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  • Resort builds 60 classrooms for school with 12,000 pupils

    Resort builds 60 classrooms for school with 12,000 pupils

    By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    Fifth Chukker Resorts has donated 30 blocks of two classrooms to Local Education Authority Primary School, Maraban Jos, Kaduna, which grew from 500 to 12,000 pupils, following the introduction of the school feeding in Kaduna.

    Its founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alhaji Adamu Atta, who inaugurated the facility as part of activities marking this year’s children’s day celebration, said it was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the community.

    Atta said he adopted the school 15 years ago.

    “About 15 years ago, I was approached by the community to help build fence for them because of insecurity, I decided to see the school and when I went there, I decided to adopt the school.

    “In 2019, I visited the school again and discovered that because of the positive influence of the school feeding programne, the school have grown from 500 to 12,000 pupils and the classrooms were no longer adequate and because we don’t want something which has gained momentum to loose, we decided that we will build a brand new school for 12,000 kids.

    “We chose the site and in six months we built 50 per cent of the school.  We required 120 classrooms but we have 60 classrooms. I sought for some combined efforts of development partners, particularly from UNICEF.

    “At that time they were about 500 pupils in the school, we embarked on putting the immediate required infrastructures, water and sanitation and few more classrooms that will accommodate them”.

    Alhaji Atta also assured the people of Maraban Jos that he would build pedestrian bridge for the school children to reduce road accidents.

    He also spoke about putting in place e-learning for the school.

    “We felt that we should also create a remote platform where apart from the direct teaching, we can also engage the kids in remote platform such as the internet infrastructure. So we will be teaching the kids remotely with different teachers”.

    Education Commissioner Dr. Shehu Usman Mohammed praised Atta for his support to the people of Maraban Jos.

    “It is a very commendable project.  With large number of kids here, it is not a small number. We must commend Adamu for this investment; we have gone round and have seen the pupils,” he said.

    In an interview after the inauguration, wife of the Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Aisha-Ummi Garba El-Rufai described Atta’s gesture as a symbolic progress for the entire state, adding that every local government area should emulate his kindness.

  • Trinity varsity matriculates 183 students

    Trinity varsity matriculates 183 students

    By Gbemisola Adesola

    It was celebration galore as Trinity University formally matriculated 183 students into the university on Friday.

    The university marked the third matriculation ceremony in a grand style as the event had in attendance the School Pro Chancellor and chairman of council, Pastor Samuel O. Olatunji, Vice Chancellor; Professor Charles Korede Ayo, the guest speaker; Professor Simon A. Sodiya, members of the council, invited guests, school management, members of staff, students and parents.

    The Pro Chancellor, Pastor Samuel Olatunji in his speech acknowledges God for the steady progress of the institution since it’s inception despite the challenges faced and also commended the school management, members of staff, parents, students and council itself for their efforts so far.

    “Our young university is growing steadily in the pursuit of her mandate. This is in spite of the considerable challenges besetting the institution, especially COVID-19, which struck less than a year from our commencement, coupled with the habitually hostile operating environment, which has also worsened. The progress, so far, is a good signal that we mean business and we are fortunate enough to have a team that can deliver the goods. It has been a remarkable outing in a short time and which has begun to earn our young university a measure of respect,” he said.

    The guest speaker, Professor Simon A. Sodiya, President Nigeria Computer Society, delivering the matriculation lecture on the topic “Digital Inclusion and the future of the Nigeria’s university system: A Post COVID-19 Review,” described ICT to have become the enabler, pivot, vehicle, facilitator.

    He harped on digital technology as one of the things that could make the institution great and transformed as we are in the era of digital technology.Technology, according to him, has become an integral part of our lives.

     

    The need for digital skills has never been greater as we work, socialise, and access core services through our electronic devices. At the start of lockdown there was an immediate need to get the most essential services running effectively”. He said.

    Speaking on the future of education he stressed the need for more adoption of blended learning, Complete smart classrooms, Virtual Universities – Virtual degrees (Indian, Pakistan, etc), Collaborative degree programmes, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality and Voice Platforms, Video Learning, Assistive Technology, Artificial Intelligence in Education – Duolingo, Chatbots, Adaptive learning, Responsive Learning.

    Sodiya further urges the students and academics to adequately prepare for the technology-based transformation as there will be total restructuring of the educational system using technology in the future.

    The Vice Chancellor; Professor Charles Ayo, in his address speech further encourages the students to be obedient and to go extra miles to become a star in their various field as there is no star without a scar.

    “Remember, also, that there is no star without a scar. The star of every scar is discipline and sacrifice. You must be obedient and go to extra miles to become a star in your field. Let’s look at the example of Joseph, having endured all temptations, he eventually attained his enviable and glorious destiny through the instrumentality of divine wisdom.”

     

  • Birch Freeman alumni raise N5m for solar security lighting

    Birch Freeman alumni raise N5m for solar security lighting

    By Chimaobim Ihediobi

    Members of the Birch Freeman Old Boys Association (BIFOBA) has raised over N5 million for the installation of solar panel and other projects for its alma mater.

    The funds were raised during the group’s annual homecoming held last Saturday at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja.

    The event brought together old boys of Birch Freeman High School Surulere from the 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011 sets, giving them a platform to reunite and give back to their alma mater.

    Global President of the group, Rev. Tunde Adenekan said the reason behind the solar installation was to light up the school at night to deter intruders.

    “The school is always dark at night which makes it difficult to see happenings in the surroundings, and the reason is because there is no money to fuel the generator always, that is why we came up with the solar panel project to help supply light around the school at night for security purpose of the school and neighbourhood,” he said.

    Beyond the lighting project however, the President said the association was planning for an e-library that would cost about N50 million to provide pupils of the school with access to global resources.

    “We want to build an e-library, where the students can do lots of research regarding the content of their curriculum because the teachers cannot know everything.  This will help them to know more and also make learning easier for them,” he said.

    Speaking on plans to impact the school’s local community, Adenekan said the group would organise an annual symposium to discuss how to improve education in Lagos State, particularly Mushin, which he said had a high level of dropout cases due to poverty.

    “We want to educate parents on the need for education; and we will also try to help sponsor two or three children to the university level – this way creating impact in Mushin locality and in Lagos State”.

    Reeling out the group’s impact on the school, he listed projects such as provision of branded face masks for all pupils and workers; employment of a music teacher; donation of a grand piano by the 1976 set; installation of sinks and other plumbing facilities by 1987 set; provision of sports equipment by the 1979 set amongst others.

    The pioneer President, Superior Evangelist Oladipo Olokun, said the motivation behind the association was to get the old boys together for familiarisation, relaxation and most importantly to give back to their alma mater.

    “We started in 1980 that was 15 years after the first set passed out from the school. The first set passed out in 1965,” he said.

    The event featured awards for BIFOBA Distinguished Fellow, BIFOBA Hall of Fame and BIFOBA Roll of Honour.

     

     

  • We prefer WAEC’s penalty fees, says principal

    We prefer WAEC’s penalty fees, says principal

    By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    Maintaining a high standard usually comes with an equally high price tag.  However, Principal of Deeper Life High School, Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State,  Mr. Sunday Okoro, says the school does not mind paying the price to achieve excellence and maintain its standard.

    Speaking at a briefing, Okoro said the 11-year-old school could go any length to ensure its students excel in their studies, including paying the low candidature penalty charged by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) when schools are unable to provide the required minimum number of students for its examinations.

    He said: “The background we provide for the students is such that once you’re not willing to study no one can assist you in the exam Hall. Initially they saw it as wickedness until they gained entrance into tertiary institutions.

    “Even if it is only six students we have in JS1, we take that number to SS3. We do not even mind if they drop to two students. We are ready to pay fine of N30,000 to WAEC for not producing up to 25 students, instead of compromising standards by merging them with students from another school.

    “Right from the onset, we have been paying that fee. That is to tell you the level of academic training we offer our students. In this school, we have three major things we don’t joke with – we worship God, we eat and we read.”

    Okoro said the school’s policy of pursuing excellence was yielding results as its population was gradually increasing.

    “We started with only 13 students and six educators. But today, we have 166 students and 22 educators. We have made remarkable marks, academically and morally. We had our first graduands in 2016, with excellent results in WAEC and NECO, without exam malpractices.

    “There is no cultism at all here. Most of them that were wayward when they came got transformed. Each time we are giving reports to Pastor Kumuyi, he is always happy. And we the teachers are happy too,” he said.

    With insecurity increasingly becoming a concern across the country, Okoro said the school prioritises safety within its walls.

    “As per security, it is so tight and guaranteed that for the past 10 years of our existence, we have not recorded any hazards that could trigger stampede. We have been graduating decent girls. A manageress with a minimum of NCE handles 16 students.

    “All our house masters undergo rigorous trainings and they stay with the students. In the 22 campuses

  • Getfitng renews contract with ambassador Tacha

    Getfitng renews contract with ambassador Tacha

    Our Reporter

     

    Ex Big Brother housemate, Anita Natacha Akide, better known as, Symply Tacha has renewed her ambassadorial deal with acclaimed best waist trimmer brand, Getfitng.

    The viral news was first posted on the company’s Instagram page, @getfitng: “Brand Ambassadorship Contract Renewed with @symply_tacha, Tee with the real body! Thank you for making us proud and showing REAL LIFE the effectiveness and results of our products without surgery.”

    The post continued: “Not to be misinterpreted, we do not have anything against surgery. We are only emphasizing @symply_tacha new waist and belly was with our products and non-surgical.”

    Getfit Technologies Limited (popularly called GetFit or getfitng), a wellness company based in Lekki, Lagos but with its products popular around the world, including in countries like the United Arab Emirate (UAE), United Kingdom and the United States of America, is often acknowledged the indisputable leading waist trimmer brand in Nigeria.

    In recent years, the number of celebrities associated with Getfitng has soared with some of them becoming the faces of Getfitng, including the likes of Nollywood actress Rita Dominic.

    The company’s CEO, Adekemi Oladipo, further explained why the brand is represented by celebrities who are known not to have indulged in cosmetic surgeries: “Our transformations using Getfit are all-natural. Anyone, no matter the body size or shape, can achieve a slim waist and trim figure using our Getfit waist trimmer and our free secret tips. Of course, the result is dependent on the user being consistent with her regimen.”
    Oladipo further avowed that “Getfitng will continue to look research, advocate and provide products that promote natural and healthy ways of removing belly fat.”

  • Second Year of Outstanding Representation By Tajudeen Adefisoye

    By Triangle News Media
    One of the members of Ondo State causes in the Federal House of Representatives that is seen and known to have undoubtedly delivered quality representation to his constituents since he was inaugurated is Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye.

    Small Alhaji as the federal lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore is popularly known, has left no one in doubt of his abilities to open a new vista of representation for the overall benefits of his constituents. His first one year of office was gleefully acknowledged by the people of Idanre and Ifedore as one that is filled with achievements that have outrightly redefined representation in the federal constituency.

    Adefisoye has impressively refused to get swayed by his achievements in the first year. He has therefore stepped up efforts to surpass what was earlier achieved in his second year of office. Without doubt, the achievements of Adefisoye in just two years have clearly outweighed those of his predecessors that had occupied the same office for 12 preceding years. As a matter of fact, the federal lawmaker in his second year has hugely delivered visible achievements in areas that include Education, Empowerment, Employment, Health, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Sports and Human capital development amongst others.

    While the fact that Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye has delivered on his electoral promises cannot be argued ; he has also made efforts to benchmark excellence and quality service delivery as his minimum achievement target. Evidently, the lawmaker has also impacted positively the lives of his constituents in diverse ways.

    Adefisoye is the very first lawmaker in Ondo State and South west of Nigeria to have purchased and delivered 1100 JAMB forms for qualified candidates across his federal constituency. This was in addition to his yearly award of
    scholarship to students across the constituency. It must be noted that the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Army has been religiously committed to awarding scholarships to students in his federal constituency for almost a decade now. This is to say that Adefisoye has been lending support to the downtrodden and economically disadvantaged people in his constituency long before he won election to become a member of the House of Representatives.

    More so, it is also on record that Tajudeen Adefisoye has secured dozens of federal government employment opportunities for the youths in his federal constituency. Through this effort, he has given economic lifelines to scores of hitherto hopeless people in his federal constituency. Also, Hon. Adefisoye has equally facilitated the enlistment of scores of youths in his federal constituency into the Nigerian Army.

    Additionally, Small Alhaji has also empowered more than 600 artisans in Idanre and Ifedore with tools and equipments. A little above 400 tailors and apprentices selected across Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency had been trained and empowered with one brand new sewing machine each. This is in addition to start up stipends given to each of the 400 trained tailors and the apprentices. Beneficiaries of this program had shown their immense appreciation and described the gesture as undeniable dividends of quality representation offered by Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye.

    It is also on record that Adefisoye had successfully facilitated Federal Government Covid-19 loan for 300 of his constituents in the last one year. The federal lawmaker has also given priority attention to human capital development in his federal constituency. He has altruistically secured visas and paid all travel expenses for scores of his constituents that opted to study and work abroad. Likewise, Adefisoye has undertaken the
    training and empowerment of 200 youths that were selected from across the federal constituency in Aqua-Culture. Upon completion of the training, each of the 200 beneficiaries was given a start up capital. More so, Adefisoye had also undertaken the distribution of cocoa seedlings and implements to farmers in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency. This gesture has surely gone a long to boost the farming activities of the beneficiaries.

    Furthermore, Tajudeen Adefisoye has also taken it upon himself to handle the renovation of public toilets in the federal constituency. Before the intervention of the federal lawmaker, the renovated toilets were obviously in very bad shapes and long abandoned by the concerned market women. He had also carried out the disbursement of ‘Small Alhaji Money Grant’ to over 600 market woman in Idanre and Ifedore. Scores of the beneficiaries of this gesture had not only shown appreciation to Hon. Adefisoye, they have also underscored the timeliness and appropriateness of the grant.

    In the area of infrastructural intervention, Adefisoye has graded
    more than 25 kilometers of roads in Idanre and Ifedore. The graded roads are now motorable and passable; while the lawmaker is making strenuous efforts to ensure that the graded roads are also asphalted. He has equally undertaken the sinking of 10 motorized boreholes in Idanre and Ifedore in the last one year. In addition to this, Small Alhaji is already working on the sinking another 5 solar powered boreholes in his federal constituency.

    To the credit of Tajudeen Adefisoye,
    is the successful hosting of the inaugural Idanre-Ifedore Annual Football Competition. All teams that participated in the competition were given playing kits courtesy of the Idanre born federal lawmaker.
    Similarly, Small Alhaji has likewise made donations of hundreds of grinding machines, sewing machines and motor cycles to the constituents of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the last one year. He has equally made another donation and installation of solar street lights in Idanre and Ifedore.

    Aside projects that have already been concluded and delivered by Hon. Adefisoye, he has also initiated some ongoing projects in his federal constituency. He has begun the construction of two world class mini stadia in Idanre and Ifedore. According to the lawmaker, he conceived the idea of the mini stadia with the aim of harnessing all the sporting talents in his federal constituency as well diverting the attention of youths from crime related activities.

    He is also working on erosion control and rehabilitation of 2km road projects at Opasorun in Idanre. Another project being worked on by Small Alhaji is the
    construction and equipping of a European standard ICT center in Idanre. Construction of skills acquisition center in also ongoing in Ifedore Local Government of Ondo State courtesy of Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye. What is worthy of note concerning all the ongoing projects is the determination of Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye to ensure that the projects are delivered in line with the highest level of structural integrity.

    Also worthy of note is the newly
    developed “Small Alhaji Vision for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency”. The vision is indeed audacious and it is meant to reposition and move Idanre/Ifedore
    Federal Constituency from the path of old order to the new ways of operating in the millennia age. The vision involves conceiving digital and long term projects with the aim of making his federal constituency compare with overseas communities. The vision as conceived by Small Alhaji, also includes the creation of avenues for his youthful constituents to acquire digital skills and trainings to make them become globally competitive.
    The vision is also inclusive of giving premium priority to human capital development and overall welfare and wellbeing of his constituents.

    Also encapsulated in the “Small Alhaji Vision for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency” is aggressive collaborative partnership with developmental bodies across the globe with the aim of achieving progressive and enduring developmental changes in his federal constituency.

    Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye has performed creditably well in his first-two years of office. Good enough, the lawmaker is resolutely determined to maximally deliver democratic dividends and quality representation to his constituents. Notwithstanding this, Small Alhaji is also very much prepared to leave a legacy of quality projects in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.

  • Ladi-Lak Institutes Yaba, marks Founders Day

    Our Reporter

    87th Founders Day of Ladi- Lak Institute, Yaba comes up in Lagos next weekend.

    The event billed to kick off on Friday, 4 June 2021 has lined up activities to mark the founder’s day celebration.

    President of the alumni association, Mr. Dotun Akinyosoye, said on June 4, the old students would conduct Morning Assembly with the pupils. Then proceed to mentor and give a moral talk to students. Health education and environmental sanitation, he noted would be given a great priority at the event.

    Old students of the institutes would embark on a health walk on Saturday 5,2001. Later in the day, there would be a presentation of awards and gifts. Commissioning of school projects/fundraising will also take place the same day.

    To cap it all is a thanksgiving service at Foursquare Gospel Church, Akinwunmi Yaba.

  • TLCC targets Gen Y, Z and Alpha with new look La Casera

    TLCC targets Gen Y, Z and Alpha with new look La Casera

    Our Reporter

     

    The Group Marketing Director, The La Casera Company (TLCC), Mr. Emmanuel Agu, has said that the need to stay relevant to its young and vibrant consumers, including the desire that its product must stay fresh, alive and innovative, is the motivation for the recent unveiling of a new look La Casera drink.

    Agu, who said the “launch of the new label with the bottle as the hero, affords La Casera the opportunity to create that fresh vibe that positively impacts perception and attracts the teeming younger Gen Y, Gen Z and Gen Alpha”.

    READ ALSO: ‘La Casera a partner in progress’

    But even as the La Casera brand takes on this exciting fresh vibe to engage consumers; its producers have promised to stay focused on constantly adapting its essence to accommodate upcoming generations, fresh trends and cultures to stay relevant whilst always delivering top quality apple refreshment for everyone to enjoy.

    “La Casera showed massive support to the frontline workers and the public at large last year during the COVID 19 pandemic with the “La Casera Heroes Campaign” and “This is Not a Full Stop Campaign. The brand even partnered with online food vendors by giving them free drinks to reward their loyal customers and this further endeared La Casera to many as the brand that connects with consumers across board,” Agu said.

  • Top disc jockey launches fitness App

    Top disc jockey launches fitness App

    Our Reporter

    AFROFIT App Limited UK has launched AFROFIT, a fitness App that combines afrobeat music, counting of dance steps, and diet monitoring to promote the overall wellness of an individual.

    Speaking during the launch of the AFROFIT App in Lagos yesterday, founder and CEO, Oluwadamilare Okenla aka DJ Mind D Gap stated the inspiration behind the initiative was his passion for fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

    He also stated the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown really helped in the development of the AFROFIT App because medical doctors emphasised the need to exercise more since people were working from home.

    He went on to say that Afrobeat as a genre, comes with energetic vibes, which compliments workout routines really well.

    “I will like to say that Afrobeat music has a lot of energetic vibes in it, which makes it the perfect sonic companion for a workout regime,” he started.

    He also explained he came to Nigeria basically to spread awareness, noting that in the United Kingdom, the government provides a high level of support to the citizens and there are various activities aimed at promoting fitness and overall wellness of individuals.

    According to him: “Exercises don’t necessarily imply going to the gym but to move and burn calories. I think Nigerians can actually benefit from this especially through weight loss and burning calories.

    “This App is first of its kind in Nigeria because it teaches the user how to dance, count your steps, and burn calories. Most Apps we have now basically count your steps.

    “I know subsequently that other Apps will come up with similar offerings, but for now, this is the App made for Nigerians and by a Nigerian DJ.

    DJ Mind D Gap’ said he is trying to raise massive awareness about the app by collaborating with media houses and influencers.

    “What I realized about Nigerians is that they love their celebrities a lot. So I’m focusing on celebrities that are into fitness to convey the message of this App to people.

    “At the moment, we are operating on a music license to play music while working on future collaborations with Afrobeat artists whose songs will be featured on the App.

    “With this, we hope to bring more artistes’ songs onboard. The focus is to ensure that we get the license from Apple that covers them while ensuring they get royalties. We are also looking at the possibility of using Apple to help up-and-coming artists, it will not just be the A-list artistes only. DJs can also come on the App. The AFROFIT App can be downloaded both on Playstore and I-stores respectively”.

  • WEFON mark’s 10th anniversary

    WEFON mark’s 10th anniversary

    Our Reporter

    The Women For Equity and Fairness Organisation (WEFON) recently marked its 10th anniversary with members and other stakeholders. The event which was attended in Lagos and virtually started with an overview of the Organisation by Dr.( Mrs) Abimbola Ajayi Ojora talking about the vision, mission and achievements of the Organisation since inception.

    In her presentation, the Convener, Ada Agina Ude went down memory lane and captured the achievements of heroines like late Mrs Margaret Ekpo. ” She was a great inspiration to many and she did a lot of work within her party the NCNC at that time. She also wrote a book trying to encourage women not to give up.”

    Ude added: ‘ Then came the military regime and it gave birth to so many human rights organisations like Civil Liberties Organisations (CLO), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights ( CDHR), and CDD. Women activist joined and this brought Women In Nigeria ( WIN) , GADA, WARDC, WOCON , WRAPA and WLDCN to the forefront of the struggle “.

    The big question however is how far have this groups gone ? ” I would say that it has been all motion and no movement.

    The gender inequality index shows that there hasn’t been much progress. The National Parliament which unfortunately is used to judge higher performance shows a decline. The highest was in 2007 when we got 15 per cent representation which was attributed to Obasanjo’s third term Agenda and the men were not sure if the elections was going to hold. 13 per cent Representation was in the 1998 aborted Abacha transition and 11 per cent was achieved in 2011.

    Funding is usually a challenge for Female politicians and Ude goes on to look at the trend as well as her findings . ” To make things better the Women Trust Fund gave the women money . Also the former First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan also gave the women personal incentives and this time around we got 11 per cent representation.