Pan-African legal and business advisory group Centurion Law Group has officially rebranded to CLG (https://CLGGlobal.com), underscoring a firm-wide commitment to innovation and growth. The rebrand aligns closely with the firm’s mission to consolidate its position as the leading legal practice and business advisor in an ever-evolving energy environment. With the rebrand, clients can expect expanded service offerings and elevated levels of excellence, as the firm moves to become the go-to legal platform for the African continent.

CLG’s rebranding responds to growing client and shareholder demand for leadership in tackling complex legal issues across all energy sectors. As one of the continent’s fastest-growing industries, energy is undergoing significant development and rapid change. The rebrand positions CLG to support these developments with a team of internationally-trained lawyers offering a suite of comprehensive services.

The firm’s team of experienced legal professionals offers an in-depth understanding of the market and excels at navigating complex operating environments. CLG is the preferred professional services partner in Africa, equipped to offer on-the-ground support across multiple sectors.

CLG’s rebranding journey is driven by several key motivations, including strategic differentiation, a more streamlined identity, global appeal and expanded service offerings. The new brand identity reinforces the firm’s commitment to excellence, while signaling a fresh perspective and approach to legal services. It also provides a modern corporate identity that resonates with clients and stakeholders across diverse markets and builds broader brand recognition.

As a firm, CLG has a rich history of spearheading transformative oil and gas transactions across Africa, setting it apart as the leading law firm for the oil and gas industry. With extensive experience and deep-rooted technical expertise in the sector, CLG has a proven track record of providing top-tier legal services and strategic advice to clients across the energy spectrum. Its team has successfully guided clients through complex regulatory landscapes, contractual negotiations and large-scale transactions.

The firm’s comprehensive understanding of the industry and its nuances ensures it is well-equipped to handle all legal aspects of oil and gas projects. From exploration and production to refining and distribution, CLG offers tailored solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of its clients.

Operating in several markets including South Africa, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique and Germany, CLG prides itself on building lasting relationships with clients and delivering exceptional results. The firm’s reputation for excellence and commitment to client satisfaction makes it the trusted choice for businesses operating in the energy sector.

CLG recently achieved several significant milestones, including securing a listing on the Open Market of the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange under Calvert International AG (CIAG). Founded in 2007, the firm has quickly established itself as a leading pan-African legal and advisory conglomerate, dedicated to providing innovative and strategic solutions to clients across the continent. With a focus on excellence, integrity and client satisfaction, CLG has played a central role in driving the growth and success of its clients in an ever-evolving business environment.

The firm’s positive track record serves as a cornerstone for future success, and the CLG rebrand marks a pivotal moment in its journey, symbolizing a strategic shift towards greater success, resonance and impact within the global legal and business landscape. This transformation is not only cosmetic, but also underscores CLG’s commitment to serving as a modern, dynamic and global-minded legal, business and tax partner.

“While we are proud of our accomplishments, our sights are set on the future, driven by an unwavering commitment to adapt, innovate and position our company for continued growth and success in an ever-changing business environment. CLG stands resolute in our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and enhancing the scope and quality of our services,” stated CLG CEO Zion Adeoye.

“The rebranding to CLG signifies a new chapter for our clients as we enhance our focus on delivering exceptional legal, tax and business advisory services. Our clients can expect a more streamlined and impactful experience, backed by our unwavering commitment to their success,” Adeoye added.

Visit CLG’s new website at https://CLGGlobal.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

Since 2019, Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have been rolling out malaria vaccines, with over 2.5 million children already receiving at least one dose of the life-saving vaccine that is protecting children from deadly malaria.

In 2024, more than 20 countries in Africa are to introduce the vaccine into routine immunization, with Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone already leading the way. The scale-up of malaria vaccines in Africa will increase access to malaria prevention and save tens of thousands of young lives every year.

As part of efforts to support the wider introduction and rollout of the malaria vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH and other partners convened stakeholders from  Nigeria, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia to learn from Ghana’s malaria vaccination experience on 16-18 April in Accra, Ghana, and ensure adequate preparation towards new introductions and rollout across these countries.

Drawn from ministries of health, WHO and UNICEF, participants also benefitted from the experience of other countries that have already introduced the vaccines such as Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Sierra Leone.

“Having been delivering malaria vaccine to children across seven regions, Ghana’s experience and lessons will be key to the introduction and rollout of the vaccine in countries that are yet to introduce,” says Dr Frank Lule, the Officer-In-Charge of WHO Ghana.

Participants gained insights into vaccine introduction, risk communication, readiness monitoring, supervision, and data management among others. Additionally, a field visit to malaria vaccination centers was organized to provide participants with firsthand experience in Ghana’s vaccination process.

“In workshops like this, when we exchange information, the result and the impact tend to be greater efficiency with the resources that we have to reach children and to vaccinate,” says Evan Simpson, Director of Vaccine Implementation, PATH.

As Africa continues to shoulder 94%  of the global malaria burden, the WHO and its partners are strengthening malaria control efforts with vaccines being the latest in the control toolbox. In January 2024, the WHO Regional Office for Africa established the Accelerating Malaria Vaccine Introduction and Rollout in Africa (AMVIRA). This initiative aims to strengthen the provision of state-of-the-art technical support to Member States in their efforts to introduce and roll out malaria vaccines while strengthening partners’ coordination at national, regional, and global levels effectively and efficiently.

WHO and partners also leveraged the workshop to address information gaps and share lessons and best practices to ensure successful vaccine introduction and rollout in countries that are yet to do so.

For participants, the knowledge gained from the country peer learning workshop will help shape their strategies towards effective malaria vaccine rollout.

“One of the key lessons I have picked up from Ghana’s experiences is the role of effective coordination and collaboration. Though we have a coordination team, we are going to strengthen this team through the addition of more stakeholders, including communities and civil society organizations,” says Dr Yao Kossia Deputy Manager, the Expanded Vaccination Programme, Côte d’Ivoire.

Highlighting the significance of the knowledge gained, Dr Garba Ahmed-Rufai, the Director for Disease Control and Immunization of Nigeria noted “What we have learned is programming in terms of the rollout, and the timing of the doses, and the lessons learnt. And knowing what the problems are from the other countries, we would just adjust accordingly, so that we can overcome all of that”.

In addition to facilitating cross-learning, WHO through the AMVIRA initiative is enhancing the capacity of countries to ensure effective introductions and rollout. There has been the deployment of experts in Immunization, data management, risk communication, and external communication to assist 5 countries in efficiently planning and delivering vaccines.

A similar workshop has been held in Cameroon, with more countries expected to participate in other workshops in Benin and Malawi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is concerned by the humanitarian impact of increasing insecurity in northwest Nigeria due to conflict between armed groups, not far from the areas where the IRC and its partners currently operate. In Zamfara and Sokoto states, armed attacks have displaced at least 10,000 people and killed at least 92 throughout March and April. Additionally, many others have been kidnapped in these attacks.

As a result of these attacks and consequent displacement, many people are residing in open spaces with minimal belongings and without basic necessities. More than half of the people affected by these attacks are women, which leaves them at risk of exploitation and abuse. Urgent humanitarian assistance is needed to meet the basic needs of these communities, namely water and sanitation, health, and protection services.

Babatunde Ojei, Country Director for the IRC in Nigeria, said:

“We are appalled by the brutal attacks on civilian men, women and children, which is yet another reminder of the violence that has become unacceptably common in northwest Nigeria. The IRC stands united with the families of the civilians affected and calls on all parties to uphold the protection of civilians and relevant humanitarian laws’

The northcentral and northwest zones of Nigeria face a complex crisis involving long-standing ethnic and religious tensions, often leading to attacks and banditry. Criminal groups carry out kidnappings and thefts along major highways. Over recent years, this crisis has escalated, causing widespread displacement throughout these regions.

The IRC has been working in Nigeria since 2012. The IRC operates in Zamfara, Katsina states and supports the work of partner organizations in Sokoto in northwest Nigeria. We provide both immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining activities as well as medium-term recovery programs. The IRC’s programming includes primary health, nutrition and reproductive health care activities; educational support services for out-of-school youth, women’s protection and empowerment activities, water and sanitation programming, and economic recovery and development activities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria, where the disease is endemic.

For many families in Nigeria, the threat of mosquito bites poses a constant risk, impacting both their health and financial stability. However, the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) has been a game-changer, especially for families like that of Mr Unguwar Ayuba, residing in Maikunkele locality, Niger State. 

Mr Ayuba and his family have been sleeping under the LLIN for two years and have only positive news to share. 

“Using mosquito nets has not only prevented my household from falling sick, but it also allowed me to save more money for other essential needs”, he says with a grin. 

Mr Ayuba recalls that before his family started sleeping under the LLIN, he spent an average of 15 thousand Naira bi-monthly on the treatment of malaria.

“Now, I ensure my family sleeps under the net every night and no longer worry about mosquito bites. It has helped me focus more on work and worry less about the children not attending school regularly due to illness. 

I appreciate those who brought the initiative to us and would plead for them to make the net available for other families”, he adds. 

Mr Ayuba was one of the beneficiaries of the LLIN distributed as part of a local health initiative by the Niger State Government and its partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022.

The aim is to eliminate malaria in the country by 2030.  

While Nigeria continues to bear a substantial burden of malaria cases globally, significant progress has been made in the fight against the disease. According to the 2023 World Malaria Report, malaria cases in the country have plateaued since 2015, with an estimated annual caseload of about 63 million yet showing a downward trend in malaria-related deaths.

However, children under five years and pregnant women remain especially vulnerable to malaria, highlighting the continued need for preventive measures.

The distribution of LLINs is among the measures adopted by the government in its quest to eliminate malaria in the country. The Long-Lasting nets Treated with insecticides, not only repel mosquitoes but also contribute to reducing mosquito populations over time, thereby curbing the spread of malaria within communities.

In sustaining the fight against malaria in Nigeria, WHO has been playing a pivotal role by providing guidance, resources, and technical assistance to federal and state governments. Collaborating with the Nigerian government, through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), WHO with funding from global funds facilitates coordination among stakeholders and offers technical support in guiding policy formulation and response.

Joining Nigeria to commemorate 2024 World Malaria Day, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, represented by Dr Alex Chimabru, the Deputy Country Representative says the fight against malaria is not just a health issue, it is a matter of social justice and human rights. 

Reiterating WHO’s continual support to FMoH/NMEP and all other Malaria partners through the provision of technical support and guidance to implement the activities necessary to meet the National goals, Dr Mulombo states that “By accelerating our efforts to expand access to life-saving interventions, improve health systems, and address the underlying determinants of malaria transmission, we can create a more equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Let us change the narrative now and work together to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of malaria elimination. Through collective action, innovation, and unwavering commitment, we can achieve our shared goal of a malaria-free future for all”.

World Malaria Day, held on 25 March every year aims to raise awareness of the life-threatening disease. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World’, highlights the need for better political intervention in malaria control and prevention.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.