The third edition of Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation golf tournament has teed-off in Royal Golf Course, Idumuje Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government, Delta State.
Below are some of the pictures of the annual sporting and tourism event;
In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, women often face the barriers of discrimination and persistent gender inequalities which deny them access to key positions in the corporate world as well as access to finance or the formal economy.
Women make up almost half of the world’s working-age population of nearly 5 billion people. But only about 50 percent of those women participate in the labor force, compared with 80 percent of men, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF’s research highlights how the uneven playing field between women and men imposes large costs on the global economy. Early IMF studies on the economic impact of gender gaps assumed that men and women were likely to be born with the same potential, but that disparities in access to education, health care, and finance and technology; legal rights; and social and cultural factors prevented women from realizing that potential.
Nearly 70 UK companies have been told to employ more women in senior roles. Domino’s Pizza, JD Sports and Greene King are among those that have called out by financial trade sector body The Investment Association and the Hampton-Alexander review, a diversity study backed by the government.
The number of women holding the most senior jobs in the boardrooms of Britain’s biggest companies has fallen, according to a report that criticises the lack of progress made by businesses in getting more women to the top.
Analysis from Cranfield University, as part of its 20th FTSE Women on Boards Report, shows a sharp drop in the number of women occupying chief executive (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO) or other executive roles on FTSE 250 boards, and static numbers at FTSE 100 companies.
Women constitute almost half of the Nigerian’s population and its workforce. Yet the kind of work they do, the condition under which they work, and their access to opportunities for advancement at work place differ from that of men. Women are often disadvantaged in access to employment opportunities and in conditions of work as compared to men. In addition, many women forgo or curtail employment because of family responsibilities. The removal of obstacles and inequalities faced by women is advantageous to an economy’s development. For example, the Beijing Declaration affirms a national commitment to the inalienable rights of women and girls and their empowerment and equal participation in all spheres of life including the economic domain.
Also, Goal 8, target 8.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men (including for young people and persons with disabilities), as well as equal pay for work of equal value by 2030.
According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) the percentage of men employed in the State Civil Service from 2014 to 2015 was higher than the percentage of women for both senior and junior positions.
The average percentage of women employed in the State Civil Service from 2010 to 2015 in each category (junior and senior) was 38.16 per cent, while it was 68.84 per cent for men.
Also, men dominated employment in federal MDAs while women on grade level 01 –17 plus Special grade level was 34.67, 35.08 and 32.79 per cent for 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively.
In the financial services sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had in 2014 directed that 40 per cent of banks’ top management and 30 per cent of board directors should be women.
Reports revealed that that women constitute only 22.3 per cent of the total board appointments in Nigerian banks, while their counterparts make up 77.7 per cent since 2014.
However, FBNHoldings, Nigeria’s leading financial holding company and parent company to FirstBank is no doubt exemplary at representing the change, thus demonstratively redefined the Women in Business trajectory with women occupying various leadership positions, positioning the financial group powerhouse as a leading institution at driving Gender Balance in the Boardroom.
Leading the pack of women in the board across the group structure which comprises FirstBank and its subsidiaries , FBNQuest is Ibukun Awosika whom has been Chairman of FirstBank since 2016. Prior to being the Chairman, she was a Non-Executive Director. since 2016 . The representation further cuts across the group entity of its parent company, FBNHoldings. Other companies across the group, FBNQuest and FBNInsurance are also not left out.
Otunba Debola Osibogun, Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Cecilia Akintomide (OON), Independent Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Oluwande Muoyo, Independent Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Dr. Omobola Johnson, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Merchant Bank; Oyinkansade Adewale, Non-Executive/Independent Director, FBNQuest Merchant Bank.
Others are Kehinde Adenrele, Chairman, FBNInsurance, Folake Ani-Mumuney,Chairman, FBNInsurance Brokers; Ijeoma Agboti, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Capital; Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Asset Management; Titi Adebiyi, Independent Director, FBN General Insurance and Margaret Dawes, Non-Executive Director, FBNInsurance.
With such an admirably notable representation, it is no surprise that only recently, Women Corporate Directors (WCD) – Nigerian Chapter – had FirstBank host its meeting, held on Thursday, 3 October 2019 with 60 female directors and leaders of various organisations across various industries in attendance. These women discussed pertinent corporate issues with a view to promote the continued influence of women in Business and the economy, also ensuring that the needed balance on the home front is bolstered. The keynote speaker is Osagie Okunbor, managing director SPDC & Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria.”
FBNHoldings recognition of female impact in its business operations at management level no doubt sets the tone for other institutions across other industries to promote women inclusiveness in management, thereby instrumentally shaping gender balance in the business atmosphere, thus influencing ethical practices in a cultured way worthy of consistently reiterating the recognition of female at impacting the economy and National Income as a whole. This in no small measure transcends to the political space, the cornerstone of legislative impact in the economy and business activities as a whole.
Godwin Emefiele, governor of the CBN, said recently that the Apex bank had made remarkable progress in closing the gender gap in the Bank.
“It is heartening that today, women represent 29.0 per cent of CBN staff and 29.0 percent of directors are women. Eight departmental directors and one Director General of WAMZ as against 26.0 per cent of staff and 25.0 percent of directors in 2014. Similarly, three out of 11 board members are women (27 percent)”, Emefiele said at the 2019 CBN Commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) in March, 2019.
REDTV, the fast-paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage is about to host the 4th edition of its annual party , ‘The Redtv Rave’ on November 30, 2019. Powered by the United Bank for Africa (UBA), this year’s rave which is themed ‘The shutdown’, is where everyone wants to be.
From the crème de la crème of entertainment to high profile business moguls, the premium entertainment Brand, REDTV, will host creatives and guests to an unforgettable night on November 30th, 2019, kicking off the ‘Dirty December’ party season.
The Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta, who spoke excitedly about the rave, stated that a lot has gone into the preparation of this party, where over 5,000 guests are expected. “The REDTV rave is an expression of the fact that REDTV is more than just an entertainment platform, it is a lifestyle and an expression of our language and culture as we constantly connect with members of the creative industry who have been changing the narrative across music, film, fashion and the Arts on the African continent. It is a way to say thank you to all our fans who have followed closely, the successes of some of our shows like The Men’s Club, Boutique Hotel, Our Best Friend’s Wedding and Inspector K, amongst many others’.
The performing artists at this year’s rave include a headline of Burna Boy, Olamide and Jidenna. Also performing are rising star, Fireboy, Tems, Ajebutter22, SDC, BOJ, DRB with Dj Concequence and Dj Sparrow on ground to ensure the music flows. Registration to the rave is free and drinks and food are also complimentary as guests get a chance to mingle with some of their favourite celebrities.
REDTV is a fast paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by the United Bank for Africa, the network is an entertainment platform with rich content that feature the very best of Africa.
The yuletide season comes to life in Lagos as Zenith Bank Plc lights up Ajose Adeogun Street with the theme “LET THERE BE LIGHT”
This year marks the 14th year since the traditional Light up Ceremony at the Ajose Adeogun roundabout came to be. The official lighting was done by Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu the GMD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc supported by Executive management, staff and customers in attendance.
Speaking during the Light up Ceremony, the GMD/CEO said “Ajose Adeogun Street has come to be recognized by not only Lagosians, but Nigerians in general as an iconic place and tourist attraction because of the beautiful decorations adorning its length and breadth during the yuletide season. In fact, people from all walks of life visit with their friends and families to take pictures of this wonderful spectacle, especially at night and enjoy the ambience of the street and season.”
The light up ceremony came shortly after the ‘Zenith Bank Aspire Music Festival’, which took place in September and is part of the Bank’s line up of events ushering in the yuletide season and end of the year festivities. Others include ‘The Zenith Bank Tech Fair, Style by Zenith 2.0 and Zenith Bank Christmas Youth Parade. These events are in line with the Bank’s retail business drive and continued commitment to customers as they are guaranteed opportunities to network and enjoy discounts on products displayed at these events.
Leader in property development and housing, RevolutionPlus Property Ltd has struck a dual partnership with star actress Omoni Oboli as the company unveiled the leading role interpreter in the movie industry as its latest brand ambassador.
According to Bamidele Onalaja, Chief Executive Officer of RevolutionPlus, the deal will see Omoni Oboli headline mostly the construction arm of RevolutionPlus while the company will in turn partner with the actress on two of her upcoming projects; Sisi London and Unfaithful.
Onalaja had earlier hinted that the RevolutionPlus settled for Oboli out of the many that were screened for the role because of her track record in the industry and being a scandal-free thespian who will be an asset to the RevolutionPlus brand.
According to him, “her wealth of experience and character will boost RevolutionPlus’ profile of integrity and excellence.”
While justifying the company’s choice of Omoni Oboli as the new face of the property giant, Tolu Onalaja, Executive Director, RevolutionPlus maintained that the company settled for Oboli since “we share similar values of excellence and trust” saying it’s a relationship that will be to the benefit of our customers.
Moments after she signed the contract and was unveiled as a brand ambassador of the leading property merchandising company in Nigeria, Omoni Oboli said: “I am attracted to RevolutionPlus because the company radiates trust and excellence being rare qualities we have in common.”
She noted that Nigerians in the diaspora need the services of integrity proved property companies like RevolutionPlus because “Nigerians in the diaspora have been duped in the past by family, friends and mushroom property companies, who they send money to for the purpose of acquiring and developing properties and ended up with nothing. 
It is definitely a week for sporting events as philanthropic billionaire businessman Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation will be hosting golf enthusiasts to a great time on the green with One Day Par-3 Golf Tournament on Saturday 23rd November at Royal Golf Course, Idumuje Ugboko Aniocha North Local Government, Delta State.
This is the second sporting event in one week that has something to do with the foundation of this billionaire with milk of kindness, he had earlier in the week brought in foreign coaches, football agents and football scouts into Abuja the country capital under the Prince Ned Nwoko’s Foundation Soccer Star Project. The project which is a football talent hunt where grassroots players are given opportunity to be coached by foreign tacticians after which their talents will be exposed to the football agents and scouts who will be picking 40 best for a footballing tour of Europe.
The golf tournament is the third edition of the yearly sporting event that is promoting tourism and sport development in the country. According to close source, this year’s event will even be greater as it will attract known international golfers with lots of prices to be won.
Prince Ned Nwoko’s Foundation is a non-governmental, non-partisan ethnic neutral organization that is dedicated to improving sport, tourism and environment while working tirelessly to better the lives of an average Nigerian.
For Participation and inquiries contact @megastar_magazine on Instagram or call 07053111111
Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s Most Innovative Banking Service Provider celebrated International Men’s Day 2019 themed: “Making a difference for Men and Boys”, with event held at every Experience Centres- ECs (branches) of the bank across the country.
The financial institution leveraged on this theme and coined a personal theme, which is “Break the Ice; Inspire another Man”.
To help chart a path that will champion gender parity in grand style, the male staff had engaging activities which include a men’s bonding/mentorship session with various appealing subject of discussions in the ECs, where the senior colleagues initiated the talks alongside other male staff contributed freely to break into the parity ice; pry into how to excel in their homes, career, mental health, politics, family, education, sports and other endeavours of life. Also, as part of the activities are a themed dressing for the men (Club Jerseys or Polo Shirts on Jeans or Beige Chinos) and a celebration of the men by their female colleagues.
Commemorating the International Men’s Day celebrated annually in various countries around the world, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo emphasized that its serves as an opportunity to highlight the issues affecting the male gender and to also appreciate the men around us.
“At the core of our services, we recognise the need for gender equality. As we know that International Women’s Day is observed on 8 March globally. In the same way, there is a day for Men’s on 19th Novembers, which is also observed worldwide. This day highlight the positive difference that men bring to the world, communities and to their families. It also raises awareness about men’s well-being and issues that men face on a global scale,” he explained.
Addressing the Management and staff of the institution, Sekibo who recognised the immense contributions of the male counterparts, noted, “we are proud to affirm that having you men in different capacities working to imbed a difference in this organization have proved you worthy to be celebrated.
“Strong yet supportive, tough yet so kind…You sacrifice all your life for the family to bring a smile on their faces…You toil in the office just to support your colleagues and the organization.”
He, however, assured the staff, “we also understand that having a family and a career can be a balancing act and strive to support all our staff to ensure that each person is able to reach their full career potential while maintaining a good work-life balance. Maintaining a fulfilled workforce is important to us, whilst we conversely ensure that all our clients have the best possible experience.
“So, here’s a special thank you to all our male brilliant staff who are helping to create a more gender-inclusive world.”
Heritage bank did not fail to celebrate its loyal male customers with the bank helmsman, Sekibo via deploying special messages acknowledged their positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, childcare and to the environment.
Just like the proverbial cat of many lives, corruption in Nigeria seems to possess several lives as it will not just die despite the current administration’s claim that it has reduced the despicable act to the barest minimum. It was reliably gathered that the Civil Servants saddle with the responsibility of employing and confirming workers has turned their position to money making venture, to the chagrin of many Nigerians that truly deserve the job.
Sources revealed to www.societygazetteng.com that employment into the Federal Civil Service Commission in Nigeria is no longer based best suited in terms of qualification, but on who you know and how much you can cough out, insiders squeak that you must know somebody well placed or ready to pay between N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to N800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) depending on who your link to the recruitment office is to get employment into the federal civil service in Nigeria.
This sad occurrence is not restricted to a particular ministry as it cut across ministries and parastatals of the Federal Government, since all employments are done in the Abuja head office of various ministries, the act usually take place under the nose of different organisations saddled with the responsibilities of stamping out corrupt practices in the country.
Our sources also revealed that for years now the civil service commission compulsory confirmation examinations, which is supposed to be the last step of completely absolving the new recruits into the civil service has also been bedeviled with allegations of large scale corrupt practices which will see the new recruits being asked to pay a certain compulsory amount of money which is meant to be use in settling those who will be marking their exams, has unconfirmed story claimed those who decided not to pay the previous times end-up failing the confirmation exams.
This has allegedly been the way of doing things in all ministries and parastatals, with none of the agencies saddled with the responsibility of tackling such looking the other way.
It would be recalled that earlier in the year, the Head of Service, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, had resigned her position after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had grilled her over an alleged contract scam to the tune of N3billion with about N600million traced to the account of one of her key aides.
It was reported that she came into the picture when the EFCC were investigating a former minister whose ministry she had worked as a Permanent Secretary. This has forced her to call it quit and since her decision to resign no charges has been brought against her. A decision many said is feeding the fuel into the fire of unending corruption consuming the Nigerian Civil Service.
As part of sustained efforts to promote ethical values and professionalism within the bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, weekend disclosed plans to participate in this year edition of the Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week. Commencing on November 3 and running up until Friday, November 08, the bank has organised series engagement initiatives that are part of the annual activities around the celebration.
Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week, organised annually by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) provides organisations with the ideal occasion to demonstrate their extensive and comprehensive compliance and ethics programmes in a manner that strengthens its ideals while educating employees.
Commenting on the celebration, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo pointed out that the bank remains committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in its dealings with customers.
“Guided by the Fidelity Code of Business Conduct & Ethical Policy, we expect our employees to uphold its tenets always, and act in a way that reflects the bank’s principles. We have instituted an Ethics Committee to drive this agenda and intervene in guiding staff when necessary”, he stated.
Okonkwo also promised to put the best interest of its teeming customers first, adding that strict adherence to proper ethical values has helped sustain the bank’s standing as a socially responsible organisation and good corporate citizen.
As part of the Compliance & Ethics Week, the bank will conduct a host of engaging staff activities including trivia contest, quiz and lectures. “The focus is to remind ourselves of the need to imbibe ethical values within the organisation even as we strive to build an enduring institution”, concluded Okonkwo.
Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 5 million customers who are serviced across its 250 business offices and various digital banking channels. The bank remains focused on select niche corporate banking sectors as well as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and its currently driving its retail banking businesses through its robust digital banking channels.
Nigeria’s premier and leading financial services provider, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Golf Championship scheduled to Tee-Off on Friday, 15 November 2019 is now listed amongst the golf tournaments in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). The WAGR is offered by the R&A and the United States Golf Association as a global service to golf. Through incorporation and assessment worldwide of both amateur and professional events, WAGR™ encourages the international development of the competitive game.
Since 1894, FirstBank has continued to promote the growth and development of sports in Nigeria. Apart from the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship which the Bank has supported for 57 years, the Bank has sponsored the Georgian Cup of the Kaduna Polo Tournament for 100 years. Other sports supported by the Bank include; the Dala Hardcourt Tennis, Kano for 32 years and for over a combined 30 years, the Bank has sponsored and owned the popular Elephant Girls Basketball club – which has remained a dominant force in the Nigerian Women Basketball league for many years – and the Elephant boys football club. The highpoint of these is the 2019 100th unbroken years of sponsoring the Kaduna Polo Tournament, widely attributed as the longest running sports sponsorship in the world and a Guinness Book of Records potential.
The 56-hole golf tournament, to be played over three days would be rounded off with a grand finale and awards ceremony on Sunday, 17 November 2019. Other activities to be held in the course of the tournament are the “Professional Coaching Clinic” to nurture the skills of young and upcoming talents and “Beat the Pro Skills competition”. The 2018 edition which had over 260 golfers in attendance was won by Sam Njoroge from Kenyan.
Speaking on the Bank’s sponsorship of the tournament, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said; “We are excited at the giant strides achieved with the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship. The championship is now one of the international golf events where all amateur golfers worldwide can now participate and amass points to aid their WAGR rankings.”
“FirstBank has been in the business of supporting sports in Nigeria throughout its 125 years of existence. We have partnered with individuals and institutions to provide support, not only in the sports arena, but also in Education, the Arts and Small and Medium Enterprises”, he concluded.
