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UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition 2020 brings out the finest young creative writers in a challenging year

 

·       Ten out of the twelve  winners are girls

The UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the United Bank for Africa, today, held its tenth annual National Essay Competition(NEC) in a virtual ceremony that was attended by high school students from across the nation. The UBA Foundation’s Education initiative has been changing lives for a decade as the tertiary education scholarship programme continues to impact the lives of many students and their communities.

For the fourth consecutive year, the females have been leading this competition with14 year-old Eshiet Abasiekeme of Bright Stars Model Secondary School from Akwa-Ibom state taking home this year’s winning prize.  Eshiet received an educational grant of N2,500,000.00 to study in any African university of her choice. She will also be supported throughout her educational career and beyond with constant mentoring by the UBA Foundation.

Abasiekeme who had joined the virtual event from her base in Akwa Ibom state in Nigeria, could not contain her excitement as she heard the announcement that she had won the first prize of the NEC 2020. “I feel honoured to be the winner of this year’s NEC, and I want to appreciate UBA and UBA Foundation as this will help towards my dream of becoming a lawyer,” she said proudly, expressing that she would like to go to university in Uyo in her home state.

The second prize was awarded to 14 year old  Mofoluwake Adesanya of Spring Forte-Lead College Lagos State, who won a N2,000,000 educational grant, whilst the third prize of N1,500,000 went to Abdulganiyy Habeebah, 16 years old. Abdulganiyy attends the International School, University of Lagos.  

Eshiet and the 11 other finalists, took home their brand new lap top computers to enable them continue to work competitively in a world that is rapidly becoming fully digitalised.

Congratulating all the winners at the final event of the competition, the Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, applauded all the participants for their exceptional brilliance.  She explained that the Foundation had taken into consideration the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on lives and incomes across board and had increased the prize money by 33 per cent this year to help cushion any negative or inflationary effects.

Emphasising the driving force behind the annual competition, she said, “We are passionate about the annual NEC because it changes lives and helps to improve the quality of lives of students and their families. The NEC helps to improve the quality of writing and competitiveness amongst students. We have launched in more African countries this year and would have launched the initiative in 20 countries by the end of 2021. It is not just about writing essays, the ripple effect is really quite enormous, and we are glad that it is cascading to other countries where we operate.’ she said.

Also speaking at the opening of the event, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka,  commended all 12 finalists, expressing that UBA was happy to be touching lives and making a solid impact through its National Essay Competition, which is now in its 10th edition.  He was very pleased about the fact that more females again came out tops this year, adding that notwithstanding the constraints and challenges of 2020, the Foundation received the highest number of entries ever, at over 12,000 digital submissions’.

Uzoka who is also the Chairman, UBA Foundation said, “The NEC has been changing lives positively for 10 years, and we have awarded scholarships to students not just in Nigeria but in other parts of Africa like Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal.  Some of these students are already graduates and contributing meaningfully to their communities’.

To all 12 of you that have emerged finalists, I would like to congratulate you. If out of 12,000 entries you were able to make it to the top 12, that represents about 0.12% of the entries. You are no doubt, already a winner,” he continued.

UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition is an initiative under the Education pillar of the Foundation. Now in its tenth year, the aim of the NEC is to ensure that more African youths have access to education. The programme also highlights the good quality of education that exists on the continent as it stresses that the grant must be used in any university of the winners’ choice on the African continent.

2020 UBAF TOP 12 FINALISTS

S/N NAME   POSITION
1 Eshiet Abasiekeme Eshiet   1st
2 Mofuluwake Adesanya   2nd
3 Abdulganiyu Habeeba   3rd
4 Emenugha Hannah Amarachi   4th
5 Ibem Marylyn Anya   5th
6 Ehibor Favour    6th
7 Nwabueze Regina Ugochi   6th
8 Dimaro Tamarapreye    7th
9 Ozoke Melvin Damian Uchenna    8th
10 Enobong Flourish David   9th
11 Chukwuma Light E. C.   10th
12 Stephen God’s Grant   11th

 

Shoprite surprises customers on a bumper Black Friday

Shoprite Nigeria’s supermarkets have offered early Black Friday deals and big discounts on everyday essentials as customers are increasingly looking for value, given the pressure many households are currently experiencing.

The Shoprite bumper black Friday offer begins from 25th November and ends in 29th November, 2020 and it’s a pan-Nigeria value added offer.

According to the Shoprite statement, “ In response to COVID-19 pandemic, Shoprite will for the first time offer early Black Friday deals and keep the deals valid for longer, to allow customers more time to plan and shop, and to prevent overcrowding.”

The statement further stated that some of the great deals on offer include   Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite products, Power Vegetable Cooking, Ariel Washing Powder and many others products.

Stringent hygiene and sanitizing protocols will be in place at all Shoprite supermarkets in Nigeria to help protect customers and employees as far as possible.

These include, but are not restricted to, the use of face masks, hand sanitizer, social distancing and limited entry where necessary to avoid overcrowding. Customers are encouraged to pay by card and to capitalize on the extended trading hours to make the most of the deep-cut specials that will be on offer.

Joshua Iginla, US medical Team embark on Free healthcare for all

Philantropic Prophet and Shepherd in charge of Champions Royal Assembly, Joshua Iginla surely has a milk of human kindness flowing though him as he reached out to members and indigenes of Abuja through a free healthcare services to kick start his ministry’s 14th Anniversary.

We reliably gathered that Iginla through his foundation, Joshua Iginla Foundation engaged professional medical team from United States of America to cater for the well being of people.

In a facebook post on his official page today, he admonished all to pay attention to their body because our spirit needs a flesh to operate with .

“Pay attention to your body, because your Spirit needs a flesh to operate with. Health is wealth they say, while God has given us divine grace to enjoy good health, it is either the devil attacks it or we carelessly do things to harm ourselves.

However, the Joshua Iginla Foundation, has been giving FREE HEALTH CARE attention to people continually for a while now.

As the Joshua Iginla Foundation professional medical team from United States of America are on ground to give out every needed materials spiritually and physically to ensure the health and smile of so many people are reinstated.

May God preserve us all”.

It would be recalled that Iginla, arguably, is one of the leading clergymen who has changed the face of the ministry by affecting lives both physically and spiritually. His philanthropic gesture is second to none.

 

Buratai Commends Officers and Soldiers on Army Professionalism

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai has given a thumbs up to officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army fighting in various theatres of Operation and other security threats for admirably rising up to the challenges and successfully bringing the situations under control.

Buratai expressed pride that the prevailing cases on insecurity even though they are evolving from several fronts have continued to succumb to the professionalism and capability of the Nigerian Army which is benefitting from the various capacity advancement and training programmes initiated under his leadership.

His words, “Despite the prevailing cases of insecurity in several parts of the country, I am proud to say this, the Nigerian Army has continued to rise admirably in tackling all security challenges plaguing the nation, as can be seen in the decimation of terrorists in the North East and bandits and kidnapping in the North West and North Central zones of the country.

Gen Buratai who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Army, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun spoke on Tuesday at the Graduation Lecture for Course 4, 2020 of the Army War College, Nigeria and Commissioning of the War College Office Complex Extension in Abuja.

The COAS said the Army War College has continued to play a vital role since it’s inception pointing out that after 3 years, “Our Vision has paid a high level of dividend”.

In this regard, Buratai said, “Graduates of the Army War College have added value to Nigeria Army War fighting capabilities” adding, “This explains why I have focussed a lot of attention in upgrading the facilities and environment of the college to required standard.

Noting that the new office extension has 415 seating capacity at its ultra-modern lecture hall, the COAS said, “It is with a deep sense of fulfilment that I commission the office extension after commissioning new sporting facilities for the AWCN few weeks ago.

Earlier, Guest Lecturer at the occasion and UNDP Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr . Mohammed Yahya disclosed that the United Nations Development Programme was interested in three key programmes in any country it works with.

These are Governance, Environment and Inclusive growth.

He warned African countries to beware of the rise and increase in violent Extremism regretting that in the year 2020 alone, 3,181 Africans have been killed as a result of violent Extremism.

While noting that other than the use of force alone, African countries to consider injecting other strategies in addition, to tackle violent Extremism, the UNDP Country Representative said, “Nigeria has to lead the way. Nigeria needs to be ahead of the curve of fighting extremism.

Present at the occasion were the Ambassador, Indian High Commission to Nigeria and the UK Attache to Nigeria, DG Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj Gen Garba Wahab (rtd(), former Commandant, AWCN, Maj Gen Charles Ofoche, Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen AA Adabayo, Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj Gen Hamman, and Acting Provost Marshal Army, Brigadier General Ahmed among several other dignitaries.

F.G. Takes Measures With Strategic Stakeholders Against Petroleum Tanker Crashes

Following the resolutions reached at the EARLIER meeting of the Major Oil Marketers of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) renewal workshop held on 24 September, 2020 at IBETO Hotel Abuja in the face of frequent cases of road traffic crashes involving petroleum tankers and trucks leading to wanton destruction of lives and property in the country, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha directed that a meeting of strategic stakeholders be held on Monday, 23rd November, 2020.

At the meeting held at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Headquarters Abuja, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi represented the SGF.

According to the press release signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, the meeting which had in attendance, Executive Secretaries of MOMAN and NARTO and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation took some far reaching resolutions aimed at tackling the menace of petroleum tanker crashes in the country. Kazeem disclosed that the meeting recommends that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to consider securing a Presidential Directive for urgent intervention in the provision of soft loans for truck renewal, using similar template as applicable to pharmaceutical companies and other sectors of the economy at the peak of COVID -19 .

He added that as a long term solution to the safe, efficient and sustainable transportation of petroleum products across the country, the meeting stressed the need for NNPC to re-activate failed and vandalized pipelines in the country to reduce the burden on the transportation of petroleum products by road. “Members further called for a timeline to be set for the enforcement of the maximum load capacity of 45,000 litres of petroleum products by trucks operating from the Tank Farms across the country,” he added.

Kazeem further disclosed that the meeting resolved that enforcement of all safety standards including anti-skid, anti-rollover and anti-spill (safety valves) be prioritized within a given time frame as outlined in the similar communiqué reached in 2018. He said “Government to consider issuing directives on enforcement of the 10-year policy on importation of trucks, so that any articulated vehicle that is beyond 10 years of age should not be allowed into the country.”

Part of the resolutions, according to him was that, FRSC, MOMAN and NARTO are to organize a joint enlightenment campaign for articulated vehicle drivers including production and placement of jingles in different languages on radio and television stations, production of handbills and also convene a press conference within two weeks

The resolutions were endorsed on behalf of the relevant stakeholders by Clement Isong and Aloga Ogbogo, Executive Secretaries of MOMAN and NARTO respectively and the Corps Marshal of FRSC.

Emirates Offers First Ever $500,000 Multi-Risk Travel Insurance Coverage

Emirates customers can now plan their travels and fly with even greater assurance and peace of mind, with the airline’s latest industry-first initiative to provide expanded, multi-risk travel cover on top of its current COVID-19 cover.

Provided by Emirates at no additional cost to its customers, and provided by AIG Travel, this cover is the first of its kind in the airline and travel insurance industry. It is designed to provide all Emirates passengers a truly unique offer for stress-free and hassle-free travel.

This new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover will automatically apply to all Emirates tickets purchased from 1 December, and extends to Emirates codeshare flights operated by partner airlines, as long as the ticket number starts with 176.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive said: “Emirates was the first airline to offer complimentary global COVID-19 cover for travelers back in July, and the response from our customers has been tremendously encouraging. We’ve not rested on our laurels and instead continued to look at how we can offer our customers an even better proposition. We’re very pleased to be able to now provide this new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover, which is another industry first, to all our customers.

“We see a strong appetite for travel around the world, especially heading into the winter holidays as people seek warmer climates and family destinations like Dubai. By launching this new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover, we aim to give our customers even more confidence in making their travel plans this winter and moving into 2021.”

Emirates customers will be covered when they fly to any destination, in any class of travel. Highlights of the coverage include:

Out-of-Country Emergency Medical Expenses & Emergency Medical Evacuation up to US$500,000, valid for COVID-19 (contracted during the trip) and other medical emergencies while traveling abroad; Trip Cancellation up to US$7,500 for non-refundable costs if the traveler or a relative (as defined in the policy) is unable to travel because they are diagnosed with COVID-19 before the scheduled trip departure date, or for other named reasons – similar to other comprehensive travel cover products.

The package also offers Trip Cancellation or Curtailment up to US$7,500 if the school year is extended due to COVID-19 beyond the departure date, and the traveler or a relative (as defined in the policy) is a full-time teacher, full-time employee, or a student at a primary or secondary school. Trip Curtailment up to US$7,500 for non-refundable trip costs and additional costs to return to their country of residence if the traveler or a relative (as defined in the policy) falls critically ill, for instance, contracts COVID-19 while traveling abroad.
Travel Abandonment up to US$7,500 if the traveler fails a COVID-19-related test or medical screening at the airport and is required to abandon the trip.

Furthermore, customers will get US$150 per day per person, for up to 14 consecutive days if, while outside of their country of residence, the traveler tests positive for COVID-19, and if they are unexpectedly placed into a mandatory quarantine outside their country of residence by a governmental body.

“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Emirates and we are excited to work with them to tailor this product to meet the needs of Emirates customers worldwide,” said Jeff Rutledge, CEO, AIG Travel. “Our hope is to help alleviate some of the concerns travelers may have when planning travel during this time.”

Similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products, Emirates’ generous cover also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories. Customers do not need to register or fill in any forms before they travel, and they are not obligated to utilize this cover provided by Emirates.

Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before 31 March 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they must change their travel plans. Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for 2 years.

Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to all customers.

Dubai is now definitely open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences for visitors. In 2019, the city welcomed 16.7 million visitors and hosted over hundreds of global meetings and exhibitions, as well as sports and entertainment events. Dubai was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety

Pragmatic Homes Unveils Pasuma and Iyabo Ojo as Brand Ambassadors

Pragmatic Homes, a diversified real estate investment, development and Management Company based in Lagos Nigeria last Thursday unveiled popular Fuji Singer Alabi Pasuma and top crossover Nigerian actress, Iyabo Ojo as the company new brand ambassador in a 3-in-1 event held at their new Lagos office located on highbrow Omole Estate Phase 2. 

The new ambassadors who were full of praise explained that the professionalism and ingenuity of the Pragmatic home team in meeting the demand of their teaming customers influence their decision to join the movement.

It was stated further by the new ambassadors that they will be working tirelessly to make sure many of their celebrity colleagues are encouraged to own properties with trailblazing and credible organization knowing that the creative industry does not promise retirement benefits.

While addressing the newsmen, Iyabo Ojo noted that it was important for entertainers and other people to own properties saying “As a new landlady, it is my desire and dream to see people of all ages get their properties. At Pragmatic Homes, they have proper documentation for all their properties. And one does not need to have all the money at once before getting the properties. They can pay in instalments.”

The event which also serves as the official launch of the company’s new state-of-the-art office edifice in Omole also serves as the kick-off of the publicity towards their new estate “Berry Courts” in Abeokuta, the company which prides itself as an real-estate company with properties in choice areas rather than most with lands in towns out of the main town.

Speaking on behalf of Pragmatic Homes, Dr. Shobowale the Managing Director explained that the company strategies in making sure anyone who come in contact with them smiles home with their choice property is by not only making the property affordable but also making payment flexible, it was also revealed that the company in other to make savings for property easy are in the process of establishing a mortgage bank that will be giving mortgage facilities to their customers.

No Attack On Zulum’s Convoy Or Security Aides, Media Aide Clarifies

A Sunday report by an online media, claiming there was another attack by Boko Haram on the convoy of Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, is false. There was neither an attack on the governor directly nor on any component of his convoy. 

Zulum’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, in a statement issued on Sunday, said Zulum traveled to Baga, spent a day supervising the distribution of food and other relief to thousands of residents and returned to Maiduguri safely with no hitch whatsoever.

“For the record, we write to quickly clarify that contrary to a “breaking news” by an online news medium, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was neither attacked nor was any component of his convoy attacked by anyone.

“The governor was actually in Baga from Saturday to Sunday, during which he supervised the distribution of food and cash support to 5,000 residents and he assessed major reconstruction and resettlement efforts with no hitch whatsoever.

“While we continually accord respect to all media organizations as supportive partners, we importantly clarify that we have no knowledge of the breaking news” in question.

As members of the public can testify, it is the culture and principle of Professor Zulum to say things as they are, and in this case, it is what it is- no attack whatsoever.

Any media organization that wants further clarification may wish to contact the Nigerian military. Meanwhile, Governor Zulum appreciates all well wishers, and he gratefully commends armed forces and civilian volunteers for the relentless efforts to fully regain lasting peace in Borno State” the statement said.

Lekki Shooting: Army Clarifies Carrying of Blank And Live Ammunition, Insists Only Blank Ammo Was Shot

Following the cross examination that happened at the Lagos Judicial Panel, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Taiwo, Commander of the 81 Division, Military Intelligence Brigade, Victoria Island, clarified that the army went to the tollgate with both blank and live ammunitions.

While being cross-examined, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Taiwo insisted that that the military acted within the Army’s Rules of Engagement in keeping up with professionalism.

Reacting to the statement by Major Osoba Olaniyi, Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 81 division,  titled, “Re-Cross Examination of Brig General Ahmed Taiwo on Blank and Live Ammunition by Troops of 81 division, Nigerian Army”, he emphasised that carrying both blank and live ammunition is part of the table of Equipment for internal Security Operation as well as part of the rules of engagement for soldiers during such IS operations.

He advised Nigerians and stakeholders to beware of the antics of agents of both local and foreign destabilization who are bent on using the EndSARS plant seeds of discord in the nation.

The statement reads,“ The attention of the headquarters 81 division, Nigerian Army has been drawn to news items on both the social and mainstream media insinuating the troops of the Nigerian Army contradicted  its  evidence of firing blank ammunition when it also carried live ammunition for internal Security on the 20th October 2020.

“We hereby state unequivocally that carrying both blank and live ammunition is part of our table of Equipment for internal Security operations.

“It is part of the rules of engagement for soldiers on internal Security operations to carry both blank and  live ammunition .

“The use of any of these ammunition as stated in our rules of engagement depends on the level of threat at the operational area.

“Please note that one of the principles of internal Security operations is the use of minimum Force. Minimum Force itself is a function of the assessment of the Commander on ground.

“In this circumstances, ie;  the Lekki Toll Gate, the Commander on ground assessed that there was no need to use live ammunition. That was why only blank ammunition was used  at the Lekki Toll Gate.

“The blank ammunition was fired into the sky and not at the protesters.

“The results are all glaring as there was no fatality recorded. This has been corroborated by BBC reports and other reputable news media outfit.

“The use of blank ammunition/minimum Force achieved the aim of dispersing the hoodlums and crowd.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that the Nigerian Army is a law abiding institution that actis in tandem with her rules of engagement.

“We therefore wish to advice all stakeholders to guide against being used by local and foreign agents of destabilization who do not wish this country any good.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Wins Four Awards at 2020 World Travel Awards

  • Named Africa’s Leading Business Hotel for the Sixth Consecutive Year

Transcorp Hilton Abuja has been honoured with four (4) awards including Africa’s Leading Business Hotel for the sixth consecutive year at the 27th annual World Travel Awards. 

The hotel, which is owned by Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, also won the awards for Nigeria’s Leading Hotel, Nigeria’s Leading Business Hotel and Nigeria’s Leading Hotel Suite (the Presidential Suite).

Commenting on the award, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Kevin Brett, said, “We are delighted once again to receive the World Travel Awards in various categories. It is a testament to the fact that the hard work and commitment our team put in daily is recognised and appreciated”. Speaking further, he said “I thank our guests who through their continuous patronage and feedback have helped us retain the number one position in the Nigerian hospitality industry”

The Managing Director, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Dupe Olusola, in her remarks, highlighted the significance of receiving such an award during the COVID-19 Pandemic. She said, “It is such a pleasure to receive the ultimate seal of excellence in the global tourism and hospitality industry from the World Travel Awards. At a time were travellers are exploring only the best hospitality products, the significance of this recognition is truly important”

According to the organiser of the award, this year’s World Travel Awards nomination programme reported record and never before seen visitor traffic and engagement from the public voter (the all-important tourism consumer) despite the incredible challenges faced by our industry over the course of 2020. This shows that as the global recovery begins, the appetite for tourism has never been as keen and offers hope and much-needed encouragement to us all.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

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