The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has reconstituted the Planning Committee for its yearly Milestone Recognition of Media Icons for 2024.
A statement signed by the Secretary, Olayide Awosanya, says NUJ President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, MFR on Friday 19th, July 2024, approved the following persons as members of the Committee under the Chairmanship of a veteran broadcast journalist, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga.
They are: Adeleye Ajayi; Chiarman, Lagos Council; Bimbo Oyetunde, National Trustee Zone F; Tunde Olalere, Secretary,Lagos Council; Sylvia Okereke former National Trustee B Zone and Julie Ekong, former National officer of NAWOJ.
Others are: Amos Etuk, Chairman, Akwa Ibom Council; Tukur Hassan, Chairman, Katsina Council; Adewale Akodu of Lagos State Information Chapel and Olayide Awosanya; Assistant Secretary Lagos Council as Secretary of the Committee.
The statement also says the team is expected to hit the ground running and beam its searchlight on identifying for the honour, successful media gurus whose names have graced the pages of history books in the media profession.
The 2024 edition will be the 3rd in the series.
NUJ RECONSTITUTES MEDIA ICONS PLANNING COMMITTEE
….Sets To Hold 2024 Edition.
LASU Emerges Second Most Subscribed University in Nigeria with 62,601 Applications
The Lagos State University, LASU, has emerged as Nigeria’s second most subscribed University.
The data released by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, reveals that 62,601 candidates selected LASU as their first-choice institution.
According to the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination Application Statistics by Institutions, this places LASU just behind the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, which garnered 64,143 first-choice applicants.
This marks a significant improvement for LASU, which ranked third in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants. Notably, before 2023, LASU had never been listed among the top 10 most subscribed universities in Nigeria.
The University’s rise in popularity underscores its commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for success in a competitive global market. LASU’s strong corporate image and reputation for excellence continue to attract students seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, congratulated the entire university community on this remarkable achievement.
Federal Government, Labour Agree On 70,000 Naira As New Minimum Wage
The Federal Government and the leadership of the Organised Labour have come to an agreement on 70,000 Naira as the new Minimum Wage for Nigerian workers.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris said the agreement was reached at a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, on Thursday in Abuja.
“We are happy to announce today (Thursday) that both the Organised Labour and the Federal Government have agreed on an increase on the N62,000 minimum wage. The new national minimum that Mr President is expected to submit to the National Assembly is ₦70,000,” an elated Idris told State House correspondents.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, TUC boss, Festus Osifo, Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and other officials from both sides were present with the Minister during the announcement.
Ajaero confirmed that ₦70,000 was where they were on the issue of the Minimum Wage. He also said part of the discussion was that the Minimum Wage would no longer wait till after five years to be reviewed as it was agreed upon that it would now be reviewed every three years.
Ajaero said the Organised Labour would consult with their members on the ₦70,000 benchmark. “We were here last week. And we are here now. What they have announced in terms of the amount of ₦70,000 happens to be where we are now. But the thing about it is that we will not wait for another five years to come and agree,” Ajaero said.
On her part, Onyejeocha said President Tinubu had also directed the Ministers of Finance and Budget, Wale Edun and Atiku Bagudu, to work out modalities on how to settle the issues with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU.
The “agreement” between the two sides followed a series of talks between labour leaders and the President in the last few weeks after months of failed talks between labour organs and a tripartite committee on minimum wage constituted by the President in January.
The committee, which comprised state and federal governments and the Organised Private Sector, had proposed 62,000 Naira while labour insisted on 250,000 Naira as the new Minimum Wage for workers who currently earn 30,000 Naira as Minimum Wage.
Ninety-Four Towns To Likely Experience Five-Days Massive Flooding-FG
Ninety-four towns across Nigeria have been predicted to be at risk of a five-day flooding from Tuesday, July 16, to July 20, 2024.
Minister of State of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said the identified locations and their environs would likely witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood within the prediction period.
He listed the concerned states as Adamawa State (Gbajili, Ganye); Abia State (Eziama, Arochukwu); Anambra State (Onitsha); Akwa Ibom (Uyo, Upenekang, Oron, Edor, Eket, Obianga, Etinan); Bauchi State (Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi); Bayelsa State (Letugbene); Borno State (Maiduguri); Cross River State (Ikom, Calabar, Itigidi, Akpap); Nasarawa State (Udeni, Tunga); and the Federal Capital Territory (Abaji, Bwari).
Other are Jigawa State (Miga, Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia); Kano State (Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Wudil, Sumaila); Kebbi State (Gwandu, Jega, Kangiwa, Gauri-Banza, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Kamba, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Argungu, Bagudo); Katsina State (Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura, Funtua); Kwara State (Kosubosu); Niger State (Ibi, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Minna, New Bussa, Katcha, Rijau, Wushishi); Plateau State (Jos, Mangu); Rivers State (Port-Harcourt, Onne, Okrika, Bori).
Sokoto State (Makira, Goronyo, Isa, Silame, Sokoto, Wamako); Taraba State (Gembu, Beli, Garkowa, Gasol, Serti, Donga, Duchi, Gwarzo, Gun gun Bodel); Yobe State (Gashua, Gasma, Damaturu, Geidam, Kanama); and Zamfara State (Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum, Majara, Gummi).
On whether the Cameroonian government had notified the Ministry of when it would open floodgates of the Lagdo Dam, the Minister stated that it was the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation that manages dams.
“If there’s going to be any issue around the Lagdo Dam, they will inform the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, but I’m not sure they have had any information because if they have any information, they usually also transmit such information to us at the federal level,” he noted.
Okhiria Calls For Sub-National, Private Sector Investment in Rail Infrastructure
…… Lagos Transport Commissioner Expresses Optimism for Red Rail Line Extension to Ogun State
Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, Engr. Dr. Freeborn Okhiria, has called on sub-national governments and the private sector to capitalize on the recent constitutional amendment allowing railway construction and operation to be managed at multiple government levels. He made this appeal as a guest lecture on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Lagos State University’s School of Transport and Logistics.
Delivering the lecture titled “From Exclusive Clause to Concurrent List: Potency for Sustainable Rail Infrastructure in Nigeria and the Lagos State Example,” Engr. Okhiria emphasized the importance of phased railway development, cautioning against the rush to complete large-scale projects within a single government tenure. “Rail projects should be undertaken incrementally. With a deliberate policy of constructing 20km annually, significant progress can be achieved over time,” he stated.
He praised Lagos State for its proactive approach to rail development, highlighting its initiation of the blue rail line project even before the new law was enacted in 2023. The NRC boss also urged other states and private entities to engage with the NRC to explore investment opportunities while maintaining high standards.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions with Ogun State to extend the red rail line through Agbado and Mowe, which aims to facilitate the commute for Lagos workers living in Ogun State. He assured citizens of the government’s dedication to completing the blue rail line promptly and called for public patience.
Hon. Osiyemi also highlighted the state’s holistic approach to transport sector development, mentioning the establishment of the Lagos State Government Professorial Chair of Transport Studies, which hosted the guest lecture. “This endowment reflects our commitment to developing the transport sector comprehensively,” he said, congratulating the Professorial Chair, Professor Bamidele Badejo.
Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Prof. Adenike Boyo, emphasized the necessity for other states to emulate Lagos by investing in rail transport to drive economic prosperity.
“Empowering states to invest in rail infrastructure not only enhances citizens’ lives by reducing travel time but also accelerates overall economic development,” she remarked.
Prof. Bamidele Badejo, the Endowed Professorial Chair, noted the significance of this role, the first of its kind in Africa. He underscored the lecture’s aim to foster private sector involvement in accelerating rail infrastructure delivery.
Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd. Celebrates Coronation of Alaawe of Awe, Oba Cornelius Abiola Taiwo Oladokun III
Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd., a prominent player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, celebrated the coronation of the new Alaawe of Awe, Oba Cornelius Abiola Taiwo Oladokun III. The grand event took place on July 5, 2024, at St. Joseph Grammar School in Awe, Oyo State.
With approximately 70% of Amo Farm’s national operations based in Awe, the community holds a significant place in the company’s operations and ethos.
Over the years, Awe has been a vital location for Amo Farm, which has flourished as the primary employer in the area, contributing substantially to local employment and economic growth. The company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as establishing a computer school for local youths, underscore its commitment to the community.
Ahead the coronation ceremony, Amo Farm demonstrated its enduring support by presenting gifts to the newly crowned Alaawe. This gesture symbolized the company’s appreciation and dedication to the prosperity of Awe under its new monarch. Key members of the company’s leadership team, including Dr. Anand Burra, Managing Director; Dr. Agboola Belgore, Managing Director of Amo Byng; Mr. Emmanuel Oloruntoba, Director of Supply Chain; and Mr. Victor Alabi, HR and Admin Manager, led the presentation.
Additionally, the Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd., Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, paid a congratulatory visit to the Alaawe, emphasizing Awe’s importance to the company’s operations. “Awe holds a special place in our national operations, and the support and partnership we share are deeply valued,” remarked Dr. Oduntan. “I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, and I pray for a prosperous and harmonious reign ahead. I look forward to continuing our journey of mutual respect, growth, and development for the benefit of all.”
Oba Oladokun expressed gratitude for Dr. Oduntan’s visit and highlighted Amo Farm’s positive impact on Awe and its people. “Amo Farm has brought significant benefits and positive developments to Awe and its people, and for this, we are sincerely appreciative,” said the Alaawe, extending prayers for the continued success and prosperity of Amo Farm.
On the coronation day, Amo Farm further demonstrated its support by participating in the thanksgiving service at Christ Baptist Church, Awe, and serving guests with chicken products from its subsidiary, natnudO Foods.
The highlight of the coronation ceremony was the presentation of the staff of office to Oba Oladokun by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, representing His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde.
Amo Farm remains steadfast in its commitment to Awe and looks forward to continuing its fruitful partnership with the Alaawe and the community. The company is dedicated to contributing positively to the growth and prosperity of Awe and its people.
Bigi Celebrates Nigerian Idol Winner, Chima Udoye, in Uplifting Visit to Rite Foods Limited
Bigi, the award-winning carbonated soft drink brand from Rite Foods Limited, hosted a celebratory visit for Chima Udoye, the recent winner of Nigerian Idol Season 9, a musical reality show sponsored by the company.
Just two days after his victory at the grand finale, Chima, along with fellow finalists Lammy and Chioma, were welcomed to Rite Foods’ headquarters in Lagos on July 16th, 2024.
Rite Foods’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, congratulated Chima on his achievement. He commended Chima’s perseverance and talent, emphasizing that this victory was just the beginning of a successful musical career.
He also emphasized that Rite Foods’ sponsorship of Nigerian Idol reflects Bigi’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and empowering young Nigerians. ”For four consecutive seasons (Seasons 6, 7, 8, and 9), Bigi has provided a platform for talented singers like Chima, Kingdom Kroseide, Progress Chukwuyem, and Victory Gbakara to chase their dreams and win life-changing prizes”.
Brand Manager, Bigi, Biola Aransiola, applauded the finalists’ dedication and exceptional performances throughout the competition. She pointed out the synergy between Bigi and the talented contestants. ”Bigi’s 13 award-winning flavors, produced in a world-class facility, are known for their refreshing taste. This dedication to quality resonates with the high standards exhibited by the Nigerian Idol contestants.”
Chima expressed his sincere appreciation to Bigi for sponsoring Nigerian Idol Season 9, a platform that propelled him into the spotlight. He recognized Bigi’s commitment to consumers and their dedication to empowering young Nigerians.
Chima revealed himself to be a loyal fan, particularly enjoying Bigi Apple for its refreshing taste and unique qualities that set it apart from competitors.
Filled with gratitude, Chima, Lammy, and Chioma came together to sing a song for Mr. Adegunwa and Rite Foods’ significant contribution to the entertainment industry through initiatives like Nigerian Idol, which nurtures and discovers young talents.
This celebratory thank-you tour solidified the strong bond between Bigi and Nigerian Idol, highlighting their shared passion for empowering young Nigerians and fostering a vibrant entertainment scene in Nigeria.
MICDEE Completes Groundbreaking Workspace Project for MTN
MICDEE, a leading provider of innovative workspace solutions, has announced the successful completion of a high-profile project for telecommunications giant MTN. This milestone highlights MICDEE’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional workspace solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients.
The recently completed project for MTN exemplifies MICDEE’s dedication to excellence and innovation in workspace design and execution. The transformation of MTN’s office space met and exceeded the client’s expectations, setting new industry standards.
Chief Executive of MICDEE Designs, Architect Michael Awonowo said a pivotal factor in this success has been MICDEE’s client-centered project management approach. He emphasizes understanding and meeting each client’s specific requirements, ensuring that every project reflects their unique vision and operational needs.
“Our strategic communication efforts are designed to drive brand visibility and attract new business opportunities,” said Awonowo. “By showcasing our innovative solutions and the successful outcomes of our projects, we aim to position MICDEE as the go-to provider for workspace transformation in Nigeria and beyond.”
MICDEE extends its gratitude to MTN for their trust and collaboration, which have been instrumental in this project’s success. The company looks forward to continuing its partnership with MTN in future endeavors.
LASU, TWO OTHER LAGOS-BASED UNIVERSITIES SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH SPELMAN COLLEGE, ATLANTA
Lagos State University, LASU, on Monday, 15th July 2024, joined two other Lagos-based universities – the University of Lagos, UNILAG and Pan-Atlantic University to sign a cooperative agreement with Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The agreement, which was signed at a brief ceremony held at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, is aimed at establishing a framework for collaboration and cooperation between the four universities to advance women education, STEM Education, creative industries and faculty and students international exchange programmes in mutually beneficial ways.
The agreement signing followed a roundtable conversation among the leaders of the four institutions, including Dr Helene Gayle of Spelman College, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola of the University of Lagos, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM of Lagos State University, and Prof. Enase Okonedo of the Pan-Atlantic University.
The LASU Vice Chancellor and Pan-Atlantic University Vice Chancellor were represented by Prof. Adenike Boyo (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration) and Prof. Olusola Oni, respectively.
The intellectual dialogue among the Vice Chancellors touched on how individual universities can leverage on the partnerships to open up opportunities for their faculties and students in today’s world.
According to Prof. Olatunji-Bello, LASU is set to explore the partnership to bolster its Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (ACEITSE), its newly established School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies, and the Disabilities Support Office, amongst others.
Earlier in her address, Dr Gayle said that the partnership is significant as it marks the 50-year anniversary, a groundbreaking partnership between Lagos State and Atlanta Georgia in the USA. She also revealed that the collaboration was conceived following a decision by the US Presidential Advisory Committee to promote educational exchange programmes between Africa and the diaspora.
“It is our hope that our students from Africa can change the world by better understanding the world through the kind of exposure that this partnership offers,” she said.
The programme had in attendance the US Consul General in Nigeria, Mr Richard M. Mills, Jnr., some members of the US Presidential Advisory Committee, leaders from other universities in and around Lagos, and staff and students from partnering universities.
Don Urges Africans to Take Decisive Actions to Combat Disinformation
Africans have been urged to take decisive actions against the growing threat of disinformation on the continent and the world.
Speaking at a three-day regional conference in Ikeja, funded by Global Affairs Canada, Professor of Public Sector Management and Governance at the University of Abuja, Ukertor Moti, emphasized the critical need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of false information.
The conference, organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development, West Africa, with support from the National Democratic Institute, aimed to foster partnerships and amplify truth to safeguard democratic institutions. This event follows the inaugural conference held in Monrovia in July 2023 with the theme: “Countering Disinformation and Hate Speech in West Africa.”
In his address, Moti highlighted the destabilizing impact of disinformation and hate speech on society, noting that the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has exacerbated the challenges of maintaining information integrity. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues thoughtfully and collaboratively.
“Disinformation and hate speech destabilize systems,” Moti stated. “The challenges posed by AI-enabled misinformation and disinformation must be effectively addressed through collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and technology companies.”
Moti advocated for a global understanding and cooperation to combat the spread of false information facilitated by AI technologies. “Through enhanced collaborations, innovations, and regulations, we can harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its risks,” he said. “Let us ensure a future where technology uplifts rather than undermines public trust and democratic values.”
Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, echoed Moti’s sentiments. Ebuebu, who was represented by the NBC Lagos Zonal Director, Mr. Raphael Akpan, warned that disinformation and hate speech erode trust, incite violence, and polarize communities. He called for collective efforts to develop innovative strategies and implement effective measures to counter these threats.
“Countering disinformation and hate speech is crucial for trust, community cohesion, and the protection of society,” Ebuebu stated. “With vigilance, integrity, and commitment to truth, NBC believes that a healthier and more responsible media environment can be achieved in West Africa.”
The conference underscored the importance of vigilance, integrity, and steadfast commitment to truth in combating disinformation, intending to foster a more resilient and informed society.
