Day: October 22, 2023

Stakeholders in the education sector have identified multiple school levies as one of the key factors driving Nigerian children out of school.

The stakeholders spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a ground-breaking summit on Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, hosted by the UK charity, IA-Foundation, which ended in Lagos on Sunday.

The theme of the summit was: “Street to School: Panacea to a Menace”.

In her contribution, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, argued that government at all levels should take immediate steps to discourage multiple levies in schools.

She said that multiple levies in schools were imposing heavy burdens on many parents, forcing them to resort to the option of withdrawing their children and wards from schools.

According to her it has become imperative to apply practical, proactive and pragmatic approaches for Nigeria to change the narrative in the out-of-school crisis.

The British-born Adeagbo, who has thrown her hat into the ring to make the difference in Nigeria’s education sector, lamented that having 20.2 million out-of-school children in Nigeria was distressing.

“In global comparison, one out of every five out-of-school children is in Nigeria.

“UNESCO says that Nigeria has 20.2 million children out of school, which give or take is 10 per cent of our population.

“If this does not keep you awake at night, I wonder what does.

“This menace should be a burning issue and should no longer be business as usual.

“Together, we shall strive to make a difference that will help change the current trajectory,” Adeagbo said.

On her part, Mrs Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, a panelist at the event, said that everyone must contribute to the reduction of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

“Members of the family should realise that there must be a contribution to that and reallocation of what they consider a priority for children both male and female to be educated to optimal levels,” she added.

Also speaking, a traditional ruler, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, commended IA-Foundation for raising the bar by taking young Nigerian children back to school.

“I commend your vision for ensuring a better future for our country through the activities of IA-Foundation.

“I commend you for tenaciously doing what many of us ought to be doing as social entrepreneurs and as people who can pivot into the future using the past as a model,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has warned residents against driving or walking through flood water to prevent avoidable death.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting Response and Mitigation, FEMA, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Wenegieme, while reacting to the demise of a 31-year-old motorcyclist from flooding in Abuja on Friday, appealed to residents to listen to FEMA’s warnings to save their lives from untimely and preventable death.

NAN reports that the deceased, identified as Yakubu Lucky, after a heavy downpour on Friday, defied warnings from the local divers stationed at Dogon Gada in Lokogoma District of the FCT by FEMA, drove into a pool of water and drowned.

She said that the sad incident was avoidable; stressing that FEMA barricaded the road to stop people from going in and out of the community whenever the road was flooded.

“We have our local divers and vanguards stationed there to stop people.

“We have also mounted billboards at that particular location and other vulnerable areas, warning residents not to drive or walk in running water.

“But people pay deaf ears to our warnings; resulting in preventable deaths.

“In Lucky’s case, because he was on a motorcycle and assumed he knew the road very well; he navigated through the barricade and into the pool of flooding water, leading to his untimely death.”

The director said that FEMA had been carrying out massive sensitisation campaigns throughout the year to enlighten residents on how to stay safe during flooding and other emergencies.

She expressed concern that despite several awareness campaigns in communities, some residents still ignored FEMA’s warnings against going through flood water.

“We will continue to sensitise residents against any action that will risk their lives during disaster or any kind of emergency.

“But while we do our part; we are appealing to the residents to cooperate with us; heed to our advice and warnings to keep them safe.

“Our trained local divers, volunteers, vanguards and emergency marshalls are in every community to ensure time response to emergency situations.

“They are also in the communities to advise and caution residents during emergencies.

“Please listen to them and do what they asked you to do to keep everyone safe,” she said. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Brent Mortgage Bank Limited, a leading Primary Mortgage Bank (PMB), has formally appointed new members into its board and management team.

Mr Adeniyi Bilesanmi, the bank’s Executive Director, Business Development and Corporate Services, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday from the bank’s head office in Lagos.

“Dr Oluseye Awojobi, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB), was appointed as the Board Chairman, with his appointment being effective from August 2023.

“He was the immediate-past Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN),” he said.

Bilesanmi, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA), also announced that Mrs Adeola Simon, a Honourary Chartered Institute of Bankers (HCIB), has been appointed the new Managing Director/CEO.

“She had been acting in that position since January and was previously the bank’s Executive Director (ED) in charge of Credit and Enterprise Risk Management.”

He added that Mrs Folashade Onyia (FCA), Mr Bola Aruna (FCA) and Mrs Eniola Obe (HCIB) were also appointed in September to the board as Non-Executive Directors.

“They joined two other Non-Executive Directors —- Mr Lanre Obisesan (FCIB) and Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji (FCIB) —- who have been on the board since 2016,” Bilesanmi said.

The Executive Director said the appointments have come after the successful completion of tenure of the bank’s former Board Chairman, MD/CEO and three Non-Executive Directors.

“It is expected that their diverse experiences shall bring positive strides, tremendous growth and achievements to Brent Mortgage Bank Limited,” he said.

Mr Bilesanmi added that the appointments were in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines of a maximum of 12 years for Board of Directors.

“In addition to this is the fact that these new appointments will help to also reposition the bank for future challenges and growth,” he said.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and daughter of President Bola Tinubu and other Nigerians drawn from different backgrounds, have received the 2023 Peace Achievers International Awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award ceremony of the 12th edition of the prestigious annual event took place on Saturday night at the Abuja Continental Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu-Ojo receive an award of Excellence in Peace and Community Developement and was also named the Best Business Person of the Year.

Other recipients of the Excellence in Peace and Community Development award included Eze Boniface Ariekpere Ajuzie of Isiala Ngwa, Abia State, Dr Gideon Osi, and Rt Hon. Ahmed Mohammed and Dr Ubon Udoh.

Other Nigerians who made this year’s Peace Achievers ‘roll-call’ are Dr Jim Chimezie, Hon. Dubem Oguegbu, Fatima Suleman, Asiwe Emeke, Dr Amina Mohammed, PR expert Alex Nwankwo and popular comic comedian Obinna Simon, among others.

Awardees of the Excellence in Peace and Community include Abdurazaq Zubair, Ummusalma Rabiu, Maj-Gen Solomon Bitrus and Stephanie Onusiriuka, who was named the Sports Personality of the Year.

Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director and chairman of the Planning Committee, who congratulated the recipients, said the award recognises individuals who have contributed immensely to nation-building, through peace-driven initiatives, education and youth empowerment.

According to him, the 12th edition of the annual awards, with the theme “Sustainable Peace and Economic Growth in Africa”, is geared towards bringing to the fore the importance of peace in driving economic prosperity.

He, therefore, urged the awardees to see the honour as a ‘higher calling’ towards deeper commitment to peace building in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

“I want to congratulate all the 2023 recipients of the 12th Peace Achievers International Awards and the Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

“The Peace Achievers International Awards is a private initiative of peace Ambassador Agency to recognize individuals and organisations in Africa who have demonstrated strong commitment in serving their communities.

“We are building a movement involving all sectors of the society that promote peace and unity in Africa.

“There is no better time than this to honour outstanding personalities like you, so together we can build a global partnership for peace,” he said

Amafibe explained that although there were a lot of patriotic men and women who have contributed meaningfully in the peace building project in Nigeria, it was imperative to honour the ‘outstanding’ ones.

NAN reports that the American Management University conferred Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Management on Tinubu-Ojo and other Nigerians at the event.

Dr Samuel Ojong, African Representative of the University, who conducted the conferment rites, urged the recipients of the honour to be good ambassadors of the university.

In her remark, Tinubu-Ojo expressed delight for the recognition and commended the organisers of the Peace Achievers International Awards and the American Management University for the initiative and honour. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Christopher Maikalangu, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Sunday began distribution of palliatives approved by the Federal Government to no fewer than 100 residents of the area council.

Maikalangu said the palliatives were meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The chairman who appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the provision of the palliatives, also commended the FCT Minister for ensuring that the palliatives got the people at the grassroot.

He said that the council on its part showed a sense of equality and transparency in the distribution of the palliatives.

“Residents of AMAC were invited, irrespective of their ethnic groups, religion inclination and political affiliation.

“They were all drawn from the 12 political wards of the council, we want to continue the good works and show commitment in order to touch the lives of our people,” he said.

He called for contributions from good-spirited individuals and philanthropists to help meet the needs of the people, as the government could not do it alone.

He however enjoined the recipients to make optimal use of the palliatives.

A beneficiary, Mr John Musa, appreciated the federal government, the Minister and the AMAC Chairman for the palliatives.

“I am so happy today and I want to appreciate them all for these palliatives.

“The people are happy with the food items we have received as these items would go a long way in our lives,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items distributed include; rice, maize, vegetable oil among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Chief Segun Awolowo, grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, late Premier of the defunct Western Region, is excited at the plan to stage the play “Awo”, in Uk in May 2024.

The play, which is produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, was staged in Lagos in 2022.

It chronicles the life and times of the sage that died in 1987.

Segun, in a letter he personally addressed to Mr Joseph Edgar, Chairman, Duke of Shomolu Foundation, said himself and other members of the Awolowo family received the news with utmost joy and excitement.

“The news has elicited excitement not only to me, but all members of the family.

“I remember watching the play at the historic Glover Hall in Lagos (where my late grandfather equally saw great theatrical works in his capacity as Premier of the Western Region).

“I must state that I marvelled at such great artistical and historically accurate output.

“It is for this reason that I do not hesitate to not only endorse the UK showing, but to also render any kind of support within my means to make this exciting project record massive success.

“I personally look forward to hosting your guests at the cocktail that would be organised on the back of the momentous ocasion,” he wrote.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was also a Federal Commissioner of Finance, was one of the founding fathers of Nigeria.

Others in his league included Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first civilian President, and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister.

Also in that group was Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Two state governors have confirmed their intention to watch “Fajuyi”, a play on the late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, the military governor of old Western Region.

The play, which was produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, a historical theatrical plays producing outfit, is to be staged in Lagos on Nov. 5.

According to Mr Joseph Edgar, Chairman, Duke of Shomolu Foundation, the duo include AbduRahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.

Also expected is their former Ondo counterpart, Kayode Fayemi.

Others expected in Lagos for the show are Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Sen. Michael Opeyemi and Amb. Thomas Ironsi.

Others include Mr Donald Fajuyi, Dr Tunji Olowolafe and Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the play was first staged in Ado-Ekiti, the birth place of Fajuyi.

NAN recalls that at the Ado-Ekiti show on Oct. 14, Gov Oyebanji advocated the creation of a national monument in honour of Fajuyi.

He also called for a post-homous national award to benefit his family as a mark of recognition for the heroic deeds of the late soldier.

“The Ado-Ekiti-born Fajuyi symbolised honour, integrity and unparalleled loyalty.

“His legacy continues to shine brightly. As a state, we shall always honour his memory.

“Ekiti Kete will embrace Fajuyi’s legacy – emphasisng and exhibiting his values of courage and dedication wherever we go,” he had said.

“Fajuyi” was written and directed by Prof. Rasaki Ojo, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts and Culture.

The families of Adekunle Fajuyi and Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi are to be represented by their first sons, Mr Donald Fajuyi and Chief Thomas Ironsi, at the Lagos show.

The play is sponsored by Premium Trust Bank, MTN Foundation and Purple Anchor Insurance.

Its executive producers include Dr Tunji Olowolafe and Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar for the Duke of Shomolu Foundation. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ms Toun Sonaiya, Chief Executive Officer, Women Radio 91.7 FM, Lagos, says efforts are underway to reposition women for greater impact on society.

Sonaiya stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, to announce its 7th edition of Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2023), scheduled for Oct. 25 in Abuja.

She explained that the conference with the theme, “Repositioning Women for Greater Impact” was designed to change societal norms and institutional frameworks that impede women’s progress.

This, according to her, will allow women to take on more significant roles in governance and leadership.

She disclosed that leaders, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders across Africa would converge in Nigeria for the conference.

She said that the conference would provide the needed platform to share knowledge and find innovative solutions to gender imbalance in leadership and governance.

“Although several policies, and advocacies are in place to promote gender balance, huge gaps still exist in economic empowerment and leadership.

“This is why we have invited speakers from Namibia, Kenya, and Liberia and host country Nigeria to share practical steps and strategies on women’s inclusion, economic empowerment, ownership, and effective allocation of financial resources.

“The outcome will be used to develop a strategic policy document to improve women’s inclusion and leadership,” she said.

She added that the conference would also galvanise actions that recognises the immense potential within women and underscores the necessity of their empowerment for the betterment of the nation.

The CEO disclosed that the Vice Presidents of Nigeria, Liberia, as well as other leaders from Namibia, Kenya, state governors and wives of governors were expected to speak at the conference.

According to her, VOW2023 is leveraging the collective wisdom of experts and practitioners from various African countries, including Namibia, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, and host country Nigeria.

“The aim is to have each expert share practical steps taken, both by individually and governments to amplify women’s voices in leadership.

“Women have consistently proven their ability to excel in various fields, from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership.

“However, a staggering number of women continue to face economic disparities that hinder their progress.

“VOW2023 seeks to address these disparities and unveil strategies to unlock the economic potential of women.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that VOW 2023 Conference and Awards is an initiative of Women Radio 91.7, Nigeria’s only radio station for women and their families.

The conference is being organised in partnership with Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Other partners are Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Sterling Bank, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, and Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI). (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria