Featured post

Diphtheria Scare in Edo State: Calls for School Closure Amid Rising Cases

Image
  Edo State is currently battling a public health scare as diphtheria cases emerge, raising concern among residents, health professionals, and civil society. With six confirmed cases and three reported fatalities, the outbreak has prompted urgent calls for preventive measures to contain further spread. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the nose and throat, often fatal if left untreated. The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed the detection of both diphtheria and dengue fever, adding complexity to the state’s health response. So far, over 15 suspected diphtheria cases have been identified, with health officials moving swiftly to activate surveillance teams and conduct community sensitization. In a proactive appeal, the Concerned Edo Citizens Forum submitted an open letter to Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging the temporary closure of schools to protect children, who are among the most vulnerable to the disease. The group also recommended limitin...

PZ Cussons to Sell 50% Stake in Nigerian Joint Venture for $70 Million


PZ Cussons Plc, a British multinational consumer goods company, has announced plans to sell its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar Limited, its Nigerian joint venture with Singapore-based Wilmar International. The deal, worth $70 million in cash, marks PZ Cussons' full exit from Nigeria’s palm oil business, which it entered in 2010.

PZ Wilmar Limited was established to produce and distribute edible oils such as Mamador and Devon King’s—both popular brands in Nigerian households. The joint venture had become a significant player in the country’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. However, PZ Cussons has recently shifted its focus toward personal care, beauty, and hygiene products as part of its broader strategic restructuring.

According to PZ Cussons, the sale aligns with its long-term strategy to simplify its portfolio and concentrate on core categories and markets with higher growth potential. The company believes that the divestment will help unlock greater value for shareholders and allow it to reinvest in areas where it enjoys stronger brand recognition and operational efficiency.

Wilmar International, a global agribusiness giant, will now assume full ownership of PZ Wilmar. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, which are expected to be finalized in the coming months. For Wilmar, the acquisition signals a deeper commitment to expanding its footprint in Africa’s largest economy, especially within the food processing and agribusiness sectors.

This move also reflects some of the challenges foreign companies face in Nigeria, including rising inflation, currency volatility, and complex regulatory environments. As PZ Cussons exits the palm oil space, the company is expected to intensify focus on its personal care brands like Imperial Leather, Premier, and Carex in both African and international markets.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Anambra Boutique Owner Sues NAFDAC Over Claimed Theft of Merchandise During Onitsha Drug Market Operation

"Kano girls, having been married off from an orphanage, face abandonment by their husbands and endure abuse, as they are now forced to seek assistance to survive."

Benin Republic, Niger enjoy smuggled fuel as Nigerians keep vigil at petrol stations