The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Adegbulugbe appointed JABU Chancellor

    Adegbulugbe appointed JABU Chancellor

    The Chief of Energy Limited, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe has been appointed the third Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji Osun State.

    Professor Adegbulugbe will be installed as the Chancellor tomorrow.

    The university is named after the first spiritual leader of Christ Apostolic Church, Joseph Ayo Babalola (1904-1959).

    The first Chancellor of the University was Oba Oladele Olashore (CON), former Minister of Finance under Chief Ernest Shonekan’s Interim Government. The second Chancellor was Pastor Oluwawemimo Odunaiya, a co-founder of Access Bank and a Vice-Chairman of the bank from 1997 to 2003.

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    Professor Adegbulugbe is also an accomplished energy expert with considerable experience in public and private sectors nationally and internationally.

    Last June, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe was selected by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), lle-lfe for the first university award of excellence in research practice.

    Adegbulugbe was a contributor to Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC)Assessment Reports which won for the IPCC the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize along with US Vice-President, Al Gore.

  • Winners emerge at 15th ELOY Awards

    Winners emerge at 15th ELOY Awards

    The ELOY Conference and Awards, an initiative that aims at encouraging, honouring and celebrating women across sectors, has held its annual ceremony with the theme “Empowering Women through Innovation and Technology.”

     The event showcased outstanding achievements and contributions of women who are making significant impact in their various fields.

     The Commissioner for Commerce, Corporative, Trade and Investment gave a keynote address at the conference.

     She highlighted what the ministry is doing to support MSME’s.

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     Other speakers included Dr. Tewa Onasanya, the convener of ELOYs; Dr. Glory Edozien, founder, Inspired by Glory; Oreoluwa Lesi, founder, W.Tech; Dr. Peter Obadare, co-founder, Digital Encode Ltd; Tosin Ajibade, founder, Olorisupergal; Uzo Onumonu, Product Director, Tingo; Ebele Udoh-Grant, founder, ADM; Foluso Gbadamosi; Adeola Kingsley-James;  Dr Omolola Salako, Global Health Leader and Tale Alimi CEO Rouzo.

     After the session, land, N500,000 worth of advertising and N100,000 were won in a raffle draw.

     Onasanya welcomed the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and gave a speech on behalf of the governor.

     ELOY Awards 2023 winners include Tingo-Olamide of Alao Akala Umera Farms and Social Entrepreneur, Sola Adesakin

  • Varsity commences admission to 30 courses

    Varsity commences admission to 30 courses

    Hensard University,  Toru-Orua, has announced the commencement of admission into 30 courses  spread across five faculties. This was announced by the  Vice  Chancellor Prof.  Dileep Kumar on the school’s website.

     This followed the approval of the National Universities Commission, NUC, after its resource verification inspection team had a final look at facilities in the institution.

     “We are glad to announce that our admissions have started. All the details are available on our website.

     “There is a buffet of 30 courses to choose from and as has been stated we would avail students the best teaching and learning experience in the conducive environment of Toru-Orua,” the VC said.

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     The courses include, Accounting, Journalism, Computer Science,Software Engineering, Environmental Management, Animal Production and Husbandry,among others.

      Kumar noted  that admissions are also open at the university’s  Foundation School which is running a one-year programme on arts, social and management sciences, physical and natural sciences to prepare candidates for JAMB, GCE, NECO.

     “Hensard University anchors its uniqueness on its dual certifications, international linkages, access to global educational resources, experienced faculty and staff from Nigeria and abroad, research centres and institutes which work together to produce graduates who would be ethical entrepreneurs, leaders and change agents for the improvement of society,” he added.

  • Minister urges stakeholders to prioritise townhall meeting

    Minister urges stakeholders to prioritise townhall meeting

    The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is set to host a townhall security meeting with the aim of strengthening community policing strategies and capacity.

    The meeting is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of security.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry, the townhall security meeting, whose theme was “Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together,” is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 11 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The meeting is expected to produce outcomes such as enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, actionable policy insights, strengthened public trust in policing efforts, and the development of concrete strategies for community policing.

    The minister called on all stakeholders to prioritise attendance at the townhall meeting, emphasising that their presence and participation will be necessary to achieve the goals of a safer and more secure Nigeria. She stressed that the meeting aims at encouraging open dialogue and collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement bodies and the community, with the goal of building a safer Nigeria through effective community policing and engagement.

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     The statement read: “The Honorable Minister, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has hit the ground running since her appointment in the Police Affairs Ministry with innovative ideas and winning solutions. Her most recent approach to policing is the forum which ‘aims to foster an environment of collaboration and commitment to achieving a safer Nigeria through effective policing and community engagement. The Townhall Security Meeting is envisioned as a dynamic and inclusive platform that seeks to encourage open dialogue and collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the community.”

    It added that the key themes to be discussed during the event include exploring community-driven policing models, fostering partnerships between law enforcement agencies and local communities, and highlighting strategies for the continual development of the Nigeria Police ecosystem to ensure professionalism and adherence to human rights standards.

    “In light of this, the Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan who is renowned for his thorough commitment to supporting security agencies in the country alongside Remilekun Banigbe have been saddled with the task of contacting and mobilization of policy stakeholders across all sectors to attend the Townhall Meeting”

  • Policy reforms key to development, says NBA Chair

    Policy reforms key to development, says NBA Chair

    • Lagos Branch to hold bar dinner Dec. 15

    There is a need to create a favourable environment for businesses and investments to thrive, Lagos Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olabisi Makanjuola, has said.

    The subject, he said, will form the theme of the branch’s annual Bar dinner.

    At a briefing in Lagos, Makanjuola, a partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, said the dinner is scheduled to be held on December 15 at the Queens Park Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Its theme is: “Creating a favourable environment for business and investment in Nigeria through legal policies and reforms.”

    The keynote speaker is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Adekunle Sonola.

    The chairman said: “Legal policies and reforms are key to economic development.

    “So, we decided to bring the Managing Director of one of our finest banks in Nigeria to share experience with us on how businesses can stay afloat in a challenging economy.”

    Popular comedian Kiki will be the compere, while the dinner will feature a special guest artist.

    Makanjuola said the dinner, which will be free to members, is fully sponsored through funds raised by the planning committee, headed by Mr. Adeleke Alex-Adedipe.

    He said the dinner was made free for the first time in fulfilment of part of his campaign promises.

    “The annual law dinner is rooted in the finest traditions of the legal profession.

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    “It is expected to bring together legal practitioners, judges and industry helmsmen to network, celebrate and enjoy some fine dining.

    “Lawyers work a lot, and they deserve to play and rest after a good year of working hard.

    “This year’s dinner will be free of charge to all our members. However, interested members are required to have registered via the portal of the branch.

    “The requirement to attend this dinner is that you must have paid your branch dues as of March 31. For colleagues who have not paid branch dues, we’re so sorry, you will not be able to attend.”

    He said non-members can attend by paying a token of N20,000, adding that limited spaces are available.

  • Auto market gets boost with affordable SUVs

    Auto market gets boost with affordable SUVs

    The Nigerian automobile market has received a boost with the introduction of Jetour, a new brand from the Chery Holding Group.

    It offers top-class affordable luxury vehicles. The automaker said the brand was introduced in response to the market trend and consumers’ demand.

    With the slogan “Drive Your Future,” Jetour focuses on the travel and market segment, and its products are mainly sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for the satisfaction of its users.

     The brand, which is now in the Nigerian market was launched globally in 2018 to provide practical travel solutions for families and individual. Some of the features of the vehicles are unique intelligent driving and energy-saving electric system.

     The models available in the Nigerian market are X70 – Liberty; X70 Plus – Elegance; X90 Plus – Cruise and Dashing.

     Jetour said its vehicles are produced from an intelligent factory that incorporates automation, intelligent customisation, flexibility, scalability, and environmental conservation. Jetour’s goal is also to provide excellent vehicles that demonstrate individuality for today’s young people.

     The brand focuses on core new energy technologies, offering the latest comprehensive energy technology system; battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform and the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) platform. The core technologies of new energy electric vehicles such as battery, motor, electronic control, and vehicle controller have been independently applied to the different platform models.

     The automaker said its vehicles are powered by one of China’s top 10 engines.

     Jetour is the first Chinese brand with 1.6TGDI turbo-charged engine. It is also considered the first Chinese brand with direct injection gasoline (petrol) engine that meets China VI emission regulations.

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     The brand comes with the industry’s top power, the strongest Chinese brand. It enjoys the kunpeng power 2.0TGD1, golden power portfolio, 7DCT, strong power 187KW, 390N.m and 100 km/h acceleration < 8 seconds.

     Jetour said: “More than 1,000 people worked on the Kunpeng Power 2.0TGDI engine, which is based on Chery’s 23 years of positive engine development skill, a solid product development system, and an advanced verification system that relies on three main Research and Development (R and D) facilities in Europe and China (Wuhu, Shanghai). The advantages are super energy, ultra-clean, ultra-quiet, ultra-solid, and ultra-light, which took 48 months to develop.

    “It has a maximum power output of 187kW and a maximum torque output of 390N m, and the power reserve is comparable to one 3SL V6 engine.”

     The automaker has four main test locations, and the vehicles undergo 2,000,000km of rigorous verification to ensure industry-leading quality.

     Jetour has a worldwide development strategy and development vision, and its vehicles are exported to many nations globally.

  • Scholarship scheme takes off

    Scholarship scheme takes off

    Baobab Nigeria has launched its girl-child education scholarship programme.

    It advocates educational inclusivity by awarding scholarships to deserving female students.

    The initiative awarded scholarships to 16 students from Morit International School in Apapa Lagos and extended support to four girls from Rock Foundation School in Abuja.

      The ceremony for the Morit International School scholarship recipients took place at Baobab Nigeria’s headquarters in Lagos. Executives from Baobab Nigeria, in conjunction with the leadership from Morit International School presided over the event which was attended by some of the beneficiaries.

    The scholarship award for students of Rock Foundation School was unfolded at the school premises in Abuja.

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    Representatives from Baobab Nigeria and Rock Foundation School  collaborated in a ceremony that celebrated the advancement of educational opportunities for young girls.

     With a commitment to addressing the disparity between boys and girls in the classroom, promoting gender equality in education, promoting inclusive education and championing good environmental practices, both ceremonies were showcase for Baobab Nigeria’s dedication to transforming lives and creating a more inclusive society through education.

     To ensure financial empowerment, it inaugurated several branches across Nigeria

    At the inauguration of its branch in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Babatunde Omolere praised Nasarawa State’s environment which he said is conducive to business.

    He emphasized the bank’s dedication to supporting industrious individuals and drew parallels between the bank and the sturdy Baobab tree, highlighting their shared commitment to providing shelter and support.

     Omolere recounted the bank’s journey from its modest beginnings in Kaduna to its current status with 38 branches across Nigeria. He stressed the bank’s mission to serve the financially underserved in Nasarawa State, with a primary focus on facilitating business growth for those who have faced financial challenges.

     He proudly shared the bank’s achievements in Nasarawa, including over N1.5 billion in loans disbursed to about 2,000 clients in 2023 alone.

  • Lagos gets insulated panel factory

    Lagos gets insulated panel factory

    Lange and Grant Commodities Limited, a modular construction company, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art modern continuous line in Lagos.

     This was in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for  sustainability and the preservation of the planet.

     With a remarkable production capacity of one million square meters per annum, the facility stands as a pioneering milestone in green building technology and eco-friendly construction materials.

     Managing Director, Tunde Okoya, said: “We stand at the forefront of green building technology, promoting low consumption, high efficiency and economic and environmental protection.”

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     Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Commerce, Corporate Trade And Investment Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described the insulated panel factory as a testament to the vision, commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the company.

      “Our administration will continue to design policies that enable industries to flourish and transact business with ease. As we progress on this journey, I urge all stakeholders, from government agencies, businessmen and individuals, to embrace sustainable building practices, and make Lagos State a pioneer in the green building industry, setting the pace for others to follow,” he added.

     The facility  specialises in producing insulated sandwich and roof panels featuring polyurethane insulated foam, catering to a range of sectors, including commercial cold rooms, food distribution hubs, export terminals, transport terminals, airports, pharmaceuticals, food industries, schools and low cost housing.

  • Science key to making world a better place, says vcare

    Science key to making world a better place, says vcare

    The Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), a Lagos-based not-for-profit organisation, has said that getting the young people’s interest in science is key to making the world a better place.

    The organisation stated this recently at an exhibition held to commemorate World Science Day on November 27, 2023 which was held at the Government Senior College, Ikoyi in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Education for Lagos State students.

     At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TGPS) Lagos State Ministry of Education District III, Mrs Olufunke Oyetola said science plays a significant role in improving the quality of life and the exhibition provides an opportunity not only to nurture the skill set of the students to excel in life, but to also provide the future generation with the much-needed direction to turn their ideas into reality.

     The Tutor General said many of life’s challenges such as environmental degradation, healthcare gaps, technological issues are happening because people don’t have adequate knowledge on how to deploy science to solve daily challenges. For her, getting young people interested in science is crucial.

    to making the world a better place as science helps solve problems, understand our world, create new inventions and make smart choices based on facts.

     She congratulated Vcare Foundation for partnering with the Lagos State Ministry of Education to organise the science exhibition, adding that it will help make the study of science usual and not rare as young minds would not only be interested in scientific activities but also to stimulate innovation among them.

     Head, Public-Private Partnership, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr. Pot Sessi-Balogun, said science exhibitions will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.

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     He said: “Scientific literacy is important for assisting the future generation with tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the changing world. Science teaches students to solve problems, which consequently gives them an edge over others to thrive.”

     VCDF said its vision goes beyond the exhibition to empowering young people with 21st-century skill sets. It said no fewer than 5500 students and 260 science teachers in Lagos State have benefitted from the various educational enhancement interventions and teacher capacity-building workshops for the inclusive development of the young generation.

     VCDF said the science exhibition came about after a careful selection of selected schools following an orientation programme and a rigorous screening process.

     Eight schools were selected and a total of 13 projects were presented at the exhibition which was the finale. Vcare said a total of 762 students and 22 teachers in Lagos Island were screened. The students developed scientific models, with themes centered around the following Sustainable Development Goals: Affordable and Clean Energy, and Climate Action.

     Winners were declared based on the projects’ feasibility, creativity, and potential impact on sustainability and were facilitated with scientific models and tools. Brilliant science projects showcased during the exhibition not only enlightened the students but also captivated the dignitaries and guests at the event.

     Among other dignitaries at the event are Dr. Mrs. Olufunke Oyetola, Mr. Pot Sessi-Balogun – Head, Public-Private Partnership, Lagos State Ministry of Education, and Mr. Hassan Ogunfuyi, representative of Director, Science & Technology, Lagos State Ministry of Education.

  • Oyakhilome promises to touch lives

    Oyakhilome promises to touch lives

    Chancellor , Weldios University, Republic of Benin, Rev  Chris Oyakhilome,  has  promised to impact lives positively in  various sectors.

     He made the pledge at his  maiden meeting as Chancellor with the university’s board members.

     It was also after his conferment  with the  varsity’s prestigious title of  Head of Government/Chairman of Institution.

      Rev. Oyakhilome was represented at the meeting by his son, Desmond Oyakhilome.

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     While briefing the media shortly after the meeting,  Desmond Oyakhilome said: ” It’s yet another recognition of the invaluable service to the body of Christ, in particular, and humanity at large of Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome, who has continued to impact lives positively in various sectors.

     ‘’This is another call to service and to the glory of God, those who chose him have seen his numerous humanitarian works and are convinced he is fit for the honour bestowed on him.”

     Rev. Oyakhilome will work with a team of young, vibrant and dynamic board members, among whom is 43-year-old Indian, Ambassador Kirti Sudhanshu.

    Dr Sudhanshu’s appointment made it the first time in Nigeria that a young Indian lady of just 43 years old will be on the board of a Private University and of course, Weldios3 University.