Rotary Club of Ikoyi visits GSSGS, motherless babies’ home, distributes items …As Funsho Gbogboade, club President marks birthday

It was double outing on Thursday, October 18, 2023 as Funsho Gbogboade, President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi marked her 61^st birthday with visits to a school and motherless babies’ home.

First was her visit to Girls’ Senior Secondary Grammar School (GSSGS) Keffi, Ikoyi, and then another to the Motherless Babies’ Home at Lekki, all in Lagos State.

The club’s visit to the school divinely coincided with the celebration of the International Girl Child Day and with the ‘Create Hope in the World’ mantra of Rotary Club globally, Mrs Funsho Gbogboade and her team simply tapped into the theme to bring succor to the young girls, and the motherless in society.

Some of the items distributed to students of GSSGS include sanitary pads, exercise books, pencils, motivational textbooks and other writing materials. While at the motherless home, the club presented many items including bags of rice, cartons of Indomie, snacks, biscuits, motivational books, educational materials including crayons, pencils, biro, mathematical sets, waste bins, among other items.

Speaking on why she chose to mark her 61st birthday with GSSGS girls, Mrs Gbogboade said “We are celebrating Girls Child’s Day; our club is associating with girls, we want to give them courage; we want to create hope in them; that they can make it. They don’t have to look down on themselves; that is why we have come. We have come to talk to them, we have come to encourage them, we have come to tell them that they can become wonderful members of the society, and then we have also given them materials to encourage them, we have given them sanitary pads because they are all girls, we have told them that hygiene is very very important, we have given them books to encourage them, textbooks, biro and ruler, and they are happy.”

Speaking on whether the girl-child has been given her rightful place in Nigeria she maintained that the government is trying a lot. “The government is encouraging women to come on board for politics and so many other programmes to encourage women, to get loans to improve their businesses, and to look up to the fact that they can make it. So there is a lot of encouragement even through the government. They can do more but they are trying.

“Our First Lady, Remi Tinubu, she has a lot of passion for women, and our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has a lot of passion for women, and he is also making sure we are happy. So we want to associate and celebrate with the girl-child today.

“Without education there is nothing anybody can do, we want to liberate their mind, that education is very very important,” Gbogboade stated.

The Principal of Girl’s Senior Secondary Grammar School, Isibo Omolaja, on his part, stated that the importance and value of the girl-child cannot be over-emphasized, adding “The government is trying but there is still more to be done, we thank God for the present administration, at least they have given the females more space in ministerial and other appointments, that is a great way to start from. Today they have become ministers, they can become commissioners. At a time we were even thinking we are going to have the first female governor, but I am sure, sooner than later we are going to have the first female governor. So I think there is great hope for them; there is enlightenment, and they too, they are becoming aware of the fact that, yes, they can attain any position in life”

Ibrahim Aisha the Senior Prefect of GSSGS said, “I feel very excited and I will like to say a very big thank you to Rotary Club of Ikoyi because there are students that come from very poor background, many parents give tissue papers to their children, for their menstrual cycle which is not good, but through the distribution of the pad they will be able to use it, it is more hygienic, so we are very grateful to the club.” 

Meanwhile the club also visited the Motherless Babies’ Home in Lekki, Lagos State where the president donated several items including bags of rice, cartons of Indomie, snacks, biscuits, educational materials, and other items.

The president of the club, Mrs. Gbogboade before her presentation of the items to the Home, commended the management of the Motherless Babies’ Home saying “I just want you to know that you are not alone. You are working hard to put smiles on the faces of these children, we appreciate you, we are proud of you.”

One of the hosts who chose to speak on condition of anonymity thanked Rotary Club of Ikoyi for their wonderful gesture. “What you brought is never a token, we want to say thank you to you people, because there are a lot of big people in the society who do not care about the less-privileged; they only care about what goes into their stomach. Now when you give someone sound education, you have given them everything, I thank you. If you care for the less-privileged, you are protecting your own children in future, because those your children that you are protecting and you are leaving some behind, you are creating a problem to yourself.”

He pleaded with the club for more assistance especially in the area of power. “And I am going to say, like Oliver Twist, we need a particular thing, our agency would not mind, because government alone cannot do it. We have a big challenge of electricity; we will be very happy if Rotary Club of Ikoyi will support us with solar panel to power the cinema donated to the Home by another organisation.”

In the end, Rotarian Winifred Imbasi, the image maker of the club called on Rotarian (Dr) Aigbe Davis, a Former President of the club; the immediate Past President of the club, Rotn Augustine Irabor and Lurlyn Osunkoya, Chairperson, committee that oversaw the donation to the motherless babies’ home, to appreciate and commend the good work being done by the management of the Home in taking care of the children and keeping the premises clean.

According to Rotarian Augustine Irabor, the club would consider the request made by the management of the Motherless Babies’ Home “We will continue to provide the little we have going forward particularly now that you have given us heads up on your needs, definitely we will come back to fine-tune these your requirements and then pass it on the next president.”

 

At LASU, we train students to be competent, innovators, job creators & employers of Labour - LASU VC …As NCC trains students at campus innovation, entrepreneurship programme

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has taken pride in the strides the University is making, as the institution not only turn out graduates, but, those who are competent, innovators, job creators and employers of labour.

She made this comment at a one (1) day training put together by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) tagged "Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (CIEP)".

The programme took place on Thursday, 19 October 2023, at the Executive Wing, 3-in-1 Lecture Hall, Facutly of Education, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, while delivering her address, expressed her profound gratitude to the Vice Chairman and the entire NCC Team for finding Lagos State University worthy, being the only institution from the South-West Region to be part of the Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enlightenment Programme.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic),  Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, who represented the Vice Chancellor, urged the selected students to give their utmost attention to the training and make it count.

In her words, "it is my expectation that the positive impact of this programme will trickle down to your colleagues and make the knowledge beneficial to all."

Speaking further, she asserted that at the Lagos State University, the management takes pride in training students, not just be competent in their fields of study, but also to be innovators and job-creators. Also,  through the Directorate of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (DSDE), students were mandated to acquire practical skills in their preferred vocation by taking an ENT course.

The professor of Physiology affirmed that it is her belief that the Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (CIEP) would not only further give impetus to the digitalisation drive at the university, but also be a catalyst to unleash the potentials of the 50 world-class students selected for the  training in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship through ICT.

Representative of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs Oluwatosin Omogbemi from Digital Economy Department, in her opening remarks, extended her appreciation to the University Management, DSDE and all participants at the event.

Mrs Omogbemi averred that in fulfilling its mandate under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

(NDEPS), the Nigerian Communications Commission initiated the Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (CIEP), which aims to develop a digital ecosystem of students and campuses across Nigeria and encourage Nigerian digital citizens to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that abound in the digital space and drive the growth in the number of digital jobs and entrepreneurs in the country. 

She stated that the major goal of the programme was to have as many students and campuses as possible across Nigeria that would become digital entrepreneurs and hubs for innovation that would power the nation's digital economy.

Mrs Omogbemi thereafter implored all the students and other participants at the programme to take advantage of the opportunity and platform to become creative and participate in transforming the country into a regional and global digital powerhouse.

The facilitators at the event include the Programme Coordinator, Mrs Omowunmi Otegbade who spoke on *"Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme Overview, Digital Entrepreneurship Versus Traditional Entrepreneurship"* and a Consultant, Mr. Emmanuel Essien presented a paper on *"The Evolution of Society and The Digital Economy"*.

Part of the training includes an ice breaker session with a focus on commitment, ability to think, spot opportunities, smartness, and being proactive.

Also, the participants were divided into five groups and given tasks to work on and also find solutions to problems. At the end, each team leader presented their findings and solutions on behalf of their teams.

The Director, DSDE, Dr. Habeeb Sanni, in his closing remarks, thanked the NCC for choosing LASU as one of the six (6) institutions across Nigeria to benefit from the training.

He urged the participants to put into practice all they were taught at the programme. 

The event ended with a vote of thanks, from Ayomide Oladoja, a 300-level student, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts.

"This programme is filled with a lot of values. We are going back to our classes, richer in knowledge and better. We thank the NCC for this opportunity. On behalf of other participants, we thank DSDE for this rare opportunity and deeming it fit to select us. " 

In attendance at the event were representative of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Academic Staff Establishment, Mr. Samuel Otesanya; Representative of the Bursar, Deputy Bursar, Accounting Services, Mr. Taiwo Omoyin; Deputy Registrar, Vice Chancellor's Office, Dr. Lateef Shekoni; Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lateef Salami, Ag. Director, DSDE, Dr. Habeeb Sanni and Principal Assistant Registrar, DSDE, Ms Temitope Ladipo-Scott.

Others from the NCC are Research Analysts, Abigail Bassey and Grace Eyo

 

Olatunji-Bello: The Amazon blazing the trail of innovation, growth, development in LASU

By Cyriacus Nnaji:

Professor Ibiyemi  Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the 9^th Substantive Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU) is one woman who has lived up to the axiom that what a man can do, a woman can do it even better.

With National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award conferred on her by the Federal Government of Nigeria, an award for exceptional public administrators and captains of the industry driving excellence and pushing the limits to advance the frontiers of national productivity, and a recipient of The Feminine Nigerian Achievement Award in the category of The Most Outstanding in Tertiary Education; and listed among "The Nigerian Woman Annual: 100 Leading Woman" for the year 2022, she has indeed brought growth and development to the university which today is proudly ranked number one as Best University in Nigeria and in the West Africa sub-region in the 2022 UI Green Metrics Global Ranking. The UI Green Metrics World University Ranking is a ranking on green campus and environmental sustainability initiated by University of Indonesia in 2010.

A graduate of University of Ibadan, where she bagged a first degree in Physiology in 1985, the prominent Professor of Physiology, was appointed Vice Chancellor of LASU in September 2021, from that moment she has been working tirelessly to advance the vision and mission of the institution thereby propelling it to lofty, transformational and period of epoch-making where it is today to the envy of its contemporaries.

The very day she assumed office, she was received by jubilant students and workers with colourful banners and songs as she arrived at the Senate building, and from that very moment, it downed on her that she was in an environment where both the Academic, non-academic staff, students and management team have decided that a transformer has arrived and they must work in cooperation and unison to achieving many laudable goals in all fronts.

Of course from that moment, no one was left in doubt as to where she was going; she immediately hit the ground running and said “We have six strategic goals but the main vision is to take LASU to the top of all the citadels of learning in Nigeria. It is not only being in Nigeria but West Africa and not only in West Africa and the world at large. And to achieve this vision, we have set out six strategic goals. Number one goal is to make all our academic programmes and professional programmes accredited and those that have been accredited will sustain it. And the second one is to make sure that we make LASU a scientific research hub.  When we are talking about research, we are talking about innovation, we are talking about technology. Cutting-edge research would be done also, we want to ensure that infrastructural facilities are improved upon and are made readily available for seamless performance of administrative and academic duties. The fourth strategic goal is also to improve our internal generation of revenue with the aim of achieving financial sustainability of the university.  We have done that by resuscitating the school of part-time studies. We are making sure that our LASU venture is empowered to do more.  And also the creation of three new faculties will ensure that we have more intakes of students, which will improve our income generation,” she revealed.

Indeed she has ensured the creation of the Faculties of Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences for programmes such as Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, Building, Architecture, Radiology and Radiation Science, among others.

Of course with ultimate agenda to prioritise the workers’ and students’ welfare, she has also ensured inclusivity in her administration as she makes sure every voice counts in all decision-making in the university.

Prof Olatunji-Bello’s administration no doubt is driven by a vision to make the Lagos State University the best in West Africa and that tall agenda was accomplished in less than two years and academic and professional programmes have been accredited by the relevant bodies.

She also ensured maintaining and securing collaboration with top institutions within and outside Nigeria, including Cornell University, USA, Delta State University, Delta and Gombe State University, among others.

Under Olatunji-Bello’s Administration, there has been massive infrastructural facilities and unprecedented upgrade of the University in all fronts. She revamped the LASU printing press; renovated the offices of academic and non-academic staff; renovated the Epe Campus; and facilitated the deployment of internet across the campuses.

It is no longer news that Lagos State Government is already constructing 8,272 units of hostel accommodation at the university and of course it is being given more impetus under the able workaholic Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olatunji-Bello. At the same time what could be described as the biggest University Library in Nigeria is currently being constructed and nearing completion. Today students who have the knack for extra income has the opportunity to do so, as the Vice Chancellor and her wonderful management team have provided fertile ground for such while pursuing their degrees. This has helped to lesson financial pressure on the benefitting students. They work in such area as the ICT, International academic engagement, LASU Bakery, and health center in exchange for stipends. As a management, it responds to students inquiries and solicits direct feedback as a responsive and attentive management. The management headed by Professor Olatunji Bello also introduced interactive sessions with students through media chats.

Her greatest asset is accessibility; she receives visitors no matter who you are unless she is not in the office, she responds to calls and text messages. Added to that is her media friendliness. This is the hallmark of a great leader who has nothing to hide.

With her management team, she has fully equipped lecture classrooms, laboratories and libraries; provision of office furniture, among others.

Prof Olatunji-Bello ensured that there is access to proper welfare packages, including payment of salaries on or before 23rd of each month; introduction of free medical checkup for every staff on their birthdays; activated the Lagos State Health Scheme in the university; prompt payment of 30% of basic salary as end of year 2021 bonus amongst others.

Another innovative landmark achievement for LASU was that certificates issued to the graduating students now bears an embedded instant verification feature which will enable individuals, organizations to verify the authenticity of the certificates from anywhere in the world.

Many say Prof. Olatunji Bello must have been created on Sunday by the all mighty God, as she is imbued with beauty, elegance, height, intelligence, administrative prowess, among other natural endowments. What is even more unique about Prof. Bello is her unassuming nature, humility and calmness that is devoid of controversies, she is just doing ‘her thing’ with sagacity of mind that has resulted in verifiable growth and developmental strides.

In those days, LASU was always in the news for the wrong reasons, but today, the dynamics, structure; everything is turning around for good. The security architecture, staff and students are winning research grants, students are representing the school very well and coming back with laurels and accolades. Indeed Lagos State University under Professor Olatunji-Bello is undergoing and witnessing a renaissance of sort, a great transformation never witnessed in the annals of the university. There is also zero tolerance for indecent dressing and cult activity is a no go area for her and the management.

Most gladdening is the fact that the erudite professor ensured that she continued with the legacies of her predecessor, which recently, at the 5^th Research and Innovation Fair of the institution attracted the commendation of the former Visitor to the University and former Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola.

Evelyn Joshua tasks African leaders on repositioning, dignity of the continent

By Dare Adejumo:

Senior Pastor and Leader of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) Pastor Evelyn Joshua has charged African leaders to work together in Unity of purpose and  reposition themselves in order to realise the full potentials and dignity of the Continent. 

Evelyn Joshua made this call at the recently concluded two-day crusade organised by SCOAN held at the 70,000 capacity Kesarani Moi International Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Speaking at the closing of the crusade which was attended by various personalities and people from different walks of life including leaders of governments from across many African Countries, Pastor Joshua stated that Africa was a beautiful continent, well endowed by God and only if its leaders could  understand the enormous grace of God for the continent by working together in love and unity of purpose, the world would watch Africa rise beyond our imaginations. 

"God has destined the continent for a great and unique purpose in Creation and the time for the continent to rise is ripe. Our leaders must rise and break all the shackles that fetter the continent down above all myopic interests" she said.

Evelyn Joshua who was visibly speaking under the influence of Holy Spirit in which several people were falling under the anointing with plethoras and cacophonies  of manifestations, healings and Deliverances taking place simultaneously challenged the current leaders in the continent to know that they were not in power now by accident, stating: "you are there in God's agenda at this time to reposition the continent for a better humanity and you must not fail".

She urged them to come together in a better form and work in unity, peace,  and progress as the only way to curb all the myriad of problems confronting the continent . "Be each other’s keeper. Let us be strong in brotherhood. This is a beautiful continent that God has given unto us and if we unite in peace and love, the world will watch Africa rise. The world will watch us rise, all to the glory of God" she further stated.

Pastor Evelyn Joshua, the widow of the world renowned Preacher, philanthropist God's General and Tele-Evangelist, Prophet T.B Joshua, is also the International Co-ordinator of Emmanuel Global Network (EmmanuelTV), the charity arm of the Church which has provided relief worth several millions of dollars in cash, food items, schools, hospital equipment etc to the needy and the less privileged all across the world, including disaster areas, such as Europe, America, middle East, many African Countries such as Zambia, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.

She prayed for the African leaders that God would strengthen for enormous tasks ahead for beauty of the continent and glory of God.

Some of the dignitaries at the iconic Crusade included Honourable Florence Mutua, a Kenyan parliamentarian, Antoinette Kupulu, a Minister of government from DRC, Evelyn Epuyo, wife of Vice President, RT. Honourable Kasiele Lumumba Justine, Minister of the office of Ugandan Prime Minister,; Hon Martin Moshisho, a Kenyan Deputy Governor and Mrs Julianah Mukala wife of an Ambassador among many other dignitaries.

Smile Communications launches CSR Initiative to support Nigerian schools

Smile Communications, a leading telecommunications company with a strong presence in 9 states in Nigeria, has announced the launch of a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at primary and secondary schools within its service areas across Nigeria.

With a deep commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves, Smile Communications has initiated this program to support schools as they resume new terms, particularly in these challenging times. As part of this CSR effort, Smile Communications will be distributing hundreds of exercise books to each of these schools, benefiting students and educators alike.

In a release, the primary objectives of this CSR initiative are to: Support Education by provideing essential learning materials to students in underserved communities to enhance their educational experience; promoting Community Engagement by strengthening the bond between Smile Communications and the communities it serves by actively contributing to their development.

It is also designed to encourage Learning: Encourage a culture of learning and academic excellence among Nigerian youth, helping them realize their full potential.

Speaking about this initiative, ‘Goke Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications, stated “At Smile Communications, we believe in giving back to the society that has supported us over the years. We recognize the challenges faced by parents, students and schools alike, during these times, and our CSR initiative is our way of providing meaningful support. Directly to schools and indirectly to the government in the alleviation of the hardships associated with new term / session resumptions”

Smile Communications is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and development in regions where it provides its services. This initiative is a testament to the company's ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility.

LACEC denies allegation of N40m against Commissioner for Environment, Lagos State

                                          .Nwankwo
President of Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee (LACEC), Mr Jude Chikere Nwankwo, has stated that the allegation of N40 million against the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment did not emanate from the traders.

He said at no time did the commissioner demand any such amount from the traders.

Nwankwo in a press release said that Ladipo traders are law-abiding citizens and would not indulge in such a malicious accusation.

According to the President of the market, the commissioner was not happy with the traders over some tweets making the rounds that he demanded the some of N40 million from the traders.

“I am the President of Ladpo Market, and I believe that I am the right channel to issue statement pertaining to the market closure, therefore, such claim that the commissioner demanded N40 million from us is not true, we are law-abiding citizens and will never make such allegation against a serving commissioner of Lagos State.

“As the President of Ladipo Auto Market I am debunking that statement, as far as I am concerned the said allegation did not emanate from us.

“I am sure that the said allegation against the Commissioner for Environment did not emanate from Ladipo Market, but perhaps from mischief makers who want to cash in on the situation to tarnish our image before the government.

“Therefore, I am pleading with the commissioner to temper justice with mercy and ignore such allegation. I am telling him authoritatively that such allegation did not come from our office, and I want him to bear with us.”

He disclosed that the market is still closed and pleaded to the government of Lagos State to reopen the market. “As it is now the market is still under lock and key and, I am appealing to the commissioner to open the market as the traders who are bread winners to many families cannot access the market right now.”

 

Huawei partners Fouani to launch Power-M Inverter Solution in Nigeria

L-r: Olalekan Emmanuel Omoniyi;     Jeremiah Ejiroghene Aminode, product manager, Huawei;  Zoe Zhao;  Mohamed Fouani, Managing director, Fouani; Imad fouani ;  Mohamad hobballah; and Rayan Ammar at the unveiling of Huawei Power-M Inverter Products in Lagos

Huawei, leading technology solution provider and Fouani Nigeria Ltd, a leading distributor of electronics and home appliances, have unveiled the Huawei Power-M Inverter Product to offer Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy 24/7 power availability.

The event which took place over the weekend at the Colors on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island showroom was marked by the presence of Mr. Eric Yang, Director of Huawei Mr. Mohamed Fouani, Managing Director of Fouani Nigeria Ltd.; the companies’ representatives, dealers and other esteemed guests.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Eric Yang, Director of Huawei, said technology solution provider’s resolve to partner with Fouani Nigeria Limited for the Power-M Inverter solution launch hinged on the company’s reputation in Nigeria and beyond. 

“We are not only partners, but we are also strategic partners who are going to work for the future benefits of Nigeria and Nigerians. Our products are very relevant because of the solution it provides. The power solutions we are launching today will go a long way to reduce cost of business and boost productivity. They will serve everybody, whether individuals, schools, malls, factories or any environment.

“Our inverter solutions ensure clean energy and noiseless function. We look forward to always working with Fouani Nigeria Limited because they have the pedigree to rely on. Huawei is a global brand. This is one of our smart products we have provided. The product has a life expectancy of around 12 years or even more and a product warranty of five years,” Mr. Yang explained.

Speaking on the reason for strategic partnership, the Managing Director of Fouani Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Fouani offered insights into the technology of the unveiled products and market trends.

According to him, "This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to bring cutting-edge technology to the Nigerian market. The Huawei Power-M Inverter is a game-changer in energy solutions, and we are excited to launch it in such a prestigious setting.  We're launching this new strategic product which we believe will attract a lot of people's attention. Recently there have been a lot of demands on clean, affordable energy. So, we came up with our partnership with Huawei. As you may know, Huawei is one of the globally largest manufacturers of energy solutions in the world.”

The Huawei Power-M Inverter is engineered to provide efficient and reliable energy solutions for both residential and commercial applications. Its advanced features aim to revolutionize energy consumption and management.

Speaking further, Mr. Fouani said a lot of consumers, even business people have approached the company for such a solution 

“We introduced this product and today it is available in all our outlets nationwide in nine major cities and several outlets for retail. The product can meet individuals’, like domestic requirements, organisational, industrial needs. So, it goes like from 5kWh to multi mega Watt solutions. This solution will day after day offer Nigerians the power solution they need, since they require a lot of such to overcome the high cost of energy and the interruption of power supply.

The event also served as the platform for Fouani Nigeria Ltd to announce its new role as the official distributor of Huawei products in Nigeria.