The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Achievers

  • Honour for achievers

    Honour for achievers

    The maiden edition of the Leadership Award for African Achievers 2014 (LAFAA) has been held in Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    IT was an evening to remember. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, his Osun State counter part Rauf Aregbesola and Dr Benson Enikuomehin,  former Ondo State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),  were among the awardees, who stood tall at the maiden edition of the Leadership Awards for African Achievers (LAFAA).

    As they stepped onto the podium with their admirers to receive the awards, guests, looking resplendent in different attires, hailed them.

    The Balmoral Hall in Oregun, Ikeja, venue of the event, was well lit.

    The award, the first of its kind, was organised by the Celebrity Magazine International. No fewer than 40 people got awards and certificates.

    Sky Music life band led by Francis Akingbemi entertained guests.

    The event also featured performances from various artistes including Lafiaji Fanty Association, Lagos Island; Ozzy Bosco wonder kid and his crew; Okoro African Cultural Dancers and a physically challenged singer, Sky Francis.

    The magazine’s editor-in-chief and LAFAA President, in his welcome address, said the awards were to honour selfless compatriots across the continent, who, despite the challenges, often associate with Africa and its people. The awardees, he said, have excelled and performed exceptionally in their chosen fields and it is hoped that the little effort will motivate and inspire others to strive for greatness.

    Not long after his speech, the award session followed. The awardees were called one after the other amid cheers by the guests.

    Aregbesola bagged the Outstanding Governor of the Year award. He was represented by his Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission, Dr Adeleke Ipaye; Fashola got the Outstanding Government Personality of the Year. He was represented by his Director for Special Duties, Mr Kunle Oseni, while Enikuomehin recieved the Outstanding Performance in Infrastructural Development in the Southwest.

    Others honoured were Gen Gbian Robert who was recognised for his outstanding contribution to good governance and democracy in Nigeria; Chairman, Agege Local Government Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem; Director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr Rowland Ofulure, represented by his General Manager, Mr Samuel Okmkeome, got the Outstanding Aviation Personality award. Lafiaji-Fanty association was also honoured for its extraordinary performance.

    Responding, Aregbesola thanked the organisers for the award, noting that the award was to encourage his administration to do more.

    Fashola said the award has set the pace for people in the state to do more in whatever position they find themselves.

    To Dr Enikuomehin, the award is a thing of joy.

    “You will be remembered by what you do whether positively or negatively,” he said, urging public servants to be positive minded and impact well on others.

    Alhaji AbdulKareem promised to do more to uplift the society.

    Gen Robert described the award as beautiful and a source of motivation.

    He dedicated the award to the citizens of Benin and Africa at large.

  • Achievers University celebrates freshers

    Achievers University celebrates freshers

    When the Achievers University, the first private university in Ondo State, had its 7th matriculations, the joy of the new intakes knew no bounds. They successfully navigated the tortuous route of joint matriculation examination to gain admission into the institution.

    Scores of parents, guardians, friends and well-wishers converged on the university’s premises to the joyful day for the young men and women taking their oath of studentship.

    The vision of the university is to produce a total person morally sound, properly educated and entrepreneurially oriented who would be useful to himself and the society.

    Besides, the institution has the mission of providing enabling environment (physical and academic) for the production of competent and quality graduates with self-reliance, high productivity and global relevance in every sphere of human endeavour.

    According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor J. A. Odebiyi, the story of the institution has been that of steady growth and development by all measurable indices.

    He said in December last year, at the second convocation of the University, the foundation stones of six major projects were laid.

    These according to him, were that of the Postgraduate School, the College of Law, the Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre, the University Health Centre, Students Centre and the first phase of the University Sports Complex, all at the permanent site.

    Prof. Odebiyi said in addition, the institution has now moved about 60 per cent of the students population to the newly constructed hostel at its permanent site with corresponding increase in water and electricity supply.

    He pointed out that on January 23, the foundation of a N50m Chapel of Grace and Glory, a non-denominational worship centre for the university was laid.

    The VC said: “I am therefore indeed excited by this year’s matriculation being the seventh. The number seven connotes perfection in the spiritual realm and as a Christian, all these signs of development have strongly reinforced my belief that this session is going to be a year of perfection in all things laudable for this university, the staff and the students both old and new in Jesus’s name.”

    At the event, a total of 305 students were admitted through the UTME and Direct Entry into the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CONAS) and the College of Social and Management Sciences (COSMAS).

    The VC said a breakdown of the number shows 171 Students in CONAS and 134 in COSMAS and for the second year running, the admission conforms close to 40:60 per cent ratio in favour of Science as required by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Prof Odeleye said apart from new regular students, 238 professional Chartered Bankers, Accountants and HND holders were admitted through direct entry into the bridge programme at the 300 level in the Departments of Accountancy, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Microbiology, as well as Computer and Information Science.

    He said “We will provide you with a serene and conducive environment to learn and develop your talents, quality education, dedicated staff and state of the art equipment to support your academic growth and development.

    “It is not going to be easy, but then you are not here for easy life, what I believe you are here for is to work for a life of fulfillment, joy and substance thereafter, if this is so, then welcome to Achievers University family, we will give you all the support you need to be who you want to be.

    As part of Achievers University continued contribution to the rapid development of Science and technology for the economic and social emancipation of the nation,50 per cent tuition scholarship has been offered to students in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences admitted to Geology, Microbiology ,Industrial Chemistry and Biochemistry.

    This they could continue to enjoy till the end of their Course provided the GCPA at the end of the session does not fall below 2.5 and worthy in character.

    Also, in the College of Social and Management Sciences, students admitted for programmes in Banking and Finance would also enjoy 50 percent tuition scholarship”.

    The VC also hinted that beginning from the end of the present academic session, the University and College Scholarships for the brightest and the best across all levels irrespective of programme of study as well as sports scholarship for talented sportsmen and women are being proposed.

    Prof Odeleye said “these are opportunities for you but they won’t come cheap, that is why you must indeed be found worthy in character along with your academic excellence.

    “Since our middle name is integrity, for falling short of this characteristic, students have been warned, reprimanded, suspended or dismissed depending on the gravity of the offence”.

    He advised that students’ code of conduct should be their “Bible” which they must meditate on day and night.

    Prof Odebiyi congratulated parents and guardians for taking bold and painful sacrifice to see these young men and women through academic career, urging them not to shy away from their responsibilities in matters of parental guidance.

    In his own remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr Bode Ayorinde urged the students to make the University proud.

    He warned them to be more disciplined, stressing that the institution would not tolerate any lapses. Ayorinde urged them not to subject their parents to ridicule through various acts of misconduct.

  • Achievers varsity graduates two sets

    Achievers varsity graduates two sets

    Achievers University Owo, Ondo State has graduated 611 students. They are made up of a combined set from the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 academic sessions at its second convocation.

    Of the lot, 20 finished with first class honours. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Odebiyi, said the students performed well.

    His words: “Today, we are graduating two sets of students-2011/2012 and 2012/2013 sets and the results have been encouraging. For the 2011/2012 session, 76 students, graduating from the Department of Accounting, Business Administration and Economics and of this number, five are in the first Class, 18 in second class upper division and 10 in third class’s honour.

    “In the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, 42 graduated from the departments of Medical Laboratory Science, Biochemistry, Computer and Information Systems, Microbiology and Industrial Chemistry with one student in first class, 12 in second class upper division, 21 in second class lower and eight in third class.

    “For the 2012/2013 session, 393 students are graduating from the college of Social and Management Sciences with 12 in first class, 199 in second class upper division, 155 in second class lower division and 27 in third class. In the college of Natural and Applied Sciences, 100 students and graduating with two in first class, 49 in second class upper division, 38 in second class lower division and 11 in third class.”

    Odebiyi noted that the 2011/2012 set has already completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, while those in the 2012/2013 are presently under going the national programme.

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, urged the Federal Government to see private universities as partners in progress.

    He however noted that apart from the license, there are no incentives private institutions enjoy from the government and sought a change.

    “The Tertiary Education Trust Fund is operating under a law that does not recognise private universities. On behalf of all private universities, we want to plead with the Federal and State Governments to see the Private University Project as a necessary panacea to higher education challenges in the country.

    “Some of us started in temporary premises leveraging on the support of local communities to take off. Achievers University is a good example of “starting small” “growing big”. When we were to start, we learnt that Harvard University, one of the best private universities in the world, started from a five-bedroom duplex and, over time, it has developed to its present stage in history.

    “If that is true, massive infrastructure should not be a yardstick for measuring seriousness in the pursuit of a private university project. At no time in history have massive buildings impacted knowledge on students; rather it is the human asset in the university that is described as the faculty of knowledge that impacts on the students”.

    At the ceremony, Chairman, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, Managing Director/CEO Ecobank Plc, Mr. Jibril Aku, President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Aina and Aare Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oloye Lekan Alabi were conferred with honourary degrees.

     

  • Achievers’ day of honour

    Top Elegance magazine has honoured Oyo State Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi; wife of Ogun Governor Mrs Olufunso Amosun; Iyalode of Lagos/President, Fatima Charity Foundation, Hajia Bintu-Fatima Tinubu and several others for their contributions to the society. The event held last Sunday at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    The awardees stood tall as they received plaques at the Oranmiyan Hall of Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    Most guests in native cheered them as the moderators announced their names.

    They all looked elegant.

    The Publisher/Chief Executive Officer of Top Elegance magazine, Mr Olabode Ajayi, the organiser of the award was full of joy.

    He moved up and down the hall, receiving guests and ensuring that everything was in order. He hardly sat down during the event.

    Oyo State Abiola Governor Ajimobi received ‘the Best Governor of the Year 2013’ award; wife of Ogun State Governor Mrs Olufunso Amosun, was awarded ‘the Best Socially Responsible First Lady of the Year 2013′ and Hajia Bintu-Fatima Tinubu’s Fatima Charity Foundation got the Best NGO of the Year, among other awardees.

    With Pastor Akinola Ajayi leading the opening prayer, HINTZ Entertainment led by Chima Mmegha who electrified the hall led the National Anthem.

    The event had Mrs Oluwafeyikemi Olayinka as the presenter assisted by Miss Bolanle Owolewa.

    Chairman on the occasion, APC chieftain Chief Kareem Daramola, while welcoming the guests, said the event was to recognise those who have contributed to the growth of the nation.

    The event also featured donations and cutting of the company’s sixth anniversary cake.

    Ajayi said better performance was expected from the awardees to justify the honour bestowed on them.

    He said he felt good, happy and gave God the glory.

    Ajayi said the award was based on nominations and voting by the public.

    Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Prof Modupe Adelabu congratulated the recipients.

    “The calibre of beneficiaries also speaks volume and it is enough evidence that those being recognised deserve to be so honoured being top-of-the-shelf brands in their various fields of endeavour,” she said.

    She urged Elegance Media Concept Limited to maintain the bar, saying: “What is worth doing at all is worth doing well’.

    Hajia Tinubu said the award had brought a big joy to the Fatima Charity Foundation.

    “The foundation is to help the less privileged ones in the society and we will continue to do our best,” she said.

    Mrs Amosun described the award as a challenge to do more, assuring the gathering of her commitment to doing more for the good of the society.

    Mrs Amosun was represented by Mrs Latifat Otun.

    Chairman, Aregbesola Victory Group (AVG), Alhaji Okanlawon Ademola, who got the award of the Best Grassroots Politician of the Year 2013, thanked the organisers of the event.

    Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Hon Bimbo Daramola was awarded the Most Outstanding Nigerian Legislator of the Year 2013′.

    He expressed gratitude for the honour.

    Chairman of Strategdemaxx Limited, Mr Dele Alake, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Media Practice 2013.

    Represented by his son, Olatunbosun, Alake thanked the organisers for recognising those who have contributed to the democratic struggle of the country.

    Other awardees were Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa – the Best Commissioner of the Year 2013; Chairman, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Prince Adekunle Ayantoye – the Best Local Government Chairman of the Year 2013 Osun State; Chairman, Ifako Ijaye Local Government, Lagos State, Hon Oloruntoba Oke – Most Outstanding Local Government Chairman of the Year 2013; Chairman /CEO, YEMRAH Hotels, Ado-Ekiti, Hon Folorunso Isiaka – Best Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 and Gossy Natural Spring Water – Best Bottled Water of the Year 2013.

    Present at the event were the publisher of City People magazine, Mr Seye Kehinde; representative of Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, Mrs Olayinka Agunsoye; Otunba Gboyega Odunuga; Otunba Lekan Osifeso; Omo-Oba Ade Abudu; Mrs Gbeminiyi Shoneye-Daramola; General Manager, Paints and Coatings manufacturers Nig Plc, Mrs Derek Authur; Mr Greg Willams; Angelo Singh; Ms Mercy Osuya; Wole Ogunniyi; Hon Abiola Afikun-Yomi; Mrs Adeola Yesufu; Ms Sola Salako and Mrs Ronke Akinlaja, among others.