The Nation Newspaper

Tag: commitment

  • ‘ Nestle’s commitment to Milo basketball championships unwavering’

    ‘ Nestle’s commitment to Milo basketball championships unwavering’

    The Nestle Nigeria Plc on Wednesday said that it remained committed to promoting high quality of life through sports, with sponsorship of basketball championships in secondary schools.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the company, Mr Darnesh Ghordon, gave the assurance at a news conference in Lagos to herald the 2014 edition of the annual Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championships.

    Ghordon said that the 16th edition of the boys and girls competition was tagged: “Slam Like A Champ’’. He said that it would start soon.

    “We are committed to promoting the quality of life through sports, and also proud to be leading the private sector in contributing to the development of sports in Nigeria. It is part of our belief that sports serve as a suitable platform for youths to imbibe values such as honesty, teamwork, fair play and adherence to rules. In reality, perseverance and resilience have been the motivating factor behind our commitment,” Ghordon said.

    The company’s Category Business Manager, Mrs Doja Ekeruche, noted that the championships started in 1999 when a few secondary schools took part in the first edition.

    “Today, we are proud that a total of 7,000 schools will take part nationwide,” she said.

    According to her, the competition will continue with its usual four conferences, the Atlantic in Asaba, Savannah in Kaduna, Central in Akure and Western in Ibadan.

    “At each conference, the first placed teams in both male and female categories will go home with trophies and cash rewards. At the end of each conference, 12 teams will emerge for the grand finale of the event. A sum of N200,000 will be given to each school that participates in the national finals,” she said.

    The manager said that the eventual winners would go home with additional N150,000, runners-up, N120,000 and third placed teams, N100,000.

    “Our commitment to the development of basketball in Nigeria remains unwavering. We will continue to partner the Nigeria Basketball Federation and other stakeholders to improve on the quality of the game,” she said.

    The Chairman, National Collegiate Sports Foundation (NCSF), Mr Remi Olowude, expressed satisfaction at Nestle’s contributions to the developments of sports in Nigeria.

    Olowude said that the company’s unflinching support showed that it was worthy of praise. He urged other private organisations to emulate the company.

    “Nigerian basketball has benefited immensely from the competitions, while the list of alumni of this great competition that have distinguished themselves in this regard is endless. We are happy about the steady growth of graduates of the competition; they have helped to raise the profile of the championships,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International School of the University of Lagos won in the boys category in 2013, while St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School, Yenogoa, emerged the girls’ champions.

  • Don stresses commitment, growth at project launch

    Don stresses commitment, growth at project launch

    The Director of Information, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Dr Sola Fosudo has said that development of any kind results from individuals’ sincere commitment to advancing the cause of humanity.

    He noted that one of the ways to demonstrate commitment to issues of growth and development is to participate in any course that engenders social and spiritual advancement.

    Dr Fosudo stated this while speaking as chairman at the luncheon/fund-raising for N100 million ultra-modern church building by Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

    He said that contributing to community progress is an obligation for which one is rewarded when carried out willingly, adding that “God uses occasions like this to raise men and women for blessing. Givers never lack. When you cheerfully give to God, He will shower multiple blessings on you in a manner you never expected.”

    Dr Fosudo, one of the greatest thespians in the Nollywood industry, opined that building a befitting house of God is not squarely the responsibility of personalities invited from outside the parish. They, he said, could be of great assistance, but the greatest responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of parishioners.

    He advised the parishioners to look inwards by deciding to raise funds every week, month or quarterly to fast-track the development of the church community. “What it takes to succeed in any assignment that is so taxing are willingness, determination and passion,” he said.

    In his speech, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Gasper Olarenwaju stated that the church building project is borne out of the need to provide a more spacious worshipping house for the congregation which, he said, is growing in high-speed; and more importantly, to build for the Lord a more befitting shelter started less than a year ago.

    Continuing, he said: “Within this period, we have been able, with the singular efforts of our parishioners, to complete the first phase which is the raft foundation. Considering the fact that our church is situated on a swampy land, the completion of this stage which was very capital-intensive can be considered a giant stride.”

    He therefore called on parishioners, individuals, relations, associates, friends and well-wishers and all lovers of God to contribute to the building project by giving their widow’s mite which shall be a perfect sacrifice acceptable and rewardable by God.

    Also speaking, the chairman organising committee of the fund-raising, Mr Michael Oluwatoyin Idowu Adetunji, an engineer, said that the church building which was designed by one of the parishioners Dame Rosemary O. Azimi, an Architect, would stand the test of time, even as he pledged that money realised at the event would be used judiciously.

    Dignitaries that attended the event were the Associate Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Okeke; former Deputy Registrar /Acting Head of Research Division and Headquarters Office Lagos of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Dr (Mrs) Clementinah Owokade; Mr Vincent Oyo; Mr Martin Nwabuwa, Vice-Chairman Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Andy Odogwu, Chairman Confraternity of Catholic Christian Fathers; Rev. Austine Echefu; Dame Arc. Rosemary O. Azimi, former Assistant National Secretary of the Catholic Women Organisation (C.W.O.) of Nigeria; Chief and Chief (Mrs) Gabriel Abiodun Ajayi; Dr J.B. Adedeji; Director Fidel Madonna College Mr Fidel Morah; Mr Nwabueze Sab. Igbozulike Chairman Laity Council; Sir and Lady Roland Samugana; Mrs Nene Sougha; Mr John Arowosoge; Mr Fidelis Orji Vice-Chairman harvest planning committee; Udebunjo Michael an Architect and Ejimofor Stanley, among others.

  • Don stresses commitment, growth at project launch

    Don stresses commitment, growth at project launch

    The Director of Information, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Dr Sola Fosudo has said that development of any kind results from individuals’ sincere commitment to advancing the cause of humanity.

    He noted that one of the ways to demonstrate commitment to issues of growth and development is to participate in any course that engenders social and spiritual advancement.

    Dr Fosudo stated this while speaking as chairman at the luncheon/fund-raising for N100 million ultra-modern church building by Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

    He said that contributing to community progress is an obligation for which one is rewarded when carried out willingly, adding that “God uses occasions like this to raise men and women for blessing. Givers never lack. When you cheerfully give to God, He will shower multiple blessings on you in a manner you never expected.”

    Dr Fosudo, one of the greatest thespians in the Nollywood industry, opined that building a befitting house of God is not squarely the responsibility of personalities invited from outside the parish. They, he said, could be of great assistance, but the greatest responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of parishioners.

    He advised the parishioners to look inwards by deciding to raise funds every week, month or quarterly to fast-track the development of the church community. “What it takes to succeed in any assignment that is so taxing are willingness, determination and passion,” he said.

    In his speech, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Gasper Olarenwaju stated that the church building project is borne out of the need to provide a more spacious worshipping house for the congregation which, he said, is growing in high-speed; and more importantly, to build for the Lord a more befitting shelter started less than a year ago.

    Continuing, he said: “Within this period, we have been able, with the singular efforts of our parishioners, to complete the first phase which is the raft foundation. Considering the fact that our church is situated on a swampy land, the completion of this stage which was very capital-intensive can be considered a giant stride.”

    He therefore called on parishioners, individuals, relations, associates, friends and well-wishers and all lovers of God to contribute to the building project by giving their widow’s mite which shall be a perfect sacrifice acceptable and rewardable by God.

    Also speaking, the chairman organising committee of the fund-raising, Mr Michael Oluwatoyin Idowu Adetunji, an engineer, said that the church building which was designed by one of the parishioners Dame Rosemary O. Azimi, an Architect, would stand the test of time, even as he pledged that money realised at the event would be used judiciously.

    Dignitaries that attended the event were the Associate Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Okeke; former Deputy Registrar /Acting Head of Research Division and Headquarters Office Lagos of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Dr (Mrs) Clementinah Owokade; Mr Vincent Oyo; Mr Martin Nwabuwa, Vice-Chairman Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Andy Odogwu, Chairman Confraternity of Catholic Christian Fathers; Rev. Austine Echefu; Dame Arc. Rosemary O. Azimi, former Assistant National Secretary of the Catholic Women Organisation (C.W.O.) of Nigeria; Chief and Chief (Mrs) Gabriel Abiodun Ajayi; Dr J.B. Adedeji; Director Fidel Madonna College Mr Fidel Morah; Mr Nwabueze Sab. Igbozulike Chairman Laity Council; Sir and Lady Roland Samugana; Mrs Nene Sougha; Mr John Arowosoge; Mr Fidelis Orji Vice-Chairman harvest planning committee; Udebunjo Michael an Architect and Ejimofor Stanley, among others.

  • Council chief restates commitment to education

    Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon. Augustine Arogundade, has reiterated his commitment to educational development.

    Speaking at a programme at the Children’s Day celebration held at the African Church Primary School, Meiran, Hon. Arogundade said: “Since assumption of office, our administration has made available free GCE forms for secondary school students; constructed Ilapo Primary School and renovated Aboru Primary School as well as Amikanle Primary School. I promise that we will not relent but continue to execute policies and programmes that will enhance excellent teaching and learning environment.”

    Speaking further on the policy direction of his administration on education and school development, he said: “As a government, we have always been proactive towards the provision of basic and quality education to prepare our school children for adulthood and as good leaders of tomorrow. Many of our policies which are in tandem with the agenda of the Lagos State government have children in focus.”

    He called for the support of individuals and corporate organisations in the quest to uplift the lives of children in the council area.

    “I call on well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies and the public to support our administration in meeting the needs of our children as government alone cannot shoulder the responsibilities. The task of ensuring an atmosphere conducive enough to our children education is a collective effort.”

    The occasion which was witnessed by members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and community leaders featured match past and quiz competition.

  • Council chair flays’ teachers’ poor commitment

    Caretaker chairman of Oye Local Government, Ekiti State, Hon Adewale Adekoya, has decried the poor commitment of public school teachers.

    Speaking when he distributed instructional materials to pupils in the 63 primary schools in the local government, Adebayo said despite being taught by less qualified teachers, private school pupils out perform their public school counterparts. He attributed this to the commitment of private school teachers.

    He said: “I wish to recall the good old days when teachers taught with passion which made successful pupils have fond memories of teachers whose influence changed their lives. What we observe today is that even our teachers prefer to send their children to private schools because of the poor standards in public schools.

    “It is a known fact that the educational qualifications of teachers in our public schools are often better than those of their counterparts in the private schools, they are better paid and their salaries are regular. Yet, the performance of students in public schools is nothing to write home about. What explains it is the commitment of the teachers in private school where laziness and indolence is never tolerated let alone condoned!”

    Adebayo, who distributed 35,000 crested notebooks to the pupils; 120 cartons of chalk to schools, and 4000 branded pens to the teachers, however praised the Ekiti State government for improving schools.

    “Schools are not just being renovated but computers are being placed at the very desk of every student in secondary schools while basic texts are equally being provided. To say this will go ways in kindling and sustaining their interest is to make understatements.

    “Today, as a stakeholder in education, Oye Local Government Area is lending its support by providing instructional materials for all the pupils in public primary schools in the council. The materials will, most assuredly, help to complement whatever the parents expend on the education of their children and equally make the jobs easier for the teachers,” he said.

    Agreeing with his assessment, the Education Commissioner, Dr Eniola Ajayi, noted that public school teachers must do better.

    “We cannot but compare standards as this is the way to solution. Public school teachers earn better than private schools but the result of students in private schools are always better. We all know the explanation.

    “Parents should also support and monitor their children. We have discovered that students now use the computer to watch films rather than for meaningful academic development. We as parents have a role to monitor them to ensure they do what they should do,” said the commissioner who was represented by a director, Mr. A.O. Jeje.

    In his address, the governor thanked the chairman for complementing the state government through such initiatives, noting he must have placed high premium on the project for it to have become fruitful.

    Seven schools were in attendance at the symbolic presentation of the writing materials. They are: SS Peter and Paul Oye-Ekiti; St Peters, Ayede-Eiti; St Johns, Ilupeju-Ekiti; Methodist School, Itapa-Ekiti; St Theresa, Omuo-Oke Ekiti; St Andrews, Omuo Odo Ekiti; and Methodist Primary School, Oye-Ekiti.

  • Agric scheme: Agro-dealers accuse FG of low commitment

    …As 144,160 farmers get fertilizer in Bauchi, Lafia

    Agro dealers in Bauchi and Nasarawa States have blamed the Federal Government for its low commitment towards achieving successful implementation of the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.

    The stakeholders tasked the FG to show more concern by partnering genuinely with the commercial banks to make loans accessible for the GES input suppliers.

    Otherwise, they urged, the Bank of Agriculture BOA should be mandated to provide needed finance to ensure that inputs such as fertiliser and seeds get to the farmers before the farming seasons.

    However, about 144,160 registered farmers out of 240, 000 have benefited from the GES scheme in Nasarawa and Bauchi States.

    According to Nasarawa State GES Cordinator, 98,000 farmers were registered but 36, 000 got the farm inputs. The ministry’s State Director, Bauchi, Alh. Mohammed Yusuf also revealed that 148,000 farmers were captured but 108,160 received their inputs.

    Speaking with The Nation during Post-GES media assessment tour at the weekend in Bauchi, secretary of agro-dealers association in the state, Mallam Ibrahim Zubair stated that criteria for accessing the loans were too rigid.

    Zubair explained that the programme would have been more successful if the banks had released funds at the appropriate time.

    “Government said they allocated N32 billion as loan for the scheme but we have tried all effort to get it to the agro-dealers with no result,” he said.

    Describing the project as well accepted by the farmers, GES State Coordinator, Bauchi, Alh. Abdulahi Ibrahim stated that input suppliers could not make their supply because of delay at the bank.

    In Lafia, the Operational Head, Goldagail Nigeria ltd, Mr. Peter James, advised that the programme should commence the scheme early, adding that the FG should commit themselves so that the banks can release the loans early as at when needed.

  • Keshi to consider commitment ahead of club form for AFCON

    Keshi to consider commitment ahead of club form for AFCON

    Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said he will pick players for the AFCON based on their commitment before their form at their various clubs.

    It promises to be a Titanic battle for squad places in the Super Eagles for next year’s Nations Cup in South Africa, and Keshi has now revealed how committed a player is to the country’s cause will be top consideration when he picks his final 23-man squad.

    “It’s not how well you play for your club, but the 120 per cent you give me when I invite you that will be crucial in my decision,” he said.

    “We have a lot of our players starting for their clubs now and that is very good. Ahmed Musa, Mikel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Ike Uche, Brown Ideye and others and this is what I want because it keeps them fit and in shape.”

    Keshi admitted he would face a selection headache ahead of the AFCON because many of his players are now doing well in Europe.

    “Selection headache? Yes, to an extent because all the players are doing well,” he said.

    The Eagles are expected to open a training camp for players from the domestic league on December 17 in Abuja before they fly out to Faro, Portugal, to intensify training for the Nations Cup.

  • Jonathan’s commitment to education thrills Sultan

    Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to turn around the nation’s education sector.

    Speaking in Sokoto yesterday while hosting the Minister of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, said the education vote in the 2013 budget confirms the President’s interest in kick-starting national development through functional educational in the past one year.

    According to him, the nation’s education sector has witnessed the desired growth as a result of the passionate implementation of policies and programmes by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education.

    He said: “For the first time, education is taking the lion share of the budget. We as partners in progress, will always support every effort geared towards developing education in the country. We urge a focus on technical and vocational education to engage our youths”.

    Alhaji Abubakar said that investments in Almajiri education will help the affected states in resolving social and developmental challenges facing them.

    Wike assured that 80 per cent of the almajiri schools will be handed over to states by november.

    The minister that 50 per cent of the schools have been fully completed, while the remaining 50 per cent have reached 80per cent completion level.

    He restated President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s commitment to using education in the vehicle to lift the living standard of Nigerians.

    After inspecting blocks of classrooms, hostels, libraries and perimeter fencing of the schools, the minister expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the library project at Federal Government Girls College, Tambuwal, despite the non mobilisation of the contractor.

  • Unity Bank restates commitment to customers

    Unity Bank restates commitment to customers

    As part of activities to mark the World Customer Service Week, Unity Bank Plc has again restated its commitment to its customers and meeting the yearnings of its entire stakeholders through value creation.

    The bank, which is presently at a N45 billion capital base is working towards raising a tier one capital from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in the next few months.

    Speaking at an interactive session with the press at the weekend, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Ado Y. Wanka, represented by the Executive Director, Lagos and West Lanre Fagbohun ,said that bank has overcome all its merger challenges and it set to continue to deliver quality service to its customers.

    According to him, the bank has put in place measures to allow for superior customer experience as never been seen before in the banking industry. Some of these include excellent security measures to ensure that on-line banking and transactions’ safety are guaranteed and uncompro-mised in a bid to safeguard customer identity in support of the cashless policy of the Government.

  • Bauchi restates commitment to NYSC scheme

    Bauchi restates commitment to NYSC scheme

    BAUCHI State has expressed commitment to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    According to the government, the scheme has come to stay as one of the binding factors among Nigerians and it is a pointer to the indivisibility of the country.

    The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mohammed Lasi, disclosed at weekend when he inspected the on-going construction of accommodation and other facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Wailo, 63 kilometres from Bauchi along Maiduguri Road.

    Among facilities inspected were the old hostels, exercise and recreational and parade grounds.

    Commenting on the four blocks of new hostel being constructed by TBC Africa, the commissioner expressed confidence that “the new hostel accommodation will be ready before the next orientation camp scheduled for November 2, 2012.”

    The new hostels are designed to accommodate 1,000 corps members with each block housing 250 members and spread across the camp.

    Among facilities in the new hostel are conveniences, laundry space and a sentry box at the entrance into the building.

    Appreciating the government’s gesture, Bauchi State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Nuhu Kwagi, represented by Mrs. Sarah Kure, said the new hostel will alleviate the acute shortage of accommodation being experienced during orientation camp.

    ”Besides, the provision of other facilities will be beneficial to the corps members and the staff of NYSC and enhance our camp activities,’’ she added.

    Giving assurance that his firm will deliver the project on schedule, Ade-Omotosho Austen, Business Director of TBC Africa Construction Ltd, said: “I am assuring you that the four hostel blocks will be ready on schedule,” adding that ,“even though we have not been paid mobilisation fee, we will deliver, because we do undertake turn-key projects.”