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LASU EMERITUS PROFESSOR FELICITATES AFRICAN UNION WORKSHOP ON MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY

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Emeritus Professor Martins Anetekhai has extended congratulations to the African Union on the occasion of its workshop on the Validation of Nigeria’s Strategic Document for Sustainable Implementation of Marine and Blue Economy.

Professor Anetekhai who extended the felicitations on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and entire Community of Lagos State University, LASU, acknowledged the African Union’s essential role in facilitating this important workshop, which focuses on refining a strategic document developed by renowned consultants.

He emphasized LASU’s readiness to collaborate at national, regional, and continental levels, aiming to create synergy between academia, government, and industry stakeholders.

“Our university is dedicated to fostering Nigeria’s emergence as a key player in the marine and blue economy,” said Professor Agenuma. “Through our Centres of Marine and Blue Economy and the Center of Excellence for Sargassum Research, we are poised to contribute significantly to this initiative.”

The Emeritus Professor noted that as the workshop unfolds, LASU wishes for productive discussions, impactful outcomes, and lasting connections among participants.  He added that the university hopes the workshop will lead to the validation of a robust strategic document, guiding Nigeria toward sustainable development and prosperity in the marine sector.

The workshop on the Validation of Nigeria’s Strategic Document for Sustainable Implementation of Marine and Blue Economy is taking place from October 14 to 16 in Abuja.

Wema Bank Launches #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge to Celebrate Exceptional Educators in Nigeria

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As the world celebrates the invaluable contributions of teachers on World Teachers’ Day, Wema Bank proudly joins this global recognition by launching the #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge to honour and reward exceptional educators in Nigeria.

This initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to the theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”

Head of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, Abimbola Agbejule, shared her thoughts on this initiative: “At Wema Bank, our dedication to education extends far beyond providing financial services. It’s about celebrating the educators who light the path of knowledge for our future leaders.”

She added, “Through the #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge, we aim to honor these remarkable teachers while reinforcing our commitment to corporate sustainability. We believe that investing in education is essential for fostering a sustainable future for our communities.”

Wema Bank has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering educational engagement, making a positive impact on society, and promoting personal development through education. This year, the bank is determined to make World Teachers’ Day unforgettable by celebrating the educators who have made a lasting impact on their students’ lives.

The #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge encourages students, alumni, and parents to nominate the teachers who have left an indelible mark on their lives. These teachers deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to education and personal development.
Participation is Simple:

  1. Follow @WemaBank on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
  2. Upload a 1-minute video sharing the story of your most cherished teacher. Explain why they are special and how they have positively impacted your life.
  3. Tag @WemaBank and use the hashtag #MyTeacherMyHeroByWema.
    The call for entries opened on Monday, 7th October, and closes on Friday, 18th October 2024. The Top 3 teacher nominations will be announced and unveiled on October 25th, 2024, creating excitement and marking a significant moment in the teaching profession.

Origin Tech Group Partners NALDA On Greener Hope

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blacktalker
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… set to sign MOU towards transforming Nigeria’s Agricultural Productivity.

In a bold step towards consolidating its quest for revolutionizing large-scale mechanized agriculture in Nigeria, the Greener Hope Large Scale Mechanisation Programme’s team has paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA, Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo.

The focus of the meeting was to establish a strong partnership between Origin Tech Group and NALDA, aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of Greener Hope, a transformative agricultural initiative aimed at addressing the food insecurity concerns in the Country.

This collaboration brings together the expertise of both organizations in key areas such as land clearing, mechanization, and the establishment of large-scale model farms across Nigeria.

The goal is to unlock new opportunities in sustainable farming, boost productivity, and ultimately transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through Greener Hope, which is set to substantially revolutionalize Nigeria’s agriculture by providing sustainable access to modern farm machinery and implements, eliminate drudgery, manage post-harvest loses and significantly boost crop yields across the country.

Origin Tech Group, an agricultural value-chain conglomerate is extremely pleased to be working with the Federal Government to birth this innovative program with critical structures and promises to place Nigeria on a higher pedestal to impact every aspect of farming both in the commercial segment and small-holder enterprises; raising and promoting the new agricultural ecosystem in her quest for food security, wealth creation, job opportunities and help spur economic growth.

Speaking about the partnership with NALDA, the Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince S. J. Samuel, expressed his optimism: “Our partnership with NALDA is a critical step toward realizing the full potential of Nigeria’s agriculture. By integrating mechanization and land development, we are positioning the country for food security and long-term economic growth.”

During the meeting, the Director of Programmes for Greener Hope’s large-scale mechanization programme, Dr. Musa Olasupo, and Special Adviser on Technical Affairs to NALDA, Engr. Olusegun Owolabi, joined the discussion to outline practical steps for launching model farms across the country, ensuring Nigeria’s agriculture attains self-sufficiency.

Similarly, NALDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving agricultural transformation on a large scale: “At NALDA, we are excited to collaborate with Origin Tech Group on this groundbreaking initiative.

Together, we’ll empower farmers, create job opportunities, boost food production, and improve rural prosperity by mitigating rural-urban migration, especially amongst the youth population across Nigeria.”

Dr. Musa Olasupo also highlighted the urgency of this novel initiative, saying: “Nigeria’s food security is at a critical juncture, with challenges like insecurity, climate change, and smuggling that combine to threaten our food supply.

Bridging those gaps, Greener Hope will provide the infrastructure farmers need to transition to large-scale farming, increase their yields, and secure a sustainable food productivity future.”

The Greener Hope Large-Scale Mechanization Programme, a collaborative effort with the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security is designed to overhaul Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the provision of modern farming machinery and equipment, capacity building on equipment use and servicing for youths and the establishment of medium to large scale model farms that will serve as hubs for agricultural best practices.

As the team continues to partner with key agencies like NALDA, both organizations are committed to driving agricultural transformation, enhancing food security, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Ondo: Disquiet In Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Govt As Finance Commissioner’s Attitude Sparks Concern

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……Road Projects, Others Suffer Setbacks

There is apprehension and serious disquiet in Ondo state government as Executive Members of the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa groan in silence over alleged overbearing attitude of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac who was appointed alongside other Exco members in March this year.

Concerned natives of Ondo under the platform of Concerned Citizens Movement, CCM, Ondo state chapter said “a number of Commissioners and aides of Mr. Governor are suffering in silence because the commissioner has not been releasing monies for a number of developmental projects that would aid the Governor’s election, next month.

The group in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Adewale Kareem maintained that the state governor is favoured to win the forthcoming November 16, 2024 under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, but the concerned party members appear worried that Isaac’s alleged indifference to the timely completion of the ongoing projects may be a stumbling block for Governor’s electoral victory.

According to the Kareem, “not only were the cabinet members appointed by Mr. Governor suffering in silence, you just drive around the state and the state capital, Akure, you would observe that a number of contractors have left sites because the finance commissioner is not making available monies due to them till date.

“And this was after Mr Governor had approved a number of monies to be released to the MDAs and some contractors handling our ongoing projects. But she just stuck to her gun and care less about the ongoing infrastructural revolution of His Excellency by not releasing these monies.

“Expectedly, those projects inherited from former Governor, late Rotimi Akeredolu and the ones initiated by the current Governor himself are not receiving due attention of the finance ministry despite that the State has funds in excess of 200 billion Naira to fund projects and make life more abundant for the workers and masses of the State.

“Rumours are rife that the finance Commissioner is allegedly receiving ‘interests’ on the monies kept with the banks at the expense of the timely execution and completion of ongoing projects and release of funds meant for the MDAs,” the official claimed.

It was gathered that only few day ago, the Ondo state House of Assembly summoned the same Finance Commissioner due to some what the Assembly described as ‘unresolved’ state financial issues’.

When some newsmen visited her office in the Ministry of Finance, Alagbaka Akure to get her reaction, the Commisioner was said to have travelled outside the state while phone calls to her line were not answered.

Following the latest development, the group lamented that “the Finance Commissioner is showing “everybody shege” as Mr. Governor in one of our recent state executive council meetings said his duty as the State helmsman is to approve but the final decision lies with the Commissioner for finance to make monies available.

“Everybody looked askance and in hush tones, beckoned to each other on whether Mr. Governor is helpless and unable to rein in, on this woman? The answer is yes and no. Yes because the woman is powerful that even former Governor Akeredolu also courted and respected her so much to the extent that former first lady, Betty Akeredolu had a running battle with her husband over her overbearing influence in the immediate past administration.

“And No, because Governor Aiyedatiwa appointed her like every other person working for him and therefore reserves the right and power to fire anyone including her. But our Oga is a gentleman to the core and believes that everyone must work in unison for the good governance and prosperity of the State.

“Presently, she has unfettered access to His Excellency and rightly so, but she is becoming increasingly too powerful and stubborn to work with others to entrench quality government that people of Ondo anxiously yearn for.

“Many of the ongoing projects have stopped with other infrastructures suffering lack of funding from the government. A number of contractors have been given approval to access monies from the government to continue our projects but Madam is really making things difficult for everyone,” he warned that things may degenerate further if the Commissioner continues this attitude to governance.

⁠it would be recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office after Rotimi Akeredolu’s departure and dissolved the cabinet, appointing new members, including Isaac, in March.

The governor’s decision to overhaul the governance structure was seen as a consolidation of power ahead of the election.

As the November election approaches, the tension within the Ondo State Government may escalate if the Finance Commissioner’s attitude persists.

The group warned that things may degenerate further if Isaac continues to hinder governance.

IMORE BOAT MISHAP: LASWA, NIWA HOLD EMERGENCY MEETING WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS, OTHERS RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE

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blacktalker
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In light of a boat mishap that occurred in Imore, a village in the Snake Island area of Lagos, officials from the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, and the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA have held an emergency meeting with community leaders and the State Marine Officer to coordinate rescue operations and support for the affected families.

In a statement by LASWA, the Agency said it is working along with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Marine Police, and local operators, to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance to those impacted by the collision.

LASWA assured that the public would be informed as more details emerge regarding this tragic incident.

Recall that a boat collision occurred on the Lagos waterways on Tuesday 8th of October, involving two vessels: “Only God 13” which is a fiber boat and a wooden boat.

The incident took place around 7:00 PM near Imore, as “Only God 13” was traveling from Ebutte Ero to Badagry with 15 passengers when it collided with the wooden boat, which was carrying 10 passengers from Alakija to Imore.

Fortunately, all 15 passengers aboard “Only God 13” were rescued unharmed, while five passengers from the wooden boat suffered injuries and are receiving medical care. Tragically, five individuals from the wooden boat remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Blackhemages Media Concepts Launches “A Fight for Life” Retreat to Address Men’s Mental Health

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The lead creative at Blackhemages Media Concepts, Oluwatunmise Oladapo-Kuku, is set to host a groundbreaking retreat titled “A Fight for Life,” to address the urgent issue of men’s mental health.

Scheduled for November 23, 2024, at The Rembrandt Hotel in Ikeja, the event seeks to create a psychologically safe space for men to engage in open dialogue about their mental well-being.

Kuku, who has over 20 years of experience as a media practitioner and lives with bipolar affective disorder, emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health beyond the stigmas often associated with mental illness. Through her podcast, “Mindfully with Tunmise,” she aims to demystify narratives surrounding mental health and promote wholeness and authenticity.

“A Fight for Life” will encourage men to connect with their true selves, addressing the often-ignored issue of mental health in men. Participants will explore their inner identities, navigate societal expectations, and gain tools to foster resilience.

”While June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, November also focuses on men’s health, highlighting the need for proactive discussions”.

The Mental Health Advocate expressed gratitude for the support of collaborators who have joined her vision, including co-host Ola Akin Dawodu and various partners contributing resources for the retreat. She noted that this initiative aims to raise awareness and provide healing opportunities, reinforcing that men can be healthy for themselves and their families.

As Oladapo-Kuku aptly stated, “Most dads will die for their families, but only a small number are willing to be healthy for them.” With this retreat, she hopes to foster a community where men can heal, connect, and thrive.

According to the World Health Organisation, W.H.O. in the UK, a man dies by suicide every 90 minutes, with approximately 25 attempts for every successful case. In Nigeria, the suicide rate stands at around 9.5 per 100,000, placing it among the highest in Africa.

VerrakiAfrica Provides Financial Support As HEI Trains Secondary School Students On Life Saving Skills

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The Health Emergency Initiative, HEI has recieved financial support from Verraki Business Solutions for Africa as part of its corporate social responsibility, CSR initiatives, to train 50 senior secondary school students from the six education districts in Lagos State.

The training which will be on life-saving skills, include CPR, First Aid, and prehospital care techniques. This partnership reflects Verraki’s recognition of HEI’s far-reaching impact, having saved countless lives across Nigeria.


The two-day training, which commenced on October 8, saw students from five schools participating on the first day, followed by more schools on October 9.

To ensure long-term knowledge retention and skill transfer, First Responders Clubs will be established in select schools. These clubs will promote continuous engagement through debates, essay writing, and quiz competitions among students.



This initiative is not just a demonstration of Verraki’s commitment to a safer and more resilient society, but a clarion call for other corporate organizations, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to step forward and support similar causes.

By investing in community-based health and emergency response programs, they too can contribute to building a safer, more prepared society where lives are protected, and preventable deaths become a thing of the past. In a world where every second counts, their support could make all the difference.

Fearless Energy Drink Wins ‘Outstanding Energy Drink of the Year 2024’ Award

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blacktalker
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…Blazes the Trail in its Market Segment

Fearless Energy Drink, Nigeria’s leading energy drink brand from the stable of Rite Foods Limited, has clinched the coveted “Outstanding Energy Drink of the Year 2024” Award at the recent Marketing Edge Awards held at Sheraton Balmoral, Lagos.

Fearless Energy Drink with the Fearless Classic and Fearless Red Berry variants emerged as the winner in its category, after a thorough rating and evaluation of the highly saturated energy drink market, where the brand made entrant in 2017 with the first-ever packaged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle packaging that has been the standard for competitors.

The recognition stems from the brand’s unique flavour, originality, and numerous contributions to the industry in talent promotion, human development, and sustainability initiatives that have significantly impacted human and national development.

Extolling the brand for the win, the organiser, and publisher of Marketing Edge Magazine, Mr. John Ajayi, affirmed that the Fearless Energy Drink brand has truly demonstrated its market leadership in all ramifications, surpassing its competitors through sponsorship of effective strategic initiatives. He stated that the feat was also due to the brand’s distinctiveness, innovation, and the positive energy it offers.

While receiving the award, the Brand Manager of Fearless Energy Drink, Olaniyi Aderuku, expressed gratitude to Marketing Edge for the acknowledgment of the brand as the number one in its category, a position that has earned it numerous accolades and has also defined the market standard.

He said, “Fearless Energy Drink will continually strive for taste superiority, excellence, and innovation in providing exceptional experience to its consumers, adding that the laurel attests to its strong commitment to consumer connection and satisfaction.”

According to him, “Our Fearless Energy Drink with its tagline ‘Embrace The Thrill’ offers its consumers the unquenchable desire to make a difference in their endeavours, with the positive energy it provides, through credible platforms that resonate with its values of courage, leadership, and the willpower to succeed”

The Fearless Energy Drink brand has garnered so many awards that validate its profile, including Media Consortium Awards 2024: “Energy Drink Brand of the Year”; Brand Exchange Awards 2024: “Best Value for Money”; the “Most Outstanding Energy Drink in Consumer Engagement” in 2023; Best Value for Money – Energy Drinks Brand 2023; and the “Most Outstanding Energy Drink Brand of the Year” in 2021, among other laurels.

Chairman Lagos State Local Government Commission Identifies Autonomy As Essential for Grassroots Development

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… As LGSC, OLGE&T hold joint retreat to reappraisal development at the grassroots.

The Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, LGSC, Hon. Kamal Bayewu, has emphasized the vital role of local government autonomy in driving grassroots development.

He stated this during a recent joint retreat with the Office of Local Governments, Establishments, and Training, OLGE&T.

At the retreat, Bayewu affirmed that Lagos State has successfully established local government autonomy, enabling efficient resource allocation to meet community needs. He highlighted that this framework has significantly contributed to sustainable development across the region.

“The Local Government Areas, LGAs, and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs are making strides in improving the quality of life for residents by promoting sustainable initiatives,” Bayewu stated. He described the retreat as a critical opportunity to assess past activities, pinpoint areas for improvement, and set realistic goals for the year ahead.

Bayewu stressed the necessity of ongoing staff training to align local government employees with the state’s vision. The LGSC leadership has instituted mechanisms to ensure resources are used judiciously within LGAs and LCDAs, adhering to public service rules and financial regulations.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Abosede George, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to adopting innovative practices that align grassroots development with international standards. She noted that the retreat served as a platform for addressing the unique challenges faced by various councils and formulating effective solutions.

“This event allows us to reflect on our past activities and ensure that our staff are on track to meet identified goals,” George added, emphasizing the commission’s proactive strategies for enhancing service delivery across local governments.

Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Local Governments, Establishments, and Training, Mrs. Bibilomo Olushekun, highlighted the importance of capacity building for effective local government administration. She noted that regular training has been crucial in aligning local government operations with the state government’s vision.

“Our goal is to ensure that every local government in Lagos State is equipped to meet the demands of their communities while upholding the highest standards of governance,” Olushekun stated, underscoring the retreat’s role in fostering collaboration among local government entities.

LASU CESAR SHOWCASES NEWLY APPROVED TRADEMARKS FOR SARGASSUM-BASED ANIMAL FEEDS

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The Lagos State University Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, CESAR, showcased the newly approved Trademarks for Sargassum-based animal feeds at the 6th LASU Research and Innovation Fair, which commenced on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.

The trademarks include SargaFish Feed, SargaChicken Feed, SargaRabbit Feed, SargaGrasscutter Feed, and the SargaPig Feed.

This achievement demonstrates LASU’s commitment to innovation and excellence in research. The university’s focus on research is evident through the Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research’s initiatives.

As a leading institution, LASU has been unrelenting in pursuing its mission of becoming a citadel of learning with the trademark of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

These achievements attracted the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olayunji-Bello, mni, fnli, NPOM, FSPSP, and her team, invited dignitaries and guests to the CESAR Stand.

In his remarks, the Director of CESAR, Prof. Benjamin Aribisala, highlighted the benefits of Sargassum. He averred that the Scientists in LASU have discovered more than 20 benefits of Sargassum seaweed which include: Nutrient-rich animal feeds, Antioxidant properties, Anti-inflammatory properties, Antimicrobial properties, Wastewater treatment, Solar sensitized dye agents, Cosmetics and skincare applications, Food additives, Biodegradable packaging materials, Biofuel production, amongst others.

He expressed gratitude to LASU and the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council, LASRIC, for supporting and funding CESAR, which enabled the groundbreaking Sargassum research.

Also present were members of the CESAR Team: Professor Olawale Olateju, Dean of the Postgraduate School; Prof. Emeka Ndimele, Fisheries Group; Dr. (Mrs.) Gbemisola M. Saibu, Research Secretary; Dr. (Mrs.) Olabisi Ogunrinola, Chemical/Biochemical Group; and Dr. Olasunkanmi Keshinro, Physics Group.

Others were Mr. Sefiu G. Olatunde, PAR/Administrative Secretary, CESAR; Mrs. Abosede Victoria Olatunji, Administrative Officer, CESAR; Mr. Adrmola Adekoya, Media Officer; Mrs. Sikiru, CESAR Staff, Mrs. Blessing Nwatulegwu and Mr. Michael Fagbohun, PhD Students/Monitoring and Evaluation Group.

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