The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Body Politix, Simply Fancy partner on fashion, fine fragrance

    Body Politix, Simply Fancy partner on fashion, fine fragrance

    Body Politix, brainchild of Sharon Ademefun, is set to host a pop-up event with Simply Fancy, curated by entrepreneur, Fancy Acholonu, on Sunday, at Body Politix Store in Lagos.

    Body Politix champions inclusive and affordable clothing for women. Ademefun’s journey began with a commitment to redefine beauty standards and empower women through fashion. Body Politix offers diverse stylish apparel to celebrate individuality and enhance self-confidence.

    “At Body Politix, our mission is rooted in inclusivity and empowerment,” Ademefun said. “We believe every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful in what she wears. Our collections are crafted to embrace diversity and cater to diverse needs of our clientele.”

    Read Also: Turning Lagos into a smart city economy

    Simply Fancy is a fragrance that embodies self-love through beautiful notes. Complementing the Body Politix brand, this scent is a standalone creation, representing simplicity and essence of fancy in aroma.

    The pop-up event promises attendees immersive shopping experience, featuring latest collections from Body Politix and enchanting fragrance of Simply Fancy.

    The event holds from 2 to 7 pm at Body Politix Store at Falomo Square.

  • Naija Diaspora to extend coverage

    Naija Diaspora to extend coverage

    Nigeria-owned-Cameroon-based international publication, Naija Diaspora, is extending its services, including exclusive coverage of Nigeria Mission and Nigerians  in Ivory Coast.

    Niaja Diaspora, in a statement by its Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, Ismail Adegbola, said the extension to the country will be soon as efforts to meet the Nigeria Embassy there are positive.

    It added the publication is keen on a  feature article on the role of the embassy in supporting Nigerian diaspora in Ivory Coast.

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    The statement added that there will be interviews and stories noting experiences of Nigerians in Ivory Coast.

    Adegbola said the publication will extend globally having done its 10th year  in Cameroon last year. The magazine has been commended and accepted by countries Chad, Sudan, UK, USA, among others.

    “We are looking forward to extending our coverage to Ivory Coast anytime soon, we are meeting the Nigerian Embassy and Nigerian community in the country and so far the response is positive and we can have our second Annual Symposium and Diaspora Excellence Awards in the country. We will be visiting some business owners, startups, industries owned by Nigerians in Ivory Coast…’’

  • ‘Ogunbiyi’s reappointment in SEforALL win for Nigeria and the world’

    ‘Ogunbiyi’s reappointment in SEforALL win for Nigeria and the world’

    By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Editor

     sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Governance Board has renewed Damilola Ogunbiyi’s appointment as chief executive officer. 

    The renewal followed her initiative to enable just, equitable and sustainable energy to ensure a better life for people in developing regions.

    Recognised as a trailblazer in her first term in 2020, Ms. Ogunbiyi, the first chief executive officer to enjoy renewal, led an expansion of SEforALL’s global influence and country support, providing pathways for universal energy access and advancing equitable energy transition in countries at the greatest risk of being left behind.

    In this period, SEforALL, through innovative projects, established relationships with over 200 partners, and supported over 90 countries.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Abuja, Lagos rank 1st, 2nd in cheapest cities to live in Africa

     SEforALL is an organisation partnering United Nations and governments, private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropists to drive faster action in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 – in line with Paris Agreement on climate. It ensures clean energy transition for everyone and brings opportunities to fulfill individual potential.

     Under Ms. Ogunbiyi, it prioritised evidence-based support to in-country capacity building to drive policy, project, and ecosystem action with energy solutions for climate and development priorities.

    This led to securing $1.3 trillion commitments through Energy Compacts to support SDG7, in partnership with UN-Energy, enabling the first-time capture of energy specific voluntary SDG7 commitments, aligned with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Through this, 129 million access electricity, and 22 million clean cooking through Energy Compact commitments.

     The organisation raised $40 million as subsidy to bridge the gap for mini-grid and high-capacity standalone solar systems that supported Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Democratic Congo, Benin and Nigeria through Universal Energy Facility (UEF), a financing facility and multi-donor platform managed by SEforALL while 330 young women from Global South have been trained and benefited from career development.

    SEforALL, under her, supported Saudi Arabia, Italy, Indonesia, India and Brazil under G20 and United Kingdom, Egypt and UAE under COP to advance energy transitions.

     The organisation also supported Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Barbados and Sierra Leone to develop Energy Transition and Investment Plans, providing opportunity for them to build energy systems to aid development and achieve net-zero emissions.

    Besides, SEforALL backed national integrated energy plans (IEPs) to direct resources to aid Malawi, Nigeria and Madagascar access electrification and clean cooking.

     Ogunbiyi said: “It is an honour to be appointed for a second five-year term. I look forward to continuing my SEforALL and UN Energy roles and working with governments, private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to end energy poverty and accelerate equitable energy transition. I am committed to working with countries, ensuring all people can lead dignified, productive and healthy lives powered by sustainable energy.”

     President Bola Tinubu said her re-appointment was a win for Nigeria and the world. “With support of Sustainable Energy for All, Nigeria designed the first Energy Transition Plan to tackle energy poverty and climate change and deliver SDG7 by 2030 and net zero by 2060. Through Damilola’s leadership, SEforALL supports the country through the Energy Transition Office and programmes as Universal Energy Facility,” Tinubu said.

     Francesco Starace, chair of its Governance Board, said: “Sustainable energy is the solution to stave off climate crisis and build a better future. And that is why the right leadership is necessary to lead Sustainable Energy for All, which mobilises finance and partnerships to help countries achieve energy, climate and development goals. Damilola has been focused on impact. As a Governance Board, we are confident she provides the leadership to take us to the next level.”

    President of African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina,  said: “Sustainable Energy for All is forging strategic partnerships and alliances for expanding energy solutions. Damilola’s reappointment will further support ourefforts to develop and scale up sustainable energy in Africa.”

    Mia Mottley, prime minister of Barbados, said: “Barbados has an ambitious target of reaching 100 per cent renewable energy and full electrification of our island’s transport sector by 2030, and Sustainable Energy for All through Damilola’s leadership, is supporting us to develop Energy Transition and Investment Plan, which will help Barbados build clean energy systems. I welcome her reappointment and look forward to our partnership.”

    Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, said:  “Ghana’s commitment to a just and equitable energy transition has translated to an ambitious plan that builds a case for change in Ghana’s energy system. It would not have been possible without support and commitment of key partners as Sustainable Energy for All. Through Damilola’s leadership, this relationship continues to be instrumental in driving development in Ghana, and I welcome the her reappointment.”

    “Congratulations, Damilola. Your dedication and strategic insight have been invaluable to World Bank and Private Sector Investment Lab. I look forward to working with you on the Lab and other initiatives to mobilise private capital for financing development challenges in emerging markets,” Ajay Banga, president of World Bank Group, noted.

     Dr. Rajiv Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, said: “The world doesn’t have to choose between ending energy poverty and slowing the climate crisis. As SEforALL’s work with The Rockefeller Foundation, GEAPP, and other stakeholders demonstrates, we can develop solutions to achieve universal energy access, avert climate catastrophe, and advance opportunity. Damilola’s devotion and leadership is what we need, and I look forward to continuing our partnership.”

    Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), said: “I congratulate Damilola Ogunbiyi on her reappointment. Under her leadership we launched  Africa Energy Transition Partnership (AETP) at COP28. This initiative will deliver joint action and improved coordination, by addressing issues that impede access to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. I look forward to working with Ms Ogunbiyi to ensure clean energy transition delivers for Africa’s economic and social development.”

  • Youths laud ITF for training, empowerment

    Youths laud ITF for training, empowerment

    Nigeria Youth Entrepreneurship Development Movement (NYEDM) has hailed Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for training and entrepreneurial development organised for  youths in Abuja.

    The movement, led by Chairperson, Mrs Roseline Kalu, lauded ITF’s Director General, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin, for putting smiles on youths and lifting women, improving human resources and capacity through vocational skills.

    According to a statement after the gathering, youths praised Oluwatoyin for fostering entrepreneurial skills, thinking out options and pathways out of youth unemployment and economic stagnation.

    ’Dr Oluwatoyin is a model to us. Nigeria is blessed for producing somebody like him,’’ the statement said.

    Oluwatoyin also got kudos for regeneration of the economy. The youth noted Nigerians should appreciate Federal Government’s efforts at equipping youths with trade skills.

    Read Also: Teju Ajayi’s set to release ‘Discover Lagos’ 

    The statement noted the systemic and intensive nature of the training, knowledge, wisdom, sincerity, vision, fear of God and loyalty.

    The event was organised after a two-month training and entrepreneurial development skills in carpentry, catering, tiling, welding and fabrication, electrical installations as well as maintenance. It was attended for youths from the six geo-political zones.

    Industrial Training Fund recently empowered 3,700 youths from the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory under National Economic Growth and Recovery Programme.

  • Experts explore innovative solutions for universal health coverage

    Experts explore innovative solutions for universal health coverage

    At the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) two-day annual conference, experts will explore innovative solutions fo a universal health coverage.

    The physical conference holds June 25 on Victoria Island, Lagos, and the virtual on June 27.

    The theme: “Harnessing Private Sector Solutions for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria’s Evolving Health Insurance Landscape,” followed passage of Nigeria Health Insurance Act (NHIA), a huge iniitiative in our healthcare.

    “We are excited to host the 2024 PSHAN Annual Conference. By harnessing the strength of private sector, we aim to drive progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. This conference is opportunity to engage leading experts, share ideas, and develop strategies to shape future of healthcare in Nigeria,” Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, PSHAN’s chief executive officer, said.

    For the physical conference, Dr Tayo Aduloju, chief executive officer of Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), will be special guest of honour. Speakers include Abimbola Adebakin, founder of Advantage Health Africa; Prof Alero Roberts, associate professor of College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Dr. Ngozi Onyia, managing director of Paelon Memorial Hospital; and Peju Ibekwe, chief executive officer of Sterling One Foundation, among others.

    Read Also: Boost for Nigerian-Korean cultural exchange

    The virtual conference parades Nicole Spieker, chief executive officer of PharmAccess Group as keynote speaker. Others include Dr Emmanuella Zamba, permanent secretary of Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA); Ikechukwu Ofuani, director of Worldwide Government Affairs & Policy West & Central Africa, J&J; and Oluwakolade Abayomi, group Medical consultant of Dangote Industries, among others.

    Last year, PSHAN held the first edition: “Building Sustainable Health Systems in Nigeria”. The conference stressed need for multi-sectoral collaboration and innovation to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Building on the response and success, this conference will focus on innovative solutions for achieving this.

  • Provost begs doctors not to leave Nigeria

    Provost begs doctors not to leave Nigeria

    provost of Lagos State College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Prof. Abiodun Adewuya, has advised doctors to be patriotic and not forsake their country for opportunities abroad.

    Adewuya spoke at the 18th induction of doctors and dental practitioners. The event, at the school auditorium, had government representatives, doctors, academia and regulatory body. Eighty one students were inducted.

    Adewuya spoke against the surge of doctors travelling abroad, noting Nigeria has invested so much in producing doctors and is incumbent on them to stay back and serve the country.

    He said: “The certificate you use in UK was given to you by Nigeria, which invested in you, unlike UK, which waits to import doctors from Ghana, Nigeria and use the money to pay doctors.

    “It takes a lot to train one doctor. Nigeria invested in training doctors. Now, other countries take our doctors because they don’t want to invest in training. They rather wait. Instead of establishing medical schools, they wait to take our graduates”.

    Read Also: Lagos, Interswitch sign concession pact for LAGSHIP development

    “We can’t stop doctors from migrating, but they must remember the country that trained them, the institution that trained them, so they have learned what they are supposed to learn abroad, they should come back and develop Nigeria”, he said.

    An  inductee, daughter of Director Environmental Health/ Occupational Health and Safety, Dr Ajayi Esther, said medicine to her is a calling. “I love taking care of people. I hope to do things around public health and sustainable environment for all”.

    “It’s a privilege to be a doctor and I hope I can take care of patients and make a difference in the healthcare field”, she said.

    Ajayi noted she is elated because the inductees are full of talents, potential and patriotic doctors committed to advancing health care practice in Nigeria.

  • Global leaders for conference in Kenya

    Global leaders for conference in Kenya

    World-class performance strategist, Dr. Abiola Salami, is to host global leaders for the second Dr. Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp (DASIL) from June 23 and 29 in Mombasa, Kenya.

    The event aims to provide a transformative experience for senior leaders worldwide, equipping them with leadership skills and fostering personal growth.

    Some guest speakers, who will share insight on today’s dynamic business landscape, include Harvard University’s Prof. Dana Born, Ray Jefferson of White House Fellows in Office of POTUS and Board Chair, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga.

    Salami said the conference was designed to cultivate leadership excellence.

    Read Also: Lagos police rescue abducted Fouani brothers

    “DASIL promises to be unforgettable, empowering senior leaders to unlock their potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and their organisations. Beyond the classroom, DASIL fosters a vibrant global community, enabling participants to expand their networks and forge connections with like-minded individuals.

    “With its global reach, comprehensive training, balanced approach and location, DASIL offers opportunity to hone skills, forge global connections and prioritise personal well-being,” he said.

    Salami said participants would have the opportunity to unwind and recharge through mindfulness sessions, outdoor activities and immersive cultural experience, ensuring a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

  • Hajj: Pilgrims accuse Lagos board officials of ‘extortion’

    Hajj: Pilgrims accuse Lagos board officials of ‘extortion’

    Some pilgrims have accused some officials of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board of extortion in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

    They condemned the ‘lackadaisical attitude of the officials to the pilgrims’ plights’. According to them, those officials should be reprimanded for their ‘wicked attitude’.

    A female pilgrim from Lagos Island said majority of the pilgrims were treated like slaves.

    “Imagine some of these board officials collecting bribe from some pilgrims to circumvent the process of returning to Makkah in Mina? After collecting money from some pilgrims, they left us on the queue and went to open the back gate for those who had ‘settled’ them. They didn’t attend to us until about four buses left and returned from Makkah before coming to those on the original queue,” she said.

    Another female pilgrim said their experiences from Madinah to Makkah and Mina were unpalatable.

    “The officials are to serve the pilgrims, instead they became something else. They only attended to the people that gave them money. We paid huge money for this year’s hajj but nothing to show for it in terms of service,” she lamented.

    A male pilgrim decried some of the officials’ penchant for collecting money from pilgrims before doing what is right.

    Read Also: Lagosians to wait till end of Q3 for Red Rail Line

    “Do you know that some pilgrims paid for services we were promised in Nigeria that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had paid for? There is no one to guide us on what to do and at what time. You have to pay some of these officials before they tell us what to do. What we paid as hajj fee is close to what some private operators received, yet we do not get service for the money,” he said.

    A female pilgrim called on the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, to re-organise the pilgrims’ board because ‘the officials no longer have the urge to serve’ .

    She said: “These officials always boast of being in the board for years. Some said they have been coming for hajj in the last 10 years. Instead of bringing their experiences to make things easier for us, they left us to our fate. These officials are only interested in the financial package that comes with hajj.  

    “We were told to be on the queue, which we complied. Yet they officials caged us and went to open the back gate for those that gave them money. We complained about their untoward action when evening was approaching. We even let them know that if we were still in Mina by Maghrib, we will have to wait till the following day for another stoning exercise, they (the officials) responded with insults, saying that ‘what’s wrong in waiting for another day after all Prophet Muhammad did his stoning exercise for four days.’ Is this not wickedness?”

    A male pilgrim called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to monitor the activities of various states during the exercise.

    According to him, NAHCON should penalize any state found wanting of rendering good service to the pilgrims.

    “We were told the Saudi authority only recognize NAHCON as Nigerian representative. This is the reason why the commission has to be up and doing in ensuring pilgrims are well cared for. We deserve more than what we witnessed. Lagos State should be a shining light and pace setter for others to emulate, but many were disappointed with the attitude of the ir officials. These people do not care about us,” he lamented. 

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed berated NAHCON for ‘failing to meet expectations despite charging over N8 million for the hajj’. He deplored the hardship faced by pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, and called for a decentralisation of hajj operations.

    According to the governor, the decentralisation would allow states take full control of hajj affairs, and ensure the adequate welfare of pilgrims.

    A statement by Chairman of the State Hajj Pilgrimage Publicity Committee, Alhaji Yayanuwa Zainabari, said the governor made the calls while addressing Bauchi pilgrims in Mina, Mecca.

    He noted that the unfavourable policies of NAHCON and other stakeholders had caused significant hardship for pilgrims, including providing less than $500 as Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA).

    Mohammed said governors would collaborate to end NAHCON’s control over Hajj affairs if the issues are not addressed. He also announced a donation of 300 Saudi Riyal to each of the 2,685 Bauchi pilgrims as a Sallah gift.

  • Bauchi governor laments NAHCON’s poor welfare

    Bauchi governor laments NAHCON’s poor welfare

    •’Forgive us where we failed you’

    Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Alhaji Jalal Arabi has sought forgiveness from the pilgrims where they feel the commission did not meet up with their expectations during the Hajj.

    According to him, most of the challenges were beyond the commission’s control. He, however, praised Nigerian pilgrims for their patience and understanding towards making the exercise a success.

    The chairman, when he led the Commission’s management to monitor situation in the FCT Tent in Mina, hailed the commitment shown by the Pilgrims during the rituals, saying their humbleness and tolerance made the job easier.

    He said: “We can’t thank Allah enough for giving us the strength to stand after all we have been through. The smile on your faces shows that Allah has accepted our supplications.

    “Only Allah is perfect, most definitely there are a lot of expectations by either those coming for the first time or those that would have been coming all this while, please if you have noticed any shortcoming, we ask for your forgiveness. We didn’t do it to make you suffer, so find a place in your heart and forgive us just as you seek for forgiveness from Allah.”

    Read Also: Lagos pays N353 million to families of deceased workers

    Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for the FCT 2024 Hajj, Dr Abdullahi Isa Kaura-Mata, commended the pilgrims for the maturity and orderliness throughout the Hajj rituals.

    He also appreciated the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their continued support towards ensuring that everything went on smoothly since their assumption of office.

  • Buhari, AbdulRazaq, Emir condole Saraki over mum’s death

    Buhari, AbdulRazaq, Emir condole Saraki over mum’s death

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with former Senate President Bukola over the death of his mother, Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki.

    Mrs. Saraki died on Tuesday. She was 89.

    Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, praised Chief Saraki’s strength and commitment to family values, especially her resilience in supporting her family after the passing of her husband, Senator Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

    He also highlighted her kindness, thoughtfulness, and community leadership, which inspired many in Kwara State and beyond.

    The statement reads: “I am saddened by the demise of Chief Florence Saraki, a strong pillar of the Saraki dynasty and a mother firmly committed to family values and the welfare of the less privileged. The commitment and resilience she showed by supporting the family following the death of the patriarch, Senator Abubakar Olusola Saraki, is praiseworthy.

    Read Also: Emefiele didn’t produce redesigned notes Buhari approved, says ex-CBN director

    “She was a hardworking and people-friendly, a community leader whose kindness and thoughtfulness towards others is an inspiration. She will surely be missed by many.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with the former senate president and my noteworthy minister, for whom their mother meant so much. May her soul rest in peace.”

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, said: “The governor particularly commiserates with former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Olaolu Saraki, and the rest of the family on the development.

    “The governor urges the Saraki’s to be consoled by the fine legacies of their matriarch.

    “Governor AbdulRazaq prays to God to repose the soul of Mrs. Florence Saraki and uphold the family after her death.”

    The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in a condolence message by his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona, described the deceased as ‘a wonderful mother, great philanthropist and virtuous wife to Dr Olusola Saraki, the late Waziri of Ilorin, whose contributions to humanity would forever be remembered’.

    “The deceased lived a fulfilled life, with numerous accomplishments. The royal father urges Saraki and his siblings to be strong in heart over this loss. He prays Allah grants the family and friends the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

    Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman has extended his condolences to the Saraki’s.

    Prof. Sulaiman, in a statement yesterday, highlighted Mrs. Saraki’s significant contributions to her family and the country. He praised her as ‘a pillar of strength, a compassionate matriarch, and a guiding light whose legacy of selfless service and dedication to family values will continue to inspire many’.

    He added: “Mama Florence Saraki was more than a mother to one of Nigeria’s eminent political leaders; she was a beacon of hope and a source of support. Her life was a testament to the virtues of love, resilience, and faith. She played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of her children, who have gone on to serve Nigeria with distinction.

    Prof. Sulaiman prayed for her eternal rest in paradise and for God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.