The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ambassadors

  • Fed Govt, ambassadors meet on investment

    Fed Govt, ambassadors meet on investment

    •Target $80b trade with Asia 

    The Federal Government and 14 ambassadors across Asia held a strategic meeting in New Delhi, India, at the weekend on how to improve trade and investment with the 15 countries in the sub-continent.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the ministry and the envoys would work on doubling the volume of trade between Nigeria and Asia to over $80billion (about N13.2trillion) within two years.

    Trade volume between Nigeria and 15 Asian countries stands in excess of $40billion (N6.62trillion). India is Nigeria’s largest trading partner with about N2.95trillion,  followed by China at N2.143trillion.

    Trade between Nigeria and Australia stands at N534.3billion; Singapore, N293.4billion; Indonesia, N272.8billion; Japan, N263.5billion and Bangladesh, N84.5billion, among others.

    Nigeria’s ambassadors to India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, North Korea, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Guangzou and Pakistan, attended the meeting.

    Key agencies of the ministry, such as the Nigerian Export Processing Zones, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, the National Automotive Council and the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, were also represented.

    Aganga said the meeting was necessitated by the emergence of Asian countries as Nigeria’s major trading and investment partners, adding that there was need to maintain the country’s position as the preferred investment destination in Africa and globally.

    The meeting also opened fresh investment commitments by major Indian companies.

    Aganga explained why India is keen on investing in Nigeria:  “The reason is that over the last decade, there has been a shift in the dynamics of how Nigeria does business globally. We have seen our nation move from a nation historically joined at the hip with the western world to one which is more and more eastward facing.

    “This is evidenced by the fact that Nigeria’s biggest trading partner is now India, with China following closely. Nigeria also sells a large portion of its crude to India, while our traditional major buyer- the United States- has moved to the 10th place. This scenario mirrors the shift in trading patterns.”

    He said while the Western world has been beset by economic instability, the fastest growing economies have been those in the African and Asian regions.

    “We want to arm you with the relevant information to help in your roles as chief marketing officers for Nigeria in your stations.

    Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India,  Ndubuisi Amaku, said the country would benefit by increasing the current level of economic partnership with Asian countries, adding that Asia had regards for Nigeria and would play a role in the transformation agenda of the government.

  • Port Harcourt Fashion Week unveils ambassadors

    THE buzz has resumed for the second edition of Native & Vogue, the much publicised Port Harcourt International Fashion Week, with organisers unveiling two models as brandfaces of the show.

    The duo, who will adorn all communication materials for the fashion show are 21-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Joy Adoki and 300-Level student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mr. Dennis Ategobia.

     Adoki and Ategobia emerged winners in a competition that was staged during the maiden edition of the show, grabbing a cash prize of N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each.  Organisers say their modeling deal for the show will last for the next one year, during which they will also act as Rivers State youth ambassadors.

    Designed as a dual platform to groom emerging designers and showcase the established ones, Native & Vogue, according to organisers, is positioned to drive and grow the Port Harcourt local fashion industry and its players into sustainable businesses and become globally competitive brands.

    Speaking at the event, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Cordelia Peterside stated that Native & Vogue is one of the many events targeted at showcasing and promoting hidden talents among youths in the state and redefining Rivers State as a choice destination.

    “Native and Vogue is a fertile springboard for budding designers and models to hone their skills in the business of fashion.” The initiative, she added, aims at encouraging, inspiring and strengthening burgeoning models and designers through mentorship initiatives.

    Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Neo-Mantra, one of the organisers of the event, Ms Nkruika Oguadinma, said that the panelists received about 300 entries for the models which was proned to 10 through a rigorous and painstaking exercise.

    According to her “the fashion show is targeted at bringing out the positive image of the participants. She expressed optimism that this year’s show will beat the record of the maiden edition.

    On his part, Managing Director, Bumor Creazioni, Mr. Frank Osodi noted that the contestants passed through a rigorous assessment process before they were selected. “It was a herculean task, good and fully measured up. All the shortlisted are handsome and beautiful, but one has to emerge.

    “We listed some criteria for the contestants, some of the criteria was that the person must either reside in Rivers State or must be an indigene of the State, he or she must have a good skin and dentition; the female must be five-inch and nine-feet tall, while the male must be five-inch and 11 feet,” he said.

    Elated at the deal, Ategobia said: “I feel fulfilled and so great to emerge as the male winner. However, I was initially jittery; my heart was shaking when the winner was to be announced.” Adoki was not less surprised. “I am pleasantly surprised. I will see to it that my emergence as the 2014 face of Native & Vogue brings nothing short of Joy and happiness to my parents and family,” she said.

  • ‘Be true ambassadors’

    As they depart for their International Baccalaureate Diploma in some of the United World Colleges scattered across the world, 11 students have been counselled to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

    At the orientation for the students who won scholarships to attend the colleges at the St Nicholas House, Lagos Island, the Information and Welfare Officer of the United World Congress, Mrs. Comfort Coleman, told them they could be true ambassadors by showcasing Nigeria’s rich  culture.

    “Although we have our problems, but there are many positive things, stories opportunities and potentials to share about Nigeria to the rest of the world without undermining your academic performance,” she said.

    She, however, cautioned the students to shun bad behaviour and ungodly associations that could truncate their ambitions.

    She lamented that many promising children have lost focus of their dreams in life because they ignore wise counsel from their parents, guardian and mentors.

    “We all make choices in life but we must always remember that we will all bear the consequences of our choices and actions whether it is a good choice or a bad one,” she said.

    Speaking on the UWC scholarship programe, Mrs Coleman said it is aimed at making education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and sustainable future.

    “We inspire our alumni to become leaders in social responsibility and achieve change personally, locally, nationally and internationally. We value our strong academic achievement but also work more broadly on developing the knowledge, values and skills that will shape our students as well rounded people,” she said.

    After completing the IB programme, Mrs Coleman said many of the students often get admissions and scholarships into the best universities around the world.

    To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be between 16 and 19; get an endorsement from their principal, write an essay, examination and do an interview.

    The UWC  are in the United States South Africa, Canada, Italy, whales, Scotland, Lesotho, among others.

    One of the students who got a full scholarship, Marvelous John said:  “I promise to be a true ambassador of Nigeria. I will not let Nigeria down but I would ensure that I put Nigeria on the map by showcasing our rich values, culture and tradition.”

     

  • Funke Akindele,others appointed Omo ambassadors

    Funke Akindele,others appointed Omo ambassadors

    NOLLYWOOD actors, Funke Akindele, Ali Nuhu and Chioma Akpotha have been named as ambassadors for new Omo fast action detergent.

    This development, according to the management of Unilever Nigeria, is part of its commitment to making the washing experience better for consumers across the country.

    At the unveiling of the new ambassadors, David Okeme, Brand Building Director of Unilever Nigeria, stated that “the new Omo contains max clean particles, which penetrate deeper to tackle even the most stubborn stains to deliver the best results. The product has also been reformulated to be gentle on hands and good for white and colour clothes.”

    Okeme added that key to the Omo brand is the commitment to the Cleaner Planet Plan, a pledge supported by several of Unilever’s laundry brands through which they are minimizing their impact on the environment. Omo has also formulated their new Omo brand to provide effective washing at low temperatures, while saving the user’s energy and money.

  • Timaya, Sean Tizzle now MTN brand ambassadors

    Timaya, Sean Tizzle now MTN brand ambassadors

    It was, indeed, a moment of glory for popular Dancehall and Afro Hip hop artiste, Enetimi Alfred Odom, aka Timaya, and fast-rising Hip hop artiste,  Seun Morihafen, aka Sean Tizzle, when they were officially unveiled as brand ambassadors, among others, for the telecommunications and ICT company, MTN, last week in Lagos.

    During the occasion, the Chief Marketing Officer, Larry Annetts, said: “The unveiling marks the beginning of a better life and connectivity between the company, the artistes and consumers through digital possibilities, especially downloads of callertunez and assess to exclusive digital music distribution services that it provides.”

    Against this backdrop, the addition of Timaya and Sean Tizzle has now swelled the number of MTN brand ambassadors to 21.

    Not long ago,  Banky W., Harrysong, Dr. Sid and Sound Sultan were announced as the company’s brand ambassadors, just as the contracts of Iyanya Mbuk, Wizkid and a host of others, including Yaw, Nedu, Mama Gee, Saka and Nkem Owoh, a.k.a Osoufia, were renewed.

    At the event, Praiz’s Mercy and Timaya’s Bow Down, which are both new singles, were premiered, in addition to musical videos by Chidinma and Tiwa Savage.

    Meanwhile, sensational singer, Kcee, used the occasion to present a prize to the winner of his Fine-face competition.

    Also premiered was the collaboration between South Africa’s duo of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza, a.k.a Mafikizolo, and Nigeria’s Davido. The trio premiered the song titled Tchelete, which means ‘Goodlife’.

    Kgosinkwe was obviously elated, as he enthused that the song was the best collaborative work he had ever done with any foreign artiste.

    Some of the top celebrities in attendance during the glamorous event include Oritse Femi, Ghanaian diva, Rebecca Acheampong, aka ‘Becca’, Vector, Ice Prince, Solid Star, Dayo Adeneye, Kenny Ogungbe, Ayo Animashaun, TY Mix, Olisa Adibua, Yaw and Tee-A.

     

  • Enter ambassadors of Islam

    Two Princes from the Oniru royal family – Muideen Alaba Oniru and Muideen Abayomi Daramola–have been conferred with chieftaincy titles by muslim community in Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Those who came late were stunned to find him already seated. They had thought that being a monarch, he would be the last arrive. But the Oniru of Iruland in Lagos, Oba Abiodun Idowu Oniru, got the turbaning of two princes from his royal family before many guests. The duo of Prince Muideen Alaba Oniru and Prince Muideen Abayomi Daramola were honoured as Mogaji and Sanmori Adinni by the Council of Imams and Alfa of the Eti-Osa Muslim Community.

    The event also featured a N50 million fund raiser to build a modern Islamic centre.

    Oba Oniru enlivened the atmosphere with interjections that evoked laughter from the crowd. Those who rarely relates with the monarch, saw the funny side of him that day.

    The ceremony began on a prayer note.

    The principal host, Alhaji AbdulYekeen Bakare, in his welcome address, noted that despite activities marking Oba Oniru’s 20th anniversary, he still found time to attend the function.

    Bakare, the Baba Adinni of Eti-Osa Muslim Community, hailed the White cap chiefs for their presence.

    He lauded the monarch for of donating a land to build an Islamic centre in the community.

    The centre, Bakare said, would boast of a school, orphanage home and event centre, among others.

    He, however, solicited assistance from the guests to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

    The guest speaker and Chief Imam of Obadore Central Mosque, Alhaji Isa Olaleye, spoke on chieftaincy titles in Islam.

    According to him, the initiative is one of the things that aid the expansion of Islam in the Southwest.

    Alhaji Olaleye, the Eti-Osa Council of Imams and Alfas treasurer, however, warned that such titles should be given to people of worthy character.

    He congratulated the new chiefs, enjoining them not to relent in promoting the cause of Islam.

    After the lecture, came the moment many had been waiting for – the decoration of the new chiefs.

    The clerics, who performed the task were led by Chief Mufasir of Lagos, Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa and Chairman, Eti Osa Muslim Community Sheikhi AbudulBari Afinih.

    With permission from the monarch, Prince Oniru and Prince Daramola were decorated with the turban amid songs.

    The new chiefs went to pay homage to Oba Oniru before moving round to greet people.

    Prince Oniru thanked the Muslim community for deeming it fit to honour him.

    He promised to continue to assist the cause of Islam and humanity.

    An elated Prince Daramola said the title called for more devotion to Islam.

    According to him, the honour came to him when he least expected it.

    “I will continue to engage in meaningful projects that would develop our community and make it envious of others,” said Prince Daramola, who is the Chairman, Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area.

    The Arobadade of Iruland thanked Oba Oniru for his tireless efforts at developing the community.

    The one-and-half hour event featured donation towards the proposed Islamic centre with Oba Oniru leading the pack with a million naira cash donation.

    Guests were later treated to sumptuous meals and choice drinks.

    After the vote of thanks, the gathering converged on the mosque for a Jumat Service before heading back to their various destinations.

    Among the personalities at the event were Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla; Oba Oniru’s wives Oloris Arike, Aramide and Risikat; former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Alhaji Ibrahim Balogun; his counterpart in Education and Fatima Charity Foundation Vice President Alhaja Sekinah Yusuf; former Lagos State Commissioner for Justice Alhaja Wonu Folami; Alhaja Ramdat Okunola; Lagos socialite and Chairman Alesh International Hotel Alhaji Rilwan Adisa Aleshinloye; Alhaji Sinari Daranijo; Hon Mufutau Kadiku; Bashorun of Lagos Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy; Alhaja Ashabi Bamgbola; Alhaji Rasak Folami; Alhaja Adeyinka Ayorinde; Abubakar Olasewere; Baba Adinni of Oniru Central Mosque Alhaji Mumeen Elepetumodu; Alhaji Musiliu Dairo; Alhaji Morufdeen Aliowe; Chief Simeon Akinlonu among others.

     

  • Academy trains peace ambassadors

    No fewer than 40 students gathered at the National Youth Development Centre in Odeomu, Osun State to chart a course for peaceful development in Nigeria.

    The event, in its third stage, was organised by Tolerance Academy, a mobile peace-building organisation.

    Curator of the Academy, Ayodele Obajeun, said the event was meant to promote socio-cultural and ethnic integration among Nigerian youths. He noted that the training would equip participants with leadership skills, adding that tolerance was the price to pay for peace.

    “Leadership is not a position but a function of how much we influence the people around us. It requires passion, persistence and courage. We need to overcome our limits, network with the right people and face the giants that confront us as a people. We must always be committed to solving problems,” Obajeun said.

    The event featured exciting sessions on relational leadership, cultural integration, forgiveness, religious tolerance and how to use creativity to enhance personal development.

    These were followed by interactive sessions, during which participants were taken through life and times of Nelson Mandela, Thomas Jefferson and Mahatma Ghandi taken as models for religious tolerance and intercultural dialogue. They also participated in aerobics, cultural display, presentations and debates.

    A participant, Meimuna Ahmad from Bayero University Kano (BUK) Kano State, said the event exposed her to the rich cultural diversity of the Nigerian people.

    She said: “I learnt diverse cultures. There are many participants who cannot speak my language but we all interacted freely and shared a lot of views on a number of issues. Prejudices that I have towards certain cultures and religion were cleared and I discovered myself in a new way.”

    Participants visited the Ode-Omu Central Mosque, The African Church and the palace of the traditional ruler of Ode-Omu, Oba Lamidi Oke.

    The Chief Imam of Ode-Omu, Alhaji Abdulhamid Olodo, said Islam is a religion of peace.

    The visit ended with a tour of Erin-Ijesa Water-falls.

    Adebola Precious, a student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) said: “The trainings were great and we were developed both mentally and physically.”

    The event ended with a dinner and award ceremony for winners of the brain blogger contest. A 400-Level student of Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU), Olaoluwa Abagun clinched the first prize while Ajobiewe Tolulope from Federal University of Technology (FUTMinna) and Asanike Sekinat Adeola from OAU, emerged as first and second runners-up.

    Speaking on behalf of other winners, Abagun said: “I entered the contest to vent my opinion on challenges facing the women in leadership, especially at the corridors of power.”

     

  • Youths urged to be good ambassadors

    Youths urged to be good ambassadors

    The President Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Chief Lasisi Akinsanya, has urged youths to be focused and shun acts that can tarnish their image.

    He spoke at the installation of 3rd President of the Rotaract Club of Egbeda, District 9110 Nigeria, Mr. Olanrewaju Lasisi last week.

    He said Nigerian youths should emulate members of the club in its humanitarian services, which according to him was bridging the gap between the needy and the haves.

    He explained that the youths were the future of the country and should use their talent to harness the resources available in different parts of the country, stressing that with their inputs the things would continually fall apart.

    The newly installed President,Lasisi stressed the need for cooperation among the youth in order to realise the objective of the club.

    The club donated two sewing machines to residents within its jurisdiction and urged them to make good use of the item.

    He stated that it was part of the club’s objectives to assist in community development and expressed the hope that in due course the club would embark of projects that would bring impact on the lives of the people.

    Lasisi reiterated that in view of the club’s commitment to social service, it donated two dozens of plastic chairs to the Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area.

    He promised that the club would give 1000 copies of exercise books to pupils in primary and post primary schools in the area. “We will donate environmental sanitation equipment to the Environmental Department of Egbe-Idimu LCDA, health items to the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) for mothers and their newborn babies’ usage.”

    A beneficiary, Akinsanya Kehinde, thanked the club for its gesture and called on public spirited individuals to support the club in order to meet up with its programmes.

  • Eight ambassadors’ awaits confirmation

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday forwarded the names of eight ambassador-nominees to the Senate for the conformation.

    The President said the action was in conformity with Section 171 (1)(c) Sub-section 4 of the 1999 Constitution.

    He said seven of the nominees are career and one non-career ambassador-nominees.

    The nominees are: Mr O. F. Muo (Imo), career; Mrs. T. J. Chinwuba-Akabogu (Anambra), career; Mr Adamu Emozozo (Edo), career; Mr. A. Echi (Benue), career; Mrs. G. M Quist-Adebiyi (Lagos), career; Mr M. Dauda (Borno), career; Mr Hakeem O. Sulaiman (Ogun), career and Dr. Bolere Ketebu (Bayelsa), non-career.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • MTN splashes N100m on new celebrity Ambassadors

    MTN splashes N100m on new celebrity Ambassadors

    ONE of Nigeria’s leading telecommunication companies, MTN, has reportedly shelled out over N100m in endorsement deals for new brand ambassadors in line with their radical shift in policy.

    The mobile operator recently unveiled pop star Davido, along with four Project Fame Academy alumni, Iyanya, Praiz, Chidinma and Mike Anyasodo as new celebrity faces of the brand.

    Wizkid, whose endorsement deal with Pepsi was recently extended for another two years, was also a beneficiary as he also signed a one-year endorsement deal with the telecoms company.

    It is the first time MTN is officially signing brand ambassadors and exclusive reports also have it that the stars have finished negotiations for a one year endorsement deal which will see some of the beneficiaries earning as much as N15m a year. Davido, who was reportedly paid N30m for his debut MTN commercial last year also renewed for the same amount.