N1.76 dividend payment for the 2024 financial year.The shareholders expressed their satisfaction during the company’s 31st Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where the 2024 financial report was presented.

The shareholders commended the company’s management team for their dedication to driving growth and increasing returns on investment. Mr Boniface Okezie, Chairman of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described the company’s financial result as excellent despite the economic headwinds.Okezie tasked the CSCS on extending its operations to other African countries, considering its status as the biggest security depository registrar in West Africa.He also commended the CSCS for being able to improve on curtailing fraud and forgery within the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.He advised on reducing costs, particularly those related to expenses incurred by the board.Also, Mrs Adetutu Shiyanbola, President of the Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, lauded the company’s 2024 financial performance.She noted that CSCS’s impressive performance, marked by a 44 per cent growth in the company’s operating income, a 24 per cent rise in its profit before tax, a 37 per cent increase in gross earnings, and a 22 per cent growth in total assets, showcased the company’s significant responsibility and stewardship.She encouraged the company to further enhance its gender balance policy, promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the organisation.A member of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Mbaka, commended the CSCS for the dividend paid and urged the company to look toward improving it in the current year.Mbaka also urged the management of the company to consider giving some bonus to its shareholders.Responding, Mr Temi Popoola, Chairman of the Board of Directors for CSCS, said the board would look critically into increasing dividends in the coming years.He said one of the biggest projects the board was working on had to do with expanding the reach of the CSCS.He explained that the CSCS is also working on embracing the African Exchange Linkage Programme as a way to extend its operations.He said, “We are also taking intentional steps toward gender balance, embracing women with the right character and expertise on the board.”Also, Alhaji Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director of CSCS, attributed the high cost of operation of the company to inflation, adding that the company continues to work on optimising costs.He said the CSCS had achieved remarkable growth in combating cybercrime as it continues to invest hugely in cybersecurity infrastructure.“We are scaling up our cybersecurity infrastructure, and this is one of the reasons we are incurring more costs. We are building KPIs and engaging Artificial Intelligence.“Also, for our Corporate Social Responsibility, we are being strategic to embrace initiatives that, in turn, build our business,” he said. (NAN)