Lagos Assembly Suggests Ways To Strengthen Naira Against Dollar
The Lagos State House of Assembly has decried the continued downward slide in the value of the naira against the dollar.
As at Tuesday, a dollar hovered between N1,474 and N1,500 and the lawmakers, at plenary, advised the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on some bold steps to take so as to shore up the value of the naira.
Part of the resolutions by the House was that the federal government should come up with a mechanism to reduce foreign trips for seminars and conferences by ministries and agencies adding that this should apply to states.
While stressing the need to strengthen security across the nation, the House also called on the CBN “to embark on sensitisation of Nigerians on the steps being taken by the apex bank to reduce the pressure on naira while informing on the expected roles of Nigerians at this time.”
The Assembly urged that depositors of dollars in banks can be engaged for an acceptable arrangement where such funds can be utilised by the government to help reduce pressure on the naira.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, lamented the disparity between the dollar and naira while commending the CBN for taking some measures with the hope that such actions would yield positive results.
Dr. Obasa, who further commended the National Assembly for inviting the CBN governor for discussion recently, said: “In my opinion, the CBN and government should embark on sensitisation and information dissemination to make people understand what the government is doing.
The pressure on the naira is too much, but the CBN should make sure that national interest is supreme.”
Obasa urged the government to regulate religious pilgrimages as they attract undue interest in dollars and put pressure on the naira. According to him, this action could be sustained until the naira stabilises.
“To save the naira, the federal government and states can stop foreign conferences and seminars. If possible, we can bring the resource persons to Nigeria to deliver their lectures.
We all need to look inward to support the government.
“Locally, some people in Nigeria doing businesses demand dollars instead of naira. Even at parties now, you see people spray dollars instead of naira. We need a way out and to do this, we need the support of citizens. That’s the essence of sensitisation.
Speaking earlier under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe Constituency 2), said the current naira-dollar disparity is the direct consequence of the policies of the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN.
According to him, the naira will gain strength if measures including fixing the nation’s refineries, strengthening the education and health sectors are taken.
“I think the current CBN governor should work on moral suasion to get people to pull out the dollars in their domiciliary account,” he said.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Insecurity: Lagos Assembly Tasks NASS on Immediate Commencement of Constitutional Amendment
– reiterates call for state police
In response to the growing threats of kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in Nigeria, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the National Assembly to commence urgent constitutional amendment to allow for the creation of state police.
At a plenary session on Monday presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the House also called for the proper equipping of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, a body initiated by Speaker Obasa and backed by law to support other security agencies in the state.
Expressing concern over the pervasive insecurity across the country, Dr. Obasa, who spoke under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, said: “At the weekend, we heard of the attack on a commercial bus and the passengers abducted.”
Highlighting a recent kidnapping incident in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, Obasa noted the constant call by the House for the establishment of state police adding that the country’s security system is overstretched.
“This time around the National Assembly should be our focus. They don’t have to wait till the twilight of their tenure to start a constitutional amendment.
“This administration is at the beginning of its four years. So the National Assembly should begin the amendment now and we should be part of it to put an end to the issue of state police,” he said.
The Speaker allayed fears that governors could hijack the state police to their advantage as he said the law should put a system in place to check excesses.
While urging the Lagos government to allocate a specific percentage from the Security Trust Fund to empower and strengthen the Neighbourhood Safety Corps of the state, Obasa said it would be good for the root causes of insecurity to be addressed through effective youth engagement initiatives including sports.
“We must consider factors that lead to insecurity. Poverty – in this period of rising inflation – we can continue bringing relief to our people. Sports has been a very effective tool to take our youth away from crime,” he added.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Aro Moshood, who represents Ikorodu Constituency 2, shared a harrowing account of the recent kidnapping incident in Igbogbo Bayeku, Ijede Local Council Development Area, and appealed to the government for enhanced security surveillance in the area.
Hon. Ajayi Oladele representing Ibeju-Lekki Constituency 2 stressed the need for proactive measures by the government noting the influx of people into Lagos without proper accommodation plan.
Hon. Nureni Akinsanya representing Mushin Constituency 1 urged the state government to equip the Neighbourhood Safety Corps.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly
Sustain Late Wigwe’s Legacies, Lagos Assembly Tells Late Banker’s Colleagues
– House observes a minute silence
The Lagos State House of Assembly resumed plenary on Monday with a call on colleagues of late banker, Herbert Wigwe, to sustain his legacies.
Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, lost his life in a helicopter crash in the United States of America. He was with his wife, Doreen, son and Abimbola Ogunbajo, a former chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group.
Speaking under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described Wigwe’s demise as “shocking, painful, disturbing and unexpected.”
Dr. Obasa recalled his last encounter with the late Wigwe on their way back to Lagos from Abuja describing the deceased as one who was passionate about Nigeria’s development.
“The demise of Wigwe is painful because this is someone who struggled to establish himself in terms of professionalism, his contributions and activities in the banking industry and even his personal life.
“There is no doubt that he was a philanthropist, at least we know of the Lagos City Marathon which he had supported for many years.
“My last encounter with him was on my way from Abuja to Lagos in his aircraft. Within the one-hour flight, we had a lot of discussions,” the Speaker said recalling how Wigwe spoke concerning the economy, the nation and its polity.
“All we can do now is mourn and accept what happened as what fate has brought upon us. He did not die alone. His wife, son and friend were with him.
“The lesson from this is that even though none of us wants to die, we must put the best of us in our relationships with others and contribute our best to our society and nation as these are what people will remember after us.
“I want to urge his colleagues to sustain his legacies, his philanthropic activities part of which is the Lagos City Marathon which has been expanded beyond the shores of Nigeria as well as the Wigwe University which, I am sure, was for the benefit of Nigerians,” the Speaker added as he prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.
In their contributions, some of the lawmakers described the late Wigwe as a man who was humble despite his financial strength.
“Though very wealthy, he brought himself to understanding people. He was a friend of this state for many years. He despised domestic violence and spoke against it vehemently,” Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliot said.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun also described the late banker as easy-going and unassuming.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Kayode Ajulo’s Nomination: A Masterstroke by Governor Aiyedatiwa
After the series of events that led to the appointment of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the substantive governor of Ondo State, there was great anticipation among interested Nigerians, residents of Ondo State, and other stakeholders regarding the new commissioner nominees. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s release of the nomination list partially quelled the suspense. As expected, the list included the names of former commissioners who had stood by him during his path to power.
However, what surprised everyone was the inclusion of the renowned legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo. Ajulo’s name on the list created a buzz and became the center of discussion across various media platforms.
While some people argued that Ajulo’s stature as a self made successful lawyer was too big for a commissioner role, others praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his decision. The general consensus, excluding the opposition and cynics, was that the governor had made a strategic move and accomplished a significant feat by convincing someone of Kayode Ajulo’s caliber to join his administration. The appointment of Ajulo, a young successful legal figure, was seen as a substantial asset to governance in the state. It sent a strong message to the opposition that Governor Aiyedatiwa was well-equipped to handle challenges and had more plans up his sleeve.
It is worth noting that Ajulo played a crucial role in breaking the grip of a cabal that held the state hostage during the illness of the late governor. His legal intervention and public declaration exposed the forgery of the late governor’s signature and put an end to their manipulative tactics. While some mischievous individuals propagated the idea that Ajulo sided with Aiyedatiwa during the struggle to secure an appointment, those in the know dismissed it as a baseless falsehood. They affirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa recognized Ajulo’s experience and wanted to utilize it for the benefit of the state. The governor believed that Ajulo’s inclusion would contribute to the successful administration of the state, especially during crucial times.
Commentators and pundits commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his decision to bring Ajulo on board. They recognized it as a step in the right direction, highlighting Ajulo’s expertise and worldwide contacts in the legal profession and politics.
Many believed that Ajulo’s appointment as Attorney General would greatly enhance governance in the state and unsettle the opposition. They considered Governor Aiyedatiwa’s move as a demonstration of his visionary leadership and ability to achieve results.
Contrary to the claims of cynics, Ajulo’s appointment received widespread commendation from various groups and well-meaning individuals. It was viewed as a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ability to identify capable individuals for important roles.
Ajulo’s presence at the Assembly confirmation ceremony of the commissioner nominees further solidified this perception. Dressed impeccably and surrounded by supporters and admirers, he captivated everyone’s attention. The applause that filled the chamber when his impressive profile was read out attested to his remarkable credentials and garnered immense admiration.
Overall, Kayode Ajulo’s nomination as a commissioner by Governor Aiyedatiwa was seen as a masterstroke. It showcased the governor’s astuteness and brought accolades from various quarters.
Ajulo’s inclusion was considered a valuable addition to the state’s executive council, with his exceptional qualifications and reputation preceding him as many are praying that his contribution to national discourse and development should not be abated.
Access Holdings Plc Announces the Passing of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR
The Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has announced the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’). Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones. Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.
Commenting on the passage of Dr. Wigwe, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings said:
“The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman. He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.
We remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”
Dr. Wigwe was instrumental in the growth of Access Bank, which he co-founded with his friend and business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. He took over as Access Bank Group CEO in 2014, focusing on the Bank’s expansion in Nigeria and Africa before taking the helm at Access Holdings in 2022. Under his leadership, Access Bank drove its African strategy to become Sub Saharan Africa’s largest retail bank by customer base.
Dr. Wigwe was a member of the Access Bank UK board as well as the board of the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA). He has long been an advocate for the eradication of malaria in Africa, working with the Corporate Alliance on Malaria to support this objective. He also sat on the board of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and Friends Africa and was an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Institute of Credit Administration.
A two-time winner of the African Banker of the Year award from the African Banker Awards, Dr. Wigwe was a passionate advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which form the bedrock of Access Holdings’ growth strategy.
His academic credentials include a degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University), and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London. He also completed the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.
Dr. Wigwe recently founded Wigwe University, Africa’s first ivy league institution dedicated to providing a world-class education and raising the next generation of fearless leaders.
Ministry Announces Selection of Learning Community Managers for 3MTT Initiative
Following the announcement of the N1 billion partnership with IHS Nigeria to support the 3MTT Learning Community, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy is proud to announce the 3MTT Community Managers for all 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The selection of Learning Community Managers marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower Nigeria’s tech talents. These individuals will play a crucial role in managing and assisting participants in the 3MTT programme as they leverage the Learning Platform designed by IHS Nigeria. With their guidance, 3MTT participants will have the support they need to navigate the learning platform and maximise their learning experience.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovations & Digital Economy, expressed his excitement about the collaborative effort, stating that significant collaboration between the public and private sectors is required for the national digital transformation journey. This partnership with IHS Nigeria is the first of many that will help achieve our goal to make Nigeria a net exporter of tech talent, as outlined in the Strategic Blueprint.
As part of IHS Nigeria’s support, the company has committed to paying the salaries of the 37 dedicated learning community managers nationwide. Additionally, access to the IHS Learning Platform will play a significant role in supporting 3MTT talent development efforts.
Mohamad Darwish, the CEO of IHS Nigeria stated that the company’s collaboration with the Federal Government on the 3MTT initiative aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy’s Strategic Plan. He went further to mention that the initiative also aligns with one of their sustainability pillars which is Education. He continued by saying that investing in digital skills helps to build a skilled and qualified talent pool that will stimulate job creation, innovations, business growth, and the diversification of the economy. It is further evidence of IHS’s continued commitment to building a prosperous nation, along with their recently announced milestone commemorating a rollout of over 10,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, which is aimed at improving the quality and access to broadband and next-generation digital services for individuals, businesses, and organisations throughout the Country.
As we continue to build momentum, we look forward to seeing the impact and the contributions of the 3MTT Community Managers in empowering Nigeria’s tech talents.
Adron Homes Announces Massive ‘Love’ Discount to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
February 14 known globally as Valentine’s Day is a special day celebrated across the world to show love and affection to our loved ones. It’s the only day celebrated by all sundry regardless of their race, religion and class strata. Adron Homes and Properties, one of the giant real estate companies in Nigeria, celebrates this day with its customers by offering them discounted prices on all their landed properties and homes.
In celebration of this year’s edition, Adron Homes and Properties have rolled out a massive Valentine’s Discount Promo for both existing and prospective customers. You can gift your loved ones a piece of land from Adron Homes as it is a unique and valuable asset that portrays commitment and investment qualities.
Adron Homes has made it easy for customers to buy a piece of land and they will personally deliver the property papers to your loved ones as a proper Valentine’s Gift with pomp with your cakes, and perfumes, roses and cards. Adron Homes has various landed properties located in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Niger, Abuja, Nasarawa, Jos, and other places. This is a good Valentine’s gift idea because it will create memories that cannot be forgotten in a hurry. It’s a unique and valuable asset that portrays commitment and investment qualities.
To take advantage of this offer, you can visit any of Adron Homes and Property offices nationwide or contact them via their social media channels on Facebook (Adronhomesofficial), Twitter (@adronhomes), and Instagram (@adronhomesofficial). You can also visit their website at www.adronhomesproperties.com to read more about Adron Homes and schedule an inspection with their well-trained sales representative who is always ready to answer your questions and take you round their facilities.
With Adron Homes and Properties, you can make memories that will last a lifetime. Use this opportunity to surprise your loved ones with a piece of land in a well-secured estate with the best amenities like perimeter fence, 24/7 Surveillance Camera, Security, Interlocked roads, massive gatehouse, recreational ground, Mall, street light, Concrete Drainage, well-ventilated and green areas, swimming pool, Gym, and many more. A Valentine’s gift is incomplete without a land purchase document from Adron Homes. Let us be part of your love story. Visit us today and put a smile on the faces of your loved ones.
Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) Boss Jesam Michael Bags NASRE Fintech CEO of the Year Award
Jesam Michael, the Chief Executive Officer of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS), has been awarded the ‘Fintech CEO of the Year’ by the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors, NASRE, while his company, AAS, picked the ‘Most Secure and Reliable Fintech Company of the Year 2023.’
Additionally, Jesam Michael was honoured as the patron of the association.
The awards presentation and decoration were held on Thursday, 25th of January, 2024, at the Lagos headquarters of the company with top members of the AAS community, traditional rulers, and veteran media practitioners in attendance.
The awards and decoration, according to the association’s president, President, Femi Oyewale , was in acknowledgment of Jesam Michael’s giant strides in financial technology, his efforts to support the Nigerian government in alleviating poverty, his innovations that are geared towards national development, among many others.
The association explained that Jesam Michael was selected after a meticulous study of his works, which put him in the position of an enigma that deserves to be honoured. Micheal was applauded by the association for reducing unemployment and driving federal government policies on financial inclusion.
‘’There are people who are innovating and making giant strides in a manner that makes Nigeria worthy of competing with other nations in the world, Jesam Micheal is unarguably one of them. We are here to honour a man who deserves to be honoured. He is defeating unemployment, and this is not about giving him honour alone, What we are doing today is to encourage him to continue what he is doing.’’
‘’Jesam Micheal is driving federal government policies on financial inclusion and all he needs is our encouragement so that in years to come, Nigeria will have individuals in this country that will be recognized worldwide playing their roles in different sectors.’’
‘’As an association, we fight what is bad and promote what is good. AAS has to be sustained, and we will always be behind you as you continue to put Nigeria on the map for good.’’
In his acceptance speech, Jesam Micheal appreciated the association for honouring him with their presence and awards. He expressed joy while underscoring the weight of the awards and decoration, making it known that they are the reasons he accepted to be part of the Nigerian association of online social and resourceful editors.
’’My happiness and joy goes to these awards, I am happy and glad this is coming at the right time. We never lobbied for it. We never ran for it, I have about 32 awards on the line, but I selected this due to the calibre of people that belong to this association.’’
‘’From the depth of my heart, I am happy for this award because it’s not just coming from a group of members that came up to talk but the caliber of people in the association are mind blowing. ‘’
He stated that his decision to build technology was borne out of the need to support the government instead of joining the crowd to fault them.
‘’You don’t fight the government, but you use tech to help the government. Most of them don’t know what to do, so if you know what to do to help them, build tech. You don’t call them names or fight them, build tech.’’
Speaking on how he has been able to scale through all these years, Jesam Micheal explained that his focus has kept him going and that despite the challenges; he remained resilient. He shared with well-wishers how he has been able to build AAS into a system that runs in milliseconds for the first time in history.
‘’I have seen gladiators who fought tooth and nail to bring me down, but I keep telling them my hands are clean, and there’s nothing that can be done to bring me down. When they say what I am doing won’t see the light of the day, I tell them to go to bed because when they wake, I will be far gone.’’
‘’I also want to say that whatsoever you are doing, you need to close your ear not to hear, eyes not to see, and mouth not to talk but before this, your mind is focused towards what you want to do.’’
‘’When I shared my dream, they said it wouldn’t work, but before they knew it, AAS was already built into a system that runs in milliseconds for the first time. Everything, including transactions and payments, is done in milliseconds. We had challenges, even internal challenges, and they thought we had crashed, but it worked.’’
Continuing, Jesam Micheal shared the several innovative techniques of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) and other revolutionary plans of the company, which are all geared towards national development.
‘’For the first time in the history of the world, a system called Token has been built and is currently going through testing. We went in and changed disadvantages to advantages. We have built one of the biggest e-commerce platforms whereby anywhere you are in the world, you can order any gadget in the Apple family and get it delivered to you. Very soon, you will be using our platform to recharge electricity here, You will soon be using our platform to recharge cards and many more. We have also come up with a digital solar powered estate whereby you can monitor your property wherever you are because it is 100% digital.’’
ABOUT Nigerian Association Of Social And Resourceful Editors (NASRE)
The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) is a dynamic assembly of media professionals encompassing a diverse range of industries. Headquartered in Lagos, this burgeoning association comprises media entrepreneurs who are actively engaged in print, broadcast, and digital platforms. The association serves as a vibrant hub where professionals from various sectors converge, fostering collaboration and synergy among individuals dedicated to the evolution and advancement of media in Nigeria.
Adron Homes Rewards Continental Business Challenge Winners to an All-Expense-Paid Holiday, Promises More Staff Welfare
To strengthen commitment by rewarding exceptional staff and also creating a more competitive working atmosphere, the management of Adron Homes and Properties has sponsored 10 staff to a fully paid trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania for winners of the 2023 Continental Business Challenge.
These set of staff were exceptional in their plans towards the growth of the company during warfare that took place at the company’s office in Simawa, Ogun state where they were carefully selected by a panel of judges based on their individual and team performance for their lofty ideas, beautiful and well-detailed pitch and disruptive innovative ideas. Over the years Adron Homes has given back to its staff by ensuring more exposure and also allowing seeing the world through all-expense-paid trips to countries across the world.
While the 10 winners of the Challenge were departing for the Muritala Muhammad International Airport earlier today to catch their flight to Tanzania, the Group Managing Director; Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing hosted them in his office where he admonished them to be good ambassadors of the company as they embarked on the journey. He also enjoined them to seize the opportunity to come up with more disruptive ideas that will add to the growth of the property firm, while he also thanked them for their immense contribution to the growth of the company last year.
“I want to congratulate you all for being selected. You all did a good job as it does not come easy. Many were called to partake in the warfare but few were chosen as winners; it shows your commitment and flare for the job.”
“I want you all to stay committed and also use the opportunity to see the world in a different dimension. Travelling is a form of exposure and education; while you are enjoying it, also try to educate yourselves. The country you are visiting makes a huge amount of money from tourism and real estate. You can come up with disruptive ideas that Adron Homes can replicate in Nigeria which will also be a game changer for the company. I believe you all and I wish you a very stress-free holiday. On our part as a company, we will continue to give you a wing to soar higher.” He further added.
HOW CHINEDU NSOFOR CHANGED THE NARRATIVES AT UNN THROUGH HIS WORK WHILE IN SCHOOL INITIATIVE By Don Peter Okoro
Chinedu Afamuefuna Nsofor is a highly respected, celebrated and dynamic Social Worker, Successful Entrepreneur, Life Coach, Much Sought After Technocrat and Intellectual Giant.
Through his Foundation, the Work While In School Foundation, he has brought succour and comfort to countless number of students from different Secondary and Tertiary Institutions across Nigeria, especially the University of Nigeria Nsukka ( UNN).
QHis passion to see Students working while still Schooling has enabled him to equip and empower many students, not just to be self employed, but to become Employers of Labour as well.
Thus his very popular Work While in School Programmes recorded testimonies of how ordinary students were turned into student millionaires within a short time by the help of God.
His contributions to the progress and human capacity development of the students of UNN during his Undergraduate days as a Student Leader are still subjects of discussion many years after.
Among his numerous contributions to UNN was his ability to host not less than 7 Conferences and Programmes that positively impacted on the lives of his fellow students and projected UNN in the Frontline of Extracurricular and Human Resource Excellence.
As the Igwe of the Faculty of Social Sciences UNN, he initiated and implemented a 7 Day African Education and ICT Conference in 2010, while in his second year at UNN at a very tender age of 21years old.
Through this Conference, Chinedu Nsofor attracted prominent Nigerian Leaders to UNN, among whom was the then Chairman of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission who was also a former Presidential Aspirant and presently the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, Present also at the occasion were the former Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University ( UNIZIK), Prof. Pita Ejiofor and the CEO of Peace Mass Transit Ltd. Dr. Sam Onyishi to mention but a few.
His keynote resource person flew into the country from the United Kingdom just to facilitate on the programme. This Conference was a partnership project between the Work While In School Foundation and the Institute of African Studies (UNN) and his office as the Igwe of the Faculty of Social Sciences UNN.
The Conference served as a platform to train over 3000 students of UNN in Entrepreneurship in 7 Faculties of UNN with the Deans of the respective Faculties declaring Lecture Free Days for the Training.
The 7 Days Conference went down in history as the biggest Work While In School Conference in the annals of UNN as the Conference attracted a N5 Million Scholarship Fund for students and also a N50 Million donation to the Institute of African Studies UNN both by a renowned Philanthropist and CEO of Peace Mass Transit Dr. Sam Onyishi.
Chinedu Nsofor also, in his final year initiated and implemented another Work While In School Conference. This particular one was organized by the Work While In School Foundation and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research UNN.
Happy with the Innovation, the Centre embodied the Work While In School Initiative of Chinedu Nsofor as a compulsory entrepreneurship programme for all 3rd year students of UNN by signing a Memorandum Of Understanding ( MOU) with him for partnership to implement the project in UNN and Nationwide.
Thus Chinedu Nsofor broke a Record in UNN by becoming the first undergraduate student to sign an MOU with the University.
This Conference attracted another 2,500 students. Chinedu Nsofor through this Conference once again attracted prominent Nigerian Leaders to UNN including Prof. Osita Ogbu ( Former Economic Adviser To The President and a Former Minister for National Planning) who was the Guest Speaker, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR was again present. Chief Iwuanyanwu was so moved by the Impact made through the Conference and by the sight of such a large gathering of students which he described as the largest student gathering he had ever witnessed, that he announced to institute the Iwuanyanwu Entrepreneurship Development Foundation, which was estimated to cost him over N100 Million.
While still in his final year at UNN, an Organization, the Great Minds International, identified Chinedu Nsofor as an exceptional Student Leader and decided to celebrate him alongside the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences,Prof. Emma Ezeani as they rounded off their tenures as Igwe FOSSSA and Dean of Social Sciences UNN respectively.
The Organization therefore partnered with the Work While In School Foundation and the Faculty of Social Sciences to Organize a colourful Global impact show dedicated in honour of Chinedu Nsofor and Prof. Emma Ezeani.
The event was massively attended as the day was declared a Lecture Free day by the Faculty Administration. In recognition of his immense contributions to the empowement of UNN students and for his examplary leadership qualities, Chinedu Nsofor while still a student of UNN was honoured by many Institutions and Organizations, among which are: Most Political Student of UNN By the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, The Most Popular Student Award by the National Association of Social Work Students UNN. UNN Most Acknowledged Personality of the Year By the Archeology Students Association of UNN, Leadership Excellence Award By Rotract Club of UNN, Meritorious Service Award By National Association of Social Work Students UNN. Spotlight Medalist on Entrepreneurship ( Big Brother Award) UNN Raiser of the Year. By Golden Heart Foundation Lagos, in conjunction with Trailblazers, his Profile was also published in the University of Nigeria Book of Fame: Who Is Who In UNN as an Outstanding Personality of UNN. Many years after graduating from UNN, the board, entire management and staff of the department of Social Work UNN where he graduated from, wrote him officially to notify him of the unanimous decision of the department to honour him with the Premier Alumni Award in recognition of his outstanding examplification of Social Work in the Society.
This Award was bestowed on him in a very colourful Home Coming event of the department of social work in 2018. Chinedu Nsofor who is a Skilled Networker, Human Capacity Builder, Highly sought after Resource Person, A seasoned Project Management expert, Social Worker Per Excellence, Youth Mobilzer and Business Development Expert/ Consultant is always available for Consultations and strategic partnerships.
The Work While In School Initiative which is a Masterpiece he designed to question the status quo, to challenge the minds and intelligence of our young people and to spark off creativity to the glory of God, outlines curriculum on Invention, Innovation, Development and Idea Creations, it position the hands to requisite skill acquisition in line with the respective courses of study; and challenges the student to embrace virtues and Godly principles that turn ordinary men into Principal People of all ages and generation.
Upon Graduation from the University of Nigeria Nsukka with Second Class Upper Division and after successful completion of his Masters Degree Programme in Social Work at LAUTHEC.
Chinedu Nsofor at a very young age of 26 years, secured a partnership with the Federal Government through his company; the Work While in School Ventures Ltd, to implement the Work While in School Programme in all the colleges of Education in Nigeria in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the Nsukka College of Education became the first college of Education that benefited from this very impactful programme, this is because of Chinedu’s strong inclinations to Nsukka through his beloved alma mater the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
He had also earlier organized other very impactful Work While in School conferences in UNN during his National Youth Service Programme at the Presidency SURE-P, one of which was also a 7 day Conference that attracted the presence of the then Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Technical Matters who doubled as Secretary of the SURE-P Programme of the Federal Government; Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo.
Indeed time would not permit to outline the so numerous impact Chinedu Nsofor made in the University of Nigeria Nsukka during and shortly after his undergraduate days to the glory of God!
