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JMG Salutes Its Workforce on Workers’ Day

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JMG Salutes Its Workforce on Workers’ Day

As the world observes Workers’ Day 2025, JMG has celebrated the true engine behind its success, its people.

From engineers and technicians to sales teams and support staff, every member of JMG plays a vital role in powering homes, industries, and dreams across Nigeria and West Africa.

This year’s theme, “Social Justice and Decent Work,” shines a light on what truly matters fairness, dignity, and opportunity in the workplace. For JMG, these are not just words; they’re the foundation of how we operate.

Managing Director of JMG, Mazen Jubaili highlighted the central role employees play in the company’s ongoing success. He stated that: at JMG, our people are the driving force behind everything we do. Their passion, commitment, and resilience propel us forward every day and not just on Workers’ Day. Today offers us the opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to promoting a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

Renowned for its excellence in electro-mechanical solutions, JMG is equally dedicated to sustaining a supportive work environment by investing in capacity building, career development, and cultivating an inclusive culture where every voice is heard.

Jubaili continued, “When people feel valued and supported, great things happen. That’s why we’re committed to building a workplace rooted in collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.”

JMG’s recognition of Workers’ Day serves as a reminder of its continued mission to empower people, drive progress, and create solutions that improve the lives of employees, customers, and the nation.

JTI Applauds Employees’ Role in Company Growth on Workers’ Day

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JTI Applauds Employees' Role in Company Growth on Workers’ Day

In celebration of this year’s International Labour Day, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Nigeria has recognised the dedication and resilience of its employees, the driving force behind the company’s continued growth and success.

Observed globally on May 1st, Workers’ Day honours the contributions of workers and reinforces the global call for fairness, equity, and decent working conditions. The 2025 theme, “Social Justice and Decent Work,” reflects the shared aspiration for workplaces that uphold dignity, equal opportunity, and inclusive progress.

As part of a global organisation with a presence in over 130 countries, JTI Nigeria takes pride in being recognised as a Top Global Employer for 4 consecutive years, reflecting its long-standing commitment to its people. This recognition speaks to the company’s commitment to creating rewarding careers in a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Director, People and Culture (P&C), Innocent Obinwanne reaffirmed the company’s dedication to its people “Our people are at the heart of our business. Being part of JTI means being part of a global community where people matter. At JTI Nigeria, we’ve built a workplace where fairness, equality, and opportunity thrive — and this has been key to the strong growth we’ve experienced over the years.”

He also highlighted the company’s recognition by the Top Employers Institute, a leading authority on HR best practices, which praised JTI’s people-first culture, innovation, and emphasis on employee well-being.

As JTI Nigeria celebrates Workers’ Day, it reaffirms its commitment to promoting a workplace where every employee is encouraged to bring their human best, feels seen, heard, and empowered because at JTI, people are not just part of the company; they are the company -That is our way!

Experts Urge Young Female Engineers to Code, Create, Conquer, Cash Out at 2025 APWEN Lagos SHEnovation Grand Finale

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2025 APWEN SHEnovation Grand Finale

Young Engineers, especially female ones have been tasked on the need to embrace creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurship in order to ensure technological advancement.

Experts and established engineers from across the country, gave this charge as the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos State Chapter hosted the SHEnovation Grand Finale 2025 and Public Lecture 2.0 with the theme: ”From Circuit Boards to SHEnovation: How Young Women Engineers Can Code, Create, Conquer—And Cash Out”.

Keynote Speaker and Pro-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, while delivering his address, offered a direct and practical roadmap for young engineers seeking to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.

“My lecture was to encourage young engineers to grow their skills and to see every challenge as an opportunity for invention,” he said. “Engineering is not just about solving problems. It’s about creating value, social and commercial from those solutions.”

Prof. Ashiru stressed that innovation must go hand in hand with enterprise. Many young inventors, he noted, often shy away from commercializing their ideas due to fear or lack of support.

He urged them to seek strategic partnerships with industries, coordinators and financiers who can help transform innovative concepts into marketable products and viable businesses.

The keynote Speaker also shared practical examples and success stories of engineers who leveraged their creativity to build successful startups, reinforcing that technical brilliance and business acumen must work in tandem.

The guest lecturer and Principal Consultant and CEO of Reservoir & Facilities Solutions Nigeria Ltd, Engr. (Mrs.) Oluseyi Afolabi, MNSE, FNSChE, likened the human brain to a printed circuit board, drawing parallels between cognitive wiring and engineering design.

“Just as every node and trace on a circuit board contributes to a complete function, every thought and decision we make as engineers shape the solutions we bring to the world,” she explained.

Engr. Afolabi focused on five key action points for young female engineers: discover their purpose, master coding as both a technical and life language, create consistently, conquer challenges with intentionality and deliver practical solutions that yield performance-based financial returns.

She encouraged participants to see coding not just as a technical skill, but as a mindset, one that enables structure, problem-solving and innovation.

The guest lecturer also emphasized that “cashing out” should not be misconstrued as opportunism but rather as the natural outcome of addressing real-world problems through meaningful engineering solutions.

“We are at a point where the fusion of engineering, entrepreneurship and sustainable development is no longer optional—it is essential. The SHEnovation platform is the future,” she said, challenging participants to think globally while solving locally.

Earlier in her welcome address, APWEN President, Engr. Dr. Adebisi R. Osim, FNSE, FNICE, FIMC emphasized the importance of investing in young women engineers and bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world engineering practice.

Engr. Dr. Osim who was represented at the occasion by the past Chairman of APWEN Lagos, Engr. Laolu Adedapo-Aisida congratulated the Lagos Chapter, led by Engr. (Dr) Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, FNSE and the Planning Committee chaired by Engr. Dr. Olayinka S. Agbewuyi, for organizing a transformative event that signals a new era of female-led engineering breakthroughs.

“The theme ‘From Circuit Boards to SHEnovation: How Young Women Engineers Can Code, Create, Conquer—And Cash Out!’ captures the very essence of our work,” she said. “We are not just empowering women with knowledge, we are building an ecosystem where they can thrive economically through innovation.”

Blacktalker reports that dozens of young engineers presented innovative projects at the event, showcasing solutions across sectors such as energy, health, transportation and environment.

In the highlight of the event, 5 finalists emerged from the Shenovation competition organised for the undergraduate teams. In fifth place was Team CardioCore from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti led by Princess Bamigboye. Their solution was a wearable, cost effective ECG device which uses AI-trained models to identify abnormalities in the electrical activity of the user’s heart. They won a cash award of N50,000

In 4th place was Team EcoHaven from the Federal Universty of Agriculture, Abeokuta, led by Mary Anjolajesu. Their solution was an AI-driven building management system. The team won a cash award of N75,000, while in 3rd place was Team Smart CookGuard from the University of Lagos led by Kehinde Adegboye. Their solution is a dualier intelligent cooking safety system which is a combination of sensor technology, Artificial Intelligence and automated safety mechanism. The team walked away with a cash prize of N100,000.

Team VIREA from Covenant University led by Stephanie Emenike came in 2nd and their solution is a smart glasses for the visually impaired with a built-in camera integrated with AI which allows the device read text aloud while identifying obstructions. They won a cash award of N150,000

In 1st place was Team SmartMaterial led by Success Asokere from Lagos State University, Epe Campus and their solution is an AI-powered material selection for efficient building design. They won a cash award of N200,000

‘We Will Make You Proud’ – Agege Chairmanship Hopeful, Hon. Taiwo Olasunkanmi Assures President Tinubu After Stopping Imposition In LG/LCDA Elections

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TOS

By Oki Samson

Published by Blacktalker

‘When everyone is allowed to play on a level playing field, it ensures that the best man for the job gets the job’ is how the Agege Local Government Chairmanship hopeful, Hon. Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel described the turn of events following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the current scheme of things in Agege and other LGAs/LCDAs in Lagos.

Fondly called TOS, the frontline Chairmanship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) fold in the upcoming July 12 elections wrote an open letter of commendation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for listening to the voices of the grassroots people.

The Convener of Agege Renewed Hope Movement, Hon. Taiwo Olasunkanmi highlighted: ‘I want to thank our President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for displaying his remarkable leadership to guide affairs at the grassroots. You did not abandon us since you are at the center. As you have always done, you provided direction and placed yourself on the right course of history.’

‘Your recent directive shows that you have a good grasp on the grassroots and the leadership of the party from top tier to the lowest rung. It shows that you are a leader who listens intently and intentionally to the yearnings of both leaders and followers.’

‘Your intervention in Agege LGA and grassroots politics effectively puts a stop to the imposition of candidates which dampens the confidence of other people who don’t know anybody, but as well desires to aspire to leadership positions across all tiers of government. It means their heads cannot be crushed by the powers-that-be. It gives them renewed hope for a bright future.’

‘Dear Mr President Sir, you are a true leader and a Democrat in words and deeds. Thank you for listening to our voices at the grassroots. Thank you for allowing us, your children, to have equal rights within the party. Thank you for enabling a level playing ground in this upcoming LGA/LCDA primary and general elections. We will make you proud’, Hon. TOS affirmed.

NIMC APPROVES PRICE REVIEW FOR ITS SERVICES, PRODUCTS

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NIMC APPROVES PRICE REVIEW FOR ITS SERVICES, PRODUCTS

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has announced a price review for its products and services.

In a statement signed by Head of its Corporate Communications Unit,  Kayode Adegoke, NIMC said after a decade of maintaining the same pricing structure, it conducted a comprehensive review to ensure alignment with current operational costs and industry standards.

Adegoke noted that the revised pricing structure aims to maintain the quality and integrity of NIMC’s services while ensuring affordability and accessibility for Nigerians, saying the new prices will take effect immediately.

NIMC also warned all Front-End Partners (FEPs) to adhere strictly to the new pricing structure as any FEP found charging more than the approved rates will face sanctions, including license revocation.

It said the new pricing structure will be published on its website -www.nimc.gov.ng (where it will be accessible to all Nigerians and relevant stakeholders.

”We encourage the public to report any FEP charging above the approved rates to our inspectorate and enforcement unit via ieu@nimc.gov.ng or call 08155015388.”

Litpath Candles Set to Rekindle the Glow with Relaunch Events in May and June

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Litpath Candles Announces Relaunch Events for May and June

Nigerian candle brand, Litpath Candles is officially returning to the scene with a vibrant relaunch, with a promising and refreshed collection of luxurious scents.

Chief Executive Officer of Litpath, Abisola Odunlami assured customers and scent-loving individuals of a renewed dedication to creating cozy and beautifully-scented spaces with an array of their products.

Odunlami hinted of a Pre-Launch Pop-Up Sale slated for Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 17 Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi, running from 12pm to 8pm.

He said the pop-up event will also be accessible online, offering both in-person and virtual shoppers an exclusive first chance to explore and purchase from Litpath’s new candle collection ahead the official online launch.

According to Odunlami, the full-scale Online Launch is scheduled for June 16, 2025, when the complete range will be available on the brand’s digital platform.

“We’re beyond excited to share what we’ve been working on,” he said. “Litpath has always been about creating joy through scent, and we can’t wait for our community to experience the new collection.”

With hashtags like #CandleRelaunch, #ShopLocal, and #ScentedJoy, Litpath is also encouraging customers to spread the word and join in the celebration.

Blacktalker can confirm that Litpath’s comeback is marked by five all-new signature scents that cater to a variety of moods and preferences:

Paradise Punch – Fruity & Tropical

Serene Bloom – Fresh & Floral

Fresh Awakening – Clean & Crisp

Cozy Luxe – Sweet & Warm

Chocolate Dream – Rich & Indulgent

For more updates, follow @LitpathCandles on social media.

APWEN Lagos Unveils Innovation Hub in UNILAG to Empower Young Women in Engineering

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APWENLAGOS INNOVATION AND RESOURCE HUB AT UNILAG

As part of efforts to advance gender inclusion and technological innovation, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter has inaugurated its Innovation and Resource Hub at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos,UNILAG.

Blacktalker reports that the event also marked the grand finale of SHEnovation 2025, a dynamic initiative aimed at equipping young women with cutting-edge skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Speaking at the inauguration, Chairman of APWEN Lagos, Engr. (Dr.) Atinuke Wurola Owolabi, FNSE, FNIEEE, described the hub as a bold step toward bridging the gender gap in STEM and creating a launchpad for young women to “code, create, conquer and cash out.”

“This is not just a ribbon-cutting,” Owolabi declared. “We are unveiling a space that will nurture ideas, birth inventions and empower the next generation of women engineers to take centre stage in solving the world’s toughest challenges.”

She explained that the event with the theme: “From Circuit Boards to SHEnovation”, included a public lecture, awards presentation and a showcase of innovation by young women engineers.

According to her, the newly commissioned hub is designed to provide access to tools and mentorship in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy and digital manufacturing.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, who served as the chief host, commended the initiative. “What we’re seeing is professionals stepping forward to be part of the solution,” she said. “This space will be a hive of creativity, preparing students to be fit for purpose in a tech-driven world.”

Professor Ogunsola highlighted the importance of academia-industry collaboration, stressing that students need exposure to both academic and real-world environments. She also praised APWEN Lagos for fostering a space where innovation meets practical application.

On his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos, Professor Samson O. Adeosun commended APWEN Lagos for its strides in nurturing future leaders. He noted that the Innovation Hub is poised to become a dynamic centre for learning, innovation and inclusive engineering excellence.

Professor Adeosun charged other professional bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to give back to their alma mata, an act which he described as investing in future leaders.

The event drew participation from industry leaders, educators, students and partners, including lead sponsor Reservoir & Facilities Solutions Nigeria Ltd and past APWEN leaders whose efforts have been pivotal to the hub’s creation.

GTCO DECLARES PBT OF N300.4 BILLION IN Q1 OF 2025

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GTCO Raises ₦10bn Through Private Placement After Securing Regulatory Approvals

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO has released its Unaudited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the period ended March 31, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of ₦300.4billion on the back of strong performance posted on the core earnings lines of interest income which grew y-o-y by 41.1% and fee income up by 41.2%. The strong performance enabled the group to douse the impact of the ₦331.6billion fair value gains recognised in Q1-2024 which did not recur in Q1-2025.

The Group’s loanbook (net) increased by 15.6% from ₦2.79trillion recorded as at December 2024 to ₦3.22trillion in March 2025, while deposit liabilities grew by 7.7% from ₦10.40trillion to ₦11.20trillion during the same period. The Group recorded growths across all its asset lines and continues to maintain a robust, well-structured, highly de-risked, and well-diversified balance sheet in all the jurisdictions wherein it operates.

Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦15.9trillion and ₦3.0trillion, respectively. Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 34.6%, equally asset quality improved as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.3% at Bank Level and 4.5% % at Group in Q1-2025 (Bank -3.5% (Group- 5.2% in December 2024) and Cost of Risk (COR) closed at 0.4% from 4.9% in December 2024.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our Q1 2025 performance reflects the strength of all our business verticals and our capacity to generate strong and sustainable earnings.

While the fair value gains of N331.6billion reported in Q1 2024 did not recur this quarter, the Group recorded solid growth across most income lines, underpinned by a diversified revenue base and a healthy, well-structured balance sheet.”

He further stated that, “We remain optimistic about the year ahead. The fundamentals of our business are strong, our customer base continues to grow, and we are executing with discipline across our strategic priorities. Importantly, at this pace, the Group is well-positioned to deliver the full year PBT of 2024 at the very minimum by the end of the 2025 FYE.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 42.2%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 7.8%, Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 34.6% and Cost to Income ratio of 29.0%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, GTCO Plc provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.

Habitation of Winners Ministries, Hour of Destiny Movement to Host 4-Day Power-Packed Programme in Lagos

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Habitation of Winners Ministries and Hour of Destiny Movement

The Habitation of Winners Ministries Inc., in partnership with the Lagos Chapter of the Brethren of Hour of Destiny Movement, is set to hold a four-day spiritual revival programme with the theme “I Am Moving Forward.”

The event promises to be a spirit-filled encounter designed to uplift, empower and inspire believers to break limitations and step boldly into their divine purpose.

The programme will run from Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Chapel of Christ the Light, located in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.

Attendees can look forward to sessions filled with prayers, worship and prophetic declarations across the four days:

  • Thursday & Friday: 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM & 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 4:30 PM

All are invited to attend this life-changing encounter.

LASEPA Warns Against Noise Pollution, Reveals Over 600 Complaints in Two Years

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LASEPA Warns Against Noise Pollution, Reveals Over 600 Complaints in Two Years

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA has raised alarm over the rising tide of noise pollution in the state, revealing that over 600 of the 872 environmental complaints received in the past two years were directly related to excessive noise.

General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, stated this during the 2025 International Noise Awareness Day, INAD celebration held at the agency’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.

Blacktalker reports that the event, which featured a sensitization walk and fitness exercise, drew a large turnout of stakeholders, journalists, and members of the public.

Dr. Ajayi emphasized the health risks associated with noise pollution, ranging from hearing loss to cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and reduced productivity.

“This annual celebration is a clarion call to remind us of the grave consequences of noise pollution on human health, the environment and our overall quality of life,” he said.

The theme for this year’s INAD, “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health: Act Now,” underscores the urgency of reducing noise levels across the state. Dr. Ajayi stressed the need for public compliance with approved noise standards, particularly in residential areas and commercial hubs.

Highlighting the Lagos State Government’s commitment to noise control, he noted the recent inauguration of a Special Task Force on Noise Pollution. He also said the team, operating under LASEPA’s supervision, is empowered to arrest and prosecute individuals, worship centers, entertainment venues and businesses violating permissible noise levels.

“We must prioritize the well-being of every resident. Our slogan remains: Less Noise, More Sense. Kill the Noise, Not the Music,” he declared.

Dr. Ajayi also announced that the Noiseless Lagos Advocacy Programme would be held on May 14, 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, with the state’s Deputy Governor expected to chair the event.

He noted that the programme will serve as a platform for continued dialogue with religious leaders, entertainment operators, and other stakeholders.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ajayi urged all stakeholders from religious institutions and entertainment outfits to manufacturing industries and transport operators to adopt noise-reducing practices and technologies.

He hinted that in a bid to simplify regulation, LASEPA has digitalized its noise permit application process, allowing residents to obtain approvals for events online via the agency’s website.

“Let us work together towards achieving a quieter, peaceful, and more sustainable future,” he said.

International Noise Awareness Day, INAD was established by the Centre for Hearing and Communication (CHC) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of noise on hearing, health and quality of life.

Since its inception in 1996, INAD has grown to include participants in every groups in countries on virtually every continent around the globe.

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