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JMG Limited Restates Commitment To Safety, Employee Well-being On World Day for Safety and Health

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JMG Limited Restates Commitment To Safety, Employee Well-being On World Day for Safety and Health

JMG Limited, a leading provider of electromechanical solutions in Nigeria has joined the global observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, focusing on the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases.

This year’s theme, “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at
Work,” highlights the transformative impact of technology in reducing work-related injuries and
fatalities.

Through digital tools and robotics, this observance serves as a timely reminder of the
vital role of innovation in building a safety-first workplace culture.

In his statement, Group General Manager of JMG Limited, Rabi Jammal emphasized the
company’s ongoing commitment to employee safety.

He stated that “the well-being of our employees is at the core of everything we do. We are continually advancing to create a work environment free from risks that could endanger health,”

He further explained that this year’s theme aligns with the company’s focus on integrating
cutting-edge technologies, like AI and digital tools, to not only predict and prevent hazards but
also respond to them in real time.

“These innovations are reshaping workplace safety, making it more proactive and efficient,” Jammal added.

Jammal also highlighted JMG’s alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which calls for inclusive and sustainable solutions to global challenges.

By leveraging technology to enhance safety, JMG contributes to a healthier, more
productive workplace.

Since its inception in 2003, World Day for Safety and Health at Work, initiated by the
International Labour Organization (ILO), has focused on promoting global labor standards,
policies, and decent work for all.

For the United Nations, safety at work is a shared responsibility—governments must provide the necessary infrastructure, employers are tasked with ensuring a safe environment, and employees must follow safety protocols.

In keeping with its commitment to innovation, JMG continues to enhance its product offerings
in, power generation, electrical infrastructures, vertical transportation, cooling systems, solar
energy (including Lithion and Livfast inverters) and air compressors.

Its cutting-edge hybrid solar power solutions—including Lithion inverters (2018), Livfast inverters (2022), and Must solar inverters (2024)—are further examples of how JMG drives progress in creating sustainable, safe work environments.

Through these innovations, JMG remains dedicated to not only advancing technology but also
improving safety and sustainability for its workforce and beyond.

DG NCSP Meets with Chinese Ambassador to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

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DG NCSP Meets with Chinese Ambassador to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

The Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, has stated that Nigeria is paying close attention to the ongoing global tariff dispute as it presents a new dynamic in global trade.

He stated this at a meeting with Amb Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on April 17, 2025. The meeting is in furtherance of the NCSP’s mandate to bolster economic cooperation and trade between the two nations.

During the meeting, the DG shared insights from his recent trip to China, highlighting discussions with key companies, including SINOMACH-HE and China National Electrical Engineering Company (CNEEC).

The Ambassador expressed concerns about the ongoing US-China tariff disputes, emphasizing the potential negative consequences for global trade, particularly for developing countries.

The DG emphasized the need for Chinese companies to establish manufacturing plants in Nigeria and share technical expertise, leveraging Nigeria’s strategic trade agreements for mutual benefit.

He added that Nigeria is well-positioned to serve as a manufacturing and export platform to the African continent and the rest of the world, taking advantage of the current trade dispute.

The meeting also addressed some regulatory and legal issues as it concerns Nigeria-China economic relations. The Chinese Ambassador reiterated China’s willingness to deepen its strategic partnership with Nigeria, including increased investment in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, as China has reduced or removed tariffs on several Nigerian products and seeks to import more, referencing the recent MOU on shelled peanuts signed during FOCAC.

The Ambassador and NCSP DG agreed to advance the MOUs/protocols on aquatic seafood and soybeans to facilitate further exports from Nigeria to China. The DG expressed commitment to advance discussions and facilitate engagement with key Ministries and agencies to advance Nigeria’s readiness for the export opportunities.

This meeting demonstrates the commitment of both nations to strengthen their strategic partnership and explore new opportunities for economic advancement.

Leaders Gather in Oshodi to Celebrate Innovation, Excellence as Team Josh Initiative Holds Summit

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TEAM JOSH INITIATIVE

Oshodi has played host to a remarkable gathering of visionaries, entrepreneurs and change-makers at a high-profile Leaders Summit focused on leadership, innovation and community impact.

The Summit with the theme: ”Building the Next Generation Leaders” was organised by Team Josh Initiative.

Convener of the Summit, Joshua Ige in his opening remarks described the summit as a journey of inspiration, knowledge sharing and recognition of outstanding achievements.

Ige noted that the summit’s objectives included fostering collaboration, recognizing success stories and motivating leaders to drive positive change.

According to him, the event underscored the importance of community-focused leadership and the power of working with available resources to achieve extraordinary results.

The highlight of the summit was the official launch of “What’s in Your Hands?”, a groundbreaking publication that encourages individuals to harness their existing resources and talents for transformative change.

Ige who described the book as a testament to the power of knowledge and innovation, said it is expected to spark fresh thinking among aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

Blacktalker reports that the event also featured an award ceremony celebrating exceptional individuals from the Oshodi community who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence.

The awardees were hailed as trailblazers whose work is making a tangible difference. The event drew participants from various sectors, all united by a common goal: to inspire progress and celebrate excellence.

LSSTF Donates Operational Vehicles to NSCDC

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LSSTF Donates Operational Vehicles to NSCDC

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated operational vehicles to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enhance security operations and response efforts within Lagos State.

At the handover ceremony, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, Administrative Director of LSSTF, officially presented the vehicles to Mr. Adedotun Keshinro and his team from the NSCDC.

The donation is part of LSSTF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the operational efficiency of security agencies in Lagos.

The initiative highlights LSSTF’s continuous efforts to support security infrastructure and ensure a safer environment for all residents of Lagos State.

LSSTF Donates Operational Vehicles to LASEMA

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LSSRF-LASEMA

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated operational vehicles to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to strengthen the agency’s emergency response capacity across the state.

At a brief handover ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, received the vehicles on behalf of the agency.

Representing the LSSTF was Mr. Adegbola Lewis, the Administrative Director, who emphasized the Fund’s commitment to supporting critical state agencies in delivering prompt and effective services to Lagos residents.

The donation underscores ongoing efforts by the LSSTF to boost the operational capabilities of frontline agencies involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of Lagosians.

Prostar Sports International Supports ‘Pad Me A Girl’ Initiative with Customized Shirts

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Pad Me A Girl

In a heartwarming display of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Prostar Sport International, a renowned sports equipment and apparel company, has partnered with the ‘Pad Me A Girl Initiative,’ to promote menstrual health awareness and empower young girls.

The project enunciated by Gatmash Media has commended the company, renowned for providing high-quality sports dresses, has supported the initiative with customized shirts.

Theresa Moses, Convener of the Pad Me A Girl Initiative said “We’re thrilled to have Prostar Sports International on board this initiative. Their customized shirts will not only promote our cause but also serve as a symbol of solidarity with the girls we’re working to support”.

Mr. Paul Maduakor, CEO of Prostar Sports International said “At Prostar Sports International, we believe in empowering young girls and promoting menstrual health awareness. We’re proud to support the Pad Me A Girl Initiative and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community”.

The shirts feature a bold design with the Pad Me A Girl Initiative’s logo. This is aimed to promote menstrual health awareness and obliterates stigmas attached to it. It was disclosed that the shirts are made from high-quality, breathable fabric for comfort and durability.

The initiative has made significant impact, and has reached over 2,000 young girls and women in Abuja and Benue IDP camps, and has provided reusable sanitary pads and menstrual health education, empowering girls to manage their menstruation with dignity.

The next phase of the project will kick off in June/July 2025, with plans to expand the initiative’s reachout and impact. Through the ‘Access PAD Me A Girl,’ PAD Bank, young girls will continue to receive free sanitary pads every month, empowering them to manage their menstrual health with dignity.

Alleged Privacy Violation: Access Bank Sues for Calm, Says Matter Under Investigation 

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ACCESS BANK

Access Bank Plc has responded to the reports making the rounds on social media concerning a former contact agent, who was alleged to have violated the privacy of some women in the organisation. 

In a statement, the bank said the matter has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation while cautioning the general public to rely on updates communicated through their channels only.

The statement reads in full:

Our attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media regarding an alleged offence involving a former Contact Centre Agent.

The matter has been handed over to the appropriate authorities, who are conducting an investigation.

We are fully cooperating with them in this process.

At Access Bank, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and any form of privacy violation.

We are also actively engaging with the affected employees to provide all necessary support.

The safety, dignity, and well-being of our employees and customers remain our highest priority.

We appreciate the concern and support of the public and our stakeholders.

For accurate information, we encourage everyone to rely only on updates communicated through our official channels.

GTCO Shareholders Approve N8.03 Per Share Dividend Payout

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GTCO

Shareholders of Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO Plc have approved the payment of a total dividend of N8.03 per share for the financial year ending December 31, 2024.

This decision was taken at the company’s fourth annual general meeting, which was held virtually yesterday. The company had previously paid an interim dividend of N1 per share, and would now make an additional N7.03 per share bringing the total dividend for the 2024 financial year to N8.03 per share.

Speaking to shareholders, the chairman of GTCO, Mr Hezekiah Sola Oyinlola, emphasized the group’s ability to remain agile and forward-thinking, which has allowed the company to achieve record-breaking performances.

Oyinlola in his address at the AGM stated that, “In 2024, we became the first Nigerian bank to surpass the N1 trillion profit mark, an achievement that underscores the resilience of our business model, the dedication of our people, and the trust our customers place in us.”

According to him, the company’s success in a changing macroeconomic landscape is built on three pillars: operational excellence, disciplined risk management, and a relentless focus on customer-centric innovation. He noted that the banking business continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals, supported by a robust capital base and effective cost management.

“Our strategic diversification into payments, asset management, and pension fund administration has provided complementary revenue streams, reinforcing our leadership in the financial services sector,” he added.

Also speaking on the group’s 2024 performance, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Mr. Segun Agbaje noted that, “In 2024, we reached a historic milestone, delivering over N1 trillion in profit before tax, becoming the first Nigerian financial institution to achieve this feat.”

He emphasized that its banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank remains central to its operations, driving growth in Nigeria, West Africa, East Africa, and the United Kingdom.

“In 2024, we navigated a rapidly evolving regulatory and macroeconomic environment with a focus on strengthening our financial position and delivering best-in-class banking services,” he explained.

Agbaje also noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization policy presented an opportunity to reinforce market leadership, allowing the group to complete the first phase of its equity capital raising plan through a Public Offer.

“This Public Offer attracted strong participation from both domestic retail and institutional investors, raising N209.41 billion and expanding our shareholder base from 332,000 to over 460,000,” he added.

 “With this momentum, we are prepared to launch the second phase of our capital raising plan in 2025, targeting significant foreign institutional investments to further solidify our reputation as a globally recognized and competitive financial services brand,” he added.

Looking ahead, Agbaje stated, “Our focus will be on deepening digitalization, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding our ecosystem of financial and non-financial solutions. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, strengthening our cybersecurity framework, and building strategic partnerships that unlock new growth opportunities. Most importantly, we will remain true to our purpose: driving economic progress, fostering financial inclusion, and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

Shareholders commended the board for the financial performance achieved during the reviewed period, despite the challenging operating environment.

Chief Timothy Adesiyan, speaking on behalf of shareholders, praised the management of GTCO for their impressive financial performance in 2024 and the dividend payout.

Also, Mrs. Bisi Bakara, national coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, commended the board, management, and staff for their stellar performance and success in the face of adversity. She expressed approval for the proposed final dividend declaration of N7.03 per share, which totals N8.03 in dividend payments.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, GTCO reported a remarkable 81.1 per cent surge in gross earnings, reaching N2.15 trillion, up from N1.19 trillion in 2023.

Oyinlola before the end of the AGM also announced that as part of the company’s succession plan, Mr Suleiman Barau has been appointed as the new Group Chairman, pending regulatory approval.

He highlighted Barau’s extensive experience and respect in the industry, noting that “he is a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, with a proven track record of leadership and strategic insight.

“He has been a pioneering director of GTCO since its restructuring. I am confident that under his guidance, GTCO will continue to thrive, innovate, and deliver superior value to all its customers and stakeholders”, he stated.

Funke Akindele, Bovi, Falz Thrill Audience at Chude Live Conversation Show

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Chude Live Conversation Show

Nollywood filmmaker, Funke Akindele, Falz, Kiekie, and other creative voices have shared their life stories on the Chude Live Conversation Show.

Speaking during the show on Sunday night, entrepreneur and storyteller, Chude Jideonwo, said the live conversation show was his debut of #WithChude Live.

According to Jideonwo, it is not just a talk show but a space where laughter, vulnerability, wisdom, and healing collide.

He said the show had created an atmosphere where people of all ages, especially young Nigerians, could sit in rooms filled with possibility and leave feeling seen, heard, and deeply moved.

Sharing her experience, Akindele said the show was all about humanity.

She added that the live show was for the audience to listen to celebrities on how they shared their stories, pains and joy.

“There was a video on social media that some women mocked me that I don’t have a husband.

“My God. I see all the insults on social media. I see all the posts that show how I left one husband for another one.

“I cried, cried, and cried. I just told myself, you need to speak to someone about this. You can’t continue like this.

“I told myself that I needed to speak, I reached out, and I started speaking. After that, I felt better. Things I couldn’t tell people out there. I spoke to my therapist and I was better.

“So, I want to advise you out there. It’s very important for you to speak up. You need it. You can’t take everything. I’m a very strong person now. I have that strength to face any challenges in life.

“After the whole blackmailing, I got tougher. I started putting the story about my life into writing, even though I almost lost it mentally, but I used the mockery to produce a film,” she said.

Akindele, sharing her story about crossing the one billion views in one of her films in the box office , said prior to that time, a filmmaker told her that she could not make the feat.

Akindele said one of her priorities was to empower the next filmmakers and to create several movie stars in the Nollywood industry.

Also, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, a media personality and a social media/fashion influencer, said it was a privilege to be on the show.

“l feel delighted whenever l have to speak to express myself before the live audience.

“I am here for great conversation, topics around career, work and industry.

Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, a rapper, songwriter, and actor, said, “the endsars period was one of the craziest and toughest times in my life but I did not have any regrets participating in the protest.

“In my life, I was thought never to regret my actions, the Endsars protest was a moment that was monumental so more than anything I appreciated how I participated in the struggle.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other popular personalities that shared their stories are: comedian Bovi Ugboma, rapper and renowned faith leader, Pastor Jerry Eze.

Others are Veekee James, Moses Bliss, Taaooma, and Hauwa Lawal, who shared how they manage their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being while navigating fame, online scrutiny, and the ever-present pressure to remain relevant.

NAN

Ikoyi Club Appoints Candide-Johnson As Trustee

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Mr Adeyemi Candide-Johnson

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Published by Blacktalker

Candide-Johnson Law Practice has announced the appointment of its Senior Partner, Mr Adeyemi Candide-Johnson, as a Trustee of Ikoyi Club 1938.

Mrs Blessing Brownson, the Public Affairs officer of the club, made it known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikoyi Club is an assembly of leaders across business and public sectors.

Brownson said that the appointment recognised Candide-Johnson’s longstanding leadership in the legal profession and his sustained commitment to corporate governance and institutional excellence.

“A distinguished figure in the law, he has pioneered impactful reforms and served with distinction, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking and principled advocate for justice.

“Candide-Johnson currently chairs several prominent boards, where his strategic insight and depth of experience continue to shape governance at the highest level.

“Within our firm, he has led with integrity and discernment for over three decades, guiding our practice through evolving legal landscapes with clarity and conviction,” she stated.

Brownson said Candide-Johnson’s new role as Trustee was both a fitting continuation of his dedication to public service and an affirmation of his stature among the country’s most respected legal and civic minds. NAN