Connect with us

News

Psaltry International Limited appoints Mrs Folusho Olaniyan OON Chairman board of directors. ….

Published

on

Profile of Folusho Olaniyan OON.

Established in 2005, Psaltry is the first to produce cassava based sorbitol in Africa, and 2nd in the world after Indonesia.
Asset base of $20million USD
PIL also produces Cassava based glucose syrup.

PIL runs an Outgrower farmer scheme of 3500 farmers 500 Agripreneurs.

FACTORY CAPACITY: 
• 24MT per day sorbitol factory.
• 40MTper day food grade starch
• 20MT per day High quality cassava flour
WASTE MANAGEMENT:
The factory Recycles cassava peels, and pulp waste into pellets for powering wood boilers in the production factory. 
PIL Enzymizes starch into glucose and hydrogenize glucose into sorbitol.
Sorbitol is a major raw material for toothpaste production, while food grade starch is a raw material for seasoning cubes, beverages and medications.
Psaltry is the major supplier to Nestle, Unilever, Nigerian Breweries, Promasidor.

New Sorbitol plant located in Odo Awaye Oyo state will be officially commissioned in March 2020.

Profile of Folusho Olaniyan OON 
CEO Contact Consulting Nigeria & Programme Director Agrainnovate West Africa


Folusho started her career in the food industry as a management trainee with A.G.Leventis Nigeria. Plc. in 1988. As Head of Sales and Marketing, in 2005,she joined UTC Nig Plc and was appointed Managing Director/CEO in 2007;a post she held till 2013, when she collaborated with the Federal ministry of Agriculture and rural development on the Agricultural transformation agenda, to pioneer the commercialization of cassava flour inclusion in bread and pastries. She set up Contact Consulting Nig. Ltd; a Market Research, Business advisory and advocacy, organization, focused on Agricultural value chain development and investments in 2013.
She has served as consultant/ market analyst to Partnerships In Niger Delta PIND project, CAVA Cassava Adding Value for Africa; a Bill and Melinda Gates funded project, headquartered at the Federal University of Agriculture , Abeokuta, Nigeria , and as expert advisor to Dalberg Global advisors on the IDH Market study on commercial opportunities in agricultural value chains in Nigeria. Folusho also served as Business Development and Marketing Adviser to MADE (Market For Development in The Niger Delta), funded by DFID through DAI UK. and as a consultant to Palladium Group United Kingdom, on the West Africa Food Markets Pilot Programme in 2016. She also served on the judging panel of the Rockefeller foundation Cassava Yieldwise $1million dollars Challenge set up in 2016 to promote innovation in cassava post harvest practices, as well as being a consultant to the World economic forum Grow Africa project in, on data assessment of maize , soya bean, and coffee sectors in Tanzania, Ghana, and Ethiopia. 
Folusho is a member of the project advisory council of BASICS-(Building an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Seed System for Cassava In Nigeria), a 4 year project (2016-2020) funded by Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Folusho is also a member of the Governing council of Ekiti state university Nigeria.
Her firm, Contact consulting Nigeria is the conference partner to Informa group UAE on the Agrainnovate West Africa conference and exhibition ,which has been successfully run from 2013 to date. Contact Consulting Nigeria is founding partner to Nigerian Agricultural seeds council on the Seedconnect Africa Conference and exhibition launched in 2017.

Folusho led the advocacy team on the AGRA $240,000USD funded policy reform project titled: Advocacy for the passage of the fertilizer control bill, the Nigerian independent warehouse regulatory agency bill, and the presidential assent to the Nigerian seed council Bill., from October 2018 to January 2020. She has the responsibility for developing and coordinating the advocacy workplan for the project, in collaboration with the Nigerian economic summit group. The National seeds council bill was assented to by the President of Nigeria in 2019, and the fertilizer bill was passed by the Nigerian Senate also in 2019.

Folusho also served as expert advisor to Dalberg Global development advisors in partnership with IDH The Sustainable Trade Initiative of the Dutch Government, on the Ondo state commercialization study on five high potential agricultural value chains: Cocoa, Oil palm. Cashew. Aquaculture, Vegetables in Ondo state in 2019.

In October 2019, Folusho partnered with Ambidextrous UK to develop the Brands Basecamp Africa project, with the objective of nurturing talent, and teaching best practice, to help businesses meet local challenges pertaining to segmenting consumer markets, shaping brands, and growing businesses through innovation and communication.

Folusho is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK, and a fellow of the Institute of Directors. She holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and a professional postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Cookham, United Kingdom. She attended the Johnston institute for responsible leadership at the University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for a certificate programme in organizational leadership in 2009.
Folusho has attended two fellowship programs of the United States Department of Agriculture USDA, on Women in Agriculture, and snack food development at the Iowa state University USA between 2015 and 2017. A Cochran fellow of the United States Department of Agriculture USDA, Folusho is also a member of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, USA. 
Folusho is the current program Director of Agra innovate West Africa, an annual conference funded by Informa Group UK and UAE. Informa is the world’s largest publicly quoted exhibition company. The Agrainnovate agribusiness trade show and conference is an annual knowledge sharing and business partnerships/ deal making platform attended by 6,000+ visitors from over 20 countries across the globe. In recognition of Folusho’s contributions to the Nigerian food industry, she was awarded National honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in September 2014 by the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.FacebookTwitterEmailShare

Advertisement

News

Tinubu @72: Photos As Lagos Lawmakers Honour Nigeria’s President

Published

on

By

Lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly took turns to speak glowingly of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday as he marks his 72nd birthday on Friday.

The lawmakers commended the President for deciding on no-celebration of his birthday in consideration of the mood of the nation as, according to them, this was the mark of true leadership.

However, the lawmakers said it was important to celebrate the President’s achievements while he was governor of Lagos and his current strides noting that his policies in the State have continued to put Lagos on the global map.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, while praying for good health and strength for the President, noted that the successes so far achieved by Lagos can be linked to Tinubu’s wisdom and leadership capacity.

“When Asiwaju Tinubu became governor, we all know how much Lagos was earning. He successfully moved the revenue of the state from N600 million to over N8 billion in 2007. He also set in motion strategies for the upward progression of the revenue generation.

“This is not just about his birthday. It is a celebration of Lagos and where his policies have carried us. The Lagos Red Line rail project was unveiled recently and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the achievement can be attributed to Asiwaju who created the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) while he was governor,” Dr. Obasa said.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a congratulatory message to the President on behalf of the lawmakers, staff and management of the Assembly.

In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, prayed that the steps currently being taken by the President would bring Nigeria out of its challenges.

While the Deputy Majority Leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, described Tinubu as a compassionate leader, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) said Tinubu’s journey has been one of successes as seen in Lagos and his current administration at the centre. He prayed that the President’s current policies will also be beneficial to every citizen.

On his part, Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe 2) recalled how Obasa prayed in 2019 that Tinubu would be president adding that Tinubu had shown his leadership acumen by deciding not to celebrate this year’s birthday.

Hon. Foluke Osafile (Amuwo Odofin 1) commended the President’s current steps while Hon. Adewale Temitope (Ifako Ijaiye 1) prayed that God continue to direct Tinubu’s paths and also keep Lagos lawmakers soaring.

 

Continue Reading

News

FAAN Shuts KFC Lagos Airport Outlet For Discriminating Against Physically-Challenged Ex-Gov’s Son

Published

on

By

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has shut down a branch of a popular food outlet, KFC, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos State.

FAAN stated this on Thursday in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah.

The statement, titled, ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ noted that the food outlet violated the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, Part C, Section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination.

The statement added that the directive followed a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility who alleged discriminatory treatment he received at the airport.

It read, “In line with Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination which states that “A person shall not deprive another person of access to any place, vehicle or facility that members of the public are entitled to enter or use on the basis of the disability of that person”, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed the KFC facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with effect from March 28, 2024.

“This is as a result of a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“The MD/CE of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi, Kuku intervened swiftly by deploying a management team comprising the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah; the Regional Manager South West, Mr. Sunday Ayodele; Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo and the International Terminal Manager, Mr. Kerri, to investigate the allegation.”

FAAN said, “It is based on the findings of the team that FAAN has shut down the KFC facility at the MMA, where the incident occurred.

“The authority has instructed that the KFC Management should tender an unreserved apology, in writing, to the affected PRM and a policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation.

“FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected Passenger with Reduced Mobility and assures all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon.”

The victim of the maltreatment, Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel.

Daniel, a wheelchair user, described his ordeal as “the worst sort of public humiliation” he ever had.

The Ogun State-born noted that it all started during his planned trip to London from Lagos via a Virgin Atlantic airline.

He stated that in years past, while he was quite familiar with security and immigration processes, being a frequent traveller, he would visit the Oasis lounge of the airport to wait for his flight.

However, because “the lift to the lounge has been out of service,” for the past three years, he decided to find “solace” at the KFC outlet in the airport, alongside his wife and his three brothers, whom they were travelling together.

“Today I chose KFC – what a colossal mistake,” he bemoaned.

His tweets partly read, “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria.

“I have never been the type of person to make a fuss or complain about my disability. My approach has always been ‘laissez-faire.’ Ultimately, it is what it is. It is a part of my identity and like everyone else, I have my days of self-doubt and confusion as to how/if I fit in society.

“To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome and unaccepted. As I’ve said before, it’s a lonely, scary and isolated place.

“Never has this been more true than it has ever been today when I faced the worst sort of public humiliation that I have ever experienced. To think that this happened at an international brand @kfc @kfcnigeria at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – is unthinkable.”

Daniel stated that he “arrived at the airport as normal for my Virgin Atlantic flight to London. I’m a frequent flyer and I’m extremely familiar with all due processes at Murtala Muhammed Airport. Years ago, after all security and immigration formalities had been completed, I would normally go to the Oasis lounge to wait for my flight.

“For the past three years, the lift to the lounge has been out of service so I’ve often found solace in other establishments, sometimes lounges, sometimes restaurants such as @kfc @kfcnigeria.”

Daniel stated that as they were about to sit, a lady who is “apparently the manager” called out loudly, “No wheelchairs allowed.”

He added that upon hearing what she said, one of his brothers, Taiwo, asked what the lady meant, but “she refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at @kfc @kfcnigeria Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted in the premises and we should leave immediately.

“My siblings and wife became instantly irate and proceeded to debate her position with her, ultimately cumulating in raised voices and strong verbal protests. If there’s one thing I hate more than anything in this life is to create a scene. I detest it. I do not like to draw attention to myself and as such I began pleading with my people that we should just leave.

“My wife took some video footage and my brothers took some pictures. There were at least five other witnesses at the scene, who tried to intervene as things unfolded. Eventually, our party departed to another lounge upset and quite frankly pissed off.”

Daniel stated that he wouldn’t let such an incident slide, adding that as another of his brothers alongside his wife met the lady at another time, she stressed “that the business does not allow wheelchairs into their premises,” while they took an audio record of her statement.

He recalled the lady saying that “she recently just transferred to that branch, it is something that has been drummed into them.

“It harkens back to dark periods in recent history… No wheelchairs allowed… No coloureds allowed…. No blacks allowed…,” saying, “Today, I felt less than human, like a guard dog not allowed into the house. Lonely and isolated.”

Daniel noted that he would “continue to escalate the matter “until I get a reasonable resolution and there’s no stopping me. You cannot treat people this way.

“There are approximately 27 million Nigerians living with some form of disability. That’s over 13% of the country. One in six people on the planet are disabled. You must not treat people this way.

“So my question to @kfc @kfcnigeria is simple. Does this represent your approach to disabled customers or will you be looking into this? Am I not human enough for KFC?”

He added an audio record of the conversation between his wife and the lady.

“Audio clip from my wife. I’m trying to get all the evidence up on here,” he wrote.

In response to the allegation before the outlet’s shutdown by the FAAN, KFC tweeted via its official X handle on Thursday morning, stating, “KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.

“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.”

The food outlet added that it’s “urgently implementing sensitivity training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.

“We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”

On Thursday, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, stated in a statement that the attention of her office “has been drawn to a viral story about the discrimination against Mr. Debola Daniel, a person with a disability in a wheelchair. This incident happened on 27th of March 2024, at a KFC restaurant located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.”

The LASODA GM noted that “it frowns upon any form of discrimination, particularly against persons with disabilities. Every individual, regardless of their disability, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

“The agency is committed to ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected and upheld in Lagos State. Discriminatory actions, such as those alleged in this incident, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“LASODA, therefore, encouraged anyone who has experienced discrimination based on their disability to report such incidents to lasoda@lagosstate.gov.ng We are committed to working towards a society that is inclusive and accessible to all.”

Continue Reading

News

Troops Kill Notorious Terrorist Leader Junaidu, Others In Zamfara

Published

on

By

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a notorious terrorists’ leader, Junaidu Fasagora and scores of his fighters in Zamfara State.

The troops neutralized the terrorist and his cohorts on Wednesday during a counter insurgency operation in Tsafe general area of the state.

A statement issued by the Nigerian Army via its official X handle revealed that Junaidu Fasagora and his terrorists’ group have long been responsible for a series of kidnappings and other terrorism activities across several states in the North West.

According to the statement: “Nigerian Army troops deployed in Zamfara State for Counter terrorism Counter insurgency operations in the North West Region have neutralised a notorious terrorist leader, Junaidu Fasagora and scores of his fighters after a ferocious Artillery bombardment and ground battle in Tsafe general area of Zamfara State.

“Junaidu Fasagora and his terrorists’ group have long been responsible for a series of kidnappings and other terrorism activities against the populace across several states in the North West.

“Their elimination marks a crucial victory in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

“Troops remain committed to sustaining the ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency and sundry crimes to restore safety and security to troubled areas”.

Continue Reading

Trending

%d bloggers like this: