The Coca-Cola Company has announced sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.)  to UAC of Nigeria Plc.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chivita|Hollandia

Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Zainab Obagun, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Chivita|Hollandia is a leading food and beverage player in Nigeria with portfolios across value-added dairy products, juices, nectars, still drinks and snacks.

The Hollandia brand is a market leader in evaporated milk and drinking yoghurt, while the Chivita brand is a market leader in fruit juice.

UAC is a holding company focused on domestic manufacturing, marketing and distribution of leading consumer brands in Africa.

According to the statement, the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, supports Coca-Cola Company’s strategy to operate a flexible and asset-light model and focus on brands that have the greatest potential to scale.

The Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, said:  “As a company with a strong presence in Africa, we are deeply committed to the continent’s growth.”

He said the acquisition presented significant potential to build on Chivita|Hollandia legacy of excellence and innovation.

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.), a leading dairy and juice business in the region.

“I would like to thank the management and staff of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.) and look forward to working with the team to support the next phase of growth,” Aiyesimoju said.

The Managing Director of CHI Ltd., Eelco Weber, also noted that Chivita and Hollandia brands had become clear leaders in their categories.

“I would like to thank our over 5,000 employees for their hard work and dedication in bringing our business forward and earning us recognition as a Gold-rated Great Place to Work.

“We see a bright future for Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.).

”With the strength of our team, coupled with the dedication of UAC, there will be exciting opportunities for further growth,” Weber said.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja 

Ahead of local government council election in Edo State, the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, for his  role in the last governorship election.

According to the PDP,  the actions of the REC during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and “we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.

Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee,

 stated this in Benin City while briefing journalists on the preparation of the party for the fourth coming by- election.

“We however want to express displeasure that some electoral officers whom we are aware of, from their antecedent, have been compromised”.

“His actions during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.

The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, a matter of urgency meets this demand and boosts voters confidence and assures the credibility of the process.

 They also demanded  that the Electoral Officers (EOs) during the 2024 gubenaotiral who were in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo steer clear of the bye-elections. Their involvement in the alleged irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable.

According to Aziegbemi, “Having completed this pre election process, our party in Edo State is highly prepared for the polls and are confident that we will emerge victorious. The areas in the contest are traditional strongholds of the PDP and with the quality and credential of our candidates and the support of the people, including our party supporters and members, we are sure of victory at the polls”. He stated.

The mantra, “One Man, One Vote”, remains our slogan and this we will uphold during the forthcoming bye-elections. As a party, we will not tolerate any form of electoral manipulation. We insist on a fair, credible, and transparent election and urge INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to ensure that every citizen’s vote counts and is protected.

“To those who have chosen to defect from our great party, we wish them the best in their future endeavors.However, we remind them that the natural laws of nature also apply to politics. 

“As we go into the elections, we remain focused on winning the National Assembly seats and as a formidable political party that enjoys the love and support of the people especially at the grassroots, we are confident of coming out victorious.

“We urge voters in the various constituencies to remain vigilant, participate actively by coming out enmasse to vote the PDP and its candidates who have the capacity and ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, he said.

Prof Rufa’i Alkali Congratulates New National Chairman of APC

…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition

Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.

According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.

He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.

Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.

“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.

“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.

“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”

…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition

Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.

According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.”

He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.

Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.

“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.

“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.

“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”