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Polaris Bank, partners take presentation of school essentials to Gbaja Girls Secondary Schools, Lagos

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L-R: Divisional Head, SURULERE Business, Dr. Bimbo Akorede; Principal Gbaja Junior Girls School, Mrs.Tawakalitu Dahiru; ED, Corporate & Investment Banking, Polaris Bank, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah; ED PaceGate Limited, Raj Totlani, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Mngt; Bukola Oluyadi & GM, Evolve Charity Trust, Mr. Godwin Ejeh when Polaris Bank & Evolve Charity Donated over 200 Schools essentials to both Gbaja Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in SURULERE last week in Lagos

Polaris Bank and one of its strategic CSR partners, Evolve Trust Charity have visited the Gbaja Girls (Junior and Senior) High School, Surulere, Lagos in continuation of its presentation of school essentials programme to selected public school students in the country.

The partnership which birthed in 2021 and primarily focused on empowering the girl-child and their male counterparts has reached over 15,000 students across 35 public schools in nine states including Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Imo and FCT, Abuja.

Amongst other things, the initiative includes empowering young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education alongside making and distributing user-sized school essentials (bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens). The initiative also captures training of teachers in the respective schools, all sponsored by the Bank.

Speaking at the presentation, the Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah emphasized that the Bank being a signatory to United Nations’ (UN) Principles for Responsible Banking aligns its practices and strategies with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement thus igniting its sustained interests in the training of the girl-child.

According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), there are about 10.5 million out of school children in Nigeria with six million of them being girls.

“This event is not just about distributing educational materials but empowering girls for bigger roles because educated girls grow into informed women. At Polaris Bank, we are committed to bridging the educational gap, empowering girls and building sustainability aligning with global framework,” she said.

The Executive Director further charged the students to embrace the opportunities inherent in education while stating that the Bank will stop at nothing to support them.

“Education is most powerful tool at your disposal and you have to utilize it to the maximum. Polaris Bank will not relent in supporting this laudable mission to empower girls who will drive the needed change to better our country and world. This intervention is in line with the Bank’s ongoing sustainability efforts aimed at reducing out-of-school children population and increasing access to quality education, especially for the girl-child and we urge you all to take full advantage,” Ozoma noted.

Also speaking, Programme Manager at Evolve Charity Trust, Ejeh Godwin thanked Polaris Bank for keying into the Trust’s mission of supporting the girl-child nationwide. Godwin noted that while the initiative commenced in 2020, Polaris Bank partnered in 2021 and the Bank has never for once backed out since then.

“I want to specially appreciate Polaris Bank for their tremendous support since 2021 that the partnership started. We couldn’t have done this alone nor come this far without their support. We’ve expanded our reach and hope to even bring more schools in other states on board this year, all thanks to Polaris Bank,” Ejeh said.

The Principal, Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Mrs Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo in her remarks also appreciated Polaris Bank for including the school in the intervention programme.

“I want to specially thank Polaris Bank on behalf of staff and students for finding us worthy of benefitting from this laudable programme. You can feel the energy in the hall that the students are happy and so are the staff. This has boosted our morale, and we are incredibly happy about it,” the Principal enthused.

One of the beneficiaries and Assistant Senior Girl of the school, Bankole Oreofeoluwa Emmanuella also thanked the Bank for symbolic gesture while promising to put the items into judicious use.

“My friends and I are happy about this gesture from Polaris Bank, and we can’t thank the Bank enough. These items will further ease our learning, and we promise to not only put them to judicious use, but imbibe good maintenance culture,” Bankole said.

Highlight of the event was presentation of the items to students by officials of Polaris Bank and Evolve Charity Trust.

80th Anniversary: Wema Bank Kicks Off Celebration with “80 Years of Spreading Love” Valentine Campaign

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Wema Bank has kicked off its 80th-anniversary celebration with the launch of its “80 Years of Spreading Love” Valentine campaign, running from February 1st to 28th, 2025. This campaign is the first in a series of exciting activities leading up to the bank’s grand 80th anniversary on May 2, 2025, and is designed to reward customer loyalty, strengthen connections, and create unforgettable experiences through 80 Acts of Love.

With rewards tailored for every customer segment, Wema Bank is rolling out 11,000,000 naira in cash prizes, gift cards, movie tickets, spa treatments, fitness access, and Uber vouchers for young professionals and students.

Women and families will enjoy free SARA health consultations, business promotions, and networking opportunities, while Diaspora and Prestige customers can access discounted loans, cashback rewards, and priority banking services.

SMEs and entrepreneurs aren’t left out, as they’ll benefit from free delivery services, business training sessions, Meta advert credits, and promotional support, alongside up to 15% off CIG Motors products and 5% off Green Asset products with free StarTimes decoders and a six-month subscription.

The “80 Years of Spreading Love” campaign is just the beginning of a year-long celebration honoring the customers who have journeyed with Wema Bank over the past eight decades. To take part in the rewards, customers simply need to download ALAT and follow Wema Bank on social media for updates on exclusive benefits throughout the season of love.

AYDAN Executives Undergo Training On Public Accountability , Social Activism

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As part of requisite skills required to discharge their duties of office creditably, the Executive Members of the Alimosho Youth Development Association of Nigeria, AYDAN have attended a one-day training on Leadership and Social Activism.

The training, which was held virtually over the weekend, was facilitated by the duos of Comrade Kehinde Adegboyega, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, and Mr. Bashir Abolore Muse, a Business Executive Coach.

While Adegboyega, who is also the Convener of Africa International Human Rights Film Festival, spoke on the topic, “Relationship between Human Rights and Public Good ,” Muse’s lecture was centered on ” Leadership as a driver of Development.”

The AYDAN executive members was led by the President, Comrade Shakirudeen Bankole Adeshina, a seasoned Journalist, Corporate Communications Strategist, and Social Development Advocate.

Other members Of the AYDAN Group that were trained were Comrade Ola-Lawal Mubarak, the Secretary, who is a seasoned journalist and an editor with Opomulero Online News; Comrade Jokosanya Oluwatosin Faizat, the Treasurer, who is an entrepreneur by profession; Comrade Israel Olajide, the Internal Auditor, a tax practitioners by profession; Comrade Kafayat Gbadamosi, the Welfare Director, who is also an entrepreneur by profession; and Comrade Adetoye Oketokun, the Public Relations Officer, who is a grassroot political mobiliser.

In his presentation, Adegboyega advised that it is no brainier to know that the AYDAN Executive Members may have some preferences for some political leaders , “but the importance of public accountability and respect for the fundamental human rights of the populace should override such biases.

‘It has now become your job to represent the millions of the governed peiole in the entire Alimosho Local Government Area. It is your job to educate them about their rights and civic responsibilities. This would help promote social consciousness, which is a key component of democratic governance,” he advised.

Adegboyega said the essence of democracy is for the few elected officials to fairly administer and distribute the resources of the country for the good of the people.

“Water, electricity, schools, hospitals, good roads, safety and security are all the fundamental human rights of he people, including freedom of expression and association. These rights are more realise-able when credible people are elected into political positions, and when there are organisations like AYDAN that helps to hold them to account,” he said.

On his part, Muse said among other qualities of good leadership, personal integrity, courage, and emotional intelligence, are the most important.

“As leaders who are fighting for the fundamental human rights of the people, you all must not be caught in the act of any fraud whatsoever. Personal integrity is your important tool as a leader. You must to be seen or heard to he abusing the rights of the others. Another one is the courage to lead and address the issues that affect the people. A good leader must have the courage to lead from the front, confront the challenges being faced by its people and go all out to help them find respite..

” Another important skill is Emotional Intelligence. Empathy is an instrument of loyalty. A leader needs the people to be loyal so they can respond whenever the leaders call upon them. Emotional intelligence makes people see that a leader cares, and the best way they would reward such is is my giving their loyalty,” Muse added.

Governor Soludo Completes 2.62km Bank Road in Nnewi, Commits to Urban Regeneration

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Governor Charles Soludo has completed the construction of the 2.62 km Bank Road in Nnewi, which connects to St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in Uruagu Nnewi. This is part of his administration’s ongoing urban infrastructural development plan for Anambra state.

The newly constructed road, which was in a deplorable condition, has been brought back to life, as asphalt has now been fully laid on it. Another phase comprises street lights that illuminate at night and markings to enhance traffic flow.

In a statement by Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor’s infrastructural drive is a new phase of development in making Anambra the Japan of Africa, an initiative that underscores his commitment to transforming the state into a destination for businesses and economic activities to thrive.

This is also evident in the governor’s project to reshape Ekwulobia, one of the major towns in Anambra State, into a cosmopolitan city, amongst other developments in the state, with a newly constructed flyover that has reduced traffic gridlock and connects local businesses to a broader market, with illumination.

Other projects embarked upon at Ekwulobia include adjoining roads such as the Nanka-Ekwulobia-Aguata Council Area Headquarters’ two-kilometre road and Ekwulobia-Isuofia one-point-one-two-five-kilometre road; as well as other ancillary structures and facilities. There is a modern bus terminal, fuel station, security office, fire station, and other external works, such as sewage treatment facilities, drainage, and landscaping, among others.

The governor is also constructing an ultra-modern market to accommodate traders, with a motor park, a sports and recreation facilities for local and international events and cultural festivals.

LAGOS STATE COMMENCES E-REGISTRATION FOR YEAR 2025 ENTRANCE EXAMINATION INTO MODEL COLLEGES/UPGRADED JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

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Lagos Schools to Resume Second Term January 12

The Lagos State Government has commenced Year 2025 e-Registraton Entrance Examination (Screening Test) for primary 6 pupils transiting to junior secondary schools into its Model Colleges and Upgraded Junior Secondary Schools.

The Director, Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Adebayo Orunsolu confirmed that the e-Registration will commence from Thursday 6th February and ends on Friday, 16th May, 2025, noting that the Screening will be conducted through Computer Based Test (CBT) only between Wednesday, 28th May and Friday, 30th May, 2025, at the various CBT designated centers across the State.

Mr. Orunsolu stressed that qualified pupils from public and private Schools are to pay a sum of #10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira Only) for the Application.

Speaking further, the Director stated that the registration of prospective applicants will be done via Examinations Board Portal https://pay.examboard.com.ng/model/payment/login.

While clarifying Screening Test as the sole yardstick for admission into JSS1 in any of the State Model Colleges, Orunsolu advised prospective candidates to visit the Head Office of the Board at 254, Ipaja Road, near N.Y.S.C Orientation Camp, Agege, for further enquiries where necessary.

OGUN STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE EASES TRAFFIC BOTTLENECK ON EWEKORO ROAD AMID ONGOING CONSTRUCTION

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… Appeals to Motorists to Obey Traffic Rules, Directs Increased Police Presence

In continuation of his routine security and safety tour across Ogun State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo PhD, has paid an unscheduled visit to Ewekoro Local Government, where he was confronted with a severe traffic gridlock along the Lafarge dual carriageway currently under construction.

Upon arrival, the CP observed that the congestion was caused by impatient road users who had driven against traffic, leading to a chaotic face-off that left many motorists stranded without a clear passage.

Additionally, articulated vehicles had obstructed the movement of smaller cars, further worsening the situation and contributing to general road lawlessness.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, CP Ogunlowo took immediate steps to restore order by personally coordinating traffic movement and appealing to motorists to exercise patience and adhere to proper lane discipline. He emphasized that compliance with traffic regulations would ensure smoother vehicular movement and reduce travel time for all road users.

To prevent a reoccurrence of such disruptions, the Commissioner directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ewekoro to deploy additional traffic personnel to the affected areas, ensuring sustained enforcement of traffic laws and facilitating a free flow of movement along the route.

The Ogun State Police Command urges all motorists to cooperate with law enforcement officers, obey traffic regulations, and prioritize road safety to avoid unnecessary delays and inconveniences.

LASU LAUNCHES POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN PEACE AND SECURITY STUDIES

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……Holds Orientation Programme for Inaugural Students.

Lagos State University’s Centre for Peace and Security Studies has formally commenced its postgraduate programmes in Peace and Security Studies with an orientation programme on Saturday, 8th January 2025.

The event, which was held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, welcomed the first cohort of students admitted into five distinct programmes: Academic Ph.D., Professional Doctorate, Academic Masters, Professional Masters, and Postgraduate Diploma.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Oseni Taiwo Afisi, congratulated the students for being pioneers of the discipline, which he described as a transformative journey.

He said, “This orientation marks the beginning of a transformative journey into academic excellence, critical thinking and cutting-edge research that LASU is known for.”

He also described the Centre for Peace and Security Studies as a research hub “where solutions will be proffered to issues such as banditry, cattle-rustling, terrorism and other forms of insecurity” while urging them to “find ways to ensure that those problems become mitigated so that you can be identified as proud products of this great university.”

The Vice-Chancellor further assured the students that the centre has a combination of experts who would bring out the best in them while assuring the faculty of the tireless support of the university management towards the success of the programmes.

Director of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Prof. Adewunmi Falode, in his welcome address, highlighted the strategic position of the Centre under his leadership: “This is the only multidisciplinary centre that we have in LASU; every faculty is represented on our programmes, thus it is a Centre that will equip you to thrive in a diverse world like ours.

In Nigeria and all over he world, we are dealing with peace and security issues; you will be exposed to practical experiences that would help you proffer solutions to these problems.”

Additionally, the professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies praised the vice-chancellor for the actualisation of the vision of the Centre. He said, “Today wouldn’t have been possible without the vice-chancellor. This Centre is her initiative and was birthed around August last year. Since then, she has given us all the required support, and you (students) are lucky to be pioneers of this first-of-its-kind centre in LASU.”

Prof. Ibrahim Olateju, Dean of the Postgraduate School was also at the programme to assure the students of the smartness of their choice. “You have made the right choice by choosing LASU. This is a university where a two-year course is two years and a four-year course is four years. I can assure you that you will graduate on time.”

He revealed that the LASU’s technology-driven academic environment empowers the students to choose their mode of lectures and examinations, which could be physical or virtual.

Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Olugbenga Akindoju, in his brief address, exposed the students to the grading system in the university, urging them to give their best to finish in flying colours.

Other notable speakers were Dr Lateef Salami, who represented the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu; Mr David Ogunde, who represented the Bursar, Mr Said Babatunde Olayinka; Dr Ogungbeni, who represented the University Librarian, Dr Omawunmi Makinde and Dr Mustapha, who represented the Director, DICT, Prof. Toyin Enikuomehin.

The programme was also attended by former and current deans of faculties, heads of departments and professors, as well as other senior academic and non-academic staff in the university.

Omole Phase One Residents Protest Erratic Power Supply at Ikeja Electric Headquarters

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Residents of Omole Phase One Housing Estate staged a peaceful protest at the Ikeja Electric headquarters in Alausa, Lagos, on Wednesday, expressing their frustration over persistent power outages despite being charged high electricity tariffs.

The protesters condemned Ikeja Electric’s alleged lack of commitment to addressing their concerns, particularly the failure to meet the stipulated electricity supply hours for Band A customers. They described the situation as unjust, given the financial burden placed on residents without commensurate service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the estate, the Residents’ Association revealed that multiple letters had been sent to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, seeking intervention. However, they lamented that these efforts have yielded no response, leaving the residents to endure worsening power supply conditions.

“This situation is unacceptable. We have done everything within our power to bring attention to this issue, but it seems our pleas are being ignored,” said a representative of the Association during the protest.

In a bid to resolve the matter, the estate’s executive committee held a closed-door meeting with officials from Ikeja Electric. Following the meeting, the company assured the residents that the power supply issues would be resolved promptly.

Despite these assurances, the residents have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Ikeja Electric to take immediate action and restore reliable electricity to the estate. Failure to comply, they warned, could result in further actions to press their demands.

The situation underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, where consumers often grapple with unreliable electricity supply despite paying high tariffs. Residents of Omole Phase One hope their protest will spur meaningful change.

LASU School of Transport and Logistics, ACSC Encourage Young Learners to Explore Careers in Logistics

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The Lagos State University School of Transport and Logistics, LASUSOTAL, in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Supply Chain, ACSC, has encouraged youths to consider careers in logistics and supply chain management.

Dean of LASUSOTAL, Prof. Charles Asenime, who was represented by Lagos Zonal Coordinator of ACSC, Dr. Ogochukwu Ugboma, gave the charge while addressing students of the LASU International Staff School, on the importance of transport and logistics.

Dr. Ugboma highlighted the importance of introducing logistics and supply chain management into school curricula at an early stage, stressing that these sectors are vital to human existence. He described the field as lucrative and fulfilling, offering students the opportunity to build stable and rewarding careers.

”We believe that LASU, as a front-runner in transport and logistics education, should begin this awareness process with its children. This way, we awaken their consciousness to the vast opportunities that lie ahead in this career path.”

Delivering a lecture titled: “Unlocking Your Future,” Director General of ACSC, Dr. Obiora Madu, explained the critical functions of logistics in transporting goods, meeting customer demands, and connecting manufacturers to consumers.

She also encouraged the students to consider the discipline, stating that it provides global opportunities and valuable skills for those pursuing it.

According to Dr. Madu, Logistics is the backbone of movement, that is, moving goods from one point to another to satisfy human needs.

“Logistics involves the efficient transportation of goods from their origin to their destination. This includes using trucks, ships, trains, and airplanes to move goods efficiently. They connect manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers, making sure the products we use arrive on time, she noted.”

The event is part of LASUSOTAL’s broader efforts to promote logistics education, following a recent partnership with LEARN Logistics, UNILAG, and KADSU. This collaboration supports academic projects with a focus on advancing transport and supply chain studies in Nigerian universities while inspiring the next generation to embrace logistics and supply chain management as a career path and ensuring they contribute to a thriving global economy.

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ege, Other Lawmakers Applaud President Tinubu

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Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have on Thursday listed some achievements of the Bola Tinubu-led administration describing the President as a blessing to Nigeria.

During plenary, Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi, the member representing Ojo Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, expressed his admiration for President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the positive changes he has brought to Nigeria and Lagos.

He stated, “When Tinubu was a senator in Lagos, we witnessed his impactful leadership. As governor from 1999, his contributions transformed Lagos over four years, leading to the vibrant city we see today. Currently, we are experiencing further growth and development under his presidency.

”We are proud to call Bola Ahmed Tinubu ours, our father, leader, and mentor. The members of the Lagos House of Assembly stand united in our unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We also extend our support to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her initiatives in health and agriculture, he said.”

In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Adewale Temitope (Ifako-Ijaiye I) said the President’s steps had shown that he was prepared before he took the baton of leadership.

Temitope said the Federal Government under Tinubu continues to meet the yearnings of Nigerians citing the refineries that are in operation and that have led to drops in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He re-echoed the efforts and sacrifices made by Tinubu, whom he described as a true democrat, for the continued successes and strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) both in the state and the nation.

Speaker Mojisola Meranda expressed optimism that the President would meet the yearnings of Nigerians.

“I know President Tinubu will take us to the Promised Land. When he started, it was rough but it is becoming obvious the policies are yielding results.

“This is a positive result happening within the short time Tinubu came into power. Tinubu’s investment in the security architecture is also yielding results as we have insecurity reducing,” she said.

She directed the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Taiwo Ottun, to send a commendation letter to the President acknowledging the positive impact of his policies and programmes.