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Tag: SUV

  • SUVs not everything

    SUVs not everything

    While many people across the country are lamenting about the cost-of-living crisis, some Nigerian senators are complaining about the delay in getting their official Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).

    The protesting senators blamed the Chairman of the Committee on Senate Services, Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), for the delay, and criticised his method of distributing the vehicles.  They accused Karimi of bias, saying some senators had received their SUVs while others were still waiting for theirs. 

    The vehicles, reported to cost N160m each, were purchased for members of the National Assembly. Principal officers of the National Assembly were to receive bulletproof vehicle. The leadership of the National Assembly was   reported to have started taking delivery of the SUVs in October 2023, amid intense public criticism triggered by the high cost of the vehicles. The last batch of the vehicles for the senators was expected to be delivered before the end of 2023. 

    An aggrieved senator was reported saying, “Karimi has been playing God with the distribution of the vehicles. Most lawmakers in the opposition have yet to get vehicles.

    “Karimi has been the one giving them out based on his personal preference. We are all senators but some are favoured more than others.

    Read Also: Oyebanji gifts Ekiti State creation hero Fasuan SUV

    “Some get things without asking while others have to keep asking whether they are ranking (lawmakers) or not. The cabals have turned themselves to God.”

    Another senator said: “Karimi is the culprit behind the delay in the distribution of the SUVs. He feels it’s his time to flex his muscles; if you are in his cabal or caucus, you would readily get things that are meant to be for all of us.

    “In the House of Representatives where there are 360 lawmakers, almost all of them have received their SUVs whereas, we in the Senate who are just 109 have yet to get ours.

    “What National Assembly bureaucracy is delaying the distribution of the vehicles to senators but giving them to the House of Representatives? The whole thing starts and ends on Karimi’s table.”

    Senator Karimi has not responded to the allegations. He needs to do so. Is he truly discriminating against opposition senators, and other senators not in his circle, in the distribution of the vehicles?

    More importantly, Nigerian senators, and indeed all members of the National Assembly, should focus more on improving living conditions in the country. That is the main reason they were voted into office. 

  • Stallion showcases Nissan Kicks SUV

    The new Nissan Kicks combines distinctive styling, nimble performance with Nissan Intelligent Mobility that guarantees seamless connectivity and advanced driver assistance features

    The Africa-based Kicks models comes with standard six airbags, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration; 17-inch Alloy wheels, integrated roof rails and a follow-me-home headlight module on all models.

    The Kicks rides on Nissan’s new V-Platform a lightweight but sturdy platform with perfect balance between ride and handling.

    First unveiled as a concept in 2014, and showcased across Brazil during summer 2016 to promote the Summer Olympics, of which Nissan was a lead sponsor, the Kicks boasts of being a design collaboration between Nissan’s design studios in California, United States, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Atsugi, Japan.

    Stallion NMN, the Nissan Sales Company that unveiled the Kicks, Nissan’s next generation B-segment crossover SUV, promised to assemble at least 500 units yearly to ensure the vehicle is accessible and affordably priced.

    Its Managing Director,Parvir Singh, who dropped this hint in Lagos, at the media preview of the car, said: “We are looking at assembling the Nissan Kicks very soon to further bring down the cost.”

    The Kicks is, undoubtedly, everything Nissan has leaned as the crossover pioneer and it has spared nothing in making the vehicle one of the most attractive crossover yet – incorporating Nissan’s design cues and tagline –“Innovation that excites.”

    An astonishing sport utility vehicle (SUV), Nissan Kicks comes equipped with the new Nissan V-motion platform recently integrated in the entire Nissan range of passenger vehicles.

    Also coming to Africa as one of the most reputable new vehicles in the planet world, the Kicks is undoubtedly big on attitude and self-expression, and will replace the Juke at the small end of Nissan’s SUV line-up, the dealership assured.

    Designed to standout , the Kicks styling showcases the best of Nissan’s design elements including a large V-motion grille, clear wrap-around headlights and integrated boomerang LED daytime running lights on appropriate models.

    The striking front-end is complimented by blacked-out side pillars for a modern floating roof look, large wheels and a steeply sloping windscreen to give it a striking on-road presence. At the rear, the Kicks is fitted with an integrated spoiler.

    Stallion NMN Head Sales and Marketing Amit Sharma said: “While the striking front end has won it many compliments, it is Kicks’ profile view that has wowed judges at its many awards.

    “The designers took their time to black-out all three pillars to create the impression of a floating roof, which slopes towards the rear and meets a rising shoulder line at the C-pillar.”

    Despite its compact dimensions, the Kicks offer astonishing amounts of interior space – thanks in part to the brand-new Nissan architecture, which includes a longer-than-usual 2,620mm wheelbase.

    The Kicks luggage space measures 383 litres with the seats upright, which is almost as large as cars in a larger vehicle class just as the cabin has a range of storage spaces, including a lidded glove-box, deep door pockets, drink holders and cubby holes in the centre console.

    It has also been equipped with sturdier suspension assemblies, which do not transfer as much vibration into the cabin thus making the car as comfortable and fuss-free as possible, the sales and marketing helmsman affirmed.

    A great deal of attention to detail has gone into the three-spoke-flat-bottom steering wheel with a matt chrome finish for a quality appearance, which has a new ergonomically designed grip section allowing the driver’s grasp to be naturally tight. The central spokes house controls for the audio and phone systems and driver information displays.

    Behind the shaped steering wheel, the driver has quick access to driving information – thanks to the integrated drive computer between the speedometer and tachometer.

    Nissan Kicks come with an optional seven-inch touchscreen, which includes audio streaming and phone connectivity via Bluetooth and reverse camera.

  • Dangote rewards distributors with SUVs

    Dangote Cement has rewarded its top 20 key distributors with Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in the second batch of presentation of the vehicles to its leading distributors at the organisation’s head office in Lagos yesterday.

    The distributors who expressed delight at the gesture more so coming at this time of the year said the management of Dangote Cement had indeed shown that they are the leaders in the market not only in Nigeria but also in Africa.

    Speaking on behalf of others, Mr. and Mrs. Taiye Fajana of the Twins Faja Nigeria Limited, a leading distributor said they were surprise at the decision of the management of Dangote Cement to give them vehicle shortly after they have been paid mouth-watering bonus for the sales recorded during the year.

    According to them, no other cement firm has been so supportive of their distributors like Dangote cement saying the company was first to initiate promo in the cement industry with cash and other items given out freely.

    They recalled that the last promo during which many of their customers and dealers, across the country participated and were rewarded with free quantities of cement which were resold to make money and containers which have been serving a very crucial purpose of storing of the commodity.

    The distributors then urged other cement companies to take a cue from Dangote Cement’s sales model and reward system that guarantees sales increase and maximum profit for its distributors and dealers adding that they will sale more Dangote cement in 2019.

    Group Managing Director of the Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Kunle Alake who made the presentation on behalf of Chairman of Dangote Cement, Aliko Dangote congratulated the customers and expressed the appreciation of the management of Dangote cement to them for their unalloyed loyalty to the Dangote cement brand.

     

     

  • BBNaija winner, Miracle receives SUV, prize money

    Organisers of this year’s Big Brother Naija reality show, have fulfilled their promises, as the winner, Miracle Igbokwe was yesterday handed a brand new KIA Seranto SUV, and cheque of N25 million.

    The event which took place at the Multichoice Nigeria Head Office, Victoria Island, Lagos, had other housemates in attendance.

    They include Angel, Khloe, Dee-One, Anto, Tobi, Cee-C, K.Brule, Nina, Alex, Leo, Khloe, Lolu, and Ahneeka among others.

    Regional Director, M-Net/Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, who thanked the housemates for the drama they brought on the show, disclosed that all former housemates will receive a DSTV explora with one year free subscription.

    Meanwhile, few weeks after emerging winner of the show, Miracle has be endorsed by his home state as education ambassador.

    Excited, the 24-year-old pilot and model announced the feat on Instagram, saying; “Chai!!! HIS Excellency!… My Governor!!…. Rochas Okorocha has busted my Farome!!… So much!!….. “Education Ambassador “Bless sir, I am deeply truly humbled.

     

  • PAN unveils Peugeot 3008 SUV

    PAN unveils Peugeot 3008 SUV

    Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited has unveiled the latest Peugeot 3008 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    The event held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    According to PAN Chairman, Alhaji Munir J’aafar, the introduction of Peugeot 3008 SUV was in response to the yearnings of car lovers.

    The launch came as stakeholders in the auto assembly hailed what they called a revamping of  PAN, an household name in the country’s auto market.

    J’aafar hailed PAN’s strides in the market.

    “Reflecting on the recent progresses within the last five years, we have responded to the taste of our customers. We have succeeded largely and progressively growing market shares. We are expanding our frontiers in the local market and our aspiration is to deliver leadership in auto sales in Nigeria,” he said.

    PAN Managing Director Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, who explained the safety and security features of the new SUV, said it is equipped with all the trappings of a luxury, safety, comfort and technology.It will be competitively-priced. compared to competition.

    According to him, 3008 SUV has seen a significant upgrade on the design front, compared to its predecessor.

    Boyi said: “It’s sleek exterior, futuristic cabin and several unorthodox features take it on a journey to explore unchartered territories of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment.

    “The vehicle is lighter, yet more agile and responsive than previous generation model. This further disproves the common notion that higher displaced engines are more suitable for SUVs.

    “Apart from its distinctive style, it represents the brand’s move towards improving efficiency while delivering an even greater power output compared to previous models,” he added.

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Otunba Femi Pedro, who chaired the event, said he was delighted with the revival of PAN. He described PAN as a great company.

    Pedro said it was a wise business decision to launch the car in Lagos as over 35 per cent of auto sales in Nigeria come from Lagos.

    “I feel highly honoured and delighted to witness the revival of a great company. To see this company coming back to life is a source of joy,” he said.

    Pedro expressed optimism that the recently passed Automotive Development Bill would revolutionise the industry and increase people’s capacity to purchase brand new cars.

  • AVM Martins, driver die as SUV plunges into lagoon

    AVM Martins, driver die as SUV plunges into lagoon

    Retired Air Force officer, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Olufunsho Martins, and his driver, have died after their Ford Explorer Sports Utility Vehicle ( SUV ) plunged into the Lagoon on Saturday night.

    Their bodies were yesterday recovered.

    The incident occurred about  10:55pm near the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    The businessman and his driver were said to be heading for Lagos Island, when their vehicle collided with another on the bridge.

    The SUV, it was gathered, sommersaulted several times before it  skidded  into the lagoon.

    It was learnt that officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and fishermen recovered the bodies from the submerged vehicle at about 2:30am.

    According to a source, they both had their seat belts on and  no injuries.

    The source said: “All the car air bags  came out. It was a serious accident. The bonnet pulled out and the roof was flattened, which indicated that the vehicle might have tumbled at least three times before nosediving.

    “The vehicle was over 75 percent submerged into the muddy part of the lagoon. When we brought it out, we had to first raise the flattened vehicle to avoid inflicting injuries on the bodies.

    “The LASEMA General Manager has been in touch with his family and officers from the Nigerian Air Force.”

    It was gathered that some personnel from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and AVM Martins’ family took his bodies away.

    A prominent Lagosian, AVM Martins retired from the NAF in 2003 and had  been  in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

    He developed the Golden Park Estate in Sangotedo, a hotel/events centre at Ikeja, and other businesses.

    LASEMA General Manager Adesina Tiamiyu confirmed the incident.

    He said: “This is a sad incident. I can only tell you that we recovered two bodies. I cannot say who they are because it won’t be fair to the families to learn about the demise of their loved ones from the media.”

    It was learnt that the retired AVM returned to the country last Tuesday from the United Kingdom (UK) to attend a funeral.

    His cousin took to social media to mourn his death. He praying to God to comfort his family.

    He wrote: “So tragic, so sad. We lost my cousin, AVM Olufunsho Martins late yesterday through a Third Mainland Bridge accident.  May the good Lord grant repose to the soul of the departed and give succour to the bereaved. He giveth and He taketh. But Lord, why do the good ones leave so early?”

  • Evans never gave me N3m, SUV, says father

    Evans never gave me N3m, SUV, says father

    Mr. Stephen Onwuamadike,  father of suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Chidumeme Onwuamadike (aka Evans), yesterday dismissed as false the claim by Evans of once giving him N3million and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    Evans had told reporters last weekend when he took interrogators to  one of the dens his gang used for the detention of victims on Green Street, Jakande Estate, Isolo,Lagos.

    “Before I stopped going home, I gave my father N3million and I bought him an SUV and a pick-up van. I believe that part of the money I gave him was what he used to establish the piggery business. Had it been my father had taken good care of me, I wouldn’t have become what I am today,” the suspect said.

    However, Onwuamadike (snr) said yesterday that nothing could have been farther from the truth than the allegation by his son.

    “If he insists that he gave me money, they should ask him when and how he brought the money to me, whether through the bank or through anybody,” he told The Nation on Thursday at his Nnewi, Anambra State residence .

    “I have  been in poverty in Nnewi here and feeding has been a problem for me and somebody, somewhere said he gave me N3million.Where is the money or any sign of it in this house?

    “Money does not hide; I feed myself and my mother with this small piggery I’m running, while my mother engages in buying of goats to keep body and soul together, even at her old age”

    “My son should stop talking of things that are impossible and pray to God for forgiveness. I have never been in support of bad things in life and will never engage in such at this age.”

    Onwumadike (snr) also disputed the claim by Evans that he had herbalists in Nnewi who were preparing charms for him.

    The 58-year-old father of 11 described the allegation as name dropping.

    “Security operatives should take him to Pastor T.B. Joshua for deliverance before any other thing, but he should stop dropping names,” he said.

     

  • Senate deny buying SUV for N298m

    Senate deny buying SUV for N298m

    The Senate Tuesday said that the controversial Sport Utility Range Rover was not purchased at the rate of N298 million.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, in a statement in Abuja said that although the SUV was imported in 2015 at the rate of $298,000, the Senate paid only N62.5 million when it bought the vehicle.

    Abdullahi said that the clarification became necessary following misinformation that the Senate paid N298 million for the vehicle.

    He said, “Our attention has been drawn to the various false and mischievous reports in the media about the price of the vehicle which the Senate was said to have bought as part of its convoy but was later abandoned when it got impounded by the Customs over controversy surrounding import duty payment.

    “The correct price of the vehicle when it was imported in 2015 is $298,000 which at the prevailing rate of N165 to a dollar is about N49, 170.

    “The Senate paid N62.5m for the vehicle in November 2015. This is contrary to the mischief by those who decided to turn the $298,000 to N298m as the price of the vehicle. For the avoidance of doubt, the price of that vehicle is N62.5m and not N298m.

    “The Senate will appreciate it if all reports relating to the legislative institution, particularly on this vehicle matter, are reported with accuracy and all facts put in proper perspective. We urge journalists to avoid sensationalism.

    “The Senate is a responsible institution and those who believe that when they have issues to explain before it, the next thing to do is to resort to falsehood, blackmail, muck-raking and mud-slinging, should know that they are just overheating the polity and undermining our democratic institution.

    “Finally, the Senate wishes to reiterate our total commitment to upholding the rule of law and to work for Nigerians, in accordance with our constitution.”

     

  • Saraki to panel: I didn’t import N298m SUV

    Saraki to panel: I didn’t import N298m SUV

    •Melaye graduated from ABU with Third Class, says VC

    SENATE President Bukola Saraki yesterday denied importing the controversial N298 million Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    He spoke at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions probing the alleged importation of the bulletproof Ranger Rover SUV.

    Saraki regretted that the Senate was being tackled by unnamed persons for its reversal of the controversial policy of retrospective duty payment on vehicles introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    The Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led committee also questioned Senator Dino Melaye over allegations that he did not graduate from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.

    The Senate, on March 21, referred the two issues to the committee for investigation.

    It followed a point of order motion by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) that booth issues be investigated to protect the integrity of the Senate.

    Ndume relied on some publications to draw the attention of the Senate to the allegations against Saraki and Melaye.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu promptly referred the issues to the committee to investigate and report back within four weeks.

    Besides Anyanwu, other members of the committee at the investigative hearing included Senators Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North), Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South), who excused himself from Saraki’s probe but participated in Melaye’s investigation, Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo Central), Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North), Mathew Urhghide (Edo South) and Albert Akpan, who said he is a friend to Melaye.

    Before Saraki began his testimony, the committee’s chairman explained why he was invited.

    Anyanwu asked Saraki whether he (Saraki) was an importer; whether he imported any vehicle in the name of Abubakar Bukola Saraki and if it is true that he imported SUV Range Rover that was clear with fake customs papers.

    Saraki was also asked whether the SUV was cleared in his name or on his behalf and whether he asked anybody to clear the SUV on his behalf.

    But the Senate President began his testimony by warning those fighting the National Assembly to desist from the act in the interest of democracy.

    He insisted that democracy would not thrive if institutions of government are deliberately weakened and ridiculed.

    Saraki said: “I am not an importer and at no point did I import an SUV Range Rover. As you know, this is a vehicle that is not a “personal vehicle. It is a vehicle which was processed through the National Assembly.

    “I don’t know anything about the importation; I did not appoint any clearing agent or anything like that.

    “Most of the vehicles that are here you only know when it is delivered to you. None of this did I import or getting any agent or going to the port.

    “This is not true. Those that said it know it is not true. Customs knows it is not true, because we all know that all treated vehicles have end user certificate and it states clearly who the importer is and these documents are available and there is no document anywhere that shows my name.

    “So, I want to state categorically that this is not true and it is important that I come here and clear my name and put this matter to rest.

    “We all raised the issue of the policy that is anti-people in the interest of Nigerians. This policy that really had no value at all and that was why this motion came up and we debated it in the interest of Nigerians. But unfortunately, those who want to fight back went and thought there was something to blackmail us with.”

    The chairman of the committee told the importer of the car, Tokunbo Akindele, that he imported an SUV and did not pay duties and that was the reason the Senate is having issue with the Nigerian Customs.

    Akindele responded: “In 2015, on behalf of the firm that I work for, Oando Plc, we imported a Range Rover Bulletproof SUV.

    “We imported it as the company that needed to use it for the various operations that we have around the country.

    “The car took longer than was expected and by the time it reached Nigeria in 2015, September, we decided that we will no longer be using the car, so we effectively packed it.”

    He added that “the car was not imported for the Senate President…

    “The National Assembly took receipt of the car through a consignment from us, through Lanre Shittu Motors, in December 2015.”

    Also speaking, the car dealer, Olanrewaju Shittu, told the committee that they facilitated the sale of the car to the National Assembly.

    He said there was never a time they sold the car to Saraki.

    “It was when the car was intercepted some time in 2017, that it was brought to my knowledge and we contacted Oando, who gave us the papers that they said was false,” Shittu said.

    On the investigation of the certificate forgery against Melaye, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibrahim Garba confirmed that Melaye earned a degree in Geography from the Faculty of Arts in 2000.

    Garba, who also appeared before the committee, told the committee that Melaye graduated from the institution as Daniel Jonah Melaye with a third class degree in Geography.

    The VC noted that Melaye graduated and did his one year compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) between 2000 and 2001 in Kaduna State.

    Vice chancellor said: “From the records I know Senator Dino Melaye, who was formerly known as Jonah Daniel Melaye as a former student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and I know him to be the distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “From the records of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria , Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye, who was at that time named Daniel Jonah Melaye graduate with a Third Class degree of the Bachelors of Art in Geography in the year 2000. And by this he is a graduate of the university.

    Melaye, in his testimony, presented documents concerning his admission into ABU, his secondary school certificate, NYSC discharge certificate, change of name and others in acknowledgement of what the VC said about him.

    Melaye said: “I thank you for the invitation and I want to state my unequivocal confidence in this committee to do justice to this matter.

    “I have few documents I would also want to tender to the committee and before I do that I also want to state with every sense of responsibility that  I am a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

    “I gained admission with an offer of admission on the 6th of September, 1994 and the admission is to study Bachelor of Arts Geography and a copy of that admission letter will be tendered.

    “I also have a second document to tender, my acceptance offer by the university. I also have the third document to tender which is my result from the Ahmadu Bello University certifying me a graduate  of the school.

    “I also have here a document for my registration that I tendered  where I have C5 in CRS, A3 in Agric, C6 in Economics, C6 in Geography, C6 in Biology and a credit in English.

    “I will also tender that as evidence. After my graduation for the Ahmadu Bello University, the school sent my name to the NYSC for the mandatory Service and I participated in the one year NYSC.

    “I served in Police College Kaduna and by the grace of God, that year I won the National Prize of the DG and it is on record and verifiable and I beg to tender my discharge certificate from NYSC,’’ he said

    “My name as an undergraduate was Daniel Jonah Melaye. Jonah is actually my father’s name, so that is what I have on my university certificate.

    “But because I am now popularly known as Dino I applied to the court and asked that I needed an affidavit for change of name before my admission and I submitted it to ABU.

    “I will tender my Identity cards and I came here with a copy of my final year project duly signed by my head of department in the Faculty of Arts as it was then called.”

    When the committee’s proceedings began, Ndume, who raised the issue, was not at the hearing room.

    Clerk of the committee, Freedom Osolo, told the committee that Ndume could not be reached.

    When Ndume eventually came, he was asked why he raised the issue.

    Ndume told the committee that he did not write any petition, but only raised a point of order to draw the attention of the Senate to a newspaper publication.

    He said: “I did not petition. I only raised a point of order. That is Order 14 and 15. That is, when an issue about a lawmaker comes up, we have the right to bring it up. I made a request. The decision to bring this case before this committee is not my doing. It was the decision of the Senate. I did not expect that it will generate this kind of attention.

    “I came here with my own certificate. I was here when the Vice Chancellor said Melaye graduated from the school in 1999. I do not know how you can graduate in 2000, but went for your NYSC in 1999. I do not understand.”

    Anyanwu corrected Ndume. He said the vice chancellor had cleared the air on when Melaye graduated. He said contrary to Ndume’s claims, Melaye’s NYSC discharge certificate shows that he did the compulsory one year national programme in 2000, after his graduation.

    Anyanwu retorted on another point raised by Ndume and said: “You said you did not write any petition, but only raised a point of order. Did you as a senator do any due diligence before you brought the case before the Senate?”

    Ndume again reacted: “That is not my job. That is the job of the committee. I only raised a point of order. I am not Punch Newspaper and I did not write this report.”

    Deputy Senate Leader Bala Na’Allah, who doubles as vice chairman of the Ethics committee explained more: “Is not about the procedure or the contents of the complaints. You are aware that you are a former Leader of the Senate. You are aware that the public, having formed an opinion, based on what you presented, that we clear this whole thing? I am sure we have cleared your mind since you have seen the discharge certificate. What will be your conclusion when you leave here?

    Ndume reacted: “Let me add that I called the attention of the Senate because I feel it is my responsibility to do that. I did not do it in isolation. It has happened before. It cannot be swept under the carpet. He has presented everything. What more do I have to say? What I did was to protect the integrity of the Senate.”

    Ndume left the hearing room at about 2.44pm.

     

  • SUV, $3,000 for ‘diligent’ teacher

    SUV, $3,000 for ‘diligent’ teacher

    A lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State, Mr. Jimoh Olorede, has been presented with an Hyundai Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and $3,000 as reward for making life better for the downtrodden. He was honoured by Helping Hands International, a non-governmental organisation. KAZEEM YEKEEN (HND II Mass Communication) reports.

    When he resumed for work penultimate Thursday, Mr Jimoh Olorede, a lecturer at the Mass Communication Department of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State, never knew he would return home with some “precious gifts”.

    Moments before noon, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Helping Hands International (H2i), which Olorede joined in 2014 as volunteer, visited the school to present him a brand new Hyundai Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). He got the SUV for volunteering to participate in the organisation’s activities.

    Olorede was full of smiles as he received the key to the SUV and a $3,000 cheque at a ceremony held at ODU Hall. The event also featured presentation of award to all best students of the polytechnic.

    At the ceremony where the SUV and cash were presented to Olorede was the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Ojaja, who led his chiefs to the ceremony. Others dignitaries included H2i ambassadors, Obionna Ngoka and Ezechukwu Ifeoma, Head of Mass Communication Department, Mr David Oloyede, lecturers and students.

    Olorede described the gifts as ‘precious’, saying he never expected he would be rewarded for his selfless engagement with the NGO.

    He said: “I am the happiest man today. I never expected these rewards. I had joined the organisation as a volunteer in 2014 out of the desire to give back to the less privileged and the downtrodden. I became the leader of the NGO, representing Kwara State. Through my activities, I have empowered people, especially the less privileged and widows.”

    Olorede said he joined the NGO with the intention to give back to the society, having got scholarship all through his academic career.

    He said: “I have benefited from scholarship all my life. Since I started studying from National Diploma (ND) to Master’s level, I received scholarship offered by people, who did not know me. I am presently studying for my PhD and it is through scholarship. I didn’t know my selfless activities would be rewarded this way.

    “I joined the organisation like every other person and went through stages. There is no membership fee for anyone who wants to join, except a donation of $40. When I joined the NGO, the exchange rate was fair and anyone could afford it. It was N6,600 after the conversion. Despite the higher exchange rate, the NGO did not change the fee in local currency.”

    The NGO, in its letter to the Rector, Dr Abdulateef Olatunji, said it would pay the tuition and hostel fees of the school’s best students. The organisation requested the school to forward certificate of evidence for the scholarship.

    Some of the best students, who benefited from the award included  Nusirat Adeleye in HND II Food Technology, Fisayo Aderibigbe in HND II Mass Communication, Abdulahi Lawal in HND II Mechanical Engineering, Seyi Adesanya in Accountancy and Damilare Ajiboye in HND II Quantity Surveying.

    The NGO is an international humanitarian organisation committed to touching lives and empowering people. Through its global fund for humanitarian services and the incentives, the NGO has rewarded members by giving them referral bonus, laptops, vehicle, international trips and empowerment, among others.