Lagos State affirmed its supremacy over other teams at the maiden Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF)-organised national online poomsae championship concluded at the weekend.
A record 108 participants, including 63 males and 42 females, from 21 teams across 19 states registered for the maiden event, a number never witnessed in the history of Nigeria taekwondo for the poomsae event.
At the two-day finale, Lagos state reaffirmed its position as the top grassroots development state for Taekwondo after emerging champions at the championships.
Lagos hauled 10 medals which is made up of three gold, three silver and four bronze medals which were enough to beat Delta’s haul of nine medals which included three gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
The successful maiden event was organized by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation to engage its taekwondo community frustrated by the forced restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lafiya Programme, a health project funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) in collaboration with Zamfara State Ministry of Health has trained Laboratory Scientists in the state on COVID-19 testing.
Speaking at the opening of the training in Gusau on Monday, the State Coordinator of the programme, Dr Mannir Bature said it was aimed at building the capacity of laboratory scientists on COVID-19 testing.
He said the objective of the training was for scientists in the state to be equipped with the skills and knowledge of Covid-19 molecular diagnosis.
Tecno, a smartphone brand has said it has fixed the security problem found on one of its smartphone models, W2.
The company in a statement reacting to reports of xHelper/Triada malware pre-installed in the smartphone said its security team had addressed the problem by releasing a fix.
This is coming after a security firm, named Secure-D, had reported that most Tecno W2 smartphones in Africa are infected with xHelper, a pre-installed malware signing mobile users up to subscription services without their permission.
According to the statement, it said in March 2018, that the Triada issue affected only a version of W2 devices across all series of TECNO mobile phones.
It also stated that at the initial time of detecting the issue, they put together a security team to work on the solution.
Consequently, the smartphone firm released the first official OTA fix to users on March 20th, 2018, with rigorous system tests and GMS tests set out by Google.
By April 30th, 2018, the official OTA fixes adapted for different versions of W2 devices were released, assuring that the problem was fixed once the consumer accepted the system update by installing the fix.
For current W2 users facing the Triada issue presently, the firm advises that users download the OTA fix on their phone for installation, or contact TECNO’s after-sales service support for assistance.
“At TECNO, we have always attached great importance to users’ data security and product safety. Every single software installed on each device runs through a series of rigorous security checks, such as our own security scan platform, Google Play Protect, GMS BTS, and VirusTotal test.
“In addition, a 90-day security patch update is periodically delivered to TECNO users to ensure that the security of our products and the protection of users’ devices from malware are not compromised.
“xHelper, which is similar to Triada, is a separate global mobile security issue that first appeared in 2019. We have deployed professional security tools such as GMS BTS and VirusTotal to detect the xHelper issue since last November.
“All of TECNO’s new releases and software maintenance for old products must go through the test. No reports of xHelper have ever been detected since then, the statement said.
RealtyPoint, a reputable real estate firm is set to host an online crash course titled “Financial Freedom Simplified” on August 27, 2020, at 7 pm.
The course will avail attendees the tools required to gather wealth through passive income streams, manage financial resources, and achieve financial independence.
In a statement, RealtyPoint CEO, Mr. Debo Adejana explained the reason for the programme:
He said: “We realise that the times are tough for most people. Nevertheless, the Pandemic and its attendant implications do not have to mean a total lockup of financial destinies.
“The crash course was designed for professionals and salary earners across several sectors, including finance, oil and gas, education, civil service, and so on.
“Our organisation is reaching out with empathy to salary earners because their job security has been threatened by the current corvid-19 menace.
“Many have lost their jobs and those that are still in employment need to acquire fresh skills for managing their finance to thrive amidst chaos and attain financial freedom.”
He noted that the course is generally offered for free, as a palliative measure, but there are paid slots available for VIP attendees, who are also being offered a bundle of benefits, including, books and resources as well as discounts on investment packages.
The fast track course is to be facilitated by Mr Debo Adejana and Mr Segun Adaju. Mr Adejana is an astute real estate entrepreneur who heads leading Mass Housing Development Company; Realty Point Ltd since 2005 after eight years of meritorious award-winning sojourn in commercial banking.
Segun Adaju is the CEO of Consistent Energy Ltd, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), and a multi-dimensional consultant to the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations.
He is an experienced banker who co-founded the first microfinance bank in Nigeria and found a goldmine in the green fields of renewable energy. He holds BSc (Economics) and MBA degrees as well as executive certifications from top-rated institutions including Harvard, MIT/Sloan, and Lagos Business School. The webinar can be accessed Here
Ryan Alford is a seasoned veteran of the ad industry. For over 20 years he has helped brands dominate their markets, working with some of the largest and most recognizable brands in the world. Founded in 2018, his company, Radical, is a full-service digital advertising agency, and one of the fastest-growing companies in the Southeast.
As his brainchild approaches revenue levels of over $4 million in fewer than two years, Ryan can’t help but attribute his success to something long-forgotten and underappreciated in this age of instant gratification: hard work and a whole lot of experience.
Born in Greenville, SC Ryan Alford has spent the majority of his life establishing himself in the marketing field. Having worked with brands such as Verizon, Lexus, and the NFL, just to name a few, it is an understatement to say that Alford knows what he is doing as he sets off on his own business endeavors. He spent five years of his career working for Hill Holiday, one of the most successful and well-respected ad agencies in the US. He personally oversaw a $50 million segment of Verizon business tending to launches, which included the original iPhone launch, the $1 Billion NFL agreement, and the launch of Verizon FIOS. The time was right for Ryan to launch his own agency leveraging his experience and new ways of running the modern ad agency.
The visionary entrepreneur does not know the meaning of resting on one’s laurels. His most recent achievement was launching the brand of the viral “Dancing Dentist” you most likely have seen across Facebook. Dr. Rich Constantine’s likeness has been viewed over 300 million times worldwide in a multitude of videos, and he was also afforded a seven-minute segment on the Steve Harvey show. Thanks to Alford’s powerful, intrinsic ability to exponentially expand on the positive aspects of anything he touches, the Dancing Dentist, or the trademarked “Dr. C.” Has seen a demonstrable uptick in business and continues to enjoy national publicity.
You may find yourself at a loss attempting to contemplate the building blocks that must form the foundation of the innate success that Alford seems to nonchalantly exude unless of course, you delve into his podcast “broadcast”. Alford offers an in-depth look into crucial marketing and advertising concepts as he sits down with some of the biggest names in popular business ventures. Each half-hour to the hour-long episode is a goldmine of tidbits that any aspiring marketing professional would be gravely amiss to neglect.
There is no question that much can be learned not only from the words of Alford but from his lucrative, successful career as a whole. The self-made man has come incredibly far in spite of his lack of access to family fortunes or coattail trails to the top. Thus, the gold he spins is far purer, and his connection to the world is real and raw, resulting in a much more organic product that people truly connect with. If there were ever a horse to bet on that was low risk, high reward, it would be partnering with Ryan Alford on your next big marketing venture.
The founder of DreamALIVE talent hunt, Daniel Ehigie Eromosele, A.K.A Pikolo has urged Edo youths no shun political thuggery during the state’s governorship election come September 19.
Pikolo made this call on Tuesday while celebrating his birthday. He said the election of a candidate to power, is not worth the blood of any Edo youth.
“I want to use this day as an opportunity to urge the youth of Edo state, that at this period of election, all of the political actors have embarked on their campaigns for their preferred candidates to please shun all forms of violence, because the election of this candidate to power, is not worth the blood of our invaluable youth”, said Pikolo.
“The election will come and go, on the 19th day of September, but your life is too precious to lose in protest of your preferred candidate, Please do not allow anyone cajoles you into carrying firearms against your own brother because of his political ambition. Kindly go to your voting centers and cast your vote for your preferred candidate, and then go home as you await the final result, with your family, so that way, peace will reign.
“I want to re-enact one more time as I join my voice to the many voices of the good sons and daughters of Edo who has been preaching against any form of violence. I also hereby reassure you that Edo state will be great again, we would recover our past glory and have a better future tomorrow, only if only you make the right decisions today. Do not allow any desperate politician to make you a victim of election violence. A good leader that has an exemplary lifestyle outside in the public and even behind closed doors”.
Speaking further, Pikolo who is also the ambassador of the street to street campaign, a vintage political platform, thanked former Edo State governor and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomole for his immense support and fatherly role in his life.
“I want to say express my profound gratitude to the ones who have given birth to me and raised me, to my dear biological parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Eromosele Ugbi. Again I would love to appreciate these special personalities in my life who have played a vital role in my success story. I want to thank my father, Adams Oshiomole, for your immense support towards me and for believing in me, even when I could not see it, For employing me to work in his administration when he was Governor of the state, even without checking or asking for my educational background. And above all, for sending me across the world many times to represent Nigeria when he was national chairman. My sincere appreciation to the one man I love and respect a lot, An angel in human form. I’m talking about the one and only, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo. A man of utmost strength and integrity, a man who is the explicit definition of a father, mentor, and above all humility personified.
He continued: “I would like to say a very big thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Felix Edosomwan JP, for giving me a platform in the early days of my career and lastly to my pastor, teacher, and his lovely wife *Pastor Craig Omorotiowan,* through his undiluted words of God has always set me on the right path. To my friends and colleagues in the entertainment for the show of love and support I enjoyed”.
As encomiums continue to pour in for the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the Chairman of Executive Group and Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has penned down a congratulatory birthday message to who he described as ‘an exemplary and visionary leader with a heart of gold’.
Ogunsan, while extolling the virtues of Ayinde, said the COS has, to a large extent, displayed brilliance, expertise, and humility which are quite unusual of a public office holder.
“At times, there are no accurate words to rhapsodise the depth of feelings and perceptions. Some other times, mere words are ineffable to accurately describe what one hopes to pen down.
“It is with all pleasure that I salute a big brother, friend, exemplary and visionary leader with a heart of gold, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, as he hits a gallant 56 today.
“To a large extent, you have displayed brilliance, expertise, and humility which are quite unusual of a public office holder. Suffice it to say that the uncommon attributes of simplicity, honesty, diligence, and handwork which you possess cannot be far from why Mr. Governor considered you perfectly qualified for the office you hold today. Some of us close to you find you very special and can always acknowledge that you are a man of integrity and credibility.
“As a seasoned administrator, thoroughbred human resource and financial management expert, you have displaced leadership in all frontiers of public service which has only showcased your traits of professionalism and exceptionalism. To a very large extent, you have been outstanding in both the private and public sectors of our Lagos endeavours.
“With all pleasure, I write to wish you a glorious birthday celebration, while also seizing the opportunity to thank you for all you do just to make Lagos better for all Lagosians, through the visionary roadmap of Mr. Governor,” Ogunsan said.
Experts have warned that democracy will not deliver the expected national rebirth in Nigeria unless stakeholders adopt a change in strategy.
They noted that military intervention is the foundation of and determines the country’s current political and democratic experience, adding that many top politicians today have a military or paramilitary background.
Calling for a rebirth of the country’s democracy, which lamented that it lacked an effective framework.
They spoke during a webinar on “Conversation on Democracy in Nigeria” organised by Maroon Square Discourse 2020.
The discussants included: Development Economist Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mrs Hauwa Mustapha; Former Executive Director, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mr Osaze Nosaze; Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Veritas University, Mr Adagbo Onoja; among others.
Mustapha said: “The factor that affected our politics from parties is the economy. With the crop of political parties we had in the ’60s, it was the economy that governed the society.
“Greed, accumulation of resources was not as we have it today; people were not consumed as we have today. Insecurity and fear of tomorrow’s basic necessities also impacted on Nigeria.
“We cannot get it right in political parties except we rearrange the economy. Neo-liberalism affected the economy; people saw political parties as a vehicle for survival, not service.
“Politics and the economy are linked and we must ensure a workable strategy to get both right. The danger neo-liberalism has brought is democratizing the liberal states.
“We need to think deeply about what works and what did not work. We need to reinvent ourselves on how neo-colonialism is changing. We need to organize, go back and be positively critical about what is wrong. We need to change our strategy to fit into the new stride. We can’t go on with the old strategy.”
On his part, Nosaze said that the state of Nigeria cannot be divorced from the ruling party, adding that ruling party in Nigeria has not developed intellect because education is going down,
“There should be a rebirth of this country, what we have is the civil rule, not a democracy, it has been so since the first republic.
“Nigeria’s mistake is to dissociate politics from the economy. In the early ’70s the political ruling class parties had a vision but in the late 70’s they lost the vision and today what we have is political parties which are used as a vehicle for the fight for power,” he said.
Earlier, Onoja stated that Nigerian democracy should fall in the same broad category as India, Brazil, Mexico, and China’s, but that “our democracy lacks discourse, they conceptualise democracy. We do not have a framework of democracy in Nigeria like other countries do.”
He added that there are political parties with no concept due to the collapse in consensus after independence.
“Military intervention is a cradle for what we have today in politics; most of the people in politics today are from the military. The ruling classes have a diversity of imagination.”
From self-quarantine in London, former managing director of the New Nigerian newspaper, Mallam Mamman Daura, has spoken with his cousin, President Muhammadu Buhari, to say he is well and okay.
Daura was reportedly flown out of the country sick, but a video recording of his telephone chat from London with the President shows a physically well man as he walks round a living room, speaking in Hausa into a mobile phone.
He later sits down, continuing his conversation.
Personal Assistant to the President on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, posted on his verified Twitter handle, @BashirAhmaad, the video of Daura in a room chatting with Buhari.
A translation of Daura’s end of his telephone conversation in the video attached to the tweet read as follows: “The Governor came the day before I left. He came on condolence visit in respect of Samaila Isa (Funtua). Yes, the day before. Yes, it’s true. Amin.”
Mallam Daura, 79, was reported to have been hurriedly flown abroad on Wednesday to receive medical attention for conditions resembling Covid-19.
Ahmad tweeted: “No iota of truth in the earlier story that Mallam Mamman Daura was flown to London for an emergency medical attention. He is hale and hearty. Nigerians should disregard that story.”
UK mandates new arrivals from certain countries, including Nigeria, to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Real reasons Mamman Daura travelled – Family source
Reliable family sources told The Nation that contrary to speculations about his health, Daura left the country hale and hearty.
“Our father, contrary to all the noise out there, was not rushed out as an emergency. He was not packaged as a health emergency as being insinuated by some fake news peddlers,” a relative said.
It was reliably gathered that Daura actually left the country for the United Kingdom for the purpose of spending time with his children and grandchildren residing there as it has been his practice for many years now.
The family source also said Daura will use the opportunity to “submit himself to routine medical check-ups and also spend a lot of time resting.”
The Nation gathered that but for the Covid-19 pandemic that necessitated the closure of airports globally, he would have embarked on the trip earlier than now.
Daura attended a funeral at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Tuesday, the day before he travelled, in company of many prominent Nigerians.
The source said: “Ask those who saw him in Abuja on Tuesday if he looked like somebody critically ill. It is easy for media people to find out the truth if they want to do so. But for some sorry reasons, they prefer to report lies and misinformation as news. As I speak to you, our father is spending good time with his family abroad,” a source said.
“There is no single truth in the reports out there. It is painful for us as his children and relatives to read such news about our old father. How can anybody say he was rushed out as an emergency?
“I can tell you, just like many people who saw him at the airport when he was leaving, that he walked, agile and brisk as ever, with his own legs to the plane.
“He was not carried or stretchered as being reported. Mamman Daura is not sick and he is not dying. Those writing such about him are not being fair to him and his family.
Mamman Daura speaks from UK, jokes about being quarantined
“Our father is an old man. He is not too young. But people should stop wishing him dead for whatever reason. If it is the will of God for him, nobody can hold him down.
“But to say he is critically sick and dying at a time he is in very high spirits eagerly looking forward to spending time with his loved ones abroad, is unimaginable.
“Even before he travelled, he was up and doing, attending public functions here and there. He was also receiving visitors all through the time before he embarked on the trip,” our source added.
Speaking further, our source insisted that Mamman Daura has not flouted any law or regulation locally or internationally by embarking on the trip.
She advised those peddling negative rumour and lies about the Katsina-born elder statesman to always remember that “the Mamman Daura you take delight in running down and abusing as well as wishing sick or dead, is some people’s father and relative.
“In his own way, he has contributed to the development of this country. It is unnecessary to wish him dead. He is an old man enjoying God’s favour.”
Arsenal assistant coach Freddie Ljungberg is leaving the club to “pursue new opportunities”.
In a statement, Ljungberg said he had taken the decision to leave “to progress my management experience”.
Ljungberg, 43, had a spell in interim charge following the departure of Unai Emery in November 2019 and stayed on the coaching staff after the appointment of Mikel Arteta.
He also coached Arsenal’s under-15 and under-23 squads.
As a player, Ljungberg made 326 appearances for Arsenal and was part of the Premier League-winning Invincibles side of 2003-04.
“I have been involved with this club on and off since 1998 and am grateful for all the opportunities they have given me both as a player and as a coach,” said Ljungberg.
