LASU 77th Inaugural Lecture: Prof Wusu reiterates influence of sexual, reproductive behaviour on economic wellbeing

Success Damian:

Professor of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the Lagos State University (LASU), Onipede Wusu, has reiterated the influence of sexual and reproductive behaviour on economic well-being in society, adding that Poverty is the function of sex and reproductive life.

Wusu took the position while delivering the 77^th Inaugural Lecture of the institution on Tuesday, April 27, at Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo Campus.

Topic of the lecture was “Gift of Nature: The Soft Underbelly of Society Wellbeing”.

The Professor was able to establish a link between sex, reproduction and their implication in wellbeing of the society.

Wusu said that if men and women get the sexual as well as reproductive lives right, it will wholesomely affect the wellbeing of the family, society and the country at large.

In his Recommendations he said that the society should support women to provide for themselves; adding that it will help the society; he also stated that Counselling and health centres will help the young people tremendously.

The inaugural lecturer went further to advise that the older generation should not take advantage of the young people, in the area of aristo. They should not lure them because of money and material things.

He said that teaching of sex education is imperative and will be of tremendous assistance, adding that the use of contraceptive, either local or otherwise should be well encouraged.

Wusu maintained that Gender revolution is also affecting sexuality, he said that young ladies are now asking why sex is attached to marriage, while some ladies patronise the older generation, which he called ‘aristo’, because of what they gain from such illicit affair, says Prof. Wusu

He also insists that the Mass media has equally influenced the sexual behaviour of young people in the society. He said findings have shown that those who are exposed to mass media early frequently engage in sex, according to a research. He however added that Mass media, on the other hand, offer some level of protection.

Wusu disclosed that in the course of his research, he found out that an average Nigerian is religious, he also queried the actual role of religion in sexual behaviour of young people; he came to the conclusion that the religions only advise the young people against multiple sex partners. He then challenged the churches and the mosques on how they are making impact as regards sexuality.

The inaugural Lecturer disclosed that according a survey he carried out in 2010 at LASU and UNILAG, he said 63.1% and 72% of males and females respectively reported that they have lost their virginity. Their ages were around 18 and 19. He acknowledged that the older people exposed the young ladies to sex because of what the young ones will gain: money and other things.

Poverty and peer group influence are factors that make young people fall for older ones. He added that broken homes, drugs, too are real factors.

He said that some of the consequences of unguarded sexual behavior  are HIV/ AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted childbirth, inability to contribute to nation building.

He said even in marriages frequent pregnancies contribute to population growth and with comes dangers of poverty among others.

 

 

 

Okadigbo emerges OTU Lagos Branch Vice Chairman, promises excellent service

Success Damian:

Chukwudi Emeh, popularly known as Okadigbo among his people, has been elected the Vice Chairman of Osina Town Union (OTU) Lagos Branch.

In a keenly contested election which took place at Ozubulu Hall, Festac Town Lagos on Sunday, April 25, 2021, Okadigbo emerged winner beating other two contestants.

Okadigbo who is also the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ejigbo LCDA chapter, obtained 43 votes while the other contestants obtained 3 and 4 votes to emerge distant second and third respectively.

After the epic battle, Emeh was sworn in by the group's Legal Adviser, Chief (Barrister) Mike Orjiakor of Dikeogbogu Chambers, according to the bye-law of OTU Lagos Branch.

While thanking is followers and supporters, Emeh promised to join the chairman of the group to ensure that the objectives of the association are realized.

He also promised to assist in the membership drive of the union to make sure that Osina youths in Lagos register with the union.

Chairman, OTU Lagos Branch, Chief (Sir) Ernest Eze, Orabugwueze,  congratulated the newly elected Vice Chairman while also appreciating other members for ensuring a rancour free, free and fair election, stressing that that was the spirit of Osina in action.

The President General of Osina Community, Chief Kelechi Ejeagwu (Mbata Etoom) also congratulated Emeh while also appreciating the competitive spirit of those who lost in the election, appealing to them to join hands to move Osina to another level.

Ejeagwu used the opportunity to inform the Branch on preparations towards the maiden edition of Osina Day celebration which will come up in December, 2021.

He also told meeting that all parts of Osina have been reconnected to public power supply through the efforts of his administration.

Recall that Osina was without light for more than ten years until the new OTU leadership headed by Ejeagwu.

Ejeagwu is also an illustrious member of Lagos Branch. He was also the former Vice Chairman of the group before he was elected PG of his town. The election was therefore conducted to fill the vacancy created by his elevation as PG. 

 

 

Okadigbo emerges OTU Lagos Branch Vice Chairman, promises excellent service

Success Damian:

Chukwudi Emeh, popularly known as Okadigbo among his people, has been elected the Vice Chairman of Osina Town Union (OTU) Lagos Branch.

In a keenly contested election which took place at Ozubulu Hall, Festac Town Lagos on Sunday, April 25, 2021, Okadigbo emerged winner beating other two contestants.

Okadigbo who is also the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ejigbo LCDA chapter, obtained 43 votes while the other contestants obtained 3 and 4 votes to emerge distant second and third respectively.

After the epic battle, Emeh was sworn in by the group's Legal Adviser, Chief (Barrister) Mike Orjiakor of Dikeogbogu Chambers, according to the bye-law of OTU Lagos Branch.

While thanking is followers and supporters, Emeh promised to join the chairman of the group to ensure that the objectives of the association are realized.

He also promised to assist in the membership drive of the union to make sure that Osina youths in Lagos register with the union.

Chairman, OTU Lagos Branch, Chief (Sir) Ernest Eze, Orabugwueze,  congratulated the newly elected Vice Chairman while also appreciating other members for ensuring a rancour free, free and fair election, stressing that that was the spirit of Osina in action.

The President General of Osina Community, Chief Kelechi Ejeagwu (Mbata Etoom) also congratulated Emeh while also appreciating the competitive spirit of those who lost in the election, appealing to them to join hands to move Osina to another level.

Ejeagwu used the opportunity to inform the Branch on preparations towards the maiden edition of Osina Day celebration which will come up in December, 2021.

He also told meeting that all parts of Osina have been reconnected to public power supply through the efforts of his administration.

Recall that Osina was without light for more than ten years until the new OTU leadership headed by Ejeagwu.

Ejeagwu is also an illustrious member of Lagos Branch. He was also the former Vice Chairman of the group before he was elected PG of his town. The election was therefore conducted to fill the vacancy created by his elevation as PG.. 

 

Pantami saga: A sad commentary, says PFN

Success Damian:

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has decried the continuous presence and the retention of the controversial Communication Minister, Isah Pantami, in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the development as absurd and ludicrous.

Besides, PFN noted that the Pantami's defence by the Buhari-led administration was an indication that the government was not serious about its fight against Boko Haram insurgency and other related security challenges facing the country.

According to the President of the body, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the controversy currently generated by the Pantami saga was needless as he (Pantami) ought to have resigned or be sacked on account of his past complimentary stance on Boko Haram and the insurgents.”

 

Wale Oke made these known in a statement issued on Monday by the PFN Media Department as signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bishop Emmah Gospel Isong.

 

"That Pantami is still in Buhari's government, tells much about who we are and the mockery that trails us. What is the man still doing in government; why has he not resigned or why has he not been sacked by the government? More questions than answers or are we running a government of abradacabra, the more you look, the less you see?"

The PFN President who is also the Presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries Ibadan, lamented that the Buhari's government supposed fight against insurgency, banditry and the like, was after all, a facade.                                 

"To us at the PFN, the Buhari's government is not sincere in its alleged war against Boko Haram, killer herdsmen and other criminalities. Do we have to look beyond our shoulders for the sponsors of the mindless killings and bloodshed currently ravaging our country? The answer is no! The government knows them" the statement added.

The PFN insisted that things would continue to go awry for the nation unless the government and its people learn to be just and righteous, demanding that those behind various heinous crimes in the country be made to face the wrath of law no matter how highly placed.

"Regardless of our religions, where we come from and who we are, Nigeria belongs to us all as enshrined in our constitution. That is sacrosanct and must strictly be adhered to and respected by all."

Wale Oke bemoaned that criminal activities have been festering under this administration due to the way it has been treating those behind it with kid gloves, warning that the situation would degenerate unless concrete steps were taken to salvage it.

"We want to urge President Buhari to rise above primordial sentiments and sectional attachments in dealing with the issue at hand. Frankly speaking, it's no longer at ease for the nation and its people. We want Nigeria that we can proudly call our own. The present one we are all living in, is nothing to write home about" he further decried.

The Fellowship then called on the government to do all within its reach to ensure that the sponsors of criminal activities in the country were not only fished out but brought to book in accordance with the law of the land.

 

Setting the stage for installation of Dr. Nkereuwem Etukudoh as Akwa-Ibom Pillar of Sports, the lessons

Cyriacus Nnaji:

Nigeria the giant of Africa, not just because of its landmass, population and burgeoning economy primarily from crude petroleum, far from those even though those characteristics are also among the indices of greatness, but Nigeria was also a strategic factor in sports in Africa.

In the late 70s and 80s up till late 90s Nigeria played critical key roles in sports development in Africa, leading to her winning laurels in various facets of sports which were empirically evidenced in numerous football and Olympic medals garnered by young Nigerian men and women. The 1994 Nations Cup victory, the 1996 Under-23 Gold, the dominance of Nigeria in Under 17 and Under-23 in the 90s were clear exemplifications of a well structured, well tailored road map for sports development and those yielded expected results.

Grassroots sports development is a sure basics and fundamental step towards achieving large volume success not only in Nigeria but internationally.

Sports development is also an avenue for the youths to ventilate their passions, divert their attention from crime and help engage in nation building as it were.

Orji Uzor Kalu’s support for sports during his tenure as governor of Abia State enabled Enyimba Football Club to win African Champions League back to back in 2003 and 2004. With that Enyimba ended 35 years Champions league drought for Nigeria. The truth is that nothing happens by chance, there must be dream, vision, planning and execution.

In the old good days, football especially was based on catch them young philosophy, Inter-house Sports, Inter-school tournaments which were played from local, state and national level, the Shell Cup, grassroots, scouts moved from one location to another thereby grooming these young ones into national assets that represented the nation, hoisting Nigerian flag at continental and global events, such were the place of Nigeria.

What happened along the line could be attributable to what is happening to the nation generally, in politics, economy, health and others; so sports was not immune to the rancorous, discordant policy summersault of the nation in general.

Indeed the coming of Dr. Nkereuwem Etukudoh to resuscitate sports in Akwa-Ibom is not only timely, it is borne out of passion, love for the youth and sports all together.

Obong Sunday Nkereuwem Etukudoh after a careful study of what needed to be done to resuscitate and rebuild football in his state, Akwa-Ibom, decided  to pool resources to sponsor the Under-15 Boys Soccer Tournament under the title: Akwa-Ibom Pillar of Sports Under-15 Boys Soccer Tournament.

The maiden edition of Akwa Ibom Pillar of Sports Under-15 Boys Soccer Tournament kicked off in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital last Saturday with screening of players. 

The screening exercise which took place at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Sports field, was witnessed by the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Evang. Uwem Ekoh, Secretary, Mr. Isonguyo Iniodu, Organizing Secretary, Coach Idongesit Udofia and other sports stakeholders who all commended the Provost, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Nkereuwem Etukudoh for reviving youth football competition in the state through the sponsorship of the Tournament.

Addressing the players before the screening, Evang. Uwem Ekoh advised them to be of good conduct and should play according to the rules and regulations of the tournament.Elder Ekoh warned against the use of over-aged players, stressing that the tournament is mainly for players under the age of 15. 

A total of 16 teams have been cleared to participate in the week-long tournament which final is coming up on Tuesday, 27th April, 2021, the day the Akwa Ibom Pillar of Sports will be installed by the State Chapter of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).

As at the time of filing this report, in a draw ceremony conducted after the screening, three matches were scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 20th April, 2021 at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Sports-field. 

In the first match of the day, Blessed Stars Football Club Under-15 Team will lock horns with Macito Solution by 9am. The second match of the day will be between Immortality Football Academy and Gifted Hands Football Academy. 

The last match of the day will feature Spinal Cord Football Academy and Greater Tomorrow Sports Academy.

Indeed every good work deserves its reward, those who serve their state, nation or people with diligence and resources have their names written in gold and in the sand of history.

Based on his numerous sporting activities, sponsorships and Midas touch in all he does, the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has decided to install Obong Sunday Nkereuwem Etukudoh (Eti Ufan Ndito Ubuene) as the Akwa Ibom Pillar of Sports.

To be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Emerald Event Centre, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo at 10am, the stage has indeed set to for the august ceremony. He who the cap fits let him where it, yes, this is a perfect match, the installation of an illustrious son of Akwa-Ibom as their Pillar of Sports.

 

Zone Governorship slot of our party to Anambra South, Umenzekwe tells APC

Success Damian:

Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Modestus Umenzekwe has called on his party to ensure it zones the Governorship slot to Anambra South in the forthcoming primaries for the November Gubernatorial election.

Umenzekwe took the stand in Lagos while speaking to journalists.

“I don’t know yet, but as a person, as an individual, I would advise our party to zone the governorship of Anambra State to Anambra South, I would advise them to do so, taking into consideration what you have said now, Anambra South has not had a fair share.

“In as much as it is not constitutional, but let them zone it. But I don’t want it to be a do or die affair, because APC is a family, let them sit down and discuss it, and extend hand of fellowship to all other zones, let them do it amicably and leave it for Anambra South,” Umenzekwe advised.

Speaking on what to expect from APC in the primary he said “We are expecting a person with integrity, a person with capacity, a person that is known, a person who can draw people from Northeast, Northwest, North Central, Southwest, South-South, Southeast, and even beyond this country.”

Speaking further he stressed “We want a person that is properly connected, somebody that knows this country very well, somebody that has gathered experience in governance, we don’t want a push over; we don’t want somebody that hasn’t even got the capacity to run for governorship election because you are contending with other parties.

“It is going to be a very big battle, not battle with gun or machete or whatever, but a political battle with PDP and APGA, so we have to get somebody that is neat, that even hasn’t gotten any dent at all but has capacity to lead us and with that we are good to go,” he added.

Umenzekwe maintained that the number of candidates gunning for the governorship position in Anambra is a welcome development. “It can’t cause confusion to the best of my knowledge, because all of them are going to go into primaries, whoever that emerges, others will support. That is the way it should be. The number doesn’t really matter; it gives us room to actually choose, so you don’t accuse Mr A or Mr B of trying to hijack the process, so it is even better that way.”

Umenzekwe also who would not recommend any particular candidate for his party said all those aspiring to be governor under APC are all of exceptional qualities. “It is the Primary that will determine, they are going to the Primary. All the candidates in APC are qualified, very powerful and very clean candidates. I am proud with the array of candidates that have emerged in APC; yes I am proud of them.”

 

Stakeholders discuss Cloud Hosting Services, Data Centre as Rudman chairs NITRA Tech Forum 2021

Success Damian:

Muhammed Rudman, Chief Executive Officer, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Nigeria's first and only neutral IXP, will chair NITRA Technology Forum 2021.

In a press statement, the event which has been slated to hold on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos will gather industry stakeholders in the Cloud hosting services and Data Centre to discuss issues around the growth of data hosting, preservation and utilisation in the country.

The NITRA Technology Forum with the theme: ‘Achieving 30% Growth in Local Cloud Hosting by 2024’, will also discuss challenges and solutions to factors mitigating against effective domiciliation of Nigeria’s locally-generated data.

According to the organisers, the choice of Mr. Rudman to chair this Edition was borne out of his passion and contribution to the growth of local content in the industry and everything data.

Rudman is also the current President of NiRA, the .ng registry, as well as the DNS Administrator contact for Nigeria. He is a member of ccNSO, and has worked in a technical capacity with many Nigerian Internet Service Providers.

According to the Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, over the years, Nigeria has been grappling with the need to secure the country’s data and further boost local content in all sectors of the economy, and key stakeholders are worried and concerned about how the sector is faring in this area, and how it can achieve local hosting of our sensitive data. Growth should be inside-out.

The Covid-19 pandemic has also presented an eye-opener to many companies on the need to fortify their data and cloud architecture.

“Specifically, the Forum will offer Cloud service companies, data infrastructure companies and other stakeholders, opportunities to reach out to their target market with solutions that address their challenges and needs.

“Through the Forum, stakeholders will be able to discuss current challenges affecting Cloud businesses, policies that should facilitate growth and solutions to the challenges identified,” Onwuegbuchi said.

The world increasingly exploits information technology for innovative services and competitive advantage, the data centre is playing a rapidly expanding role in job creation and growth of cloud hosting services in the country as well as the overall economic recovery.

As an aspiring digital economy, Nigeria has also witnessed significant investments in data centres being established in the country. And it has often been argued that the availability of world class Data centres in Nigeria is critical infrastructure required for the implementation of the country’s Broadband initiatives, hence the convergence of the forum by NITRA, the umbrella association for ICT journalists in Nigeria and watchdog to the growth and development of the industry

 

 

Cancer is curable... says VC PCU ...warns against consumption of ponmo

Success Damian:

Vice Chancellor of the Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, Prof Kola Oloke, has identified the consumption of animal protein as the major cause of cancer which has led to the death of many

He assured that the disease was not only preventable but curable. 

Oloke, a renowned Microbiologist who revealed this while speaking at a seminar titled; Life Style, Diseases and Management, which was held at the PCU campus, Ibadan, on Tuesday, equally warned against the consumption of animal skin called ponmo.

"Consumption of animal protein can lead to diseases in the body. More importantly, it causes cancer. Run away from meat, especially the red meat. If you want to eat chicken, eat the local one.Animal skin known as ponmo is harmful to the body; it has no nutritional value" he said.

According to the Vice Chancellor, 60% chronic diseases mostly assailing the people could be prevented through healthy diet, adding “other lifestyle measures, must include managing stress, avoiding toxins (like alcohol and tobacco), regular exercise and ensuring adequate sleep"

Oloke who maintained that diseases such as cancer could be cured through nutrition, said lifestyle could determine the level of sicknesses individual could be nursing in the body.

"One of the things that cancer cells thrive on is sugar. So if you can take off the consumption of sugar from any cancer patient, you would have helped the patient. Some foods and fruits are high in sugar content such as banana, apple, pineapple and carbohydrates. Also, cancer patients should avoid animal-based milk but can be consuming plant-based milk" the VC further cautioned

According to him, beans is the best meal for those suffering from the ailment, stressing, "the best meal for cancer patients is beans prepared with olive oil and not red oil. Snail, croaker fish, carbage and leafy vegetables, among others, are good and nutritious for cancer patients"

He added that with proper nutrition, cancer cells could be killed, noting further that "Consumption of walnuts can kill cancer. Soya products are equally good but avoid soya oil. Soya milk is good for breast cancer. 

The Professor of Microbiologist who has won many local and international awards, further stressed that with good diet, man could live beyond 100 years, "Eating vegetables is one of the surest ways of staying healthy. Sugar or sweet things are greatest enemies of man"

While noting that plant-based foods lower diabetes and liver risk, he averred that the consumption of vegetables help a great deal, in controlling sugar levels, listing some other foods that could decrease heart attack, stroke and cancer, among others, to include, Avacado, Green Tea, and natural  Orange Juice, warning people to be mindful of their intakes.

“In Europe during World War II, the death rate caused by heart disease, fell, as people were forced to eat less cholesterol-ridden foods. In other words, it is better for your heart for you to eat a low fat, vegetarian diet while bombs drop around you than to enjoy your steak in peace" advised the VC.

According to him, with meat associated infectious diseases, millions of cases of food poisoning are recorded every year which could be traceable to the consumption of meat, especially those “with mad cow disease and helminthic infestations"

To this end, he enjoined people to work out their lifestyle by living a healthy life, stressing "Rhythmic activities of our mind and body, include hormones; circulation, digestion, brain waves and state of consciousness. Realize that your next day begins when you go to sleep. Maintain a healthy BMI, good nutrition, regular exercise and a spiritual practice."

 

MTN, Galaxy Backbone, VDT, Inq, Remita, others partner eBusinesslife on Girls in ICT Campaign

Success Damian:

As the date for the eBusinesslife International Girls in ICT Day draws near, more corporate organisations have come to align with the campaign geared at sensitising young girls to take up career paths that are related to ICT.

According to a press statement, the event which is slated to hold at Oriental Hotel, Lagos on Thursday, April 22, 2021 has attracted support from MTN Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone, VDT Communications, Inq Digital, SystemSpecs and Caleb Ayanwusi Foundation. The nation’s telecommunication regulatory body, the Nigerian communications Commission (NCC) has earlier taken the lead as a partner to the event.

With the theme, “Expand Horizons, Change Attitudes: Breaking Gender Norms in Career Choices”, the event is part of a global campaign to encourage young girls to delve into ICT as a profession and contribute their quota to the growth of the industry in Nigeria while also actualising self-development.

To be chaired by the Founder and Executive Director, Cybersafe Foundation, Constance Staveley, the eBusiness Life International Girls in ICT Day celebration, which is in its 10^th edition, will see students from select secondary schools converge for seminar and competition. Also a roundtable discussion, interactive and motivational talk from renowned women ICT professionals, will be part of the events lined up for the day. It is expected that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami and the Minister of Women Affairs and Social development, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, will be the Special Guests of Honour, with other government officials in support.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of eBusiness Life Communication and convener of the event, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, the need to sensitise young girls is premised on the fact that the society has unconsciously relegated the female gender and delegated careers in technical fields, especially in ICT, to their male counterparts.

She called on corporate bodies and the society at large to recommit to supporting every girl to develop her skills, enter the workforce on equal terms and reach her full potential. “We need to equip the girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness. Having role models will also be critical, especially in the sciences and other fields where the presence of women is sparse.”

She further noted that efforts should be made to introduce young girls to career opportunities in technical fields in both the public and private sectors to help them have a wide range of options and contribute their quota in the industry.

Mrs Emuophedaro stated that pursuant of the International Girls in ICT Day celebration and subsequent campaign will further open up opportunities for girls in the ICT sector.

Speaking further, Mrs. Emuophedaro noted that supporting the global Girls in ICT movement empowers girls and young women, giving them the confidence to pursue ICT studies and careers. “Girls and young women have the potential not only to become ICT users, but also to become ICT creators. “

She had earlier called on corporate bodies and the society at large to recommit to supporting every girl to develop her skills, enter the workforce on equal terms and reach her full potential.

She said: “We need to equip the girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness. Having role models will also be critical, especially in the sciences and other fields where the presence of women is sparse.”

She further noted that efforts should be made to introduce young girls to career opportunities in technical fields in both the public and private sectors to help them have a wide range of options and contribute their quota in the industry.

A statement from the organisers concerning the partners for the event indicates that they are socially responsible corporate organisations that have played well in their sectors.

MTN Nigeria, is one of Africa’s largest providers of communications services, connecting over 76.5 million people in communities across the country with each other and the world.  Guided by a vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world, MTN Nigeria has been in the forefront of this campaign to build human capacity in Nigeria.

Systemspecs, with its flagship solution, Remita has been able to transform the epayment arena in Nigeria, becoming a top choice for remittance of funds both in the private and public sectors of the economy. The company’s support for the campaign is stemmed on its belief in global competitiveness through manpower development.

VDT Communications, which, aside its backbone and broadband service provision, operates a Modular Trainee Engineering Program through which it trains engineering graduates annually, says its quest to train young Nigerians is to increase their employability in the industry, especially young girls. The company had consistently partnered with the organisers on the campaign.

Inq. Digital, which rebranded from Vodacom Business Nigeria, is a leading provider of total communication solutions that delivers reliability in bringing power of cloud to networking stacks. It is a leading pan-African corporate connectivity and telecommunications provider that has brought affordable and reliable connectivity to Africa.

Galaxy Backbone PLC is a public enterprise of the Federal Government of Nigeria incorporated in 2006 with the primary mandate of setting up and operating a unified ICT infrastructure platform that addresses the connectivity, transversal and other technology imperatives. Galaxy Backbone was established in 2006 by the Federal Government based on the need for Government to pursue a coordinated and harmonized approach to ICT acquisition, operation and use in the public sector.

International Girls’ in ICT Day is an initiative launched through an ITU Resolution with the idea of creating a global environment that will empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in the field of ICT.

 

2023: Abundance United Movement Lagos State mobilises for Tinubu, Obasa

 Cyriacus Nnaji

Abundance United Movement Lagos State is leaving no stone unturned in her quest to ensure that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu becomes the President of Nigeria by 2023.

The group is also behind the aspiration of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the current Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, to become the senator representing Lagos West in the National Assembly by 2023.

The Movement on Sunday, April 11, 2021 gathered who is who in Lagos political firmament at Ijigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat, to garner support for both Tinubu and Obasa.

Leader and Founder of Abundance Movement, the Lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon (Dr) Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is eminently qualified to be President of  Nigeria.

“Asiwaju came out with a formula that today made Lagos what it is in terms of internally generated revenue (IGR) and today you cannot beat Lagos in terms of internally generated revenue. Besides he is somebody who can pick up talents, he makes a lot of people; he picked me and I know some of us here also benefitted from him. He is also somebody who has been fighting for democracy, remember the era of NADECO. These are qualities you cannot take away from this man.”

Idimogu also stressed that Tinubu being a former Governor and Senator, is connected within and outside the shores of Nigeria, insisting that these are qualities that stand him out “Apart from that, Tinubu has people all over the country, both Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, for me he is a detribalized Nigerian, and like I said, I have not seen anybody that is capable as he is as I speak to you, I don’t know what will happen by 2023. As far as I am concerned as of today he is the best candidate.

“The experience is there, he has once been a governor, a senator, and besides, Lagos is performing, he is internationally connected, for you to be a president of Nigeria you must have international connection, people that can go and assist you in making the country what you want it to be, Asiwaju has that,” Idimogu added.

On the call for President of Igbo extraction he said, “You see before you can achieve at that highest level, you must have prepared well. The truth is that, with due respect, I am a proud Igbo man, but I have to also tell you from what I have seen, I am not God, but from what I have seen, the Easterners are not yet ready.

“Right now APC occupies both national level and state levels including Lagos, in the eastern states how many APC states do you have there? One, and that is Imo State, Ebonyi only joined, the governor, and most of his other lieutenants did not leave with him to join APC.

 “Power is not given alakat, nobody dashes you power, you must have the number of people that are ready to vote. The easterners, God forgive me, they are not ready.”

Speaking on Hon. Obasa, Idimogu said “We are using this opportunity to also support our own speaking Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa Ajayi, the number One Speaker in Nigeria, his ambition aspiring to go for Senat; he has worked so hard in Agege where he represents. Go and see Agege Pen cinema the way it is today, it is the hand work of National Leader as well as the support of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa Ajayi.

“Today he has done so much and we believe that Lagos West Senatorial Zone which he is aspiring to be a Senator in 2023, he will help transform every other local government like what he has done in Agege 1. So we are calling all of us to give him massive support and by the grace of God he is going to achieve his aspiration,” Idimogu maintained.

Chairman of the occasion, Lagos Socialite Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) who is also the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State, said that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of the people; and that he has done a lot not just for Nigeria but the whole world at large.

While pouring encomium on Hononable Idimogu for packaging the event, Akinsanya said “Before 1999 things were not going well in Lagos, but when Tinubu entered as Govenor, everything changed in the state. He maintained that it is God that will crown Tinuubu’s efforts with successes, “I know Bola Ahmed Tinubu; he will get what he wants to get, by the grace of God,” he stated.

 

NITDA calls for entries for 2021 Innovation Challenge

Success Damian:

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as part of the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day 2021 is organizing an Innovation Challenge.

With the theme “Inspiring Creativity and Innovation in the Nigerian Digital Economy” the event was designed to harness innovative and impactful solutions for the development of a vibrant digital economy. 

According to a press release by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA, the World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN day celebrated to raise awareness around the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving with respect to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the “global goals”. 

The Agency is therefore calling on all Nigerians with innovative and impactful working solutions to make entries for the Innovation Challenge.

Solutions will be evaluated based on job and wealth creation potential, originality, marketability, scalability and inclusiveness. Successful entries will have an opportunity to present their solutions to the Tech Industry Stakeholders.

The event is scheduled as follows: Submission of entries via:http://bit.ly/NITDA21WCID

The portal will be opened from April 12, 2021 till April 17, 2021, while entries will be evaluated and assessed by April 19, 2021 and successful ones will be required to do a 5-minute live pitch on Wednesday April 21, 2021

For more enquiries contact Adaora Uzochukwu on auzochukwu@nitda.gov.ng 

 

 

2023: Abundance United Movement Lagos State mobilises for Tinubu, Obasa

Cyriacus Nnaji

Abundance United Movement Lagos State is leaving no stone unturned in her quest to ensure that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu becomes the President of Nigeria by 2023.

The group is also behind the aspiration of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the current Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, to become the senator representing Lagos West in the National Assembly by 2023.

The Movement on Sunday, April 11, 2021 gathered who is who in Lagos political firmament at Ijigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat, to garner support for both Tinubu and Obasa.

Leader and Founder of Abundance Movement, the Lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon (Dr) Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is eminently qualified to be President of  Nigeria.

“Asiwaju came out with a formula that today made Lagos what it is in terms of internally generated revenue (IGR) and today you cannot beat Lagos in terms of internally generated revenue. Besides he is somebody who can pick up talents, he makes a lot of people; he picked me and I know some of us here also benefitted from him. He is also somebody who has been fighting for democracy, remember the era of NADECO. These are qualities you cannot take away from this man.”

Idimogu also stressed that Tinubu being a former Governor and Senator, is connected within and outside the shores of Nigeria, insisting that these are qualities that stand him out “Apart from that, Tinubu has people all over the country, both Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, for me he is a detribalized Nigerian, and like I said, I have not seen anybody that is capable as he is as I speak to you, I don’t know what will happen by 2023. As far as I am concerned as of today he is the best candidate.

“The experience is there, he has once been a governor, a senator, and besides, Lagos is performing, he is internationally connected, for you to be a president of Nigeria you must have international connection, people that can go and assist you in making the country what you want it to be, Asiwaju has that,” Idimogu added.

On the call for President of Igbo extraction he said, “You see before you can achieve at that highest level, you must have prepared well. The truth is that, with due respect, I am a proud Igbo man, but I have to also tell you from what I have seen, I am not God, but from what I have seen, the Easterners are not yet ready.

“Right now APC occupies both national level and state levels including Lagos, in the eastern states how many APC states do you have there? One, and that is Imo State, Ebonyi only joined, the governor, and most of his other lieutenants did not leave with him to join APC.

 “Power is not given alakat, nobody dashes you power, you must have the number of people that are ready to vote. The easterners, God forgive me, they are not ready.”

Speaking on Hon. Obasa, Idimogu said “We are using this opportunity to also support our own speaking Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa Ajayi, the number One Speaker in Nigeria, his ambition aspiring to go for Senat; he has worked so hard in Agege where he represents. Go and see Agege Pen cinema the way it is today, it is the hand work of National Leader as well as the support of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa Ajayi.

“Today he has done so much and we believe that Lagos West Senatorial Zone which he is aspiring to be a Senator in 2023, he will help transform every other local government like what he has done in Agege 1. So we are calling all of us to give him massive support and by the grace of God he is going to achieve his aspiration,” Idimogu maintained.

Chairman of the occasion, Lagos Socialite Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) who is also the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State, said that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of the people; and that he has done a lot not just for Nigeria but the whole world at large.

While pouring encomium on Hononable Idimogu for packaging the event, Akinsanya said “Before 1999 things were not going well in Lagos, but when Tinubu entered as Govenor, everything changed in the state. He maintained that it is God that will crown Tinuubu’s efforts with successes, “I know Bola Ahmed Tinubu; he will get what he wants to get, by the grace of God,” he stated.

 

Bishop Ighele clocks 66, says Nigeria needs a nation builder as leader …Stressing that a failed nation can still rise again

Success Damian:

Bishop Charles Ighele of Holy Spirit Mission, Akuwonjo, Lagos clocked 66 years today, April 8, 2021.

Looking at all the indices that make great nations of the world, which he said Nigeria is currently lacking, Ighele passed a verdict that the only panacea that would liberate Nigeria from the status of a failed nation is when a nation builder is enthroned as leader.

The highly revered Bishop, who still looks under 50, took the position when members of Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Akuwonjo on Wednesday.

Ighele who said that a nation which has failed can rise again stressed that while he wanted President Muhammed Buhari to succeed in office, maintained that at moment the president has reached the peak of his capacity and that he should read and seek ways to increase his capacity, adding that the president should consult other nations on how they extricated their nations from their own problems.

He also disclosed that Nigeria’s political structure has been configured in such a manner that no honest youth or professor can penetrate.

Ighele maintained that there is a class war currently going on in Nigeria. He added that the rich has eaten the poor enough and now it is the turn of the poor to eat the reach. He called for urgent action by the government to jettison divisive polices and body language, so as to ensure peace in the land.

He said social institutions like banks, army, police, others should be made inclusive rather than exclusive, adding that no nation grows by the philosophy of ‘who you know rather than who is qualified.’

While decrying the current state of Nigeria, he proffered solutions to bring the country out of it malady.

Ighele stressed that the nation’s educational standard should be raised in line with that of other nations of the world, adding that education plays important roles in the life of citizens. He advocated that all the out of school children in Nigeria should be found and brought back to school.

“All Primary school drop-outs should be gathered for vocational training, the same with secondary school drop-outs, they should also be assembled and equally given formal and vocational training at their own level.

“University drop-outs and unemployed graduates should also be retrained and employed.” He maintained that if his proffered solutions were given attention that in the next 10 years Nigeria will be stabilizing, and the problem of banditry, kidnapping and other social malaise will begin to ebb.”

On the issue of 2023 Presidential Election, he gave his nod to rotational presidency until such a time, according to him, when the issue of where you come from does not matter again.

Lagos Diocese Anglican Communion holds Maiden Edition of Emmaus Experience at Centenary City

 Cyriacus Nnaji:

The Diocesan and Missioner, The Rt. Rev. (Dr) Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye, Mama Lagos, Prof. (Mrs.) Motunrayo Olumakaiye and the entire members of Lagos Diocese converged at the Centenary City on April 5, 2021 for the maiden edition of the Emmaus Experience in celebration of Easter Monday (Galilee).

The Diocesan wished the people a joyous celebration while explaining to them the meaning of the Emmaus Experience.

According to a press release, the event featured amongst others, presentation of songs and dance in different dialects and culture by the Archdeaconries in the Diocese.

At the end of the presentation, Marine Beach Archdeaconry, Victoria Island Archdeaconry and Lekki Archdeaconry emerged first, second and third positions respectively.

The peak of the Emmaus Experience was the visit to "Jerusalem" by everyone where notable places in Jerusalem such as the Sepulcher, Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha were replicated. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

The program was graced by eminent personalities among whom were the erstwhile Bishop of Lagos Diocese and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd. Dr. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo and his wife, Mama Oluranti Ademowo; the Bishop Theologian, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion and the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Dapo Asaju.

The release also thanked and prayed for the entire diocese saying “We pray that as God has started yet another new thing in the Diocese, may He do new things in your life in Jesus name. Happy celebration.”

LASU: Balogun Eko's latest attack on Chairman, Governing Council, a passing distraction

Success Damian:

Lagos State University (LASU) has stated that the latest attack of Balogun Eko on the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, is a passing distraction 

In a press statement signed by Ademola Adekoya, Coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations (CIPPR) of LASU, said it welcomes constructive criticism which helps to build institution, but detests criticisms embedded in falsehood.

“We acknowledge that criticisms, especially constructive ones, are necessary to strengthen institutions and that is why the authority of Lagos State University has always maintained a positive posture to constructive criticism from stakeholders. However, what the University does not view favourable are destructive criticisms, especially ones bordering on personal attacks against its name and respected officials of the University,” the statement said.

On the latest falsehood against the institution was Balógun Eko's latest salvo against the person of Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, the quintessential Pro -Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of our University.

The statement said in recent post Balógun Eko threw every caution and decorum to the wind and exceeded all boundaries of reason and restraint to engage in a personal attack/character assassination against the person of Prof. Ninalowo.

It read that in the said video, Balógun Eko pilloried the respected Professor of Sociology, “Calling him unprintable names, in what we consider a new low, even in his own standard of tactlessness,” the statement read.

The statement maintained that as a responsible and responsive institution, “It is incumbent on us to meet such embellished falsehood, which often tends to excite, with facts, in order that the rod of the wicked may not successfully rest on the lot of the righteous.

“In the video, BalógunEko is right on one count: that Lagos State University is a great institution that should be competing with some of the top institutions in Nigeria. But what he failed to add, or perhaps deliberately omitted, is that LASU is already competing and out-competing some of the institutions he so gleefully mentioned in the video.

The fact that the university which was hitherto unrated in the global space, was ranked second best in Nigeria by Times Higher Education, is a common knowledge; it is also common knowledge that the accomplishment was engineered in a spate of five years during the Administration of the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olarewaju Adigun Fagbohun, NPOM, SAN, under the leadership of the 10th Governing Council of the University Prof. Ninalowo.”

In further refuting the unsubstantiated claims, LASU said “Not only does he provide no substantiable proof of his wild allegations against Prof. Ninalowo, he also made no pretence of his moral bankruptcy in the process; surely, a man who could call an elder such unprintable names is not an Omoluabi.

“We therefore use this opportunity to urge all well - meaning stakeholders and the general public to ignore the post as another passing distraction,” it read.

The statement disclosed that Prof. Ninalowo has time and time again demonstrated his exemplary leadership and integrity. Not only did he supervise a seamless process that produced the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor, he worked tirelessly with the administration to meander the University from its inglorious past to become one that is now recognized and celebrated among the comity of universities in Nigeria.

“Indeed, Prof. Ninalowo's appointment for a second term as a Chairman of the Council, by the Governor and Visitor to the University, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu is an eloquent testimony of his unblemished performance in the first term.

Such an individual does not deserve the kind of ridicule that Balógun Eko attempted to subject him to and such an act should be roundly condemned by all,” the statement read.