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Reaching out to the poor is our mandate – BAT Foundation

BAT FoundationThe director general of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Foundation, Hon. Ipoola Omisore, has said the organisation is poised to reduce hunger as much as possible.

Omisore stated this when he spoke with some journalists in relation to the foundation’s donation of rice to IDP camps in Borno.

The Foundation also recently reached out to three orphanages in Lagos with food and other items.

According to BAT, the donation of the food to the IDP was facilitated by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Dr. Mudashiru Obasa and some others including Bolaji Ariyo, Ajala Razaq and Kolade David, all local government council chairmen in Lagos.

Earlier speaking on the gesture, the Director-General of the Foundation, Hon. Ahmed Omisore, said the rice had been bagged for ease of distribution among the IDPs.

According to him, “the donation of the food items is a gesture to show that the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is much concerned about the well-being of all Nigerians, wherever they may be living.”

Omisore noted that the Foundation was established purposely to cater for the needy in the nation’s six geo-political zones.

He further stated: “The Foundation is an advocate of peace. It is founded purposely to cater for the people especially the less privileged ones in our society.”

“It stands for what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is, a lover of peace and advocate of poverty free society. The gesture should be seen as a reflection of his passion to make sure everybody in the country are free of hunger.” Tinubu, through this Foundation,has been supporting people in various capacity across the country.

“We know the current need of the Internally Displaced People is food and that is why the Foundation is donating trailer loads of rice to the IDP camps in Maiduguri. This is just the beginning of a gesture that will automatically get to other parts of the country,” Omisore declared.

For the orphanages that were recently visited by the Foundation, Omisore urged well-meaning Nigerians including the rich to always find time to visit and help the needy.

Noting that the materials donated to the three orphanages were also facilitated by Obasa, the director general thanked the Speaker and said he and his team felt fulfilled seeing the joy in the faces of the children and their supervisors during the visit.

Barrister Mobolaji Sanusi, director of media of the foundation, also reminded that “Just recently, the Foundation donated a brand new 18-seater bus also facilitated by our amiable Speaker Obasa to the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos chapter. Our programmes are in batches and we shall continue to execute them one after the other.”

Sanusi further stated that the food items were “donated to support the effort of the Borno State Government in feeding the displaced persons in their various camps.”

He also said the Foundation represents the “good deeds of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a compassionate and generous leader with bias for catering for the well-being of the less privileged.”

He revealed that the Foundation has different programmes for all people in different categories which would be executed in I have thy

Emirates Milestone flight EK2021 highlights industry readiness for travel rebound

Emirates’ one-of-a-kind flight EK2021 proudly made a journey across the different emirates this week , to signal the aviation industry’s readiness for a travel rebound. It was also to celebrate the UAE’s remarkable vaccination programme that has administered close to 9 million vaccines doses to date.

The special flight, which carried fully vaccinated crew and passengers onboard, was unprecedented in the industry in scale. With close to 400 fully vaccinated customers onboard, the flight illustrates confidence and undiminished excitement for air travel. EK2021 was also supported by fully vaccinated teams across the aviation eco-system, from onboard crew to ground staff, demonstrating the readiness of the UAE’s aviation eco-system to support the safe rebound of air travel.

In spite of the pandemic, the UAE has maintained its status as a leading global aviation hub and it will continue to grow its position as a hub for passengers and cargo traffic by investing in innovations and close collaborations with all stakeholders. Onboard EK2021 was a group of senior officials from key aviation and health sector entities hosted by Emirates.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “The UAE’s rapid pace and progress in vaccinating our population is a testament of our leadership’s vision and commitment to safeguard our communities, and manage the pandemic by adopting the appropriate measures to protect both nationals and residents. Today’s flight is a showcase of the combined efforts and dedication of all stakeholders in supporting the vaccination programme, and the implementation of protocols in the past 12 months to ensure a safe travel journey, stimulate passenger traffic and set the groundwork for the ramp up of air travel in the near future. Emirates continues to support the national vaccination programme and we are pleased with the progress made within the group in vaccinating our employees.”

The special flight was operated with Emirates’ newest A380 aircraft which featured the airline’s brand-new Premium Economy seats, and refreshed cabin interiors across every cabin class. First and Business Class customers were able to safely network and mingle in the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge.

Combining the most advanced aviation technology and an inspired cabin design, The A380 remains a customer favourite for its unmatched comfort and spaciousness.

This month, Airbus launched a travel companion app called “Tripset”. The application aggregates and provides flight and travel information to ease and restore passenger’s trust in their end-to-end journey when traveling by air during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing passengers with the latest and most relevant travel conditions, restriction and health requirements in place, without having to consult a variety of sources. Tripset is part of Airbus’ continuing commitment, alongside airlines, industry partners and regulatory agencies, to encourage the flying public to keep trust in air travel, supporting the safe and well-coordinated return to flight, which is essential for economic recovery from COVID-19.

On the ground, passengers checked in using the latest biometric technologies for a seamless journey across multiple touchpoints. Biometric touchpoints were recently expanded to include over 18 check-in desks and 15 boarding gates at the airport. As a result, customers across all classes enjoyed seamless biometric entry to experience the First and Business Class lounge at DXB.

All EK2021 passengers were provided rapid COVID-19 PCR tests, facilitated by Pure Health. Pure Health, the largest integrated healthcare solutions provider in the UAE, has facilitated the administration of up to 4 million PCR tests at Dubai Airports to date. It has also played a vital role in providing COVID-19 testing support to the aviation industry at large, since the start of the pandemic.

As passengers disembarked, they were handed commemorative certificates for taking part in this initiative.

EK2021 was commanded by UAE National Captain Ahmed Al Obeidli, First Officer Ramon Wilde and flight deck crew were supported by Captain Ricky Garala. All proceeds for EK2021 have been donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline’s non-profit charity organisation which supports projects around the world aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children around the world.

UBA Business Series to Equip SMEs with Performance Management Strategies for Organisational Growth

As part of its commitment to support the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSME) in the continent, Pan African financial Institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to organise the next edition of its UBA Business Series.

The UBA Business Series which is a monthly event, is an MSME Workshop as well as a capacity building initiative of the bank where business leaders and professionals share well-researched insights on best practices for running successful businesses, especially in the face of the difficult operating environment that dominates the African business landscape.

Through this initiative, UBA has been assisting with essential tips to help businesses re-examine their models and strategies and ensure that they stay afloat and remain thriving.

The topic for the next edition of the series is ‘ Managing Performance for Business Growth,’ and it will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 via Microsoft Teams. At this session, the Managing Director, Secure ID Limited, Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe, will be sharing useful tips and insights on the key strategies of performance management to boost business growth.

Akinkugbe is the founder of SecureID Nigeria, a MasterCard, VISA and Verve certified Smartcard Personalization Bureau and Digital Technology company. She currently serves as the Managing Director/CEO, Secure Card Manufacturing, – a Smartcard manufacturing plant producing high security identity cards and documents for the Banking, Telecoms and Public sectors across Africa and beyond.

The capacity building event is a virtual session which is open to all – including business owners and leaders – and will be held on Wednesday, April 14 ^th, 2021, at 2pm WAT. Interested participants can register via http://bit.ly/UBASMEWorkshopMarch2021

UBA’s Head, SME Banking, Sampson Aneke said of Akinkugbe, ‘with her vast experience garnered over the years from various sectors, she will help business owners understand how performance management strategies can be effectively implemented to ensure business growth’.

He emphasised UBA’s commitment and deep passion for small businesses, which according to him, remains the engine of any developing economy adding, “We know small businesses are the backbone of the economy in every country. In many climes, businesses with fewer than 100 employees account for 98.2% of all businesses. This no doubt captures the importance of SMEs to a thriving economy which is why UBA is committed to seeing them flourish.”

Emirates Skywards launches exclusive double Tier Miles offer for members

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has rolled out an exclusive offer to help members fast-track to a higher tier status. Members can automatically earn double Tier Miles on all Emirates and flydubai flights booked from 1 April until 30 June, for travel between 1 April and 30 December 2021.

To be eligible for the promotion, customers need to simply be existing Emirates Skywards members, or join as a new member before 30 June 2021. Members can now move up tiers faster, and unlock an extensive range of benefits and rewards.

The offer applies to any ticket, regardless of fare type, purchased on Emirates or flydubai during the offer period – helping members quickly earn sufficient Tier Miles to bump up one tier status higher. For example, an Emirates Skywards Blue tier member can upgrade to an Emirates Skywards Silver tier member, and an Emirates Skywards Silver tier member can upgrade to an Emirates Skywards Gold tier member.

Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership – Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each Tier offers members unique privileges and advantages, including lounge access, priority boarding, dedicated check-in counters, complimentary seat-selection, and much more.

In addition to earning double Tier Miles, members will still be able to earn Skywards Miles on flights flown during the offer period. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive range of rewards, including flight upgrades, hotel stays and money-can’t-buy experiences.

With more than 27 million members worldwide – Emirates Skywards continues to provide its members with rich value offerings, unmatched rewards and innovative offerings. Earlier this year, the loyalty programme was one if the first in the world, and first in the region, to offer members a generous extension on tier status until 2022. The loyalty programme has also extended validity of any Skywards Miles due to expire since April 2020 until 30 June 2021.

For more information on Emirates Skywards, visit emirates.com/skywards.

Yinka Odumakin to be buried April 24 – Family

The family of the late activist and Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, on Monday, announced the order of his funeral rites.

A terse statement by his widow, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, on Monday said the rites would span three days – starting from Thursday, April 22 through Friday 23 and Saturday 24, 2021.

She said, “Thursday, April 22: Day of Tributes and Service of Songs at the Police College, Ikeja Lagos between 11 am and 4 pm while his body lies in state.

“Friday, April 23: Body departs Lagos for Moro, his country home, in Ife North LGA of Osun State.

“There will be a Christian wake keep by 5 pm at the Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, to be followed by a candlelight procession on Friday.

“Saturday, April 24: Lying in State at Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro by 8 am, followed by a Funeral Service by 10 am, after which his remains will be committed to Mother Earth at a private interment.”

South African Police Investigates Death of AKA’s Fiancée

South African police are currently investigating how superstar rapper, AKA’s fiancée, Nellie Tembe, fell to her death at Cape Town’s Pepper Club Hotel in the early hours of Sunday.

AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, and Nellie got engaged in February this year. In March, he paid lobola to Nellie’s family, describing her as ‘the love of his life’ when he announced their engagement on social media, Newzimbabwe reports.

According to reports, Nellie fell from one of the upper floors of the hotel to the intersection of Loop and Bloom streets in the Cape Town central business districts.

A statement from the Tembe and Forbes families confirmed her untimely passing.

The statement read, “It is with the deepest regret that we, Tembe and Forbes families, confirm the untimely passing of our beloved fiance, daughter, sister and daughter-in-law, Anele Tembe (22). Anele tragically passed on in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 11 April 2021.4.11.

“We are still in shock and are dealing with our emotions as she was an exceptional and gifted young woman with so much life ahead of her. She had a sweet nature about her and was always nurturing those around her.

“Her fiance, Kiernan Forbes, is currently inconsolable and is surrounded by family and closest friends. At this hour of our grief, we humbly request that our families be given privacy and time to heal.”

Speaking to the media, Pepper Club General Manager, Efi, said, “At 7:30 am, we got a call that there has been an incident. We called the police subsequently. What I can tell you is that there is an investigation; it’s a young girl age of 22 and at this stage, the police is still investigating.”

Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said investigations were still underway.

“Cape Town Central police are investigating an inquest case after an incident at a hotel at about 7:45 AM at the corner of Loop and Bloem Streets in the Cape Town CBD. The body of a 22-year-old woman was found deceased.”

Iheanacho Score Twice in Leicester City’s defeat to West Ham United

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho, found the net twice against the Hammers but Jesse Lingard continued his stunning form with West Ham after scoring twice in the first half to set the Hammers on course for a crucial victory over fellow Champions League hopefuls Leicester City.

The two sides came into the weekend occupying the last two Champions League spots, before wins for Chelsea and Liverpool on Saturday nudged West Ham down to sixth place.

But David Moyes’ men showed they are up for the challenge of qualifying for Europe’s top club competition for the first time, going 3-0 up and holding on during a late Leicester rally to climb back into fourth.

The Hammers took the lead as Arthur Masuaku’s cross went through to right-back Vladimir Coufal, who cut back for Lingard to sweep the ball inside Kasper Schmeichel’s near post from the edge of the box.

Jarrod Bowen then beat the offside trap to race on to Issa Diop’s long ball and square for Lingard to tap into an empty net for his eighth goal in nine Premier League games since arriving on loan from Manchester United.

The 28-year-old forward, whose recent form earned him an England recall, then played a part in West Ham’s third goal right after half-time as Bowen poked in from Tomas Soucek’s pass to round off a clinical team move.

Kelechi Iheanacho pulled a goal back to give the visitors hope, before grabbing his 11th goal in 11 games in stoppage time, but the Hammers ensured they did not surrender a 3-0 lead for the second straight home game and move within a point of third-placed Leicester.

Leicester’s preparations had been disrupted with James Maddison, Hamza Choudhury and Ayoze Perez left out for breaching Covid-19 protocols.

The Foxes were possibly affected by the absence of Maddison, Choudhury and Perez and were lacklustre for the first hour.

West Ham’s opener was the result of some patient build-up play, but then Leicester only had themselves to blame as they were made to pay for playing a high line for the second goal and being dispossessed in their own half for the third.

Ricardo Pereira caught Masuaku in possession to give Iheanacho the chance to fire in from the edge of the box and, shortly after six minutes of stoppage time was indicated, the Nigeria striker scored again following a low cross by substitute Marc Albrighton.

Leicester almost salvaged a point as Wesley Fofana headed wide at the death but it was another quiet afternoon for Jamie Vardy. After a blistering start to the season, he has now scored once in his past 18 games.

The Foxes are eager to avoid another late-season collapse and their next three home games are against West Brom, Crystal Palace and Newcastle, but they will need Vardy to help ease the burden on Iheanacho, 24, who is enjoying the longest run of Premier League starts in his career and is now Leicester’s joint-top scorer with Vardy.

Manager Brendan Rodgers told BBC Sport: “We mentioned about starting quickly and we did anything but. It was a tough one to watch.

“It’s always easy to play when you’re 3-0 down, I don’t take much from getting back into the game. We were too passive to win an important game.”

£1 MILLION-A-WEEK SALARY, RAIOLA TO OFFER HAALAND TO PSG, MANCITY

Super agent Mino Raiola is positioning Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland to become the game’s first £1 MILLION-A-WEEK player.

The Mirror says Raiola holds grand plans of brokering an eye-watering amount for his client through a sensational overall package.

With a huge basic salary in store, image rights, digital opportunities and commercial deals have all been earmarked in the report as ways of reaching the target.

Raiola’s demands are said to likely rule out the majority of clubs embroiled in the dogfight to sign Haaland except for a handful with enviable finances.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and PSG have all been identified as the only suitors who would be able to stump up the cash.

Real Madrid and Barcelona, which held talks with Raiola and Haaland’s father a fortnight ago, have been left ‘shocked’ after being told about his proposal for one of the world’s finest young talents.

City, as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, are also believed to be in the chase to secure Haaland’s signature.

Primate Ayodele Congratulates New IGP, Urge Him To Put God First

The leader of INRI Evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has sent congratulatory message to the newly appointed acting Inspector general of police, Usman Baba Alkali.

The man of God, who just returned to Nigeria from his prayer mountain explained that the appointment of the new IGP is divine because he was chosen out of so many better options.

Primate Ayodele advised Usman Baba Alkali to always put God first in all his endeavors because without Him, whatever he plans to do will be futile.

He made it known that the state of insecurity in Nigeria is getting worsened as the day goes by, and there is no way He will be successful without calling on God for help.

He also warned him against tribalism, and partiality in his operations.

‘ I want to congratulate the new IGP, Usman Baba Alkali on his appointment, His mission is divine. Despite the fact that He has the policing strategy, He should put God first because none of this happened without His Endorsement.

There are better hands before He was selected, God has a good plan for him and that is why he is where he is today.

I urge him not to employ tribalism in his operations, he should also balance his actions towards religion so that He will be able to get results, God truly loves him.

God is ready to help him conquer banditry in the country during his tenure as IGP because there is a big task ahead of him. I wish him well.’’

Oba Elegushi to celebrate birthday with football, golf tournaments

…As Ex-Eagles tackle Comedy stars in Peace Cup

One of the prominent monarchs in Lagos, Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate kingdom is celebrating his birthday and eleventh year anniversary of his coronation with two sporting events.

In a statement signed from the palace by the monarch’s special assistant on public affairs, Temitope Oyefeso, stated that a novelty football match, tagged ‘Elegushi Peace Cup’ will hold at the Campos mini stadium in Lagos and also the inaugural Oba Elegushi Golf Tournament will tee off at the Ikoyi Golf course. The two-in-one event is scheduled take place on Friday 9th of April 2021.

Speaking on the Peace Cup, the monarch spokesman stated that the initiative is to provide a platform to preach the message of peace to Nigerians, at a time when there is so much tension and socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.

“We embraced the peace cup as put forward by the organizers. His royal majesty is an advocate of peace, he preaches peace at every opportunity, so he endorsed the peace cup and has donated a trophy to be presented to the winner”, Oyefeso stated.

The Palace spokesman also disclosed that the Elegushi Peace Cup has attracted individual personalities in the entertainment industry to form a team and matches have been drawn between the Nigerian movie industry to tackle their counterparts from music, while ex-footballers will slug it out with comedy stars.

Some of the names already on the team list include Kanu Nwankwo, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal, for the ex-internationals. While the likes of Zlatan, Sexy Steel, Flavour, Patoranking will represent Team Music; Nollywood Team will have the likes of Fred Amata. IK Ogboona, Bolanle Ninalowo, Ijebu, Osita Iheme. The Comedy team will parade stars like Ayo Makun, Seyi Law, Bovi, Akpororo and others.

In similar fashion, over 100golfers from different golf clubs across the county have registered to participate at the maiden Golf tournament. The golf tournament is personal to the celebrant, Oba Elegushi, who is also a golfer and an active member of the Ikoyi Golf Club. He also plays at different courses within and outside Nigeria.

Oba Saheed Elegushi, who is the 21st monarch of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom was born on the 10th of April 1976 and ascended the throne of his ancestors on the 27th of April 2010.