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Tag: gifts

  • N500m “parting gifts’’ approved for Ondo political office holders, APC alleges

    N500m “parting gifts’’ approved for Ondo political office holders, APC alleges

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has alleged that the outgoing Gov. Olusegun Mimiko had approved N500 million as “parting gifts“ to political office holders.

    Mimiko’s eight-year tenure will end on Feb. 23, while Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the Governor-elect will be sworn-in on Feb. 24.

    The APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, on Saturday alleged that the money was from the state Local Governments Joint Account.

    “We have authoritatively gathered that Gov. Olusegun Mimiko, whose tenure expires in 12 days’ time has approved a take-home package of N500 million (taxpayers’ money) as valedictory packages for the 18 council chairmen.

    “Other beneficiaries of the parting gifts are officials of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, who oversee the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Mr Governor himself.

    “Each of the council chairmen and senior civil servants (names withheld), who are involved in facilitating the documentation and perfection of the loot, are to part with N20 million, while Mr Governor goes with a lion share of N300 million.

    “We want to warn the Accountant General of the state and permanent secretaries not to succumb to pressure by Mimiko and his cronies to milk our state dry before the expiration of their tenure.

    “There shall be commensurate negative consequences for every wrong actions or inaction.

    “The action is a daylight robbery of the commonwealth of the good people of Ondo State, ’’ the statement read.

    Adesanya warned banks and other financial institutions in the state not to get involved in any “shady deal’’ with this outgoing government.

    Efforts to get reaction of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Eni Akinsola, were unsuccessful as calls to his cell phone were not picked. (NAN)

  • Nigerite rewards staff with cash prizes, gifts

    Nigerite rewards staff with cash prizes, gifts

    Nigerite Limited, the foremost building construction support company in Nigeria, recently rewarded 50 members of its staff for their commitment and diligence to work as well as loyalty and contribution to the growth of the company in the Nigerian market.

    The recognition of these outstanding members of staff took place during the 2016 end-of-year  staff party held on the premises of the company in the Ikeja area of Lagos.

    The event that was used to also socialize with the entire workforce saw the awardees going home with various prizes, including, Nigerite products, electronic gadgets, plaques and cash prizes.

    Prior to the party, a novelty match was organised between the technical and administration staff members, at the end of which the technical team defeated the administration team by three goals to two.

     Managing Director, Nigerite Limited, Frank Le Bris, said the event is an annual ceremony that has been designed to encourage bonding and camaraderie amongst members of staff as well as reward loyalty for their contribution to the growth of the company.

    “As a responsible company, we appreciate the contribution of our people to the growth of the brand and business, hence this award, which is designed to thank all workers for what they have done this year. Aside from using this to socialize, some of our people, who have spent 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years would go home with gift items  which will serve as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.

    Speaking in the same manner, the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerite Limited, Joshua Bamigboye, said the company always set aside this period of the year to recognise and reward those who have served Nigerite loyally and with all sincerity of purpose.

    To add colour to this year’s edition, Bamigboye said one of the things the company has done was to kit all staff in  attire as well as creating a convivial atmosphere for them to party with colleagues and members of their family.

     Emmanuel Olusola Egbedi, a store officer, in his 50s, was the cynosure of eyes at the event, having spent 30 years working at Nigerite.

    In his reaction to the recognition, Egbedi expressed his appreciation to the management of the company for recognizing him and promised to always be a good ambassador anywhere he finds himself.

    Another beneficiary of the initiative, who has spent 15 years working with Nigerite, Mrs. Victoria Adeyemi, an Application Software Programmer, believes that making Jesus Christ her role model and foundation made the journeys easy for her.

    Akeem Arogundade, a supervisor in the production line, who also doubles as the Secretary of the Senior Staff Association, said doggedness and determination helped him to put in 15 solid years and still counting into the service of the company.

    He also thanked the company for the recognition and promised on behalf of the other awardees to always give their best.

  • Fidelity rewards promo winners with cash, gifts

    Fidelity rewards promo winners with cash, gifts

    Fidelity Bank Plc yesterday rewarded its savings customers across the country who won different cash and consolation prizes in the third draw of its ongoing Get Alert in Millions promo draw.

    The winners, who emerged from different regions of the country got different cash prizes ranging from N1 million to N5 million.

    During the electronic draw, the quarterly star prize of N5 million was won by Salman Umar Musa of University of Maiduguri branch, while three lucky customers from South/ East, Lagos and Northern regions of the bank won N1 million each.

    Likewise, two customers from Abuja and South/ West regions got N2 million each and a customer from South/South region won N3 million.

    Also aside the cash prizes, other customers also won consolations prizes ranging from refrigerators and generating sets.

    The winners emerged from a transparent randomization process which was vented by the bank’s control team and witnessed by officials from Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and other regulators.

    Six customers that emerged star winners for the third promo across the country were Rahama Yenusa Tahir from Maiduguri Branch Borno State, who won N1 million; Emelie Emmanuel, Iriakari, Lagos, N1 million; Olaide Oladejo, Nsugbe Branch, South/East, won N1 million; Peace Chinenye, Ado- Ekiti Branch, South/ West, won N2 million; Ise Iboro, Nakatos Branch, Abuja, won N2 million and Sunday Uzo, Benin Branch, South/ South, won N3 million.

    According to the Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director Nnamdi Okonkwo, the promo was part of efforts to support and encourage culture of savings among Nigerians and promote the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) financial inclusion policy.

    He explained that the promo which was the sixth in series the bank has conducted in the last nine years is structured to make savings accounts holders millionaires.

    Okonkwo, who was represented by the bank’s Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Chijioke Ugochukwu noted that the draw was unique because it was the first quarterly draw in the get alert promo and it coincides with Christmas season.

    The bank’s Head, Savings Group, Mrs. Janet Nnabuko explained that to qualify for the monthly and quarterly draw an existing customers are to pay in N10,000 into his or her account for the monthly draw while N50.000 qualifies one for the quarterly.

    She stated further that new customers are required to open an account for with N20.000 to be qualified for monthly draw.

    Head Retail Banking, Mr. Richard Madiebo noted that the promo was introduced to help penetrate and advance financial inclusion in the country.

    He said the bank launched the scheme in a bid to encourage savings culture and also to reward customers for their loyalty.

  • NJC bars judges, court officials from accepting gifts

    NJC bars judges, court officials from accepting gifts

    •To launch new National Judicial Policy today

    Judges have been barred from accepting gifts from other arms of government.

    Also barred are other court officials, according to the National Judicial Council (NJC), which has also outlawed lobbying of other arms of government by the Judiciary or any of its institutions.

    It has also outlined new measures to curb corruption and other unethical conduct among judicial officers and other court staff.

    These are part of the provisions in a new “National Judicial Policy (NJP)” to be launched in Abuja today by the NJC.

    The policy seeks to merge and improve on the existing NJC National Judicial Policy and a similar policy by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

    The existing Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers provides that “a judge and members of  his/her family shall neither ask for nor accept any gift, bequest, favour, or loan on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties.”

    But, the provision in the new policy particularly bars judges and other court staff from accepting gifts from other arms of government. Compliance is mandatory.

    Section 2(3)(2) of the new policy states:” The Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers and Code of Conduct for Court Employees, with the amendment discouraging acceptance of gifts from other arms of government, should be such as would be adequate. Compliance with their provisions shall be mandatory.”

    Further on its relationship with other arms of government, it is prescribed that “the Judiciary shall not resort to lobbying in ensuring that the Legislature and the Executive perform their constitutional responsibilities”.

    “All arms of government should respect the doctrine of separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution.”

    The policy has also introduced measures to further keep complaints against judges and other court staff from the media and public domain. Provisions in this regard are contained in Section 2(2)(4) to 2(2)(9).

    “It shall be the policy of the Judiciary on complaints of misconduct against judicial officers or employees of the Judiciary shall not be leaked or published in the media.

    “Where complaints on allegations against Judicial Officers and Court employees are submitted for investigation, the complainant or complainants shall be made to give an undertaking not to do anything to prejudice investigation or actions that may be taken.

    “The Institutions of the Judiciary concerned with investigation or and implementation of decisions taken on such complaints shall be obliged to cease further action where such complaints are leaked or discussed in the media.

    “Where such a leakage is occasioned after the submission of a complaint then all investigations on the complaints shall be suspended, the leakage investigated and if such leakage is from the complainant or through other parties known to such a complainant, such a complaint should be discarded.

    “Where such leakage is occasioned prior to the presentation of the complaint and the source of the leakage is found to be the complainant or through other parties known to and connected with the complainant then such complaint shall not be accepted, upon submission, by the appropriate disciplinary body.

    “Upon the conclusion of any investigation, the judicial disciplinary bodies may allow public disclosure of their findings, subject to following the proper channels for such disclosure.”

    The NJC explained that the new policy was intended to enhance the performance of the Judiciary in the face of mounting public complaint and dwindling public confidence on its ability to deliver justice.

    “In recent times, there has been much concern by the public about the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of the judicial system.In particular, there has been waning confidence in the performance of the superior courts in regard to justice delivery.

    “Such concerns make it imperative to identify issues and problems militating against a credible justice delivery system that would command the confidence of the citizen.

    “The need to put in place a judicial policy is borne out of the realisation that the most efficient and realistic way to deal with the identified issues and problems is by way of a judicial policy that would guide and provide principles and guidelines for tackling, and dealing with the issues and providing actions for objective and durable solutions to the problems.

    “In the final analysis, the objective of the National Judicial Policy is to promote and ensure the highest possible standard of qualitative justice delivery,” it said.

  • Ekiti ASUSS splashes cash, gifts on retirees

    Ekiti State branch of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has splashed cash and gifts worth N4 million on 64 retired teachers to appreciate their services to humanity.

    The beneficiaries, some of who  retired as Tutors-General, were honoured by the ASUSS on Monday, last week, as part of activities marking this year’s World Teachers’ Day held at the union’s permanent site, Ajebamidele in Ado Ekiti.

    The occasion was the sixth of the awards and send-off; many of the beneficiaries expressed delight that their efforts were at last being appreciated.

    The gifts include N500,000, industrial sewing machines, water dispensers, mattresses, gas cookers, and electric stoves.

    Dignitaries who witnessed the occasion include the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka; wife of the governor’s representative, Cecilia Dada, lawmaker and former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba.

    ASUSS Chairman in Ekiti, Comrade Olusola Adigun, said the gesture was made because of the retirees’ contribution and commitment to the profession and to encourage those still in service to put in their best.

    He said: “It is to appreciate your over three decades of commitment to raising generations of professionals with ideals of peace, mutual respect and understanding of the society.

    “It is also to remind other professionals in service that someday, they would be so accorded this honour.”

    Adigun praised Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose for promoting industrial harmony among unions in the education sector by midwifing truce between ASUSS and her mother union, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).

    Adigun also thanked Fayose for lifting the suspension on some teachers at Elo High School, Ayetoro-Ekiti, the cash gifts and compensatory employment for the husband of a teacher who returned her overpaid allowances.

    He nonetheless canvassed the payment of salaries’ arrears, clearing backlog of promotion of teachers, through the conversion of qualified teachers at the primary level to the secondary level considering the lack of resources to recruit new teachers.

    Faseluka, who promised to pass the requests of the teachers to the governor, urged the union to show understanding with the authorithy.

    The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Omotoba, who donated N250,000 to  the union, sought love and unity among members of the association.

     

  • N310m vehicle gifts: EFCC seizes Secondus’ passport

    N310m vehicle gifts: EFCC seizes Secondus’ passport

    •PDP chief remains in detention •Commission confiscates vehicles traced to ex-minister

    There were indications last night  that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had seized the  passport of the detained Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus.

    Secondus is spending his fourth day in EFCC custody  for allegedly receiving 23 vehicles as gifts from a business associate of the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    The business associate was released yesterday after more than three weeks in detention.

    But Secondus remained in detention at press time with investigators grilling him further on the deal.

    It was learnt that one of the 23 vehicles had been traced to a former minister.

    Secondus is said to have  asked the EFCC to give him one month to return the 23 vehicles.

    Investigations revealed that Secondus confirmed to EFCC that 21 out of the vehicles were buses which had been given out to PDP members.

    He said the remaining two vehicles (Mercedes and Range Rover SUVs) were given to him by the businessman about three years ago.

    The anti-graft agency has asked the embattled Deputy National Chairman  to refund the N310million value of the 23 vehicles.

    A well placed EFCC source  said: “Investigation into the N310million vehicles bazaar has continued. The passport of the PDP Deputy National Chairman has been seized and he will remain in detention because he has not made substantial commitment on how to pay for the value of the vehicles.

    “Secondus asked the EFCC to give him one month to return all the 23 vehicles but the anti-graft agency has turned down the timeline because funds for the vehicles were diverted oil receipts.

    “EFCC expected 24 to 48 hours commitment from Secondus. Yet, he wants to be released on bail to bring the vehicles in a month’s time. You can see why his movement needs to be restricted to this country.

    “Secondus said some of the vehicles were offered to him about three years before the election.

    “The most important breakthrough by investigators is that he admitted collecting the vehicles from the businessman.”

    Meanwhile, findings showed that one of the vehicles has been traced to a former Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Another source said: “The EFCC team obtained some records which indicated that one of the vehicles was given to a former Minister of Foreign Affairs. The ex-Minister has admitted that the vehicle was a gift from Secondus.

    “Further verification confirmed the vehicle was among those bought with oil receipts by the businessman.”

    When contacted last night, Secondus’ counsel, Mr. Emeka Etiaba ( SAN) said: “I met my client today (Friday) but the EFCC has not formally communicated its demands to me.”

    Etiaba declined further details on the next line of action by his client.

  • ‘Why we shower baby of the year with gifts’

    ‘Why we shower baby of the year with gifts’

    Mattress giant Vitafoam Nigeria Plc has said it showered the first baby of the year with gifts because of its value for life.

    Its Managing Director, Taiwo Ayodele Adeniyi, spoke after presenting gifts to the Island Maternity first, second and third babies of the year on Lagos Island last Friday.

    The first baby of the year, a boy, who was delivered to Mr and Mrs Oluwakemi Okunnowo, was received by the Vitafoam team.

    Mrs Omobolanle Okunnowo was delivered of her baby at 12:01am. The child weighed 3.2kg.

    Baby cot, baby mattress, pillows and baby changing mat, among others, were presented to the baby.

    The hospital also got mattresses, pillows, baby solid chairs and trendy mats.

    Vitafoam also gave gifts to the hospital’s outstanding principal officers and workers last year.

    Presenting the gifts to Island Maternity Medical Director Dr Donald Imosemi, Adeniyi noted his firm’s relationship with Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.

    He said while the hospital continues to “manufacture” babies, Vitafoam would continue to produce products that would add value to the babies’ lives.

    He said Vitafoam baby cot mattress is made from medium density flexible foam covered with non-absorbent fabrics. It is an ideal mattress for a child’s comfort and pleasure.

    He said: “This is a gesture that has become the tradition of the company for over a decade now. It has been the tradition of the company to shower gifts on first babies, the hospital management as well as its outstanding staff. As part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, Vitafoam is dedicated to giving the babies comfort from conception till old age and to assure them that the world is a comfortable place with the belief that their proper growth will impact on the nation as a whole. Products ranging from baby cots, baby mattresses, walker, changing mats, breastfeeding kits, pillows, among other products of the company, were presented to not only the first baby, but also extended to the second and third babies of the year delivered at the hospital.”

    Dr Imosemi hailed Vitafoam for coming to celebrate the new babies, adding: “Because the hospital is here to serve humanity, the support that Vitafoam has come to give indicates that yours is a company that has the interest of humanity at heart.”

    He promised that the hospital would use the items donated judiciously while praying for God’s blessings on the company and its staff.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, hailed Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and others for their continual supports towards encouraging the baby of the year programme.

  • Group donates gifts to Agege residents

    Officials of Annmom Foundation for Mothers’ Welfare (AFMW) have donated food items to residents of Agege in Lagos.

    Director of Media Publicity & Strategy Sunday Onyewonsa said the gesture became necessary because of the need to be one’s “brother’s keeper”.

    “The Yuletide is a period when men of goodwill show love to fellow men, especially the less privilege.

    “One of the cardinal objectives of the group is to care for poor mothers and children across the globe.

    “We chose Agege because of the poor. Earlier before Christmas, we were at Idi-Araba in Mushin to share food items, clothing, shoes and umbrellas to residents.

    “We intend taking our campaign to West Africa during the year. We are also working to help IDPs in the Northeast to complement the Federal Government’s efforts,” he said.

  • Tips on choosing gifts for occasions

    Gifts have always been used to mark different occasions varying ceremonies such as birthdays, wedding, naming, valentine day and even festive periods such as Ramadan, Christmas and others. Most times, they are presented wrapped, thereby giving room to an atmosphere of suspense as the celebrant unwraps it in the hope of beaming with smiles when the gift is finally unveiled. But the reverse will be the case if a wrong gift is chosen for the right occasion.

     Here are some tips to guide you in choosing the right gifts for occasions.

    For gifts to be perfect for occasions, it is important to get what the celebrant needs at that particular time or for future purposes. This makes the celebrant appreciate the gift more and end up in smiles after unveiling the gift.

    Get unique gifts. In everything we do, standing out is important. Your gifts should also stand out. For a gift to be unique, it must be something that cannot be easily forgotten. This is why it is advisable not to give consumable items as gifts because once they are consumed, they become easily forgotten. Also, a unique gift must be something of quality and not only quantity. Try to get gifts that are uncommon and if common, it should have a quality that makes it different from others. Therefore, uniqueness is the key.

    Do not go for cheap gifts. Cheap gifts tend to be treated cheaply and if you want your gift to be treasured, go for something with moderate price and not necessarily above your budget,  i.e, go for what you can afford.

    If these tips are followed, your gifts will always have a lasting effect on the recipient and would be one that cannot be easily forgotten.

    Gifts that can be presented for different occasions include the following:

    For wedding ceremonies, home appliances are befitting and so is cash. A shopper, Miss Roseline Agbian said she prefers buying gifts that would outlive the wedding for the couple.

    She said: “If I am buying gifts for wedding occasions, most times I like buying gifts that can be used by the couple like household equipments, microwave, kitchen utensils or if I am buying for the bride in particular, I buy her things she can use on her wedding night.”

    For birthdays, wristwatches, necklace, clothes of any kind can be given out. Jersey Lawrence, a regular shopper at The Palms, Lekki said: “For birthdays, if it is a guy, I would give him a male necklace but if it is a girl I would probably get her a nice gown.”

  • Police to residents: shun gifts from strangers

    The Police in Bauchi have advised parents to caution their children on the dangers of accepting “sweets, chocolates and biscuit” gifts from unknown persons.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state DSP Haruna Mohammed said in Bauchi  yesterday  that the advice had become necessary to safeguard children from people with evil intentions.

    Haruna, who is embarking on a sensitization campaign in schools, also urged parents to monitor and ensure that their children related with a responsible peer group.

    “Parents are advised to closely monitor their children, know their peer group and also discourage them from collecting gift items such as sweets, biscuits and chocolates from strangers ,as these are the easiest ways to initiate them into secret cults and other social vices,” he said.