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Governor Soludo Delivers 16.5 kilometres Nza Ozubulu-Ukpor Road, Gets Commendations From Community Leaders

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Governor Charles Soludo has completed the 16.5km Nza Ozubulu-Ukpor Road in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. He has also tackled the issue of erosion that has been disturbing the people of Ozubulu for years.

The projects have received commendation from community leaders who described Governor Soludo as the Solution Governor who keeps his promises. They said the road which has long been abandoned by previous governments,has been constructed by Soludo within a short time.

According to one of the community leaders, Ugochukwu Eze, previous administrations have used the road in their campaigns but without any action on it.

“Other governments used the road for their campaigns but nothing was done about it after the elections. But when Governor Soludo came in, he promised to do it and has delivered it. We are very happy we have a governor that keeps his promise,” he stated.

Eze affirmed that before the advent of Governor Soludo’s government, movement in the area used to be difficult due to the menace of armed robbers, but now, the situation has changed for good.

“Before, this road was terrible, it used to be occupied by armed robbers, but Governor Soludo has delivered it, and now people can travel to Imo State from Anambra freely. Commercial drivers now use this road to various destinations. We are saying the Solution Governor, well done,” the community leader avowed.

Recently, Governor Soludo delivered the 2.8 km Nawfia Road, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, which connects the Awka-Onitsha Old Road to the Awka-Onitsha Expressway, and the construction of the 2.62 km Bank Road in Nnewi, which connects to St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in Uruagu Nnewi.

According to Anambra Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, the projects are parts of Governor Soludo’s ongoing infrastructural development in making Anambra a destination where the people can live, invest, learn, work, relax, and enjoy.

TPT International’s CEO to Lead NIPR Discussion on Policy Marketing, Boardroom Communication

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TPT International’s CEO, Adetokunbo Modupe, is set to the discussion as the importance of policy marketing and boardroom communication comes to the forefront.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Abuja chapter, will spotlight critical corporate communication and reputation management issues at its 2025 Reputation Round Table. Themed “Navigating Reputation Challenges in the Digital Era.” The conference will take place from February 25th to 26th in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. This event will feature some of the brightest minds in the marketing communication industry.

Among the distinguished speakers expected at the event are Adetokunbo Modupe, a highly sought-after public relations expert and founder of TPT International Limited; Annie Essienette, Group Manager of Marketing and Communication at Ibom Air; Professor Rotimi Oladele; and Chido Nwankama, CEO of Brandhaus Communications Ltd.

The conference will be co-chaired by veteran broadcaster Dr. Danladi Bako and Professor Okey Ikechukwu, a Thisday Newspaper editorial board member and executive director of the Developmental Space Academy. Adetokunbo Modupe will present on “Policy Marketing and Boardroom Communication as a Public Relations Management Function.”

Mr. Modupe is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most sought-after Public Relations Consultants. He is the founder and Chief Consultant of TPT International Limited. With over three decades of experience in public relations and marketing communication, Toks, as he is affectionately known, stands out as a leading figure in Africa’s modern PR consultancy landscape.

Renowned for his innovative approach to public relations, Toks is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and a fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. He has also served as the general secretary of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria and is a member of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group.

Toks holds a Master’s degree in Leadership, Innovation, and Change from York St. John’s University in the UK, an LLB in Law from Arden University in the UK, and has completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, among other qualifications. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School in Kenya.

As a thought leader, Toks specializes in intrapreneurship, leadership, innovation, and marketing communication issues.

GTCO Launches Waste For Gas Initiative to Improve Quality of Life for Households, Empower Women

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

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO, a leading financial services institution, has launched the “Waste for Gas” initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for households and empowering women in underserved communities.

This transformative project seeks to distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to low-income families in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State.

The Waste for Gas project underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities. By providing households with gas-powered cooking, the initiative simplifies daily routines, freeing up time for essential activities that support financial resilience. The initiative also introduces a structured “waste for gas” exchange programme that promotes responsible waste management, fostering a culture of sustainability.

The project will unfold in two key phases, ensuring that it reaches those most in need. In the first phase, teams from GTCO, in collaboration with local government representatives, will conduct door-to-door visits across 12 wards in Obafemi Owode Local Government from Monday to Friday, February 18th – 21st, 2025.

These visits will help identify beneficiaries who currently rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Participating households will collect and return plastic waste in exchange for gas cylinders and burners. In the second phase, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 22nd and 23rd, 2025, efforts will be shifted to monitoring and increasing adoption of the new cooking method among the beneficiaries. 

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, stated: “At GTCO, we are committed to driving progress, not just through innovative financial solutions but by creating real impact in the communities where we operate. Waste for Gas is about making life easier for families, giving them more time for what truly matters—whether it’s education, meaningful work, or personal development. Beyond this initiative, our goal is to continually evolve sustainable platforms that empower people, strengthen communities, and contribute to socioeconomic progress.”

As GTCO continues to expand its CSR footprint, the Waste for Gas project serves as a blueprint for future interventions that drive meaningful, long-lasting impact in underserved communities.

About GTCO Plc

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is a leading financial services institution headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with operations across 10 countries in Africa and the United Kingdom. GTCO Plc transitioned from a pure-play commercial bank—licensed since 1990—to a fully-fledged financial services company in April 2021 under a non-operating financial holding company structure, with shares listed on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The operating entities within GTCO’s robust financial ecosystem include Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank), Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (GTFM), Guaranty Trust Pension Managers Limited (GTPM), and HabariPay Limited (Habari).

As a “Proudly African and Truly International” Institution, GTCO has been at the forefront of enriching lives and promoting enterprise across the African continent through its transformative platforms and differentiated offerings.

Wema Bank Reiterate Commitment to Empowering Women Led Businesses

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blacktalker
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…. Returns as Headline Sponsor for 2025 NBC Trade Fair

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering women-led businesses in the country. This reaffirmation was disclosed during the Bank’s announcement of its 80 years anniversary campaigns targeted at supporting and rewarding its existing and potential customers across the country.

Reiterating its commitment to women led businesses and solidifying its role as a champion of gender inclusivity and economic growth, Wema Bank announced its return as the headline sponsor of the 2025 NBC Trade Fair, which will run across 16 states in Nigeria and internationally, supporting thousands of women, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Wema Bank, through the 2024 NBC Trade Fair, achieved remarkable success, generating over 3.5 billion Naira in SME revenue and creating transformative opportunities for businesses across Nigeria. With eight local fairs held in various cities and a groundbreaking international edition in London, the fair showcased the power of collaboration and inclusivity.

Over 4,450 SMEs participated, with an impressive 85% being female-led. These achievements reflect the tangible impact of Wema Bank’s support and dedication to fostering women’s economic growth and advancement.

As Wema Bank celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, the stage is set for an even grander and bolder NBC Trade Fair 2025. This year’s fair promises more opportunities, tailored rewards, and unparalleled support for female entrepreneurs and business owners. With its legacy of enabling businesses and people, the 2025 NBC Trade Fair is not just a celebration of success but a testament to Wema Bank’s dedication to Women empowerment.

LASU VC Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Education, Discipline

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blacktalker
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…….Holds Matriculation Ceremony for New Intakes into the School of Part-Time Studies.

The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello has reaffirmed LASU’s commitment to providing a flexible and high-quality education for students balancing work, family, and academics.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello stated this in her address to new students admitted into the School of Part-Time Studies, SPTS during the 2024/2025 Matriculation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Represented by Professor of Psychology, Prof. Olufemi Lawal, the Vice Chancellor underscored the university’s role in producing graduates equipped for leadership and societal transformation.

Addressing Academic Commitment and Ethical Conduct, she urged students to take their studies seriously, attend lectures regularly, and complete assignments diligently. The VC warned against engaging in examination malpractice, emphasizing that integrity remains a cornerstone of LASU’s academic values.

“Our institution is built on discipline and responsibility. As students, you are expected to uphold high academic standards, avoid distractions, and stay committed to your goals,” she stated.

Professor Olatunji-Bello reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism, indecent dressing, and hooliganism. She stressed that students should carefully choose their friends, avoid bad influences, and adhere to university rules.

“The university will not condone any form of misconduct. Cultism and other criminal activities will be met with strict disciplinary measures,” she affirmed.

She also called on students to report any cases of harassment and assured them that support mechanisms are in place through the Directorate of Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

“Do not suffer in silence. If you see something, say something,” she emphasized, urging students to respect one another and create a safe campus environment.

Professor Olatunji-Bello concluded by encouraging students to embrace challenges and leverage the resources available at LASU. She reminded them that success is achieved through dedication, perseverance, and ethical conduct.

“Your journey here will shape your future. Stay focused, work hard, and contribute positively to society,” she advised.

The matriculation ceremony was attended by key university officials, faculty members, and students.

Soludo’s Disruptive Change through Anambra’s Strategy Evaluation and Execution Office for Optimal Service Delivery

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blacktalker
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Governor Charles Soludo is blazing the trail for delivering a significantly better public service performance in Nigeria, with a strong commitment to keeping the promises made to the citizens of Anambra State.

Soludo realizes that the key to success is causing disruptive changes to how public institutions engage in service delivery and has established the Strategy Execution and Evaluation, SEE Office to demonstrate this.

The SEE office is not just a group of policymakers, but a collaborative think tank designed to drive strategic initiatives interfacing with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to shape the state’s future, with the core values of Professionalism, Responsiveness, Innovativeness, and Transparency.

In a release from Governor Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the mission of the SEE Office is to partner with Anambra state MDAs to significantly improve efficiencies and effectiveness of government delivery mechanisms in engendering disruptive change in service delivery. This is to create a homeland where Anambra citizens can live, invest, learn, work, relax, and enjoy.

It is to evaluate current strategies, assess their effectiveness, ensure seamless execution of new plans, and bridge the gap between idea and action, to keep the needs of Anambra citizens at the forefront.

To create informed strategies, the office engages with community members directly, listening to their concerns and insights.

Data-driven decision-making is at the heart of its approach, and by utilizing analytics, the committee can evaluate past initiatives and predict the outcomes of future plans, by operating on a principle of accountability. This makes members checkmate each other on strategy implementation and fosters a culture of collaboration and transparency.

From education reform to infrastructure development, the impact of the office’s work is visible across the state. Each successful project stands as a testament to rigorous evaluation and agile execution.

In a time of uncertainty, the SEE Office stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration. Through relentless evaluation and execution, they are not just shaping policy, but weaving a better future for all citizens of Anambra State. 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Delegation Bag Awards in California For Contributions To Leadership, Cultural Innovations

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blacktalker
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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the California Legislature. The award honors his visionary leadership, dedication to sustainable development, and innovative contributions to the state’s progress.

In a related recognition, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, was celebrated for her outstanding service in promoting Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.

The award highlighted her support for artists and musicians, fostering cultural ties that benefit both Lagos and California and her commitment to strengthening the growing partnership between the two regions.

The visit also included a strategic meeting between the Lagos State delegation and the Office of California State Representative Matt Haney, where discussions focused on deepening city-state collaboration.

The partnership aims to foster cultural and musical exchanges for creatives, attract investments in technology and innovation incubation hubs and explore shared solutions for multimodal transportation systems.

This evolving collaboration promises to create new opportunities for innovation, cultural diplomacy, and economic growth, further solidifying Lagos State’s position as a global city with thriving international partnerships.

LASAA Addresses Concerns Over Billboard Safety in Abati Barracks

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blacktalker
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The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA has responded to growing concerns raised by military personnel and residents of Abati Barracks, Surulere, over the recurring collapse of a giant billboard in the area.

The billboard, which has fallen twice, has reportedly caused injuries and damage to properties, prompting urgent calls for action.

In an official statement, LASAA distanced itself from any actions that could endanger public safety and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing strict structural integrity standards for advertising structures across Lagos.

The agency emphasized that any billboards posing a threat to lives or property would not be allowed to remain standing.According to LASAA, the controversial billboard in Abati Barracks was never registered with the agency, making it an illegal installation.

The agency disclosed that it had previously attempted to regulate advertising structures within military, police, and air force formations in Lagos but had faced resistance. LASAA stressed the importance of allowing it to carry out its regulatory mandate to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Further investigations revealed that the billboard belonged to Radius Resources Limited, a company that had been sanctioned and suspended by LASAA since October 24, 2024, for unethical practices.

As a result, the company had no legal right to reinstall the structure. In response to the recent incident, LASAA has issued a stop-work order to prevent any further construction at the site and has formally notified the Army of the development.

Reacting to the incident, the Managing Director of LASAA, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, called on all stakeholders, including outdoor advertising practitioners and security agencies, to collaborate with LASAA and comply with existing regulations.

“We must work together to ensure that advertising practices in Lagos are safe, respectful, and sustainable while prioritizing the safety of lives and property,” Akiolu stated.

“The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we take incidents like this very seriously. We are dedicated to enforcing standards that protect the public from hazards associated with faulty or improperly installed billboards.”

LASAA also urged community members and security personnel to report any unsafe billboard installations or violations of advertising regulations.

The agency reiterated its responsibility for managing and regulating all signage and outdoor advertising in Lagos State, ensuring that the city remains both aesthetically appealing and safe for residents and visitors alike.

WINNERS TO EMERGE IN 80TH DAILY DRAW OF WEMA BANK 5 FOR 5 PROMO SEASON 4

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blacktalker
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In anticipation of its 80th anniversary, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, will be rewarding 80 customers with cash prizes in its Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 80th daily draw, set to hold virtually at 4 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2024.

Wema Bank launched its 5 for 5 Promo in 2019 as an avenue to reward its customers for their active loyalty to the brand and its products. Since its launch, the Promo has disbursed over 150,000,000 Naira to thousands of customers across Nigeria, across three seasons.

Season 4 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo kicked off on October 1, 2024 with a whopping 135,000,000 Naira cash prize set for disbursement across daily, weekly, monthly and a special grand prize draw where one Wema Bank customer will win 5,000,000 Naira. So far, over 2,000 Wema Bank customers have emerged winners, receiving cash prizes ranging from 5,000 Naira to 1,000,000 Naira each.

Scheduled to hold on Monday, February 24, 2025, the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 80th daily draw will, through a duly regulated and transparent electronic draw, select 80 winners randomly from Wema Bank’s pool of active and transacting customers who have made transactions using the ALAT App, *945# or the Wema/ALAT debit card. Both new and existing Wema Bank customers can participate in the special 80th draw, regardless of their location in Nigeria; provided they meet the eligibility criteria of making at least one transaction via the three valid channels.

Customers and prospects who are interested in becoming one of the lucky 80 winners are advised to sign up on the ALAT App if they haven’t already, request a debit card on the App or get one instantly at any Wema Bank branch or transact offline using *945#, Wema Bank’s USSD code.

The Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 80th daily draw has been curated specially in celebration of Wema Bank’s upcoming 80th anniversary. Anyone in any part of the world can watch the draw live via the Bank’s official Instagram @wemabank and YouTube @WemaBankofficial

Terms and Conditions Apply.

Professor Olukemi Lawanson Calls for Ethical AI Policies in Nigeria’s Educational and Industrial Sectors

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blacktalker
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A Professor of Labour Economics and Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos, UNILAG Professor Olukemi Iyabode Lawanson, has urged the government at all levels to formulate and implement policies that promote the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s educational, industrial, and political sectors.

She made this call while delivering the seventh inaugural lecture of the 2024/2025 academic session at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

The lecture, titled “To Everything There is a Season…”: The Perspective of a Labor Economist, highlighted the growing impact of AI on various professions and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to manage its influence.

Professor Lawanson emphasized the importance of repositioning educational institutions—from elementary to tertiary levels—to effectively integrate automation and AI-related innovations.

She underscored the disruptive nature of AI, noting its increasing presence in banking, financial services, healthcare, retail, telecommunications, security, and the automotive industries. She further referenced a report by the World Economic Forum, which identified AI engineers and machine learning specialists as some of the most sought-after professionals globally.

Tracing the evolution of Human Resource Management and its connection to Personnel Management, the labor economist examined how AI has transformed the workplace and is shaping the future of HR. She listed several professions at risk of being overrun by AI, including customer service representatives, receptionists, accountants, warehouse workers, research analysts, and bookkeepers.

Conversely, she pointed out that fields such as human resource management, teaching, law, sports, creative arts, politics, and healthcare would likely remain largely unaffected by AI advancements.

To mitigate AI’s potential negative effects and maximize its benefits, Professor Lawanson advocated for the inclusion of AI-focused courses in school curricula. She suggested that Nigerian educational institutions introduce subjects such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Robotics, Data Science, AI Ethics, and Generative AI to equip students with the skills needed for the future workforce.

Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of workplace AI skills such as IT project management, generative AI modeling, emotional intelligence, and model tuning. These, she argued, would help prepare both new graduates and existing professionals for the evolving job market.

As part of a roadmap for Nigeria’s AI-driven future, Professor Lawanson recommended several government interventions, including establishing a comprehensive AI policy for education, providing research grants, investing in AI infrastructure, promoting AI skills development, and enforcing ethical AI governance.

She also encouraged academic institutions to leverage AI for administrative tasks, use AI-powered adaptive learning platforms for personalized student engagement, and develop tools that foster critical thinking and social-emotional learning.

Professor Lawanson, a distinguished UNILAG alumna, holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Economics. Since joining the university as an Assistant Lecturer, she has risen through the ranks to become a Professor of Labour Economics and Human Resource Management in 2019.

With over 38 scholarly publications, her research spans areas such as poverty, employment, human capital development, education, and gender studies. In addition to her academic achievements, Professor Lawanson is a family-oriented individual, blessed with children and grandchildren. Her contributions to academia and policy discourse continue to shape conversations on the future of work in Nigeria.

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