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2024 OMAL: STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR ADOPTION OF LOW CARBON ECONOMY TO MITIGATE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

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As the world grapples with the effects of Climate Change, Nigeria must harness the power of innovation, collaboration, and collective actions, by transitioning to a low-carbon economy, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and building thriving, sustainable communities for generations to come.

This was the submission of stakeholders at the 2024 OLUTUMBI JOANNA MADUKA ANNUAL LECTURE, 2024 OMAL themed: Sustainable Technology and Energy Solutions to Climate Change; Building A Resilient Future ” organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, and the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN.

The 2024 OMAL, which is the sixth in its series, is held in honour of the pioneer president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Engr. Olutumbi Joanna Maduka, FNSE, FAEng., FNIEEE, MFR.


Delivering the Lecture, Engr. Prof. Christiana Ijagbemi, FNSE said building resilience to climate change requires a holistic approach that integrates sustainable technology with adaptation strategies and community resilience efforts.

Engr. Prof, Ijagbemi, who was represented by Prof. Temitope Odetoye charged government at all levels, citizens, and all stakeholders to invest in green infrastructure, such as flood barriers, green roofs, and coastal restoration projects, which can reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events and sea-level rise.

”Embracing nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management, enhances ecosystem services and biodiversity while providing natural buffers against climate impacts. By prioritizing resilience in planning and decision-making processes, communities can withstand and recover from climate-related shocks and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all. ”

According to the guest speaker, sustainable technology encompasses a wide range of innovations and practices designed to minimize environmental impact while meeting human needs.

She said: “Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, offer clean alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on finite resources. Energy-efficient buildings employ technologies like smart thermostats, efficient lighting, and advanced insulation to minimize energy consumption and lower operating costs.”

President/Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE noted that the impacts of climate change are far-reaching and affect every aspect of life, from environmental degradation, and economic downturns to a decline in social wellbeing.

” It is within this context that the role of Engineers becomes indispensable. Our profession is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and develop solutions that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change while promoting sustainable development.

Engr. Oguntala, FNSE. opined that sustainable technology is the cornerstone upon which the world and Nigeria can build a resilient and prosperous future and as such involves the development and deployment of ideas and methods that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

She said: ”Therefore, we must lead the charge in creating and implementing technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

Special Guest of Honour and President, of Cosmopolitan Women Club, Lagos, Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams charged stakeholders to embrace new lifestyles such as green energy and stop the use of plastic among others that will help reduce the effects of climate change in homes, communities, and Country at large.

Also, the Honoree, Engr. Olutumbi Joanna Maduka, FNSE, FAEng., FNIEEE, MFR, expressed joy over the success of the 2024 OMAL, charging the younger generation of female engineers to imbibe Perseverance, Patience, and Hard Work to enable them to excel in the Profession.

The Honoree and Her Husband

On the theme of this year’s OMAL, Engr. Joanna Maduka noted that alternative sources of energy in the form of bioengineering which involves converting waste to reusable, cleaner, and bio-friendly energy should be embraced for a sustainable environment.

The 2024 OMAL attracted women from all sectors including Energy, Academia, Commerce and Industry, Automobile, Civil Engineering, and construction among others

THE 8TH NIGERIA BUILD EXPO: COREN, NACCIMA SEEK GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN CONSTRUCTION

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The 8th International Construction and Building Materials Exhibition, known as the NIGERIA BUILD EXPO, with the theme: “Building the Sustainable Future: Empowering Nigeria’s Construction Industry ” kicked off in Lagos with participants from a wide array of industries, ranging from Construction to HVAC, Water, Hospitality, and Ceramics. 

The NIGERIA BUILDEXPO, organised by ELANEXPO took place from the 21st to the 23rd of May 2024 at Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island Lagos, and served as a hub where stakeholders in the construction sector converged to explore the latest innovations, trends, and best practices driving the industry forward.

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, NACCIMA, which is a notable collaborator of the exhibition said with its steadfast commitment to promoting commerce and industry in Nigeria, NACCIMA’s involvement underscores the significance of the event in fostering partnerships and driving economic progress.

President of NACCIMA, Dele Kelvin Oye, Esq. speaking on the exhibition’s theme of empowerment and collaboration, emphasised the importance of investing in the construction sector. 

Oye opined that such investment is a strategic imperative for spurring job creation, fostering infrastructure development, and catalyzing overall economic growth. 

“Through initiatives like NIGERIA BUILDEXPO, NACCIMA aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to harness the immense potential of the construction sector for sustainable development.

”Together, let us build a brighter future for Nigeria through innovation, collaboration, and investment in the construction sector ” he noted.

In his goodwill message, the President and Chairman of Council for the Registration of Engineering Nigeria, COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar, FNSE, FAEng, commended ELAN Exhibitions W/Africa Ltd for the consistency and championing maintenance of quality and standards in the Construction/Building Industry.

”COREN congratulates the organizers of this event for its unwavering commitment to promoting excellence, professionalism, and innovation in construction/building practices across Nigeria.

”Your dedication to upholding high standards of the practitioners and safety is paramount in ensuring the integrity and reliability of materials, processes, the resultant infrastructure, and products in the industry and across the various relevant sectors of our economy.”

Engr. Prof. Abubakar noted that the theme of the 8th International Construction, Building Materials, and Technology Expo resonated deeply with COREN’s new road map and vision of fostering sustainable engineering best practices for the socio-economic advancement of Nigeria.

”We commend your consistency in organizing this EXPO that strengthens the critical link between skillful practitioners and national development and shaping our collective future.

”COREN applauds the major participants whose aim includes among others, capacity building, skills development, knowledge sharing, feedback, and networking. 

”Your commitment to interrogating policies, and legal barriers that can positively impact construction projects and encourage the major players in the industry is a welcomed initiative and resonates with the emphasis and deepening engagement in the Ten (10) sectors of the nation’s economy.

The 8th International Construction and Building Materials Exhibition featured over 200 prominent brands from more than 30 countries, providing an unparalleled opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development.

SMAT MEDIA, MAKERS OF POPULAR TV SERIES, MTV SHUGA, PARTNERS LASU TO PRODUCE NEW CAMPUS-BASED SERIES

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Producers of popular television drama series, MTV Shuga, SMAT Media Productions, has agreed to a partnership with the Lagos State University, LASU to produce a new campus-based television series.

A MoU signing ceremony, which signalled the formal commencement of the partnership held on Wednesday 22nd May 2024 at the office of the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Ojo, as the Chief Executive Officers of the two institutions, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, Lagos State University, and Mr Emmanuel Uduma, SMAT Media Productions, putting pen to paper.



The partnership, which was facilitated by the School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies, would see the partners jointly create and design theme concepts for the series, promote, publicise and market the project, source for sponsorship for the advancement of the project, conduct, underdertake and supervise research required for content development and executively produce the project.

The Vice Chancellor,  Prof. Olatunji-Bello, in her address, said the collaboration was based on the understanding that, to build a better society, the town must meet the gown.

She noted that “there is currently no campus-based TV series that is telling the story of our youths in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. I’m therefore excited that this series, “Becoming Us” is set to fill that gap.”

On his part, SMAT Media Productions boss, Mr Uduma, said his company believes completely in the project and is excited about its prospect. He said the project would go a long way in meeting the yearnings of young people within LASU and beyond.

Acting Dean, School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies, Prof. Tunji Azeez expressed his satisfaction that the project was finally taking off after months of discussions. He praised the Vice Chancellor for her vision that birthed the collaboration.

Members of the university management and other top functionaries of the university witnessed the MoU signing ceremony.

Federal Government Moves To Prohibit Smoking, Money Rituals, Ritual Killings In Movies, Music Videos, Skits

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The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, announced that it will henceforth restrict the depiction of smoking, ritual killings, and money rituals in movies, music videos, and skits.

NFVCB’s Executive Director, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, made this known in Enugu State at a National Stakeholders’ Engagement on the “#Smoke-Free Nollywood” campaign organised in collaboration with the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA.

Husseini said the federal government would prohibit the depiction and glamorisation of smoking, violence, criminal acts, immoral acts, ritual killings, and money rituals in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry.

According to him, the country was facing a film “industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions” from parents, guardians, and stakeholders.

“Therefore, after a series of engagements, the NFVCB, in collaboration with CAPPA, decided to make Subsidiary Regulations to address smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.

“Today (Tuesday), I am delighted to announce to you that the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, under Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004 has approved the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Product, Nicotine Product Promotion, Glamorization, Display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits” Regulations 2024. We have forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette,” the ED said.

Husseini explained that the goal is to eradicate smoking in movies and skits.

“We are going to be working with the industry to see how we achieve zero, completely smoke-free Nollywood,” he added.

He identified the tobacco industry’s tricks to promote smoking but expressed confidence that the government was prepared to counter them.

Hussein said: “Of recent, we realised that tobacco industries hide under the banner of entertainment to flaunt smoking. The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and begun implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate, especially at this crucial time when the National Assembly is insisting that there is a “Need to Curb the Rising Spate of Cultism, Trafficking, Consumption of Illicit Drugs and other Substances among Youths in Nigeria”. 

“The Board had been urged to undertake detailed enlightenment programs in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other institutions, as well as impose restrictions on home movies promoting social vices.”

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi stressed the need for stakeholders to work towards a Smoke-Free Nollywood in the interest of a healthy future for Nigerian children.

Oluwafemi said: “Shockingly, studies have shown that smoking remains prevalent in Nigerian movies in contravention of the NTC Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations 2019, which explicitly prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships in movies and entertainment. There is also a clear provision for warnings that should accompany any tobacco depiction that is necessary for “Historical Accuracy and Artistic Expression”.

“With the power to tell the Nigerian story, shape our future, and build a genuinely productive society, Nollywood has a role to play in ensuring that the growing concerns of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria are addressed. There is a need to reverse the role movies and music videos play in painting smoking and tobacco use as a cool way of life.

“With more than 5 million young Nigerians aged 15 years addicted to smoking cigarettes, our job, not just as movie practitioners and industry experts but also as parents, is to rise to the occasion and act right to protect our children and prepare for a smoke-free future.

“We are at a point where we must stop the glamorisation of smoking and, instead, promote healthy lifestyles.”

Participants at the event included veteran and top filmmakers, producers, scriptwriters, marketers, and distributors from across the country, such as Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Segun Arinze, Bolaji Amusan, and The Aneke Twins, as well as leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry.

They affirmed their commitment to a pro-health Nollywood by signing a pledge to ensure a smoke-free Nollywood.

SHELL DIVESTMENT: CAPPA, HOMEF SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY, REGENERATION FOR HOST COMMUNITIES

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As the Shell Annual Shareholders Meeting begins on Tuesday 21st of May, 2024 in Greenwich Peninsula, London, United Kingdom, activists have converged on the Lagos Head Office of the Oil and Gas giant, to stage a sting rally, demanding that the Oil Company address the severe environmental and social impacts of their operations in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta Region.

The rally organised by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) expressed concern over Shell’s impending divestment from its onshore business in Nigeria, transferring assets to Renaissance, a consortium comprising five companies.

The environmental activists alleged that this move allows Shell to evade responsibility for decades of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, where farmlands and water bodies are heavily contaminated with petroleum.

CAPPA and HOMEF criticized the planned divestment as a “shameless ploy” to offload liabilities to entities with questionable backgrounds and inadequate resources to manage the environmental aftermath.

They claim Shell’s intention to finance these buyers further exacerbates the issue, allowing the corporation to profit while evading accountability.

The groups demand that the Nigerian government enforce existing regulations to ensure Shell addresses its environmental violations before its exit. This includes conducting environmental audits, implementing compensation plans for affected communities, and decommissioning outdated and hazardous infrastructure.

They also denounced Shell’s proclaimed commitment to becoming a net-zero emissions company by 2050, describing it as a strategy to delay substantial action and deflect accountability. The activists argue that scientific evidence undermines Shell’s promises, calling them “hollow.”

According to the environmental activists, a 2023 report commissioned by the Bayelsa State government found that 90% of toxic pollution in the Niger Delta over the past fifty years originated from the operations of five international oil giants: Shell, Chevron, Eni, Total, and ExxonMobil. Despite this, Chevron continues to expand its investments in Nigeria, drawing further ire from environmental groups.

They also made the following demands: “To return dignity back to the people stripped of it, we call for the following:

1. An independent and comprehensive assessment of the environment of the entire Niger Delta.

2. An open and comprehensive health audit of the people living in extractive communities across the Niger Delta.

3. A cleanup, remediation, and restoration of all polluted and contaminated areas linked to Shell’s extractivism.

4. That Shell and Chevron be held accountable for the destruction of communities in the Niger Delta.

5. That divestment and/or expansion plans follow due process of decommissioning.

6. That the Nigerian Government’s environmental and climate change policies be weaned off unfounded corporate language, including false solutions such as Net Zero.

7. That communities are recognised as major stakeholders that must be afforded expression on matters that concern their safety and survival”

OUNJE EKO: LASG TARGETS 500,000 HOUSEHOLDS, JOURNALISTS IN NEW BATCH OF PALLIATIVES

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As part of its ongoing efforts to ameliorate the suffering of Lagosians, Lagos State Government has floated its second palliatives’ scheme to cater for residents of the state including journalists in the state.

Speaking to journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat on Monday,
Representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture, and the Permanent Secretary,
Mrs. Dikirat Oshodi, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Agriculture, Lagos State, supervised the delivery of the food packs to Lagos NUJ.

In her words, ” Our Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is executing this project through the Ministry of Agriculture and we are up to the task.

“This is not the first time such a thing will be happening as we can still recall what Lagos State Government did during COVID-19.

“We had recently done an exercise where we had 25 percent reduction in food prices which lasted seven weeks on Sundays in different locations in Lagos.

“The one we are doing at the moment is to capture five hundred households in Lagos.

“For this exercise, we will be requesting people’s details such as name, address, mobile and LASSRA number.

“There will also be pictures of how the items are being off-loaded and distributed for proper documentation”
she said.

On behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture Miss Abisola Olusanya and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Audu Fatai, Oshodi appealed to Institutions, organisations and associations to effectively distribute the items among their members within the week.

Meanwhile, Co-Chairman of Lagos State Governor’s Monitoring Committee, Reverend (Dr) Stephen Oyinlola, led its Committee to Lagos NUJ Secretariat.

He described the distribution process of the palliatives as top notch.

“The process is  smooth, beautiful and better than the first exercise where we had issues with transportation arrangements for loading and disbursement.

He said Lagos State Government was committed to alleviating the suffering of Lagosians, while citing that the economic challenge was a global issue and not peculiar to Nigeria alone.

Oyinlola said the exercise was being conducted in different parts of Lagos State simultaneously.

According to him, CDAs, market women, artisans, religious organizations and many others have also benefitted from the exercise.

“Our committee is majorly concerned with monitoring the distribution in order to make sure that the palliatives get to the right people and communities where they are needed the most,” he said.

Speaking further, the Co-Chairman of Governor’s Team Lead, said Lagos State was also using other avenues such as health and transportation to also cushion the effects of economic hardship confronting Lagosians.

He pledged that Lagos State Government would float a third exercise if need be.

Reacting to the kind gesture, Chairman NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, lauded Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for deeming it fit to extend the palliatives to Lagos Journalists through the Ministry of Agriculture.

He urged the government to do more, noting that so many people in Lagos State needed attention and support from the government.

Ajayi specially commended Lagos Ministry of Agriculture for their professionalism and creativity towards making the state the envy of others.

Secretary NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr.Tunde Olalere, gave the vote of thanks.

“On behalf of thousands of Journalists in Lagos State, we want to say a big thank you to Mr. Govenor and Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture.

“We are proud to be associated with Lagos State and as members of the Fourth Estate, we will continue to beam our  search light on the activities of Lagos State.

Assistant Secretary NUJ Lagos State Council, Olayide Awosanya was also in attendance.


VC, PROF. OLATUNJI-BELLO, CELEBRATES AS 10  LASU LAW ALUMNI GET APPOINTMENT AS JUDGES OF LAGOS HIGH COURT

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…Popoola Oluwatosin Ajose joins list to make 10, highest in institution’s history.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has expressed her excitement at the appointment of ten (10) alumni of the Faculty of Law of the institution as judges of the Lagos High Court.

The alumni are: Hon. Justice Sunmonu Tunde Bashiru, Hon. Justice Alebiosu Olawale Lawal, Hon. Justice Anjorin-Ajose Tanimola Abdulwaheed, Hon. Justice Muyodeen Abdul-Raheem Tejumade, Hon. Justice George Alfred Akingbola, Hon. Justice Balogun Adegboyega Ganiu, Hon. Justice Badejo-Okusanya Yewande Jokotola, Hon. Justice Ojuromi Nalirat Olayinka Oluwatosin,  Hon. Justice Adewale Russel Musiliu and Hon. Justice Popoola Oluwatosin Ajose.

The 10 were part of the thirteen judges recently appointed into the Lagos State High Court, a feat made more remarkable by the fact that the number is the highest ever recorded from the university at any given time in history.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello, while congratulating the new judges noted that an appointment into such an exalted position was not a mean feat, but a testament of their hard work, sacrifice and dedication to the noble profession – Law, as well as their impactful contributions to the Lagos State judiciary.

She further ascribed the feat of the judges to, amongst other things, the solid foundation of excellence at the Faculty of Law of the university upon which they built their respective careers while urging them to be above board and serve with the fear of God in their new positions.

Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Kareem Olatoye, has equally lauded the judges on their appointment while congratulating the VC for such a remarkable attainment under her administration.

Recall that 10 graduates of the Faculty of Law also recently bagged first class degrees at the Nigerian Law School final Bar Examinations in February this year.

LAGOS STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND RECEIVES KOGI STATE COUNTERPART ON UNDERSTUDY VISIT

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L to R:- Executive Secretary/CEO Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun and Executive Chairman Kogi State Security Trust Fund (KSSTF), Hon. Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare during KSSTF visit to understudy the activities of the LSSTF recently

…..LSSTF Harps on Prudent, Accountability, Resourcefulness, and Trust.

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has received the Executive Chairman and the management staff of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, KSSTF, on a courtesy visit to learn firsthand from LSSTF, as it is the foremost and most successful Security Trust Fund in the country.

Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, expressed hope that the visit from the Kogi State Security Trust Fund would be beneficial and insightful towards a successful KSSTF.

During the training, Dr. Balogun emphasized that the Fund’s strongest feature remains its core values which are the acronym PART (Prudent, Accountability, Resourcefulness, and Trust). 

He noted it also places major emphasis on maintenance, which is why its assets remain functional for upwards of 12 years.

While comparing the Law establishing the KSSTF with that of LSSTF, the LSSTF Boss highlighted a few sections of the Law which in his opinion may work contrary to the objectives of the KSSTF and other sections that LSSTF may benefit from KSSTF.

Dr. Balogun opined that it is worth noting that the LSSTF deliberately maintains a lean workforce to ensure that the majority of resources raised are directed towards providing support to security agencies.

”The success of the Fund can be attributed to the high caliber of individuals appointed by Mr. Governor as members of the Board of Trustees. These individuals are not only influential but accomplished in their various endeavors and view their role as an opportunity to give back to the State. 

”They leverage their positions and industry connections to reach out to colleagues and partners for contributions to sustain the activities of LSSTF,” he added.

The LSSTF put together onsite training sessions on modalities for operating an effective Trust Fund and also arranged visitations to one of the beneficiaries of the Fund the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps, LNSC and a tour of a world-class, indigenous security equipment manufacturing company, Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited, EPAIL.

In his response, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, Hon. Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare thanked the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF for the warm reception and Lagos hospitality. 

Ozovehe Ohiare, who noted that the training session was very informative and an eye-opener to key areas of improvement for the KSSTF, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit a Nigerian indigenous security manufacturing company and the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA).

He noted that he will return to Kogi State with what they have been able to learn and seek ways to implement some of these ideas in the short, medium and long term.

There was a farewell ceremony to conclude the working visit by the KSSTF delegation, which included the presentation of a plaque to the Executive Chairman and his team members and certificates. 

There were also photo sessions.

KSSTF on a tour of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA) during its visit to Lagos understudy the activities of the LSSTF. 

PICTURE STORY: LAWMA RELEASES NAMES, NUMBERS TO REPORT ABSENCE OF PSP OPERATORS ACROSS LAGOS

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The Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has released the names and phone numbers of officers attached to each District across the State for complaints.

Residents can also report the absence of PSP Operators to the released numbers.

FIRSTBANK, ROTARY EMPOWER 102 BENEFICIARIES WITH 20 MILLION NAIRA START-UP KITS

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The First Bank of Nigeria Limited, with Rotary Club International, District 9110, has distributed 20 million Naira worth of start-up kits to 102 beneficiaries in Lagos to empower them across various trades.

The start-up kits distributed included: grinding machines, plumbing kits, deep freezers, sewing machines, generators, gas burners and cylinders, barbers, and hairdresser kits, among others.

The community intervention project had beneficiaries from the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria drawn from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.

Unit Head, Other SME Products e-Business, and Retail, FirstBank, Mrs. Helen Ihonre, during the presentation, offered insights on financial management and economic discipline. She emphasised the importance of maintaining records and accessing low-interest loans to support business growth and expansion.

She urged beneficiaries to prioritise saving from the inception of their businesses, while discouraging them from keeping funds at home, which might lead to misuse. “Start saving from the beginning of your business. Don’t wait till you sell then keep the money in your house”, she said.

Rotary District 9110 Governor, Ifeyinwa Ejezie, spoke on the significance of economic empowerment in Rotary’s initiatives and called for government collaboration to reach grassroots communities effectively. She emphasised the role of Rotary in complementing government efforts and stressed the need for recognition and partnership to enhance community development. She added that the N20 million items distributed were the largest the district had done in one empowerment initiative in recent times.

Rotary International District Governor Nominee Designate, Bukola Bakare, explained the process and challenges of raising funds for the project and how they incorporated Rotary from Singapore to absorb shocks from inflation. She said, “Everything that has been given here today is free for the beneficiaries”.

She mentioned that FirstBank was a major sponsor for the project, adding that the 102 beneficiaries were chosen based on a needs analysis from Igbos, Hausa, and Yorubas residents in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.

“FirstBank is our major supporter for this programme,” she said.

Permanent Board Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education, Mr. Babatunde Adewale, lauded the empowerment programme while reeling out contributions and projects of Rotary International to schools in the state. “We appreciate Rotary and SUBEB will always continue to collaborate with them,” he said.

Director, of Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mrs. Kemi Kalesanwo, said 22 out of the 102 beneficiaries were from the agency’s vocational training centres. Kalesanwo said the state government believed in public, and private partnerships and was happy with the collaboration with Rotary and FirstBank.

She listed projects donated by Rotary including the construction of one of the eight vocational training centres, owned by the agency in the Igbogbo area of Lagos. Kalesanwo urged other Nigerians to support government programmes.

Otumba Wemmy Osunde, Chairman, Illisan Development Association, Ogun State, pledged personal commitment to ensuring beneficiaries utilise the items for economic gain. Adekunmi Adeniyi, an industrial gas burner and cylinder beneficiary alongside other beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Rotary International and FirstBank for the initiative. He acknowledged the impact on their respective trades and crafts.

Culled from NAN

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