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Eid-el-Fitr: Federal Government declares Tuesday, Wednesday as public holidays

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The Federal Government has declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in a statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako.

The Minister congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

Tunji-Ojo called on them to imbibe and practice the virtues that entail kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness, and compassion, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

The statement read, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, 9th, and Wednesday, 10th April 2024 as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulates all Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

“Tunji-Ojo calls on Muslim Ummah to imbibe and practice the virtues that entail kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness, and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

“He urged Nigerians to continue in the spirit of unity to improve and achieve peace and oneness in the country.

“The minister wishes all Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and prays that the peace, blessings, and favour of Allah be with everyone and our great nation.”

LONDON TO LAGOS: UNILAG VICE CHANCELLOR, OTHERS WELCOME PELUMI NUBI, CHARGE NIGERIAN YOUTHS TO EMBODY ”CAN DO” SPIRIT

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The Nigerian youth populace has been charged with the task of embodying the ”Can Do” spirit that the Country is associated with and known for across the African Continent and the Global Stage.

This charge came when the First Black Woman to drive on a solo car ride from London to Lagos, Pelumi Nubi was by the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, among others at the University’s premises.

Ogunsola, who described Nubi’s feat as the resilience of an average Nigerian, urged other young people to allow this spark a flame of inspiration, ingenuity, bravery, adventure, and scholarship in them.

She said, “I welcome everyone and Pelumi the woman with the indomitable spirit. For Pelumi to live in London and spend hours on the road, she went through 17 countries. She embodies the Nigerian spirit. She is the second person to do it.

“Nigerians are courageous. She was not afraid of racism and things that might be on the way. I want all of us here to know that there is nothing you cannot do. All that is stopping you is in your mind.

“Queen Amina of Zaria took to war and conquered, Captain Chinyere Kalu was the first female pilot, among others. Pelumi has shown us that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Pelumi, we are proud of you!”

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said through this feat, Nubi has placed her name and country on the world map, showcasing the true nature of who Nigerians are.

Also, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende reiterated the support of the State government for laudable achievements, noting that the sole ride by Nubi shows that Nigerians can break barriers and achieve whatever they put their mind to do.

“So everything about the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government is centred around Pelumi today. Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Engagement.

”This is what we are talking about in our administration, the administration of Governor Babjide Olusola Sanwo-Olu where we are leaving no one behind, he added.”

Earlier, the First Black Woman to drive on a solo car ride from London to Lagos, Pelumi Nubi, noted that the ride was to inspire the next generation of girls and youths to explore the world and ensure that African narratives are pushed by Africans.

”So what next is I have always been a traveller, I have travelled to over 80 countries, so it’s something I’m gonna continue to do. I’m not gonna stop suddenly. I want to continue to inspire the young generation.

”So in the educational service as well, and policy change, especially with our border control. We need to do better to make sure that Africa is a freer continent to travel through.”

Blacktalker reports that Pelumi Nubi is the second Nigerian to embark on a road trip from London in the United Kingdom to Lagos, Nigeria after renowned environmentalist, Newton Jibunor drove from London to Nigeria, through the Sahara desert in 1966.

It will interest you to know that Pelumi Nubi, who embarked on her solo trip in a car on January 30, 2024, travelled for 68 days over a land mass of 6, 743.50 kilometres and across 17 Countries to arrive at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border on Sunday 7th April 2024.

DON ADVOCATES REJIG OF UNIVERSITIES CURRICULAR TO PRODUCE GRADUATES THAT MATCH SOCIETAL NEEDS

……Prof. Oladele speaks at Postgraduate School 1st Public Lecture.

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The Executive Secretary of the Institute of Entrepreneurs, Nigeria,  Prof. Rotimi Oladele has advocated a rejig of the curricular in tertiary institutions in order enable them produce graduates that match societal needs in the country.

This, he said, is the only way for the country to attain the desired development.

Prof. Oladele, who is also a Professor of Entrepreneurship,  Leadership and Corporate Governance gave the charge when he spoke at the maiden Lagos State University Postgraduate School Public Lecture, held on Saturday, 6th April 2024 at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, main campus, Ojo.

The public lecture with the theme: “Connecting Town and Gown” with the topic “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Role of the Academia.”attracted an array of dignitaries from the university, the industry, and government.

Delivering the first lecture at the event, Prof. Oladele elucidated the deficiency of higher education in Nigeria, which engender the situation where students graduate from schools without being ready for the future because they lack the relevant skills to fit in.



He said, “Our human capital development is not in alignment with our human capital needs. Periodically, we feed the universities with “loose end” learners who have no idea of the word “tomorrow”. Because of this lacuna, we now have tailors, plumbers, shoemakers with B.Sc and M.Sc in a particular social science or a BA or MA in arts.”

To address this anomaly, he advocated, “We need to rebrand and rejig our courses and their titles which we must align with our catchment resources. In this era of data-driven society, no university should be delighted to turn out postgraduates without engagement destinations.”

The second speaker, Enerad Dr. Babatunde Adeboye, president of the Society of Energy Administrators in Nigeria, spoke on “Development of Energy Service Management Compliance Bill in Nigeria: The Role of the Academia in Policy Implementation.”

In his presentation, he called for support for the “Development of Energy Service Management Bill” on the basis that it would enhance the country in the area of sustainable environment, energy security, energy system integrity loss prevention and climate change mitigation.

He highlighted the role of the Academia in the policy implementation to include the establishment of a centre for training and research development, establishment of a journal for the purpose and the recognition of Energy Management as a specialisation. 

Speaking earlier in the programme, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, opined that universities and research institutions play key roles in shaping the future of our society, noting that collective efforts of academia, government, and industry is required to address challenges facing the nation. 


Prof. Olatunji-Bello, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Sunday Alawode, challenged the academia to “embrace our responsibility as scholars and researchers to engage with the broader community and work towards a renewed hope agenda that promotes social justice, equity, and sustainable development for all.”

In his address, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, who was the Chief Guest of Honour at the event, averred that through teaching, research and innovation, human capital development, policy advocacy implementation, universities can contribute to the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.


He recommended the strengthening of research and innovation ecosystem,  promotion of industry and academic collaboration, and the enhancement of quality and relevance of education.

Host of the lecture and Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Olawale Ibrahim Olateju used his welcome address to market the Postgraduate School.  He showed off the achievements of the School in the last few years to include the elimination of backlogs of certificates, digitalisation of procedures in the School and the initiation of the maiden edition of the LASU Postgraduate School Journal across all disciplines.

Also, speaking at the event was Amb. Edward Olutoke, the Global President of the Global Association of Postgraduate Students (GAPOGS), the body that organised the lecture. He said the programme was organised to announce the presence of GAPOGS on the campus of LASU and bridge the gap between the gown and the town.

Attendees at the programme included members of the university management, deans, and professors from different faculties, and students of the Masters in Business Administration (MBA), and other Postgraduate programmes in the university.


Rite Sausages Gives Customers Unforgettable Experience on April Fools’ Day

….. Doles N100,000 Cash Prize

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Rite Foods Limited’s Bigi Beef and Rite Spicy Beef Sausage Rolls spiced up April Fools’ Day with a social media contest “Why Did the Bull Cross the Road?” awarding a lucky winner N100,000 cash, sausage rolls, and merchandise.

The first and second runners-up also received consolation prizes of products and merchandise.

Instead of pranks, Rite Sausages took a unique approach to the day, aiming to create a memorable experience for their consumers. The company’s award-winning Rite Sausages invited participants to write a letter explaining why they thought “The Bull Crossed the Road” and deliver it to the Rite Foods’ head office by 7 am on April Fools’ Day. With a touch of playfulness, the letter was addressed to Mr. Rite, adding to the element of surprise.

The delighted winner, Olayiwola Temitope Mercy, was surprised and overjoyed by the unexpected gifts. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I wasn’t sure it was real, but I am so happy that I came and it is real. Thank you so much Rite Sausage Roll for this amazing gift.”

The first runner-up, Nwagbo Emmanuel Uzoma, and the second runner-up, Abioye Abdul-zohir Adewale, were also impressed by Rite Sausages’ consumer engagement initiative. They commended the brand for adding value to their lives.

Assistant Brand Manager for Rite Sausage Rolls, Olawale Odenusi, explained the purpose of the reward scheme: “We leveraged April Fools’ Day to connect with our target audience on an emotional level and deliver a positive surprise they wouldn’t expect.”

Odenusi emphasized that the Bigi Beef and Rite Spicy Beef Sausage Rolls brand prioritizes integrity, even on a day known for pranks. “We are committed to adding value and pleasure to our consumers’ lives,” he concluded.

LASU VC URGES NEWLY ADMITTED PART TIME STUDENTS TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

VC charges newly admitted students at matriculation ceremony.

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Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji- Bello, mni, NPOM, has urged the newly admitted Part-Time students to
to make the best use of their time at LASU, take advantage of all the resources available to them, engage with their peers in meaningful discussions, participate in extracurricular activities and strive for excellence in everything they do.

Professor Olatunji-Bello made this call at the third (3rd) matriculation ceremony of the Part-Time Degree students held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, main campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The VC who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olufunsho Omobitan, in her address congratulated the matriculants for gaining admission into the University of first choice, Lagos State University.

“I believe that each and every one of you has the potential to achieve great things in your academic and personal lives. Take pride in the fact that you are now a part of the LASU family, a family that values diversity, inclusivity, and excellence. Work hard, stay true to your goals, and never lose sight of your dreams”, the Vice Chancellor added.


On his part, the Director, Directorate of Part-Time Studies, Professor Danoye Oguntola-Laguda,charged the newly admitted Part-Time students to shun all forms of vices, ungodly peer-pressure and depraved characters.

Professor Oguntola-Laguda gave the charge while delivering his address at the third matriculation ceremony of the Part-Time Degree students under the leadership of the ninth substantive Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM.

He also assured the matriculating students of the Directorate’s readiness to play its part in ensuring the success of the students and encouraged them to, in turn, play their parts by being hard-working, focused and dedicated in their studies.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery Begins Sales of AGO

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced the sale of Automotive Gas Oil, AGO popularly called diesel, to oil marketers nationwide.

National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi said the move would lead to a crash in diesel prices, as the commodity has risen to one thousand, seven hundred naira per litre.

“They started pumping out diesel to marketers since last week. They also promised to sell aviation fuel soon. Some of my members confirmed this to me after making purchase,” the National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi.

The Refinery has faced a series of hurdles as it strives to release refined products into the market after it was officially inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023.

He said the move by Dangote would lead to a crash in diesel prices, as the commodity rose to a high of about N1,700/litre recently.

“The price of diesel is going to fall because of the release of products from Dangote Refinery. In fact, it is already coming down in Lagos,” Maigandi stated.

A senior management official of the firm confirmed the sale of diesel to marketers, as the source noted that Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, would soon be released to the market.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PEGS EIGHTY KILOMETRES PER HOUR AS SPEED LIMIT FOR THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE

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The Federal Government has pegged vehicular speed limits on the newly reopened Third Mainland Bridge at eighty kilometres per hour.

Minister of Works Dave Umahi declared the speed limit on Thursday, 4th April during the official reopening of the Bridge.

The Minister who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Lagos, Olukorede Kesha expressed gratitude to Lagosians for their patience during the last five months of intensive repairs of the Bridge.

He said the successful completion of the first phase of the Rehabilitation works which was started and completed by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is a clear indication that President Tinubu is working.

He also called on all Nigerians to continue to have faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, maintaining that nothing good comes so easy.

The Minister also revealed that work has already begun on the underwater damage to the Bridge, which is the buck of the second phase of the Rehabilitation works on the Bridge.

He equally revealed plans to commence work on similar rehabilitation works on the Carter bridge which he said is scheduled to start “in the coming weeks,” said the contractor handling the project has already been mobilised.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi cautioned motorists against excessive speed as there are speed cameras that will capture them, with appropriate fines.

Osiyemi commended the federal government for the project which according to him is a total renewal of one of the most important Bridges in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, a cross-section of motorists expressed delight over the newly rehabilitated Bridge.

Recall that rehabilitation works started in November 2023 focusing on fixing the ramps, and some repairs of the Bridge, including the under deck and subwater sections. The Third Mainland bridge was then closed to traffic on January nine this year, as repairs commenced on the deck with the scope of work including complete removal and replacement of asphalt on both inbound and outbound Lagos Island sections to make motoring smoother and safer on the Bridge.

Nigeria’s First Lady Urges Muslim Faithful Extend Purity Beyond Ramadan

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The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on Muslim faithful to allow purity and godliness to go beyond the Ramadan period.

She gave this advice on Tuesday, in the State House Banquet hall during Iftal (breaking of Ramadan fast) she organised for federal legislatures, former first ladies, governors’ wives, and others.

In a statement signed by her SSA Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu urged the women to also support one another to get the nation fully back on track. She also restated that the nation will be greater noting that citizens will be happy once there is love, peace, and harmony.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the various programmes by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are all on track, and the results are beginning to be evident.

“This is a very solemn time, the time that we are supposed to reflect and also ask God for forgiveness where we have erred and do better. “This time should not just end after 30 days of fasting and prayers, we should take it into the way Nigeria is going to be on the horizon. “Nigeria is on the path of greatness, things cannot be done the same way, it used to be, we have to do whatever it takes to turn things around.”

Earlier, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu for all she has done for the nation.

She urged all the women to support the current government and the programmes of the first lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She also called on women to remember the nation in their prayers, especially in these last 10 days of Ramadan.

The guest lecturer, Professor Dr Marian Lemu advised the women to remember that God created humans equal. She urged them not to forget all they have learned during Ramadan, and continue in that line.

Dr Marian said, living in love, piety, humility, and tolerance will enhance the lives of Nigerians.

In the highlight of the event, prayers were offered for the nation, the President, and the world.

Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Celebrates Easter with 40 Consumers, hosts Movie Hangout

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Consumers of Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink who were treated to a movie hangout to watch the epic blockbuster, “Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju)” at the Silverbird Cinemas, Ikeja City Mall, in Lagos, on Saturday, 30th March 2024.

40 lucky fans have enjoyed a delightful consumer experience as Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, a leading brand from Rite Foods Limited, hosted them to an impressive Easter celebration. 

This exciting Easter movie hangout took place at Silverbird Cinemas, Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, and featured a screening of the movie, “Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju)”.

The movie’s portrayal of traditional Nigerian society alongside its thrilling plot left the Bigi consumers thoroughly entertained. After the movie, the fans received exciting freebies and expressed their gratitude to the Bigi brand for this special Easter treat.

Assistant Brand Manager, Bigi, Biola Aransiola, highlighted Bigi’s dedication to showing appreciation to their consumers. “This movie hangout served as a way to celebrate Easter with our loyal fans and provide them with a truly extraordinary experience, all while enjoying the refreshing and diverse range of 13 Bigi flavours,” Aransiola stated.

Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to consumer well-being. The brand actively connects with its audience by creating opportunities to fulfill their dreams and offering refreshments throughout their journeys. 

Bigi’s dedication to its consumers is further solidified through sponsorships of various initiatives, earning them prestigious awards such as the “Most Innovative Carbonated Soft Drink Brand of the Year” (2023), “Friendly Brand of the Year” (2023), and “Best Value for Money-Carbonated Soft Drink Brand” (2023), among others.

LASU VICE CHANCELLOR URGES NEWLY ADMITTED PART-TIME STUDENTS TO EMBRACE SELF-DISCIPLINE

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…. VC advises newly admitted part-time students at the orientation programme.

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has advised the newly admitted part-time students to embrace self-discipline and make use of all the opportunities provided by the university to succeed.

The advice was given during an orientation programme organised by the Directorate of Part-Time Studies for the newly admitted students of the 2023/2024 academic session.

The event took place on Wednesday, 3rd April 2024, at Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Olufunsho Omibitan, during her opening speech, congratulated the students for gaining admission into the great citadel of learning where there is capacity to give them a worthwhile educational experience that will avail them the opportunity to excel in their course of study.

The Professor of Physiology assured the students that their welfare is top on the institution’s priority. In her words, “the institution will ensure that the learning environment is conducive and has adequate security measures. Facilities such as lecture theatres, laboratories, sports and recreational centres, audio-visual teaching aids, electronic boards for seamless teaching, etc, have been put in place to aid your academic excellence”.

The Director, Directorate of Part-time Studies, Professor Danoye Oguntola-Laguda, in his address, urged the newly admitted students not to be distracted but to remain focused and dedicated in their course of study while the directorate ensures the success of its students. He also emphasised the importance of portraying a positive impact that would make the university, state, and nation proud.

During the orientation programme, various resource persons addressed the students on different topics.

Meanwhile, the matriculation exercise for the newly admitted part-time degree students will take place on Friday, 5th April 2024, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos. The time is 10:00 a.m prompt.