The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has announced a new date and venue for the eighteenth Town Hall Meeting on Security with the theme: “Data and Technology Driven Security: The Way Forward”.
A statement signed by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Abdurrazaq Balogun said the event was earlier scheduled to take place on the twenty-eighth of November at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
Balogun, who said the postponement was due to unforeseen circumstances, noted that the new date will now be on the eighteenth of December at the Lagos House, Ikeja by eleven a.m.
Apologizing for any inconvenience the change may have caused, he said guests are expected to be seated by ten-thirty a.m. at the venue on the new date.
The LSSTF boss also solicited the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s innovative leader in banking and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially announced the 35 exceptional teams advancing to the grand finale pitch of Hackaholics 5.0.
The grand finale pitch was held on November 25, 2024, in Lagos, themed “Meta Idea: Catalyzing Africa’s Growth Through Innovation.”
After a series of competitive pre-pitch events at eight physical locations and one virtual pitch center, 35 outstanding teams have emerged as top contestants. These teams represent diverse and impactful ideas, ranging from tech solutions in agriculture, finance, and education to innovations in healthcare, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
The grand finale pitch will see these top contestants pitch innovative Digi-Tech solutions to a panel of esteemed investors, industry leaders, and mentors competing for 75 million naira worth of prizes.
The prize structure includes a whopping 30 million naira worth of prizes for the grand prize winner, 20 million naira worth of prizes for the first runner-up, 15 million naira worth of prizes for the 2nd runner up, and 10 million naira worth of prizes for the top women-led team.
Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, expressed his excitement about the competition’s impact: “Hackaholics is a testament to Wema Bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and youth empowerment.”
These 35 top contestants represent the future of Africa’s tech-driven transformation, and we are proud to provide them with a platform to bring their ideas to life. The Meta Idea theme challenges them to think beyond immediate solutions and focus on innovations that capitalize on Africa’s growth potential. We look forward to celebrating their ingenuity at the grand finale.”
This year’s Hackaholics competition received thousands of applications from across Nigeria, highlighting the creativity and determination of young tech enthusiasts. The competition has inspired groundbreaking solutions aimed at addressing Africa’s challenges and driving digital transformation.
It underscores the role of technology and entrepreneurship in Africa’s socio-economic progress and remains a key platform for discovering and nurturing young talents, offering winners mentorship, networks, and resources to scale globally.
To attend the Hackaholics 5.0 grand finale and witness the next generation of innovators in action, register at https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/grandfinale.
The dynamic publisher of Truetells Nigeria, Izuchukwu Christian Ahuchaogu, has been awarded the prestigious title of Media Personality of the Year at the TM News Awards 2024. The ceremony, held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel in Lagos, celebrated the outstanding contributions of media professionals across the nation.
Ahuchaogu, known for his innovative approach to journalism and commitment to truth-telling, has significantly impacted the Nigerian media landscape. Under his leadership, Truetells Nigeria has become a trusted source of news, focusing on integrity, accuracy, and insightful reporting.
In his acceptance speech, Ahuchaogu expressed gratitude to his team and readers. “This award is not just for me, but for everyone at Truetells Nigeria who works tirelessly to uphold the values of honest journalism. We are dedicated to telling the stories that matter and serving the public with transparency,” he said.
The TM News Awards, an annual event that honors excellence in journalism, attracted numerous prominent figures from the media industry, government officials, and celebrities. This year’s event highlighted the crucial role of the press in fostering democracy and accountability in Nigeria.
Ahuchaogu’s recognition as Media Personality of the Year comes at a time when the media faces various challenges, including misinformation and censorship. His unwavering commitment to ethical journalism is seen as a beacon of hope for aspiring journalists and media practitioners across the country.
As Truetells Nigeria continues to grow, Ahuchaogu aims to expand its reach and influence, leveraging digital platforms to engage a broader audience and promote informed discourse. The award not only reinforces his status in the media community but also inspires a new generation of journalists in Nigeria.
The TM News Awards 2024 served as a reminder of the vital role media plays in society and the importance of celebrating those who strive to make a difference through their work.
… Calls for Collaboration and Teamwork to Enhance Energy Efficiency
As Commissioners for Energy and Power across Nigeria convene in Lagos to chart a path for the future of energy, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reiterated the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to address Nigeria’s increasing energy demands.
Declaring the forum open on Monday in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin underscored the forum’s significance as a crucial platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The Governor highlighted the growing energy demands driven by industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable and equitable solutions to bridge the gap between supply and demand.
“Lagos State, as Nigeria’s economic nerve center, has always been at the forefront of innovative energy solutions,” he said.
“Through initiatives like the Lagos State Electricity Policy and public-private partnerships, we have decentralized energy access, promoted renewable energy sources, and enhanced efficiency. Our Eko Electric Project is a testament to what can be achieved with focused innovation.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of collaboration among states and the federal government to harmonize policies, streamline regulations, and incentivize investments in renewable energy technologies.
He called for a national energy renaissance, advocating for the adoption of decentralized power generation, smart grids, and energy storage solutions to achieve energy independence and meet global carbon reduction commitments.
Sanwo-Olu assured participants of Lagos State’s unwavering support in advancing the energy sector and achieving a robust, sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Honorable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, emphasized that energy is at the core of Nigeria’s national aspirations, especially in an era where sustainable power solutions are critical for growth and development.
“Lagos State, with its vibrant economy and over 26 million residents, understands the profound responsibility and opportunity of energy leadership,” he said, reiterating the state’s commitment to innovation, resilient energy systems, and fostering partnerships that benefit not only Lagos but also contribute to the nation’s energy agenda.
Recognizing the achievements of states across Nigeria, the Commissioner urged participants to use the forum as a springboard for amplifying collective impact.
“It is through forums like this that we can exchange best practices, align our goals, and drive national energy security and sustainability,” he added.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria, and Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River State, Prince Eka Williams, called for initiatives that strengthen and encourage investments at the sub-national level.
Prince Williams expressed optimism that the forum’s deliberations would contribute significantly to achieving Nigeria’s energy development goals.
He charged participants to approach discussions with sincerity of purpose, teamwork, and collaboration, stressing that “an injury to one is an injury to all.”
He also commended the Lagos State Government for hosting the event, describing it as a testament to the achievements possible through stakeholder unity.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, commended the strides in Nigeria’s power sector and highlighted the transformative role of the Electricity Act 2023 in revolutionizing the country’s energy landscape.
Represented by Chijioke Chukwu, the DG reaffirmed the NGF’s commitment to supporting states in achieving universal electricity access, noting that collaboration and innovation are key drivers of sustainable energy reforms.
He emphasized the importance of strong technical and professional leadership at the state level to ensure effective implementation of reforms.
The forum featured discussions on critical issues, including renewable energy integration, regulatory reforms, expanding energy access, and promoting gender inclusion within the energy sector. Commissioners from across the federation shared insights and explored actionable strategies to maximize opportunities in the energy landscape.
Participants also had the opportunity to exchange best practices, explore renewable energy innovations, and address challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering dialogue and collaboration toward a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy future.
The Federal House of Representatives Committee on Industry, led by Honourable (Dr.) Enitan Dolapo-Badru has visited Origin Tech Group and its subsidiary, Origin Automobile Works, OAW, as part of its oversight activities.
The visit aimed to assess challenges in Nigeria’s automotive and agricultural mechanization sectors and explore solutions to boost indigenous manufacturing.
The discussions during the special visit highlighted Origin Tech Group’s contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial growth, including local tractor manufacturing, partnerships with Lagos and Niger states, and innovative technology solutions like the Tractor on the Go! App. This app connects smallholder farmers to affordable tractor services, addressing Nigeria’s mechanization gaps.
Honourable Dolapo-Badru eulogized Origin Tech Group as the only fully indigenous company with a tractor and harvester assembly plant, calling it a significant stride for Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial future. He reiterated agriculture’s vital role in national development and commended the company’s efforts to empower farmers.
Origin Tech’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, Olusesan Ayeni, outlined challenges facing local manufacturers, including funding, R&D, training, and tax incentives. The committee pledged to relay these concerns to the National Assembly for legislative action, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a self-reliant economy.
The delegation, including members of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), also toured the Origin Automobile Works assembly plant, witnessing firsthand the company’s capabilities in automotive innovation.
For over 25 years, Origin Tech Group has been a leader across verticals which includes engineering design and construction, automotive and transportation, and agri-tech, transforming West Africa’s agricultural and livestock value chains. Through OAW, the Group drives sustainable development by producing locally made, cutting-edge mechanization solutions that enhance food security and industrial growth.
Civil society members from across the world, including from Africa Make Big Polluters Pay, MBPP, have held a People’s Plenary with the theme; “Pay Up, Stand Up: Finance Climate Action, Not Genocide” at the COP29 United Nations climate talks ends Friday, 22 November 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Speaking with one voice, they shared their pain at and condemned incidents of injustice perpetrated by the Global North, including neocolonialism, genocide, and the excessive appetite of Western civilization for fossil fuels. They affirmed their resolve to stand together to fight for a better world.
The plenary featured climate activists from Indigenous communities, women groups, labour unions, and people with disabilities, among others from both the Global South and North, who affirmed their resolve to stand together for a more equitable world.
Gathered in the Caspian Plenary Hall, just outside negotiation rooms in which world leaders failed to hammer out an acceptable global climate finance deal, they displayed and read out the names of Palestinians who have been killed in Israel’s war in Gaza and Lebanon, the civil war in Sudan and also demanded an end to ecocide worldwide.
After almost two weeks of negotiations, and despite COP29 being referred to as the “Finance COP,” countries of the Global North and South are in disagreement about virtually all aspects of climate finance, including an acceptable total amount – the Global South wants $5 trillion yearly – to forms of funding, donors, and recipients.
Linking the climate crisis to the crisis in her home country, Lebanese activist Baturi Nuru Habin said: “There’s no climate justice with blood on our hands.”
Christina Chock, who spoke on behalf of the indigenous peoples, said: “We call for the end of inequality and injustice that has allowed for the rich to become richer and the dominant economic systems to destroy our planet. The future belongs to us as indigenous people.
We gather here to amplify our voices for our mother earth and our children. We have travelled from distant lands of the seven geographic regions to say to this world that there will be nothing about us, without us.”
Anna Bohushenko of Climate Action Network Eastern Europe and Central Asia, added: “We will not stop fighting, not today, not tomorrow, not ever.”
The session ended with activists pledging to “Stand in solidarity with those facing genocide and stop our governments’ complicity in arming and fuelling genocide.
“Continue fighting for the $5 trillion per annum climate debt owed by the Global North to the Global South and commit to pushing our governments to deliver an ambitious grant-based climate finance outcome at this COP29 for real solutions that serve justice.
“Commit to fighting for the right of everyone to live with dignity and in harmony with the planet, through a vision of a better world” and “continue to build and use the collective power of our movement of movements, to mobilise and act in support of each other both inside and outside of climate movement.”
Reinforcing its commitment to combatting fraud and protecting customers’ financial interests, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has commemorated International Fraud Awareness Week 2024 by hosting an insightful seminar in line with the global theme for International Fraud Awareness Week 2024, “Share A Story, Stop A Scam”.
The seminar was held at Wema Bank Head Office in Lagos on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024.
International Fraud Awareness Week is a global celebration commemorated annually in the third week of November. Its goal is to highlight the increasing threat that fraud poses to individuals, businesses, and society and encourage individuals and institutions to take proactive steps to minimise its impact.
The theme of International Fraud Awareness Week 2024, “Share A Story, Stop A Scam”, particularly emphasises the significance of awareness, information, and education, in combatting fraud.
Wema Bank, proactive in its commitment to combatting fraud, has over the years built a reputation of educating and empowering its customers with the knowledge, information, and insights needed to help them identify, mitigate, and escalate fraud on various levels, further launching its Anti-Fraud campaign through which it has not only continued to spread awareness about fraud but also taken action against fraudsters.
With this remarkably consistent anti-fraud stance, it is no surprise that Wema Bank decided to host this visionary seminar in commemoration of International Fraud Awareness Week 2024.
Stakeholders present at The Wema Bank International Fraud Awareness Week 2024 include Mr. Oguzi Moses A., an Assistant Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rypson Ugwuzor, Manager, Cybersecurity and Intelligent Automation, KPMG; legal luminary Akin Adesomoju (SAN), Founder, Akin Adesomoju & Co.; Mr. Femi Akinola, Assistant Commissioner of Police at the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigerian Police Force; and cybersecurity expert Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, Founder, and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO), Digital Encode Limited.
Wema Bank continues to prove its firm stance against fraud, promoting fraud awareness internally and externally while taking firm action against fraudsters who have attempted to conduct fraudulent transactions on the network of FinTechs which the Bank continues to empower.
Earlier in 2024, Wema Bank disconnected seven FinTechs found guilty of fraud from its network and continues to empower its customers with insights on evolving fraud tactics and channels for escalation through its Anti-Fraud Campaign. Customers and the public can follow @wemabank on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to stay updated.
Lagos State has emerged as the overall winner at the National Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists, JETS competition, having won 26 trophies and 26 medals, comprising 14 first positions, 6 second positions, and 6 third positions in the junior and senior categories.
JETS competition, introduced in 1987 by the Federal Ministry of Education, in its effort to popularize Technology and Science Education among students nationwide, is an organ that harmonizes classroom and laboratory experience with extra-curricular (out of class) students’ activities, thus, bridging the gap between theory and practice during the competition.
For Lagos State, the selection process of students commences with online registration for both the senior and junior categories. This preliminary process produced a total of 600 students from public and private schools, from which the best 60 students proceeded to the second stage. In the end, 20 of the students made it to the State finals.
To represent the State at the National finals, the best 2 students in each category presented a project based on the National theme “Integrated Technologies for Sustainable Food Production and Security”.
Receiving the trophies and medals in his office, the Hon. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, full of praises, showered encomium on these young leaders and encouraged them not to rest on their oars.
It would be recalled that Lagos State emerged overall winner at the 26th edition of the Competition also held in Abuja last year.
Climate activists from Africa Make Big Polluters Pay, MBPP coalition in collaboration with the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, APMD, Eurodadd, Latindadd, Debt Justice UK, and Recourse, have held a peaceful protest against climate injustice at the ongoing COP29 United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The demonstrators, who gathered outside one of the plenary halls, demanded urgent debt cancellation and grant-based climate finance from the Global North for climate change victims of the Global South, including countries and communities in Africa.
This is in addition to a demand for $5 trillion a year as a reparation down payment from polluter countries to help victim countries cut greenhouse gases and cope with the impacts of extreme weather.
Their demands contrast with a resurging proposal from the rich countries of the Global North for debt swaps for climate change victim nations and communities.
While the polluters present debt swaps as a dual solution for debt and climate issues, debt swaps fall short in practice and pose risks that threaten to harm Global South countries and communities.
Chanting solidarity songs and waving banners and flags with slogans such as “Make Big Polluters Pay, Cancel the debt and “No to loans as climate finance”, the activists rejected debt swaps, saying the Global South needs urgent debt cancellation and grant-based climate finance.
“Debt swaps do not significantly reduce debt levels and can undermine our local communities. They may even legitimise illegitimate debts that burden our populations.
Instead of relying on these risky mechanisms, we urgently need comprehensive debt cancellation and grant-based climate finance that truly empowers our nations and addresses the climate crisis head-on.
It is time for rich countries to fulfill their commitments and support us with the resources we need to protect our environment and secure a sustainable future for all,” said Hilda Nakabuye of Fridays For Future, Uganda.
Olamide Martins Ogunlade of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in Nigeria, added his voice to the mix: “While leaders at COP29 talk in circles, the people of the Global South are suffocating under unjust debt while paying the price for a crisis they didn’t create. There is no climate justice without debt justice. Join us in making this clear to the world.”
As part of its effort to empower the electorate with their basic rights and responsibilities, the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement has held a one-day advocacy event on voter education.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative & Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, while welcoming the participants at the event held at the Palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, said the event, which was the first of its kind was part of the Office’s mandate to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities as voters, as well as the Government’s role in serving its people.
“This is the first time we are holding such an event, and we chose Ikorodu to kick off the program. You need to know both your rights and responsibilities. This knowledge will help you understand Government policies and how you can benefit from them, we also have on ground other Government Agencies because we want you to know about other Lagos State Government policies and initiatives that can be of benefit to you” He added.
Afolabi further explained that the power attached to the fulfillment of civic responsibility is potent to the extent that it influences the decision-making process of a Government, noting that voter apathy during an election can negatively impact the electoral process and undermine the outcome of an election.
Highlighting other programmes carried out by the Office, the Special Adviser said it is putting plans in place to bring the Mother and Infant Child Health Development, MICHD programme, aimed at supporting vulnerable pregnant mothers with premium healthcare services that will ensure the well-being of both mother and child in the Public Health Centres into Ikorodu and other areas.
Underscoring the importance of registering with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA), Afolabi said registering as a resident of Lagos State plays a key role in facilitating access to various Government benefits, and residents might be unable to access certain state services without LASSRA registration.
Addressing the participants further, Afolabi noted that part of the Government initiative that is highly beneficial to the electorate is the Ilera-Eko health initiative, a programme designed to improve healthcare access for all residents of Lagos, saying that Ilera-Eko is a right of all Lagos residents, being one of the dividends of democracy promised by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration.
The Special Adviser pledged that the Office will continue reaching out to more communities across the State to ensure residents are better informed about their rights and responsibilities.
Appreciating participants, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore said another area that needs focusing on is how to assist the elderly during the electoral process so that they can also exercise their civic rights.
On his part, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, expressed his gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the initiative. He highlighted that during the last state election, Ikorodu Local Government recorded the highest number of votes.
He added that the dedication and active participation of Ikorodu residents during the electoral process was not in vain, pointing out that this commitment is reflected in the ongoing infrastructural development happening in the area.
In his goodwill message, the President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Mr. Debo Adeniran congratulated the residents of Ikorodu for being the first to benefit from the laudable initiative, adding that the right to know form the basis for good governance, and that the benefit of good governance is being transmitted across Lagos State through this programme.
Appreciating the Lagos State Government for the laudable gesture, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi assured the State Government that the residents of Ikorodu will remain committed to fulfilling their civic right through voting, urging that more polling booths should be made to cater for the ever-increasing residents of the area.
In the highlight of the event, participants were exposed to various initiatives of the Government by other invited agencies such as; the Lagos State Health Scheme, LASHMA, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASSRA as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
