Chrisland Schools has taken a bold step in educating its learners about entrepreneurship and business.
During its recent Entrepreneurship Day, Chrisland School Opebi transformed its grounds into a bustling marketplace, inspiring young entrepreneurs to showcase their enterprising spirit with colorful displays of goods, including beads, clothes, snacks, books, and toys.
The atmosphere was buzzing as the young entrepreneurs eagerly showcased their products, employing various marketing tactics to attract patrons to their stalls.
Firesanmi Olaleye, a year-four-year-learner, energetically waved handmade bead necklaces in the air, calling out to passersby about the unique designs and affordable prices. His craftsmanship, learned from his mother and sister, paid off as his bead sales totaled over N6,000. “Bead making is a form of relaxation to me, but you need a master and constant practice to gain mastery of the art. Come and see my beautiful beads, made with love and perfect for any occasion!” he exclaimed, drawing a number of curious buyers to his stall.
Another student, Oluwatenianu Alonge, confidently stood behind her table of clothes, each piece neatly folded and arranged by size and style. “Get a great deal on quality clothes!” she called out. She sold about ten items, with patrons appreciating the value and her approach.
Alonge explained that her desire to help people look good inspired her to sell clothes at affordable prices, with prices determined by the quality of the cloth. She also expressed her aspiration to become a doctor in the future, adding that she hopes to sell shoes and other basic necessities while practicing medicine.
The Deputy Head Teacher of the School, Mrs. Mark Agatha Chikanelle, shared insights into the objectives of the event. She noted that the primary aim was to educate the pupils about the world of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business.
According to her, the objective was achieved as the pupils took responsibility for their businesses, created ways of selling their products, and ensured minimal or zero losses on that day.
In the lead-up to the event, Chikanelle explained that the school had provided thorough preparatory sessions on what it entails to run a business and how to select and run a good business. “We also made them register their businesses in the office, and as they did, we asked them what they wanted to sell and why. We gave them better options where we felt what they wanted to sell may not yield enough income,” she said.
The event had a profound impact on the pupils, as many began to appreciate the daily efforts of their working parents. “They were particularly excited about the money they earned from their entrepreneurial ventures. Some of them who sold all their products were very excited that they could make so much money from making beads, cocktail drinks, and baking, among others,” Chikanelle concluded.
Chrisland Schools Inspire Young Entrepreneurs
Ogun State Police Free Kidnapped Victims in Dramatic Rescue
The Ogun State Police Command has successfully freed Mr. Ola, Pujan, and two unidentified Indian nationals after a reported armed robbery and abduction along the Ogere inward Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The incident occurred around 7:10 PM near Delabo Junction on the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway. Unknown armed individuals, driving an unregistered Toyota Venza, allegedly executed the attack.
Police Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the rescue and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. She promised further updates as the investigation continues.
According to SP Odutola, the armed assailants trailed a grey Toyota RAV4, license plate Lagos AGL-16-JE, before forcing it to a stop by shooting its tires with AK-47 rounds. They kidnapped the driver and fled towards Ijebu-Ode. During the attack, another driver in a black Toyota Camry, license plate Lagos AAA-04-JB, was injured by gunfire while attempting to make a U-turn. The injured driver is currently receiving treatment at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan.
Additionally, a bus traveling from Abuja to Lagos had its windscreen smashed, and the driver’s mobile phone was stolen by the same group of criminals. The police have since recovered and towed the damaged vehicles to the station.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, has been briefed on the situation and has ordered the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the investigation. The identity of the kidnapped victim remains unknown at this time.
ORIGIN TECH GROUP PARTNERS LBS ON HUMAN CAPITAL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
…To collaborate on LBS Agribusiness Management and Greener HOPE Agricultural Productivity Programme
Chairman of ORIGIN Tech Group, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel has played host to the members of the Executive Education of the Lagos Business School, LBS-Pan-Atlantic University during a courtesy visit led by its Director of Business Education, Mr. Victor Banjo, mni as well as Mr. Olatayo Folayan, Business Development Manager and Mr. Afolabi Oyewunmi, Relationship Manager.
The LBS Director of Executive Education and his delegates were warmly received by the Chairman of ORIGIN Tech Group as well as the Executive Vice Chairman, Sir Kunle Ball, the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Sesan Ayeni, and the Group Head of Corporate Communications and Strategy, Mr. Adebayo Awoniyi-Adeoshun.
In his address, the LBS Director of Executive Education stated that the visit was quite profound as it provides huge opportunities that is mutually beneficial and rewarding for both institutions in the areas of knowledge sharing, human capital development, and national productivity considering the collaborations that is inherent for both organizations as it concerns the LBS Agric-Business Management Programme of the LBS and the Greener HOPE Agricultural Productivity Project that is been championed by ORIGIN Tech Group in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This, the Director of Executive Education noted shows the kind of visionary leadership of both the President of the Federal Republic and the Chairman of ORIGIN.
“I must say that you are a visionary leader because you aren’t doing this to take glory or show off. This is impressive and what you have done today has demonstrated the kind of leader the emerging African renaissance needs” he said.
The Director of Executive Education noted that LBS is enthusiastic about the expression of interest to collaborate on areas of mutual interests especially the LBS Agri-Business Management Programme and the Greener HOPE Productivity Project and will continue to show immense support towards any activity driven by ORIGIN Tech Group.
In his response, the Chairman of ORIGIN Tech Group expressed his gratitude for the visit and promised to reciprocate the same in due course.
The Chairman concluded by commending the LBS State for the various knowledge advancements in Africa which is evident in the quality of its alumnus noting that these portends the solutions for a truly advanced Africa, especially in the areas of national productivity and human progress that can compete with the developed economies across the world
STEM EXPERT ADVOCATES EMBRACING AI TO BRIDGE NIGERIA’S EDUCATION GAP
Founder of STEM Collaborators, Mrs. Adeola Akinsulure, has emphasised the critical need to integrate Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, AI into Nigeria’s education system.
She made this assertion during a one-day capacity-building event for students from the Lagos State Education District VI, held in collaboration with the American Corner, Ikeja.
Akinsulure, a biology teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School, explained her motivation for organising the training. “I initiated this programme after discovering that some international students I teach use Robotics and AI in their studies. This gap inspired me to introduce similar technology here in Nigeria to enhance our education system,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of preparing students to compete globally.
Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Amanda Brown, while declaring the event open, recognized Akinsulure’s contributions. “On behalf of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, I want to acknowledge Adeola Akinsulure, an alumna of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme. We are proud that she has brought back new skills to enhance the incredible work she’s doing in the STEM and education sectors,” Brown stated.
Brown also highlighted the transformative potential of AI and robotics, encouraging students to embrace these technologies to become future leaders.
On his part, the Director of American Corner Ikeja, Adeniyi Ogunbanjo reiterated the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s commitment to up-skilling young Nigerians. “Exposing students to robotics and AI at a young age is crucial, and we will continue to support such initiatives,” he said.
Also, Human Resource Manager at Fantien Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Omolara Oladejo, advised students to focus on the positive aspects of technology and avoid internet scams. “There are many legitimate ways to make money online. Use technology positively to aid your career,” she urged.
STEM experts, including Adewale Kayode, Seun Leo, Dr. Oluwabanke Adewusi, Adeeko Olalekan, and Adeola Eka, conducted the training sessions.
The event with the theme: “Ignite E.DVI 2024: Robotic and Artificial Intelligence,” attracted selected students from various schools such as Omole Senior Grammar School, Ikeja Senior High School, and others within Education District VI.
The event also featured practical sessions on space exploration, robotic programming, and AI applications in sectors such as health, education, and transportation.
In the highlight of the training, Wellington Olabanji from Omole Senior Grammar School, Mary Adeniyi from Ikeja Senior High School, and Decoco Nasrullah from State Senior High School received prizes for their outstanding performances.
Directorate of Research Management and Innovation, LASU, Commences Sensitisation Exercise for 6th Research and Innovation Fair
The Directorate of Research Management and Innovation, DRMI, at Lagos State University, LASU, has begun a series of sensitisation visits in preparation for the highly anticipated 6th LASU Research and Innovation Fair. The exercise commenced on Monday, 1st July 2024, targeting the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Faculties, Schools, Bursary, and Registry Departments.
Led by the Director of DRMI, Prof. Adejuwon Adeneye, along with members of the Central Planning Committee, CPC, the sensitisation team initiated their outreach with visits to the Faculty of Management Sciences and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The goal is to inform and engage the various faculties about the upcoming Fair, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 8th and Wednesday, 9th October 2024, at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Hall, LASU Main Campus, Ojo. The event promises to be a significant convergence of researchers and innovators.
During these visits, Prof. Adeneye expressed his gratitude to the Faculty of Management Sciences and the Faculty of Social Sciences for their invaluable support in previous Fairs and appealed for even greater involvement this year. He provided a detailed registration guide and assured participants of a seamless experience.
Reflecting on the successes of past Research Fairs, Prof. Adeneye conveyed his optimism for an even more outstanding event this year. He extended his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, and the entire management team for their unwavering support, which has consistently enabled the University Community to participate in such transformative events.
He announced that the Fair will feature distinguished guests, including the Special Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, alongside other esteemed speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise with participants.
Prof. Adeneye reiterated that the LASU Research Fair is an interactive platform that fosters groundbreaking inquiries across diverse topics, appealing to academics, the general public, and addressing everyday issues.
The Deans of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Akanji Bankole, and the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Adigun Lawal, expressed their gratitude towards the University Management and DRMI for their continuous efforts in positioning LASU at the forefront of research and innovation. They pledged their unwavering support to ensure the success of the Fair.
The sensitisation visit was highly informative, with active participation from attendees in a question and answer session, during which essential information was shared and valuable suggestions were offered.
The sensitisation exercise continues on Tuesday, 2nd July 2024, with visits to the Faculty of Science, School of Transport and Logistics, and the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.
Lagos State University remains committed to promoting research and innovation and looks forward to showcasing the outstanding contributions of its researchers and innovators at the upcoming 6th LASU Research Fair.
Nigerian Idol Season 9 Heats Up with Top 5 as Bigi Keeps Fans Refreshed
The excitement continues for Nigerian Idol Season 9, proudly sponsored by Bigi, the refreshing carbonated soft drink from Rite Foods Limited! This past Sunday’s live show unveiled the top 5 contestants – Chima, Maio, Chioma, Mira Clear, and Lammy – battle it out to become Nigeria’s next singing idol.
Throughout the live show, Bigi kept viewers cool and refreshed with its delicious flavors during intense moments. Bigi’s variety of tasty flavours, and fun personality, perfectly complement the high performances that have become synonymous with Nigerian Idol.
The latest episode was spiced up by the arrival of guest judges, Ice Prince, the iconic Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter, and Dr. Kaffy, the world-renowned choreographer. Their presence added a new layer of excitement to the “show-stopping performances” delivered by the contestants. Adding to the excitement, guest judge Ice Prince, the award-winning Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter, coincidentally matched Bigi Cola’s signature color with his fiery red blazer and pants.
The show opened with a harmonious group performance from the top 6 contestants singing John Legend’s ‘Preach’. Lammy brought the party atmosphere with a lively rendition of the Black-Eyed Peas’ party anthem “I Gotta Feeling”, proving he can command the stage and keep the audience’s feet tapping. Mira Clear captivated the audience with her powerful vocals and confident stage presence during her rendition of Beyoncé’s “End of Time.” 9ice applauded the singing, stating that her miracle was becoming clear.
Chima stole the spotlight with a show-stopping performance of Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now.” His energetic dance moves, infectious confidence, and powerful vocals had the audience cheering him on. Chioma channeled her inner diva with a fierce performance of Beyoncé’s empowering anthem “Run the World (Girls).” Her commanding stage presence and powerhouse vocals left no doubt that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Maio closed with a bang, taking a different route, mesmerizing viewers with his smooth vocals and stage presence during his rendition of Davido’s latest afrobeat smash, “Unavailable.”
In a heartfelt performance, Stevie delivered a soulful rendition of Ne-Yo’s “Closer” despite his elimination being announced earlier in the show. His smooth vocals and emotional connection to the song left a lasting impression, highlighting his talent as a singer-songwriter.
WITH ALEBIOSU, FIRSTBANK TRANSITIONS TO GROWTH CONSOLIDATION ERA
FirstBank’s 130 years of gripping history is a corporate handbook in many ways. Its fortunes are as great a lesson as its challenges. Its leadership and choice of leaders are fascinating chapters of the book it has become, validating the notion that each era in human history is shaped by the king of the moment. This is true across the corporate environment but uniquely applicable to Nigeria’s premier bank.
For its diffused ownership structure, its leadership is particularly dynamic, adding a great deal of variety to the journey. The confirmation of Olusegun Alebiosu as the new Chief Executive officer of the bank is seen as a consolidation of the rich culture of the bank. At a peculiar juncture in its 130 years of incorporation, the market has seen a new FirstBank that is ready to compete with the new entrants to recover the market it was holding in its grip as a monopolist.
The bank is consolidating on its adoption of the new ‘click’ banking through which it has invested heavily in digital infrastructure. The success Alebiosu helped to create at the corporate performance of Q1, the quarter heralding Alebiosu was particularly fascinating across top and bottom-line indicators. First, the bank’s total assets leaped by 28 per cent year-on-year to N20.7 trillion, while gross earnings rose by 178 per cent to N682.5 billion on the back of strong growth in the credit portfolio (which was 33 per cent up from December 2023). Non-interest income, which reflected the robust transactional platforms, doubled year-on-year to N224.6 billion compared with N110 billion it earned in Q1 of 2023.
The Chief Executive Officer also rode on powerful bottom-line indicators with profit before tax seeing exponential growth of almost 300 per cent to N209.8 billion and profit after tax growing in the same margin to N188.5 billion. These are not isolated figures but a reflection of a decade of robust performance of the banking group that feeds into the holding company that has become the toast of the investing public in recent years.
For one, FirstMobile, its digital banking application emerged as a household name in the financial technology ecosystem. In 2015, when the platform was still in its infancy stage, its user base was about 60,000, a figure that has soared to over six million as of last year. That has contributed immensely to changing the market’s perception of the institution as a traditional bank to an innovative digital bank.
Today, over 85 per cent of its transactions are initiated via digital platforms, according to insights provided by the bank. That suggests that while it consolidates on its hedge as a saver’s bank, it has also emerged as a transaction-driven bank. FirstMobile appears to have hit the bull’s eye in the bank’s reinvention drive and efforts to appeal to younger demographics. However, the platform is only one of the many telecommunications-driven initiatives the bank has innovated to get young depositors on board. FirstOnline has also grown in leaps in terms of users – from about 90,000 to over one million in less than a decade.
USSD banking, under the watch of the immediate past handler, is even more successful with users increasing by close to 3,000 per cent in the last eight years, to about 15 million. What USSD banking, which targets feature phone users and rural communities where internet penetration is still very low, has done for the bank is giving a slice of it to the original owners – rural dwellers and non-Internet natives who had never known any other bank than FirstBank.
The success of Firstmonie Agent Banking also validates its agelong popularity in rural areas. Last year alone, its Firstmonie Agent Banking services processed over ₦1.1 trillion in transactions, more than double the amount handled by seven other big banks. Its strategic investments in technology include the development of its interactive transaction banking platform known as FirstDirect2.0 and the introduction of the humanoid robot to the banking ecosystem in the country.
The smart banking initiatives have been complemented by its Digital Xperience Centres (DXC), which are currently located in Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja with plans to open more across the country. Overall, its digital banking has evolved in both volume and public perception even with artificial intelligence-driven commercials complementing its digital imprints. Ease, convenience and reliability created in recent years have moved the customer base from 0.6 million in 2015 to well over 42 million customer accounts as of 2023. This number, according to the immediate past Chief Executive Officer, Adesola Adeduntan, would double in no distant future as the organisation migrates more aggressively to transaction-led banking.
Last year, its holding company earned N171.8 billion in income from fees and commissions, a 46 per cent year-on-year growth, demonstrating its success as a transaction-led bank. Its fee and commission income growth were not an exception but drew from impressive performances across the board. Its operating profit also jumped by 129 per cent, much higher than the industry average, to N361.8 per cent, leading to an earnings per share of N8.56k.
The total assets also saw a 60 per cent growth to N16.3 trillion. The total assets, like other metrics, had seen over 300 per cent expansion from 2015 when it was N4.2 trillion. First Bank also experienced aggressive growth in its customer base in the past nine years. The figure has grown from 10.9 million to over 42 million customers, leading to the aggressive growth of fee and commission income of the bank.
Culled from Guardian
STEM Collaborators to Host Robotics,AI Training for Lagos Students
In an effort to enhance technological education, STEM Collaborators will host a Robotic and Artificial Intelligence, AI, training session for students from Lagos State Education District VI.
The event will take place at the American Corner in Ikeja on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 9 am.
The initiative, led by Mrs. Adeola Akinsulure, a Biology teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School and the founder of STEM Collaborators, aims to broaden the knowledge and skills of 50 selected students in the district. Mrs. Akinsulure emphasized the importance of equipping students with the necessary skills to keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology.
“This programme seeks to broaden the knowledge of selected students of District VI, Lagos State Government,” Mrs. Akinsulure explained. “We all know that technology through Artificial Intelligence, AI, has become the new normal, and against this backdrop, we intend to equip our students with necessary skills because technology is moving the world at a faster pace.”
According to her, the training will introduce students to the opportunities presented by robotics and AI, guiding them on how to harness these technologies for future success.
The event will be attended by top officials from Education District VI, STEM experts, and executives from the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT. Participants will receive e-certificates at the end of the one-day capacity-building program.
FUJI FUSION: LAGFERRY Showcases Waterways Potential Through Tourism, Entertainment
Lagos State Government is determined to harness the potential of its waterways by promoting water tourism, entertainment, and safety. This was underscored at the Fuji Fusion Lori Omi event, held at the Five Cowries Terminal in Falomo, Ikoyi, and organized by the Lagos State Ferry Services, LAGFERRY.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting local economies by engaging local entrepreneurs and small business owners. She highlighted that events like Fuji Fusion are part of the state’s broader strategy to attract more visitors to the diverse opportunities available on the waterways.
“The government is committed to sustaining such events and will continue to deploy innovative strategies to draw more people to our waterways,” Benson-Awoyinka stated.
Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Ladi Balogun, pointed out that featuring renowned Fuji musicians demonstrates Lagos’s status as a hub for entertainment and tourism. He noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has created an enabling environment for stakeholders to explore various opportunities within the state’s blue economy.
“LAGFERRY is utilizing a tripod approach of transportation, tourism, and entertainment to maximize the benefits of our waterways,” Balogun said.
Additionally, the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, assured Lagosians of their safety on the waterways. He highlighted LASWA’s efforts to ensure safety through sensitization programmes, partnerships, and providing safety infrastructure.
“LASWA is committed to pushing safety across the state’s inland waterways, whether for commercial, transportation, or tourism activities,” Emmanuel affirmed.
Blacktalker reports that the event which attracted people from all walks of life featured giants of the Fuji genre such as Pasuma Wonder, Malaika, and Atawewe. Others were Biyi Omo Mummy and Mr. Performer.
Stakeholders Converge in Lagos To Address Challenges in Non-Formal Education Sector
Stakeholders in the non-formal education sector convened in Ikeja, Lagos State, to tackle pressing issues affecting the sector, even as the State boasts 32,850 adult learners.
The stakeholders, who spoke during a panel discussion at the 2024 Stakeholders Forum on Mass Literacy in Lagos State organised by the State Agency for Mass Education, highlighted key challenges and potential solutions.
Director of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, opened the forum by emphasizing the critical need for government and private sector funding to support mass literacy programs.
She urged stakeholders to seek alternative funding from philanthropists, multinational companies, and corporate bodies, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient for the sector’s development.
Associate Professor Luqman Hussain of Lagos State University discussed the challenges faced by out-of-school youths. He identified financial constraints, family issues, cultural barriers, and societal vices as significant factors.
Dr. Hussain proposed solutions such as skills and vocational training, flexible educational systems, specialized curriculums, technology-based learning, e-learning platforms, incentives, financial support, and mentorship to address these issues.
Professor Adult Education, University of Lagos, UNILAG, Professor Blessing Ayinkwa focused on the socio-economic, educational, and institutional barriers that affect adult learners’ retention rates. She pointed out that financial constraints, family obligations, lack of prior education, language barriers, fear of belonging, technological gaps, and rigid learning schedules often lead to dropouts.
Professor Ayinkwa emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable learning environment, providing suitable infrastructure, and focusing on understanding rather than grading.
Head of the Education Management Information System in the Agency for Mass Education, Mr. Abiodun Osideko, highlighted the importance of data collection and skills development in the non-formal education sector. He explained that data collection aids informed decision-making, helps identify challenges, sets goals, presents statistics, sources funds, tracks progress, and ensures a return on investment.
Head of the Vocational Department in the Agency, Mrs. Ayodele Salu, stressed the need for sensitization, mobilization, and advocacy within the sector. She recommended regular stakeholder dialogues, increased visits to the State House of Assembly for funding and support, and engagement with local government authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and trader union leaders.
Mrs. Salu also advocated for media campaigns, partnerships with private organizations both locally and internationally, and the use of local dialects to disseminate messages effectively.
