OYO State government yesterday concluded a two-day training on peace-building and conflict management for traditional rulers, politicians and other stakeholders in the state.

This according to the government is part of efforts to further promote harmony between the traditional rulers and political functionaries for accelerated development across the state.

The training which was organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city.

While declaring the training open, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the timing of the event was apt considering the forthcoming election in the country.

He maintained that the role and relevance of the traditional institution in good governance and democratic processes cannot be underestimated.

Olaleye, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mr. Joel Ajagbe, commended the monarchs, saying the training was aimed at stemming the tide of rising conflicts in some parts of the state and further promote peace.

“One of the Ministry’s major functions is to ensure harmony between the local government political functionaries and traditional rulers  which has been abandoned for decades, hence Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of the training for the local governments in the state to experience reasonable development.

“Traditional Leaders are the custodians of cultural values, norms, informal rules, code of conduct and conventional practices that established governance before the colonial era, therefore the relationship between them and political functionaries has to be cordial for any development to take place at the grassroots”.

The Commissioner further noted that the concept of the training was in line with the state government’s initiative for enhancing peace in the state.

Speaking on behalf  of the political functionaries, the State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda said the strategic training will engender potentials for peace between monarchs and political functionaries.

THE southwest edition of the first academic reality show in Nigeria and Africa organised by Sastoma Empowerment Foundation (STEFO) with six states participating is ongoing in Lagos.

According to the initiator, Dr Stella Ebutse, “It has been an intense eight months of preparation across the six states. History is made today in the South west region of Nigeria. We are setting the pace for academic reality show in Nigeria and Africa. This is an experiment and we hope other tutors would emulate”.

She added that: “We hope to draw government’s attention to the dearth of English and literature teachers in our schools. This is also to awaken reading culture among the youths, revitalize literary activities, encourage good communication as well as boost student’s confidence”.

Apart from uniting the participating schools and students, the initiative will also help to promote and preserve our indigenous languages and rich cultural heritage as the students are made to translate their audition winning poems into their indigenous language. “A lot of schools had to drop out of this competition because of this task. Most principals told us that the children cannot and will not be willing to learn their local languages.

Cadbury Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Mondelez International, has announced the introduction of Cadbury Bournvita Biscuit into the Nigerian market. The announcement was made at a launch ceremony held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA on November 10, 2022. Cadbury Bournvita Biscuit is the newest addition to Cadbury’s growing portfolio and the first biscuit brand in the history of the Company.

Addressing Cadbury Business Partners (CBPs), invited guests and other stakeholders at the media launch, Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye, said: “Today’s launch of the Bournvita Biscuit is a milestone for us because we have added a fourth product category to our existing portfolio. We are delighted to introduce Nigerians to the newest chocolatey, crunchy, and tasty experience of Cadbury Bournvita Biscuit.

“Health and quality have become extremely important to our customers. They prefer snacking products that provide wholesome nourishment. Taste also continues to be a significant aspect for them, and we have capitalized on this desire to launch biscuits, following extensive market research.”

Acknowledging the effort of regulatory agencies and as well as the biscuit’s unique value to consumers, she continued: “I want to use this medium to acknowledge our regulatory partners – the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), among others, for their support in ensuring we achieved our commitment to delivering top-notch quality and healthy products to Nigerians. The Biscuit Plant will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs along the value chain. Our growth mindset will drive us to continue introducing products that meet the needs of our consumers.”

The new Cadbury Bournvita Biscuit comes in two consumer pack units of six and 10 cookies, which sell for N60 and N100, respectively. The biscuit delivers on a chocolate taste enriched with real milk and vitamins and offers a new and unique snacking option for its consumers.

Category Manager, Cocoa Beverages and Biscuit, Cadbury Nigeria, Tolulope Olaoye, said, “The goal was to present our customers with a distinctive fun-filled experience and a diverse selection of product options. What we are witnessing today is consistent with this commitment. We are optimistic that this product will offer our customers a new and refreshing snacking experience with the great quality that Cadbury is known for.”

Through its flagship brand, Bournvita, Cadbury Nigeria has contributed to enhancing the mental and physical health of young Nigerians by leading programmes that support youth development. Some of its programmes include the Bournvita School Programme, Bournvita Tech Boot Camp, and Bourn Factor Talent Competition, which have been designed to positively impact children’s lives across the country, while encouraging them to hone relevant skills and talent for the 21st century.

Cadbury Nigeria has grown to become a household name providing consumers with much-loved iconic brands. The company is recognised as a ‘Top Employer in Nigeria’ by the Amsterdam-based Top Employers Institute. Cadbury Nigeria is also listed among ‘Top 100 Companies in Nigeria’ and ‘100 Best Companies to Work for in Nigeria.’

LAGOS State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented Staff of Office and Instrument of Authority to two traditional rulers in Alimosho Local Government.

The two monarchs, Oba Akeeb Rauf Adebowale, the Alaye of Orisunbare land; and the Alaye of Oke Abiye land, Oba Nojeem Ajolojuota Lawal, were honoured during a ceremony at Alimosho Local Government Secretariat.

The governor was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Local Governments and Community Affairs, Mr. Kayode Robbort.

Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said, “your appointment as a royal father today is in fulfillment of the promise the governor made about four years ago, to make traditional institution seamless and less cumbersome to communities that deserve it, do not betray the confidence the governor, the Local Government and the people have in you.”

During his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Alimosho Local Government,  Jelili Adewale Sulaimon, charged the royal fathers to unite the people, promote people, be fair to all and rule with the fear of God.

He said progress is easy to achieve in a community where the leader is trustworthy and upright .

He appealed to the People of Alimosho Local Government area to vote massively for all the APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections, starting from the National Leader of APC, who is the Presidential Candidate of the Party Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu; the West Senatorial candidate, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule and others.

THE Lagos Egbeda Lions Club under the District 404B1 of International Association of Lions Clubs has installed Oladipupo Kamilu as the 23rd president.

Kamilu, who belongs to various professional bodies including Associate, Chartered Insurance of Nigeria (ACIIN), Associate Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RISON) and Member, Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), was installed alongside the new board of directors for the 2022/2023 Lions year on Saturday, November 12 at Ikeja Business Club, Lagos.

The colourful event brought together dignitaries from all works of life. It was a combination of an award ceremony, fund raising for the club’s projects and donation of white cane to the visionary impaired people.

In his acceptance speech, Kamilu said he thanked the club members for the grace, opportunity, trust and confidence reposed on him to control the affairs of the club for 2022/2023 Lions year.

He said Lions Clubs, being world largest service organisation was founded in 1917 as a platform to render assistance to the less-priviledges in the society.

“We shall continue to embark on strategic partnership with governments, organizations, philantrophists and humanitarians, to achieve the Lions Clubs set goals.

“Lagos Egbeda Lions Club has over two years, apart from the five core Lions  Clubs International projects provided  vision, feeding the hungry, diabetes, pediatric cancer and environment and supporter to the Nigerian Farmcraft Center for Blind in Idimu, Lagos State by frequently donating white canes and other living materials to the students.

“I implore the like-minded people to support the club’s projects. Any money contributed shall be used judiciously,” Kamilu said.