Africa Conference, Bonn, 05-06/11/2005

• Website

• Programme of the Event

WSIS Meeting, Tunis, 16-18/11/2005

Prof Raoul Weiler (President, EU Brussels Chapter of the Club of Rome), Dr Engr Ernest Ndukwe (CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission), Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (CEO, Growing Businesses Foundation), Rolando Burger (CEO, Nematrix, Italy)

• Website

Partnership Developments

GBF will on Monday, 8th of May, 2006, commence the mentoring activities for trained Women Development Officer’s in Jigawa State. These activities are in follow up to a 5-day capacity building/training workshop previously held in Gumel, Jigawa State from 12th-16th December 2005. The mentoring activities again constitute part of the capacity building aspects for a project that supports the development of rural women’s economic activity in Jigawa State. This is being promoted by the Security, Justice and Growth (SJG) Programme of the British Council in Nigeria. Furthermore, GBF will again carry out these activities in collaboration with Women Development Initiative (WDI), a local NGO based in Kano. The activities are expected to span over a 3 month period.

International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Discussions are being held with IITA to collaborate on ensuring that international best practices in implementation of sustainable agricultural programs are employed. This decision is based on statistics that identify the implementation of sustainable agricultural programs as imperative intervention strategies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, based on available statistics that show that over 70% of loan beneficiaries in 2002 and 2003 are farmers (GBF/MPN Eket Empowerment Strategy Document, 2004).

National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP)

The National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) under the leadership of its National Coordinator, Dr. Magnus Kpakol has affirmed interest to make available matching funds with Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited to a tune of N50 million. This is to implement sustainable programs in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Already, GBF as facilitators of this process is currently holding discussions with several stakeholders in the region to identify suitable programs to be embarked upon.

Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited

Activities have commenced to implement identified intervention strategies to empower the people of the Grand Bonny Kingdom. This activity follows the baseline survey carried out in the area in March 2005. Already, several meetings have been held with the chiefs, who are very enthusiastic about the success of the project. Several other meetings have been held with the women and youth leaders, with the aims of mobilizing them, and to familiarize them with GBF’s operations in the Niger Delta. Among the strategies include access to micro credit, skills and entrepreneurship training. Using a holistic approach, GBF will To support innovative projects that help the identified communities to build their capacity from the opportunities associated with local and national economic development.

GBF will promote sustainable economic development through empowerment processes in the region in a bid to alleviate poverty and to promote pro-poor growth.

MTN (Rural Telephone Project)

In November 2005, the Rural Telephone Project popularly known as “RTP” with planned empowerment of 220 women in four states in four geo-political zones of Nigeria commenced. As part of the activities of the RTP, the following activities have been completed in these states: Kwara, Kaduna, Edo and Borno

• Identification of Micro finance Institution (MFI) in each target state
• Evaluation of the identified MFI
• Identification and evaluation of selected beneficiaries in the rural communities
• Creating community awareness, ownership and endorsement

GBF delivers paper on CSR

Furthermore, development of the MSME sector is believed to be the engine room for the development of any economy, because they form the bulk of business activities in a growing economy like that of Nigeria. This is manifested through employment generation, rural development, economic growth and industrialization, and better utilization of indigenous resources. However, this sector is faced with a lot of set-backs, some of which include insufficient personal savings/funds resulting in low initial promoters' equity and inability of the customers (MSMEs) to satisfy high credit risk standards, including security/collateral. Hence, fostering investments into this class of citizenry, through CSR can only be achieved by increasing private sector participation.

Chairman's Statement, 2004

You are most welcome, distinguished member Trustees, ladies and gentlemen, to the 5th Annual General Meeting and remarkably 5th year anniversary of Growing Businesses Foundation. We are all witnesses today to the very encouraging outcome of the experiment that we embarked upon five years ago. By virtue of the impact reports and financial statements of our program activities being presented today, our vision of "sustainable economic development led by socially responsible businesses and individuals" gives credence to our belief that GBF through all her member organizations, can make a positive difference in the lives of ordinary men and women. The Foundation's activities have promoted micro finance intermediation, capacity building, business development, market linkages, corporate philanthropy, research & publications among others. By empowering people and communities in wealth generation and job creation in already 12 states of the Federation, GBF has become a leading NGO within Nigeria, playing an important role of catalyzing private sector investments through partnerships, co-investment and various supporting activities in the promotion and development of the small and medium scale sector in Nigeria and beyond. I congratulate and thank you all for the trust, commitment, engagement and the visible results.

Five years ago, in 1999, the imperatives of a shared vision by the stakeholders in developing a "Nigerian solution" and subsequent growth of an "indigenous funding base" for sustained development, using international best practices in the micro finance sub-sector, were undeniably strong. We took on the challenge to replicate contextually the Grameen Bank Model in financial services provision to the rural poor. Thus, GBF was initiated as a panacea for sustainable development in Nigeria. Tremendous landmarks under the Foundation's corporate goals within this period have been instituted and it is my pleasure to inform you of these achievements. We do this humbly with gratitude to almighty God and with respectful sentiments to all our Stakeholders.

From 1999 - 2004, GBF has mobilized resources in grants, donations and subscriptions from our partners to facilitate our operations among the rural and urban people in our country. In the area of micro credit, we extended over N150million in loans (including intermediation of investments) on behalf of private sector partners to empower 70 Community Based Organizations (including MFI's, Credit Unions, Cooperatives, Community Banks etc). A total number of 3,445 beneficiaries covering 12 states in the six geo-political zones of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have benefited from our programs and services. As we hold this AGM in July 2005, the number has gone beyond 5000 beneficiaries, not to talk of the economic, cultural, political and human impact.

During the same period, GBF has established a number of professionally managed investment vehicles on behalf of our partners, desirous of assisting entrepreneurs in a particular locality or sector in wealth creation and economic development. Success stories include the Micro enterprise Development Cooperation (MDC) - for international best practices in micro finance (GBF/CIDJAP); the Niger Delta Development Program - for capacity building/micro credit interventions in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria (GBF/MPN); the Rural Telephone Project - for accelerating the standard of living of rural communities by bridging the gap between them and the outside world (GBF/MTN); the Entrepreneurial Loan Program - for empowering Coca Cola ex-employees transition from paid-employment to self-employment (GBF/Coca Cola); and the Community Business Skills Development - for encouraging skilled artisans expand the volume of their businesses (GBF/Citibank).

We have also stayed at the forefront in influencing policy formulation by working with various government agencies involved in the institutionalization and recognition of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) and Rural Financial Intermediaries of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) as key players in the financial markets. We have ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and more recently the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) towards formulating policy guidelines for the institutionalization and regulation of Micro Finance Institutions as Banks within the Nigerian economic environment.

May I seize this opportunity to congratulate members of the Board of Trustees for their dedicated services and enlightened leadership to Growing Businesses Foundation, having remained stable and united in purpose over the years. ). Your financial, moral and realistic suggestions have progressed the Foundation. New additions to the Board include Mr. Sifiso Dabengwa (MTN Nigeria) and Mr. John Chaplin (Exxon Mobil). We recognize and thank the Founding Chairman, Apostle Hayford Alile, who is now a patron alongside Alhaji M.D. Yusuf. As we observe 5 years of positive economic impact, we are set to position ourselves for an even greater advancement with a 5-year strategic plan following our review (1999-2004).

We owe enormous gratitude to the management and entire staff of GBF, under the able leadership of the Executive Director, Mrs. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien whose competence, professional conduct, incisive initiatives, leadership abilities and high profile on human relations, has led to the Foundation's position within the Nigeria NGO environment. We are proud of you dear Ndidi and your staff. We are aware of your poor health situation in Germany at this time, which makes your absence from this Annual General Meeting unavoidable. May God bless you. We also express gratitude to members of the National Advisory Board for their esteemed performance in proffering constructive guidance that facilitated the Foundation's programs and activities in the last 5 years. To the members, partners and friends of GBF, either in the private or public sector, who have displayed high level of involvement in the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, we say a big thank you! Particular mention must be made of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited, whose interest in furthering the issues of Corporate Social Responsibility is exemplary. We recognize the immeasurable contributions of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which houses the GBF headquarters in Lagos, giving the Foundation both access and funds for its activities. Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie Barristers and Solicitors have remained our brain box with legal and secretarial advice and services. We recognize the contributions of Express Discount Limited, Chevron Nigeria, Nigeria International Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Coca Cola Nigeria Limited. MTN under the able former CEO, Mr. Adrian Wood merits special gratitude for the many areas of partnership shared with GBF. We look forward to many more years of fruitful collaborations in the ever-growing telecom sector. We also recognize contributions of CIDJAP, VSO, USAID, IFC, UNDP, and the Media.

Our clients at the various States of the Federation remain the reason for our existence. "Investing in the poor through sustainable economic development led by socially responsible businesses and individuals" remains a mandate of Growing Businesses Foundation moving forward. With the Africa Fund on Sustainability Micro Finance Bank (AFOS MFB) initiative, which the Board has approved for the organization under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) license, GBF partnering with the Umuchinemere Community Bank (UCB) and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), there is hope that with two successful grassroots oriented organizations, we can look forward to a future where we are able to set the tempo for access to credit and poverty alleviation for our people in all corners of this great country. May God bless this initiative of the AFOS MFB. This is our joint success based on hard work and prayers.

The future of GBF is bright and the foundation for greater performance has been laid. We must now redirect our focus for the challenges ahead. May God bless you all.

2004 People Empowerment Awards

Growing Businesses Foundation instituted the "GBF Corporate Award for People Empowerment" to recognize member and partner organizations that have positively impacted the lives of poor and underprivileged Nigerians.

• Ogene (Women) Multi Purpose Cooperative Society, in recognition of their role in promoting grassroots development in Nigeria.

  Having recorded tremendous successes since institution under the GBF/MTN Rural Telephone Project, creating opportunities for more women to be empowered in their area of operation.

  "Ogene Women" was the first beneficiary of the GBF/MTN Rural Telephone Project initiative in 2003. The good credit record observed by members of this group overtime, prompted GBF's continued support to the group in the area of micro credit, leading to their institution as a cooperative, and opening doors to increased membership.
• Self-Reliance Economic Advancement Program (SEAP), in recognition of their role in promoting grassroots development in Nigeria.

  With over 8000 members spread across 11 branches, SEAP has continued to be exemplary in the outreach of its micro credit schemes that have cut across 5 states of the Federation.

  The major activities of SEAP are that of poverty alleviation through provision of functional literacy programs among the rural populace, enabling environment for members to improve their living standard by engaging in result oriented economic activities, soft loans for micro and cottage industries, and technical assistance to members engaged in such activities.

GBF disburses NGN 23M loans in Akwa Ibom State

A total of three hundred and sixty seven businessmen and women benefited from this laudable initiative championed by NNPC/ MPN Joint venture, and aimed at promoting economic development and income generation in the region.

Recipient groups of this loans included SCODA (Eket), STEP MPCS (Eket), Ikwe Fishermen MPCS (Onna), Iwoachang Women (Ibeno), Sweet Stars (Ibeno), Virtuous Women MPCS, Great Eket Men MPCS, Nnung Eyak Ndu (Uqua) MPCS, Iko Eket MPCS, Afaha Ekpenedi (Esit Eket), Odosang MPCS (Esit Eket), Okoroutip Women (Ibeno).

The Executive Director of GBF, represented at the disbursement ceremony by the Manager, Credit and Micro finance, Mr. Odinaka Okeke, informed the gathering that in November 2002, 223 micro entrepreneurs (mostly women) benefited from the first phase loan disbursement of NGN 11.9M. However, observing the rate of loan recovery to be at 51%, which is way below international best practices in micro finance of 90% and above recovery rate.

In his address, he also used the forum to implore those who are still owing to pay up immediately, as that is the only way to make this project sustainable, assuring those who do, of repeated support by GBF with more loans. Odinaka further shed light on GBF’s selection criteria, explaining that beneficiaries had undergone a painstaking process involving group formation, individual assessments, credit evaluations, loan interview and capacity building training. Calling on traditional rulers, legislators and government, He urged them to support GBF operations in the region by creating awareness and informing the people on the objective of the project.

MPN’s Field Public Affairs Manager, Susan Eshett, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to assist host communities achieve sustainable economic expansion, pledging continued support to GBF as long as “those who benefit from the scheme keep their own part of the bargain by repaying the loans promptly”. She also solicited that communities support MPN by providing a peaceful operating environment, stating MPN’s resolve to dialogue with stakeholders, urging them to shun violence. Notable personalities at the occasion held at Royalty Hotel, Eket included the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ndaeyo Uttah, who pointed out that what MPN is doing is great, because the communities need to be geared up towards wealth creation. Others included Madam Emma Brown, a women leader; Chief Assam Usoro, a community leader; Isaiah Abia, a youth leader, and; STEP Eket branch manager, Mr. Harry Udoh.

30 women say Y’Hello as GBF/MTN launch "Agogo"

Prior to this event, a 4-day capacity building training workshop was held for the beneficiaries who were selected by SEAP, after an earlier conducted evaluation of these beneficiaries by GBF Team. The training focused on components and use of the phone (handset), MTN starter kit, pricing, break-even points and record keeping.

The pilot scheme in the region aims at helping to accelerate the standard of living in rural communities, by bridging the gap between them and the outside world. We might recall that similar pilot schemes were launched in Enugu (“Ogene”) and Eket (“Ntakroc”)/Benin (“Egugu”) in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Quality of service and manpower development

Upon exhaustive discussion of the issues, we resolved that: Quality of Service is an issue that concerns everybody: The Regulator, The Service Provider and The Consumer. QOS is measurable and has to be measured. There is room for the emergence of independent proven research firms to assess and monitor QOS and to publish reports.

Product attributes give rise to benefits. What should be measured in broad terms are the functional and emotional benefits derivable by the consumer from the services offered, namely the following measurable performances: overall service delivery, fault clearance/repair tracking and inventory, customer care and complaints resolution, service disconnection, call completion rate, post dialing delay, drop rate, lost calls, transmission impairment, accessibility, billing integrity etc etc.

Sanctions must be evoked by the Regulator when agreed performance levels are not met. Quality of Service is a consumer rights matter. The right to observe, the right to safety, the right to choice, the right to be heard and the right to get justice. There is the need to quantify the forecast manpower needs and re-evaluate the curriculum from time to time in tandem with technological development.

Manpower needs will be met by, in the short term, importation of skills and the gradual acquisition of new knowledge and skills by Nigerians. In the medium to long term, there has to be a partnership between learning institutes, industry and relevant agencies of Government such as COREN, NBTE, NCC, NUC and NITDA to ensure that we have a continual supply of expertise.