February 2022 - Page 15 of 19 - SocietyGazette.com

ASUU Urges Nigerians To ‘Call FG To Order’ To Avoid Another Prolonged Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has urged concerned Nigerians and lovers of education to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the agreements it reached with the union in order to avert another round of industrial action.

The union said its members were already tired of the alleged insincerity of the Federal Government over the agreements.

The Chairman of ASUU in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Dr Biodun Olaniran and Secretary, Dr Toyin Abegunrin, said this in a statement issued after the congress of the union which was held on Monday.

The union said it had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike should the Federal Government failed to implement the agreements within a specific period of time.

While asking “Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to avert the impending strike’, the union said its decision to give the government enough time to implement the agreements reached with it since 2009 had portrayed it as a toothless bulldog.

The statement read, “Our Union, ASUU, is using this medium to call upon the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria once again to implement the agreement it (FG) has signed with ASUU. It is unfortunate to mention that the FG signed agreement with the ASUU since 2009 but the agreement is not implemented till date.

” The agreement was renegotiated in the name of peace. But to our dismay, the government has refused to sign the renegotiated agreement. In order to make the implementation of the agreement easy for the FG, the union has limited its demand to only three:

Signing/implementation of the renegotiated agreement of 2009. Adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Software (UTAS) instead of the controversial IPPIS.

“Conclusions on these matters have been reached with the government several months ago but yet, the FG is avoiding the final stage of signing the agreement. All the FG was doing is promising all the time. The FG has taken the union for a toothless bulldog that can only bark but cannot bite. We, as a union have taken time to pull the long rope with the government until our patience is completely exhausted.

“Our union is tired of the merry-go-round approach devised by the government about the same issues. We can no longer tolerate the swinging pendulum (with a declining amplitude) attitude the government set for us.

“We have endured enough with such insincerity. We have resolved to embark on indefinite strike action if government failed to yield to our demands within a specified period of time. The union therefore, is using this medium to call on the well-meaning Nigerians and the general public to call the FG to order in this respect, and that it (government) should respect its agreement with ASUU.”

Joe Igbokwe attacks Sowore for non-stop criticism of tinubu

Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday condemned Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, for ‘wasting his precious gift of time on acrimony and division, pull him Down syndrome, armchair criticism, unsubstantiated allegations’ against oppositions.

Igbokwe was reacting to Sowore’s latest criticism of Bola Tinubu, the APC National Leader, who just returned from the United Kingdom (UK).

In photos circulating on the internet, Tinubu, 69, had appeared in a stylish wear, looking youthful.

Sowore took to his verified Facebook page to quote: “You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time #WeCantContinueLikeThis,” to which Igbokwe responded: “it is not good to continue to waste your precious gift of time on acrimony and division, pull him Down syndrome, armchair criticism, unsubstantiated allegations etc.”

The former Lagos governor arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday.

Recall this newspaper had reported how Tinubu jetted out of the country in January after weeks of consultations across the country over his 2023 presidential ambition.

He was rumoured to have visited the European country to rest and undergo medical checkup, while a source in his camp said he went to visit his family in the UK.

Tunde Rahman, Tinubu’s media aide, later said his principal went to the UK for “meetings and consultations”.

While in London, he had meetings with the UK chapter of the APC.

In January, Tinubu visited President Muhammadu Buhari during which he announced his intention to contest the presidency in 2023.

I am not a polygamist, Odegbami debunks Newspaper headline interview

The owner of Eagle-7 Radio, Segun Odegbami has clarified some information about the interview granted to The Nation newspaper and published on February 5, 2022 which presents aspects of misinterpretation.

The publication which was titled “I’ve no scandals, polygamy is part of Egbaman’s life” gives the impression that the former Nigerian footballer who is from Egba, Ogun State consents to polygamy as a common practice of his people, “This is completely misleading, and it depicts a negative impression of the true state of affairs in my life, ” he stated.

Mr. Segun Odegbami clearly indicates that the title was structured from his conversation between his father which explains the position of his father regarding how a family should be, “I had a discussion with my father 30 years ago on how I was living in Nigeria alone when my ex-wife and family were living abroad. He suggested it was not healthy and that I should either join them abroad, make them return, or marry another wife, it was his practical suggestion, what his Egba people would have done and I didn’t follow the counsel.”

The former candidate for governor in Ogun disapproved of the headline, indicating that he is not polygamous: “To put the records straight: I am not a polygamist. I don’t practice it. I have nothing against those that do. I am a monogamist, ” he said.

Mr. Odegbami who is a former Super Eagles player and the winner of 1980 African Cup of Nation appealed to friends and family who are deeply shocked by the publication, “I have hurt sensibilities and sincerely apologize to my immediate family and to my Egba kinsmen for this unfortunate and erroneous misrepresentation

‘Africans, Nigerians must drive towards excellence’ – Sierra Leone Boardroom Chief, Sally Khatumal

Barrister Sally Hamilton Vinod-Khatumal is the Chairman, NP Sierra Leone, the West African country’s largest oil trade and marketing company. She is also the country’s acting Chairman, Ecobank – the transnational bank that straps the continent like a colossus.

Khatumal is on two weeks personal visit to Nigeria, a part of which she spent as the lead speaker on excellence and the need for Nigerians, and indeed all Africans to eschew mediocre mind sets in politics, parenting, academics, religion, corporate governance and personal living.

Speaking at the annual Celestial Showers 10XBetter Convention in Yaba, Lagos at the behest of the Celestial Church of Christ, PraiseVille on Saturday January 29, Khatumal said, “My intention is to encourage the spirit of excellence in us as Africans, so as to inspire everyone, regardless of your faith or what part of the African continent you may come from. We must all strive to be the best at whatever we do right.

“Excellence is actually work in progress and when you become the best, you cannot be complacent for that breeds mediocrity, which is the enemy of excellence. Young Africans must strive to be the best in academics, their careers, in business, sports, entertainment and different professions. But we should also know that the road to being the best can be hard, painful and sacrificial” said Khatumal.

Mrs. Vinod-Khatumal is also the Founder and Managing Partner, IVY Law Chambers, Sierra Leone and Law Tutor, Council of Legal Education Sierra Leone Law School.

Also speaking at the 2022 Convention, which is its fourth edition, were Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye and Prof. Temitope Jaiyeola. Ogunseye is the new Head of News and Commissioning of the BBC World Service, London. She’s a Mandela Washington Fellow, two-time CNN African Journalist of the Year and Nigeria’s most decorated journalist with over 35 professional awards.

From left Dr. Kunle Hamilton, Mrs. Sally Hamilton Vinod-Khatumal, Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye and Prof. Temitope Jaiyeola at the Celestial Showers 10XBetter Convention 4.0 hosted by CCC PraiseVille, Lagos, recently

Jaiyeola is a Professor of Mathematics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and Head, Nigerian Branch of the Neutrosophic Science International Association, University of New Mexico, USA. He won the 2022 Chebyshev Grant for the International Congress of Mathematicians, Russia. He is the Staff Adviser to the Celestial Church of Christ Students’ Parish, OAU.

Song ministers at the Convention 4.0 were Qhemmy Onasanya, CCC PraiseVille Echoes with Aaretivity Toba and the Seyifunmi Olakiigbe-led CCC Ikorodu Central Choir.

The all-day Celestial Showers 10XBetter Convention 4.0 was hosted by the Shepherd-in-Charge, CCC PraiseVille, Dr. Kunle Hamilton over the weekend. In his opening remarks, the veteran media practitioner and life coach said, “All Christians around the world would be wise to see what is special about Year 2022. It is a year of supernatural return into the divine favours of the biblical Garden of Eden.

“The secret lies in the configuration of this year, where the sum of 2+0+2+2 is 6 and the bible records 6 as the number of mankind for man was created on Day 6 when God described His own feat as ‘very good.’ Therefore, for all believers, 2022 is our ‘Year of Goodness’ or if you prefer, our ‘Return to the Goodness of Eden.’

“It is upon this premise of goodness that our wonderful guests from England, Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye and Ms. Yetunde Odebiyi, Prof. Temitope Jaiyeola from Ile-Ife, and our lead speaker from Sierra Leone, Mrs. Sally Hamilton Vinod-Khatumal crafted their thematic spectrum of the superlatives ‘From Good to Better to Best’ and their delivery was impeccably brilliant as our YouTube videos and viral clips show” Hamilton said.

Collective Responsibility can end HIV Transmission – Wigwe

From left: Chairman, Shell Group of Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor; Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, during the launch of the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday

Dr Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc says ending HIV in Nigeria is possible when Nigerians take responsibility collectively.

Wigwe said this at the launch of 100 million dollars HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria in Abuja.

He urged the private sector to rise up to the occasion by working in collaboration with government in area of ownership in sustaining the HIV response.

“However, the original emergency Plan to fight AIDS must transform into a Sustained Response that prevents new infections and ensures those on treatment stay on treatment.

“The era of sustainability demands that Africans take responsibility and ownership for the end of AIDS in Africa,” he said.

Wigwe who said that Nigeria currently had the third largest HIV epidemic statistics worldwide, said over 80 per cent of the funding had been mainly from international donors.

According to him, the Nigerian private sector currently contributes about 2% of total funds allocated to HIV.

He urged the private sector to collectively join hands in the ownership of the funding to eradicate HIV in Nigeria, asserting the readiness of Access bank to supporting improved health system.

“Access Bank is not known for complacency. We are known for our drive for financial and economic growth, for leadership in national health issues.

“Particularly the national response to COVID, and we are known for our commitment to sustainability, especially relating to strengthening our national health system.

“With less than half of people living with HIV have access to treatment or adequate care, Access Bank partnered with other private sector organizations here from the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA)

“To educate our staff, raise public awareness and support individuals living with HIV/AIDS.”

Wigwe explained that the bank had also conceived of this national HIV Trustfund, as a N50 billion private sector-led mechanism to pool our resources to provide significant sustainable inputs required to scale up the impact of the AIDS response in Nigeria.

He expressed the commitment of Access bank and other private sectors to ensuring that mothers were tested and drugs provided to end mother to child transmission.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group said that it was a collective responsibility of all to bring the number of persons living with the virus to zero.

Dangote said that the money to be realised in the launch would be channeled to getting all pregnant tested and treated.

He called on the private sector to work with the public sector at equal frequency in to end HIV in Nigeria.

Mr Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director, Shell pledged commitment of Shell to the funding to ending the virus in Nigeria. (NAN)

From left: Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter; Director General National Agency for the Control AIDS, Dr Gambo Aliyu; US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard; Chairman, Shell Group of Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor; Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe and CEO Total Energies, Mr Mike Sangster during the launch of the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja

We Are Improving Neighbourhoood Banking With 50,000 Agents Point Across Nigeria – Ecobank

Ecobank Nigeria says its vision to use its agency banking scheme to drive financial inclusion is fast yielding fruits as it now has over 50,000 agents locations across the country. According to the bank apart from helping to drive its financial inclusion strategy in Nigeria, the agents are empowered to create wealth and enjoy financial freedom. Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Olanike Kolawole, who stated this in Lagos said the customer experience is very good as customers can do simple deposit, withdrawal and transfers in their own neighbourhood rather than travel to a bank branch.

“Apart from driving financial inclusion of the unbanked and under-banked, we are improving neighbourhoood banking with our 50,000 agent points across Nigeria. The vision of the Ecobank is to use the agency banking scheme to drive entrepreneurship, provide employment opportunities and support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to contribute meaningfully to the development of nation’s economy. For us as a bank, agency banking is part of our efforts to help more Nigerians embrace entrepreneurship as best strategy to tackle poverty and address growing unemployment. We are out to empower people to create wealth and enjoy financial freedom”. She stated.

Further, she said the bank is happy with its agency banking services providers also known as our Xpress point agents, knowing they are playing a critical role in helping us reach out to the unbanked and underbanked in the society. “They are bringing more people to the banking space through their services. They carry out financial transactions on our behalf and earn commission on every transaction processed. Our services are available for sole proprietors, partnerships, co-operative societies, companies with large distribution network – like petrol stations, FMCGs, telecommunication companies, super agents, aggregators and unregistered businesses such as petty traders, hair saloon and others”.

Meanwhile, the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) in it recent report says, Ecobank Nigeria which ranked fourth out of 23 listed banks in the country in terms of agents acquired in 2021, made impressive showing in accounts opening at agency locations. SANEF is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), supported by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) and Licensed Mobile Money Operators/Shared Agents. Its major role is to deepen Financial Inclusion in Nigeria; drive financial literacy and campaign awareness on financial products and services.

According to the report Nigerian banks in 2021 acquired over 441,470 agents across the regions of the country, which represents 101% of Year to date achievement against the target set for 2021. Four (4) regions achieved over 70% of Target; Northeast had 67% growth in agent acquisition despite security challenges in the region; Similarly, Southeast recorded131% growth in agent acquisition. Abuja (42%), Rivers (28%), and Lagos (57%) of the total agents deployed in Northcentral, South-south, and Southwest respectively. The Report revealed that 1.62 billion transactions valued at N30.5 trillion were carried out at agent locations, while 3.1million accounts/ wallets were opened at during the year.

‘Jagaban Looking Younger’ – Reactions Trail Tinubu’s Return To Nigeria From UK

Several reactions have trailed the return of presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinibu, to the country after spending 10 days in London, United Kingdom.
Naija News reports that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) returned to the country on Sunday afternoon ahead of the party’s national convention slated for February 26.

In a post released by his media aide, Tunde Rahman said the former Lagos governor arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Rahman, while sharing a photo of his arrival on his social media page, said: “Asiwaju Tinubu on his return this evening from a trip abroad…”

Recall that Tinubu had in January declared his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election after a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu had after consulting widely travelled to the UK in what many reports claimed was for medical vacation.

His aides however debunked such reports, stressing that the former governor was in the UK for further consultation.

However, Nigerians have taken to Twitter to drop their views regarding the return of the former Lagoa governor to the country.

See some of the reactions below:

@NamebeKC wrote: “In other climes, presidential hopefuls go back to their ancestral home for consultations. But your Lion chose to go to the UK.”

@neneaboh wrote: “The UK is now the Capital of Nigeria where consultations pertaining to Nigeria is done?
Please give us lies that make sense.”

@DrAdamuGZang wrote: “We the supporters and card-carrying members of the APC heartily welcome our leader and presidential hopeful back home.”

@steveose wrote: “What kind of consultation? Is this how this country will progress? is Nigeria capital in the UK? Please stop supporting the mortgaging of Nigeria’s future. Same way Buhari went to consult in UK in 2015 and here we are.”

@LordJayvo wrote: “Liking this new Tinubu who so ever is advising him to look smart n younger by dressing like this just to fool the youth n the citizen that he is still healthy n firm deserves chocolate. But as for me ooo, na who I go vote for I don know if u like dress like 2pas e no go shake me.”

@akhator15 wrote: “Consultations indeed. Who did he meet with? The doctors and the nurses. Did you meet with Nigerians in UK? Stop telling lies as you will be caught one day.”

@nickleke wrote: “A sartorial consultation was taken too seemingly. Pet peeve for me…the people who’re on his campaign haven’t seen fit to adjust his clothing to fitting smart wear. This isn’t Lagos PDP vs APC. Make an effort to introduce some virility into the man’s outlook. It sells.”

Source: Naija News

Checkers Custard Unveils Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi As New Brand Ambassador

Nigeria’s number custard brand, Checkers Custard, has unveiled popular Nollywood actress and producer, Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi, as its new brand ambassador.
The unveiling was held at Checkers Custard headquarters in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

Presenting Toyin to newsmen at her unveiling last Friday, Karan Checker, the Managing Director of Checkers Africa Limited, described the event as a dream come true for the organisation.

He stated that the versatile actress has had an illustrious and blossom career that has spanned more than a decade, with unmistaken passion and excellent delivery in every of her appearance.

On the shared valued of Toyin Abraham and Nigerians favourite Checkers Custard, Mr Checkers described the brand as a pace setter with the best quality, adding that the Nollywood actress possesses similar attributes.

He pointed out that Checkers various flavours of vanilla, banana and milk 3-in-1 is also similar to Toyin Abraham’s all round excellent and ambitious acting talent.

Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi posing with Checkers Custard 3-in-1 and Vanila flavours.

Karan Checker said: “Checkers Custard started small and has grown to be Nigeria’s brand of choice and so as Toyin on our screen, tablets, billboards – everywhere media, word of mouth and eyes can reach.

“We share these things in common and we, the management of Checkers Africa Limited, said it is time we take the bull by the horn to formalise our relationship with Toyin, who has been a long standing lover of Checkers Custard.”

Also speaking at her unveiling, the popular Nollywood actress, who was at the event with her husband and team, expressed happiness joining a brand that is already a household name.

While saying she was happy they decided to work with her brand, Toyin Abraham described Checkers Custard as the best family food in Nigeria.

“I am not exaggerating, my husband takes custard every morning. My family likes all the flavours of Checkers Custard,” she said.

Toyin Abraham promised the management of Checkers Custard to always give her best as a brand ambassador and as family, stressing that she is proud because it is a good product which will be very easy to promote.

She however urged Checkers Custard management to take the complains and suggestions of consumers very seriously, insisting that “customers are always right“.

JUST IN: Sheikh Habeeb Al-Ilory suffers stroke, slumps during sermon in Ilorin

Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al-Ilory, the administrator of Markaz Agege Arabic and Islamic Training Institute, Lagos, suffered a stroke during a sermon in Ilorin, Kwara State.

It was learnt that the incident happened last Thursday during the wedding ceremony of a daughter of an erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Salhiu Modibbo Alfa Belgore.

It was gathered that Habeeb who dressed to the occasion in a white Agbada and green cap had barely started the sermon when he collapsed.

According to an eyewitness, who gave his name as Yinusa, the whole scenario lasted for about two hours after the cleric arrived at the event.

At the event, minutes before Sheikh Habeeb collapsed Per Daily Trust, Habeeb was admitted at the Stroke Unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). He is currently at the place.

It is understood that he is getting better.

Woman kills husband’s nephew with knife

A 30-year-old housewife, Cynthia Olukiowu, in the Jafa Agbado area of Ogun State, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing one Habeeb Aremu, 18, a nephew of her husband, to death over a broken mirror.

The woman was arrested on Saturday by policemen attached to Agbado divisional headquarters.

It was learnt that a misunderstanding ensued between the two when a mirror being used in the house got broken and the deceased was alleged to have broken it.

The allegation sparked a heated disagreement between the deceased and the suspect, who allegedly pulled a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the neck. He slumped and died afterwards.

Police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the victim was found in a pool of blood and rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.