First Bank of Nigeria Limited has rewarded six of its customers with 1 million naira each at the fourth and grand finale of its ‘WinBig’ promo draw held at its head office in Lagos.
The promo, which kicked off in October last year, was one of the biggest campaigns in the financial industry with First Bank targeting to give out 170 naira million cash rewards and recharge cards to customers who participated and met the criteria to qualify for the monthly draw selections.
Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, First Bank, Ini Ebong, and a N100,000.00 winner of the FirstBank Win Big promo, Daniel Precious Odunola.
In his remarks at the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Bank Group, Adesola Adeduntan, lauded the customers for what he described as their partnership and patronage over the years.
Adeduntan, who was represented by the bank’s Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, Ini Ebong, said the promo was designed to reward new and existing customers for making incremental deposits and savings amongst other transactions on their First Bank account.
He said the initiative was aimed at reiterating the longstanding commitment of the bank to put its customers first by rewarding them for their loyalty.
Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, First Bank, Ini Ebong, and a N100,000.00 winner of the First Bank Win Big promo, Nnaji Alphonsus Chukwudi .
“At the onset of the promo, we set out to give 170 million naira cash rewards to our customers who participated and met the criteria to qualify for the monthly draws. “I am happy to announce that 1,240 customers have been rewarded in fulfillment of our promise today.
“Today, six more customers who have been certified to meet the criteria for the final draw will be rewarded with 1 million naira each. “Let me also use this opportunity to thank all our customers for their wide adoption of this promo across all the geographical locations in Nigeria, accentuating the steady confidence reposed in the First Bank brand.”
The First Bank CEO assured the customers of the bank’s continued commitment to digitalise financial inclusion, “where every Nigerian has ample opportunity and access to financial services irrespective of age, location, and geography. ”Head of personal banking at First Bank, Ikemefula Nwachukwu, said 1,240 winners had won N100,000 each in the four draws.
He added that six lucky Nigerians won a million naira each while 40,000 customers got 1,000 naira airtime.
Head, Workplace Banking, Personal Banking, First Bank; Stephen Olusa,, Head, Other Asset & Liability Products, Personal Banking, First Bank; Chukwuka Okonkwo, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products, First Bank; Chuma Ezirim, both N100,000.00 winners of the First Bank Win Big promo; Daniel Precious Odunola and Nnaji Alphonsus Chukwudi, Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, First Bank; Ini Ebong, Head, Personal Banking, First Bank,Ikemefula Nwachukwu, and Head Brand and Stakeholder Management, First Bank, Olayinka Ijabiyi.
Representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) witnessed the draw.
Zonal coordinator, Lagos zonal office, NLRC, Nkiru Onuzulu, commended the transparency of the process and commended the bank for the promo. She said the cash prizes would go a long way in alleviating the economic hardship faced by families in Nigeria.
Two past winners at the last draws; Precious Daniel and Nnaji Alphonsus, who won a cash prize of 100,000 naira each were also recognised.
Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority; Bunmi Oloruntegbe, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission; Susie Onwuka, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products, FirstBank; Chuma Ezirim, both N100,000.00 winners of the FirstBank Win Big promo; Daniel Precious Odunola and Nnaji Alphonsus Chukwudi, Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, First Bank; Ini Ebong, Officials of National Lottery Regulatory Commission Nkiru Onuzulu and Niyi Adeleke.
Women play a crucial role in national development in Nigeria across various sectors, including education, healthcare, politics, entrepreneurship, and community development. Despite facing numerous challenges such as gender inequality, limited access to resources, and cultural barriers, Nigerian women continue to contribute significantly to the country’s progress and advancement.
Here is a list of women blazing the trail and creating enabling environments for women’s full participation in advancing the country’s development agenda.
Dr. Bisi Esuruoso( SchoolRun Academy/ Safe Schools Lagos)
Dr. Bisi Esuruoso, formerly known as Akin-Alabi, is a renowned educator and entrepreneur with a strong background in education and childcare. Born in Igbo-ora, Oyo State, Nigeria, during the civil war, Dr. Esuruoso’s upbringing was marked by academic excellence and a passion for learning. After completing her secondary education at the age of 16, she embarked on a journey that would see her become a prominent figure in the education sector both in Nigeria and abroad.
Dr. Esuruoso’s career trajectory is marked by her dedication to improving education and childcare services. After obtaining her MBA in 1994, she ventured into teaching and childcare in England, where she founded and managed several childcare centers. Her contributions to excellence in education and childcare earned her recognition, including an invitation to 10 Downing Street by then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2001.
In addition to her work in England, Dr. Esuruoso has made significant contributions to education in Nigeria. She founded SchoolRun Magazine in 2007, the first indigenous educational quarterly aimed at parents, educators, and individuals interested in the education sector. Through SchoolRun Academy, Dr. Esuruoso provides a platform for maximizing educational potential and fulfilling dreams.
Dr. Esuruoso’s impact extends beyond publishing. As the Special Adviser on Education, Science, and Technology to the Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, she spearheaded the OYOMESI initiative. This initiative aimed to revitalize the education system in Oyo State through character education, curriculum enrichment, and teacher competency improvement programs.
Throughout her career, Dr. Esuruoso has demonstrated a passion for creating sustainable learning cultures and empowering the next generation. Her vision for the future of education in Nigeria includes nationwide intervention programs, curriculum enrichment, and multi-agency collaboration to achieve desirable educational outcomes.
Dr. Bisi Esuruoso is a visionary educator and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Through her various initiatives and contributions, she continues to make a profound impact on education and childcare services, leaving a legacy of excellence and empowerment.
Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare (Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing.)
Barr. Barakat Olawunmi Bakare was born on the 10th of March 1986, in Surulere Local Government Government Area of Lagos State. Barr. Barakat is a true Lagosian and urbane scion of the Oshodi Royal family, Olorogun Adodo family, and the Onisemo family. She attended Mainland Preparatory Private School Bank-Olemoh Surulere, for her primary education. She proceeded to Anglican Secondary School, Akinhanmi, and Lagos State Model College Kankon, for her Secondary Education.
Barr. Barakat enrolled for A-levels at the College of North East London, where she studied aspects of law, history, politics, and psychology. She holds a law degree (LLB) from the prestigious University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, as well as a Master’s Degree (LLM) in International Commercial Law from the same institution. She attended the Nigeria Law School, being a prerequisite toward law practice in Nigeria.
In 2017, Barr. Barakat became the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the councillorship candidate representing Akinhami-Cole Ward (Ward E1) of Surulere Local Government, culminating in her election as Councillor. She was elected Leader of the Surulere Legislative Assembly in 2018. She was re-elected as a Councillor in 2021, also maintaining her position as the Assembly Leader. In 2022, Barr. Barakat contested for the Lagos State House of Assembly under the umbrella of APC, but she withdrew from the race due to the party’s decision.
She served as TGSEE Campaign Secretary, the official body that made the victory of all APC aspirants in Surulere Local Government in the 2023 General elections possible. She also served as Chairperson of the Logistics Committee for Wasiu Eshilokun Campaign Council in the 2023 general elections.
As a Legislator in Surulere Local Government Area, Barr. Barakat Olawunmi Bakare passed over 27 bylaws during her time as the leader of the Surulere legislative council to ameliorate the living standards of the people of Surulere and also improve the IGR of the Council. She represents women and youth inclusiveness in governance.
She was appointed to the Lagos State Executive Council and sworn in as Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing on Wednesday, 13th September, 2023, by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Engr. (Dr.)Wuraola Atinuke Owolabi (formerly Agbaje) is the Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN Lagos State Chapter.
She serves as the Managing Director/CEO of Wurvicat International Limited, an indigenous firm specializing in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, as well as the supply of various Electrical distribution materials. The company also offers Project Management and other related Engineering services, garnering a reputation as a professional organization within the Engineering field.
Before establishing her own company, Atinuke Owolabi accumulated valuable work experience both within and outside Nigeria. She spent approximately two years at Shoreline Power, a subsidiary of ABB Electrical Systems, before joining Schneider Electric. At Schneider Electric, her contributions significantly contributed to the company’s growth and profitability, particularly in elevating the low and medium-voltage portfolio to a distinguished brand within the Power Sector.
Atinuke Owolabi holds a B.Eng. (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, and a Masters in Engineering and Management from Coventry University, United Kingdom. Additionally, she has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering and Technological Development, Honaris Causa, by European American University, Commonwealth of Dominica Africa Operations. She is an active member of several professional bodies and has been involved in promoting the Engineering Profession in various capacities.
Passionate about community development and poverty alleviation, Atinuke is the founder of three NGOs: Touch of Love and Lifting Hands Foundation, Wurvicat Solar Foundation, and Engr. Wuraola Atinuke Owolabi Capacity Building Initiative (WAAO CBI). These organizations focus on providing relief for widows and senior citizens, alleviating poverty among youths, and empowering women and children through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiatives.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Atinuke is actively engaged in politics, serving as the Convener of the Coalition of Professional Women in Politics and holding leadership positions within the APC Professional Women Network. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to various sectors, including construction, engineering, politics, and humanitarian efforts.
Atinuke Owolabi is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). She is also a member of several other professional organizations, holding various leadership roles and contributing to their activities and initiatives.
Her dedication to excellence and service has earned her recognition and accolades from both professional and humanitarian organizations. Outside of her professional commitments, Atinuke enjoys traveling and has participated in numerous international conferences and seminars. She is also an avid golfer and a member of the Ikeja Golf Club. Atinuke is happily married with children.
Eko Omobolanle ( Urban Tree Revival Initiative)
Eko Omobolanle, popularly known as Eko Omobola, is a prominent climate activist and founder of the Urban Tree Revival Initiative. Born on November 17, 1991, in Lagos, Nigeria, Eko has emerged as a leading figure in the fight against climate change, leveraging her platform to raise awareness and inspire action.
Eko received her education at Ansar-ud-deen Comprehensive College in Ota before pursuing a degree in Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology in Akure. She holds 2 master’s degrees, one in Forest Economics and Management in Nigeria and another in Forestry and Environmental Sciences at the University of Tuscia, Italy. She is currently undergoing her PhD research on the Impact Assessment of Environmental Research Infrastructures to address Global and European Environmental Challenges. Her academic background equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to address environmental challenges effectively.
As the founder of the Urban Tree Revival Initiative, Eko has mobilized thousands of volunteers to engage in activities aimed at combating climate change. One of the key initiatives of the organization involves visiting schools in communities across Lagos and Ogun states to educate students on the dangers of carbon footprints and the importance of reducing them. Through these efforts, nearly twenty-four thousand students have been empowered with the knowledge to take action against climate change.
Furthermore, Eko has demonstrated her commitment to environmental conservation by donating and planting over a thousand trees, which are diligently maintained by her club members to ensure their survival. Her dedication to tree planting and environmental advocacy has earned her recognition and admiration from her community and beyond.
Aside from her work with the Urban Tree Revival Initiative, Eko is also the founder of GRO Gardens, another initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.
Eko Omobola’s activism extends to social media, where she has garnered a significant following on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, where she shares educational content and updates on her initiatives, and inspires others to join the fight against climate change.
She was recognized as one of the Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders. She was also given the Young Pacesetter Award at the UN Trustee Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, by the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, together with other outstanding young people. She is a Climate Reality Leader trained by Al Gore, former US Vice President, in 2020. In 2021,
Through her tireless efforts as a climate activist and environmental advocate, Eko Omobola continues to make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged youths in the country to align with government programmes and vision.
She said this will enable them maximize the various available opportunities.
The First Lady stated this while receiving at her office in the State House, Abuja, Executives and members of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN.
According to a statement signed by her SSA Media, Busola Kukoyi Senator Oluremi Tinubu pointed out that the Association and the Church need to preach the gospel of unity more.
“We should promote our ‘Nigerianness’ rather than ethnicity or culture. Yes, we are not saying we should not recognize these but we should realize and promote our togetherness. We are first and foremost Nigerians. We need that place of unity”.
“There is a need for you youths to have role models who will teach you what to do and how to do them, just as the bible talks about in Titus 2 and 1 Timothy that the older ones should teach the younger ones”.
The First Lady also admonished the guests to share the message of investing in lives.
“Technology is very good but we must let the youth know that they should use it positively”.
She shared some of the programmes of her office through the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI which include the Unity Fabric competition with a N25m prize money and the Every Home A Garden competition with a prize money of N20m.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also prayed for the guests and Nigerian Youths in general.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of YOWICAN, Enwere Belusochukwu applauded the various initiatives of the First Lady especially through the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI. He also asked for her input on the proposed quarterly Breakfast Prayer Meeting of both Christian and Muslim youth and also on the proposed National Christian Youth Resource Center which will include a skill acquisition centre among other facilities.
In the highlight of the meeting, She was presented with an Easter card and the uniform of the Association by the Executives.
The First Lady was decorated as the Grand Patroness of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association in July 2023.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare has made a case for gender equality and the promotion of women’s inclusion in the real estate sector.
Odunuga-Bakare, while speaking at the Female Lawyers in Real Estate Practice (FELIREP) webinar held recently emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to create an inclusive and equitable real estate ecosystem for all.
She said the state government is determined to achieve a society where women are not just participants but leaders in the real estate sector, assuring that together, they would build a future where women thrive in the world of real estate.
Drawing from her experience as a top government official, she outlined steps that could be taken to promote women’s empowerment, from education and training programmes to mentorship and sponsorship initiatives.
The Special Adviser expressed her intention to tackle systemic barriers that hinder women’s access to real estate opportunities by raising advocacy on fair housing policies, promoting female representation in leadership roles within the industry, and fostering mentorship programmes for aspiring women in real estate.
She also highlighted the critical role of government in driving gender equality, emphasising the need for targeted policies and initiatives to level the playing field for women in real estate.
While noting that women still face disparities in rights, opportunities, and resources compared to men, Odunuga-Bakare stated that registering with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) is crucial for maintaining sectoral integrity.
She said, “As Lagos State thrives as Nigeria’s commercial hub, adherence to international standards in the real estate sector is imperative. Compliance with the Lagos State Real Estate Law will attract both local and international investment, contributing to the state’s GDP and livelihoods”.
“Promoting women’s inclusion is in the present administration T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. These may not be in real estate, but the initiative is for the wellness of women and youth across the State”, the Special Adviser added.
She urged participants at the meeting to join her in the fight for gender equality in real estate, just as she called on her fellow professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.
The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has unveiled the fees that Nigerians will have to pay to modify their data on their National Identification Number, NIN.
Recall that NIMC recently announced that corrections can be made to name, date of birth, and phone numbers incorrectly registered with their NIN on a newly launched mobile application.
Before now, Nigerians who wanted to modify their data on NIN have had to go through a difficult process, besieging NIMC’s offices nationwide.
NIMC, upon launch of the app, did not announce fees for the modification of data until seven days later amid complaints from users about technical glitches on the mobile app.
NIMC sets different fees for the modification of specific self-service options for the modification of data – name, age, date of birth, phone number, and email address – on the NIN.
The Commission wrote on its X account, “Good news!!! You no longer have to go to a NIN enrolment center to modify your NIN record. You can modify your date of birth, name, address, email, and phone number on the NIMC SELF-SERVICE APP. What are you waiting for???”
How to modify your NIN data using the NIMC mobile app:
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN Lagos State Chapter, on Saturday, embarked on the cleaning of Darosha Market and drainage channels in the Agege area of Lagos.
The Chairman, APWEN, Lagos Chapter, Atinuke Owolabi, said the initiative was in commemoration of the World Water Day and Sanitation.
Owolabi said the exercise was also in collaboration with the office of Drainage Services, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
The United Nations designated every March 22 as World Water Day to highlight the importance of freshwater. The day is used to advocate the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
The theme of the 2024 World Water Day is: “Water for peace.”
Owolabi noted that the initiative to clean the market and other densely populated markets within the states was to pave the way for a cleaner and healthier community towards a sustainable future.
She said, “This means that if a drainage system is blocked, then water is still not for peace. With the clearing of the drains ahead of the rainy season, there would be a free flow of water directly into the canal to prevent flooding and to keep everyone at peace. This would also prevent the residents from contracting water-borne diseases that flow into their boreholes from contaminated waters flowing around.”
Owolabi noted that as female engineers and mothers, they believed that there should be a clean and healthy environment for the people.
According to her, APWEN mobilises its young female engineers who are assigned to champion Sustainable Development Goal Six through the task.
The Federal Government is ramping up security at the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos with the installation of Closed-Circuit Television, CCTV, and solar lights as parts of the repair works.
Minister of Works, David Umahi stated this as the Bridge has been billed to reopen in the coming days.
Umahi, while speaking on a television programme monitored by Blacktalker, said part of the repair work includes the installation of CCTV to combat crime and illegal mining around the Bridge.
”Mr President has released the money and I can say that 99 percent of the project is done. But what is to be done is additional work: we are putting up solar lights; we are replacing the generator lights with solar lights”
“We are putting up CCTV both on top of the bridge and under the bridge because the president told me that part of the problem we are having is people who are doing illegal mining of the sand. And I agree with him. I have seen it. They even go as far as destroying the concrete to anchor their small boats.”
According to him, ninety-nine percent of the project is done and what is left is additional work as the Government is replacing the generator lights with solar lights on the Bridge.
The former Ebonyi State governor also says President Bola Tinubu’s government is on the right track, expressing optimism that he will be re-elected as Nigeria’s leader in 2027.
“You must know that the coming onboard of Mr President is divine. When God starts a thing, He completes it,” the Minister said.
“So, I strongly believe and I am persuaded to let you know that God told me that this administration will last eight years because this administration is born of God.”
“You can see the miracle that Mr President is doing through the inspiration of God Almighty who brought him to right all the wrongs,” the minister noted on the show,” he said.
“So, we are taking back this country and giving back this country to Nigerians and that’s what Mr President has come to do and we are just there to give him support.”
Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited has felicitated with all Christians celebrating Easter, saying it is a time to commemorate the life and legacy of Jesus Christ.
Group Managing Director of Amo Farm, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, encouraged everyone to use this Easter season for introspection.
“Easter is an opportunity to reflect on the principles that guide us – principles of kindness, service to others, and a commitment to building a better future. These values are essential not only in faith but also in fostering a thriving community.
Amo Farm invites everyone to celebrate Easter with loved ones and create joyful memories. As a company dedicated to fostering positive change within the agricultural sector, Amo Farm recognizes the importance of values like compassion, dedication, and perseverance – values that resonate deeply during this sacred holiday,” Dr. Oduntan stated.
The Business Development Manager at Amo Farm, Itoro Awala-Ale noted that Amo Farm takes pride in its dedication to agricultural innovation, and the Noiler Bird, a revolutionary product born from years of research, exemplifies this commitment.
“The Noiler offers a healthier and more sustainable way to raise poultry for families and communities,” says Awala-Ale.
She added, “This innovation, along with our focus on empowering women in rural areas, demonstrates our commitment to building a stronger future for all.”
Blacktalker can report that Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited is a leading innovator in the Nigerian agricultural sector. Through dedication to research and development, Amo Farm provides high-quality poultry solutions that improve livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development.
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM has felicitated Christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello in her Easter Message, said this is a period when all must engage in sober reflection of the ultimate and selfless love that the Lord Jesus Christ made on behalf of all by dying on the cross of Calvary and resurrecting on the third day.
She noted that this provides the basis for the observation of Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Christendom, the greatest legacy Christ left for all believers is a legacy of love and sacrifice.
“My dear colleagues and world-class students, as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter, I extend my greetings to all members of our university community, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.
Easter is a period when we engage in sober reflection of the ultimate and selfless love that the Lord Jesus Christ made on our behalf by dying on the cross of Calvary and resurrecting on the third day. This provides the basis for the observation of Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Christendom. The greatest legacy Christ left for all believers is a legacy of love and sacrifice.
It is on this basis that I urge every member of this great university community to embrace the spirit of love and sacrifice at this material point in time in our history. Love is the greatest weapon to conquer evil and fear, eliminate mutual suspicion, and build a peaceful community where ideas birth developments, while sacrifice, on the other hand, is the fastest route to our glorious destinies.
Undoubtedly, these principles are indispensable in our pursuit of attaining a world-class university and fostering a society that nurtures the well-being of all. I pray that the spirit of Easter will infuse our hearts with peace, love, and the courage to stand firm in hope for a better tomorrow”.
