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Tag: United States of America

  • Addressing Nigeria Electricity Generation and Availability Challenges

    Addressing Nigeria Electricity Generation and Availability Challenges

    The country failed to meet her 2020 electricity generation target of 40 GW, and presently the
    installed capacity stands at about 13 GW, while the available capacity hovers around 6 GW.

    While the electricity average per capita consumption of the United States of America stands at
    12,497 kWh per year, that of South Africa stands at 3,200 kWh per year, that of Nigeria stands at
    a ridiculous value of 120 kWh per year which is 2.8 times lower than the average for SubSaharan Africa.

    The value for Nigeria was peaked in the year 2014 at 173 kWh per year, and with these data we can see the reason for the downturn of the country’ economy: A nexus exists between a nation’s electricity supplies and her level of growth and industrial advancement.

    Many manufacturing and production outfits in the country have been forced out of operation due to epileptic power supplies, and if care is not taken, many more will be forced to do so. The Nigerian government had at several times come-up with policy formations to address the problem of epileptic electricity supplies, and the populace have at many times greeted such with a high level of euphoria, however, this has always been disappointing.

    These policies have not been entirely faulty, but maybe some fundamental issues have not been addressed; the generation and supply mode. The country relies heavily on the centralized electricity generation mode which entails the shipment of all generated electricity to a central grid from where it is now transmitted to different sub-stations across the country. Although, a great level of reliability can be achieved with this mode, it is however, plagued by high losses during transmission and grid collapse which is very common in the country. Another electricity generation mode; decentralized/distributed generation which entails the use of the generated electricity in the vicinity of the generating plants can however, come to the rescue based on its merits; security, energy efficiency, and cost as now discussed.

    Energy Security; many parts of the country have their peculiar resources from which electricity can be generated; solar and wind in the north, solar, mini/micro hydro, and gas in the south. This makes it possible to have secured generation in different parts of the country that are not susceptible to security challenges in another part of the country that can be the bane of centralized generation.

    Energy Efficiency; the high level losses experienced on the nations’ electricity transmission grid network takes a huge toil on the efficiency of a centralized electricity generation network. These losses are however, reduced/eliminated in the decentralized/distributed electricity generation network making it to be more efficient.

    Read Also: Eight varsities to benefit from Education ministry, REA 24-hour electricity deal

    Cost; while the economics of scale favours centralized electricity generation, the capital cost requirements for its plant construction is huge and the construction period also high. The capital cost requirements for decentralized/distributed electricity generation plants are however, lower and lesser time is required for the construction. The cost competiveness for decentralized/distributed electricity generation is also boosted with the need not to invest in robust transmission infrastructure, asides the elimination of the cost of the attendant energy losses in the lines. The huge cost of shipment of electricity to rural areas have always hitherto, been a great challenge to rural electrification, however, it is expected that the government policies addressed to bridge urban and rural electrification will fully adopt decentralized/distributed electricity generation to bring down cost and help bring succor to the residents of the areas. Experience have shown that many projects in the country becomes abandoned due to scarcity of funds and long timelines. Decentralized/distributed electricity generation will allow for lower investment funds, speedy completion and fast return on investment and pave way for more investment.

    It is expected that the government participate at all levels and also create an enabling environment for investors by building mini grids for the adoption of decentralized/distributed electricity generation. This will help as a quick fix to the epileptic electricity supplies being experienced in the country due to the lower required investment cost and period of construction, better efficiency, and better secured mode. This is asides the better suitability of decentralized/distributed electricity generation from renewables which can help the country to reduce her carbon footprints and contribute to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 of the United Nations.

    Olumide A. Towoju is a registered Engineer and an Associate Professor in the department of Mechanical Engineering at Lead City University, Ibadan. (olumidetowo@gmail.com)

  • Akinterinwa, Keshi, others evaluate govt’s actions against South Africa

    RETIRED diplomats and international affairs experts have hailed the Federal Government for recalling its High Commissioner to South Africa Ambassador Kabiru Bala and also pulling out of the World Economic Summit which begun in Cape Town on Wednesday.

    But, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America Joe Keshi, differed on Nigeria recalling its envoy.

    Those interviewed by The Nation such as former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the African Union and retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Paul Lolo, ex-Director General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Prof. Bola Akinterinwa and Ambassador and university don, Prof. Osita Agbu.

    Lolo said recalling an ambassador from a country is having a diplomatic row is the first step in unravelling what is amiss and next step to take.

    He said: “It is a clear indication that Nigeria is not happy. A country that resorts to recalling its ambassador is sending a clear and unambiguous message.”

    On other measures to take, the former Permanent Secretary said under international law, all countries, including South Africa, have obligations they must meet.

    According to him, South Africa must have received requests from the Federal Government which they must meet.

    “I watched South African President talking about the issue. That means they are already taking action public on the matter. Therefore, we must wait for their reactions before taken other measure,” Lolo said.

    To Akinterinwa, recalling Nigerian High Commissioner “is good, but not good enough”.

    He said in a diplomatic row, “the first step to take is to recall your high commissioner for briefing or report on what transpired. Based on the report, you determine the steps to take and the level of representation. Maybe to send an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, who has the power to sign an agreement on behalf of the government on the diplomatic crisis. Recalling the high commissioner shows there is no one to link Nigeria with South Africa diplomatically and not attending the Africa World Economic Forum is to say our government is dissatisfied with South Africa. If South Africa does not want deterioration in relationship, they must take the required action.”

    On the principle of reparation, Akinterinwa said: “We must wait for the response of South Africa. South Africa must pay adequate compensation for the actions of its citizens.”

    The university don said the Federal Government may break diplomatic ties with South Africa if it’s not satisfied with the response from Pretoria.

    Keshi said Nigeria ought to have allowed the envoy dispatched to Pretoria to come back before taking action on the matter.

    He said: “This is one of the options open to the government. But the Federal Government should have tarried a bit. I don’t know whether the special envoy announced yesterday is gone or back. This is the time the high commissioner should be on the ground to attend to those injured and those who need diplomatic attentions.

    “Though the move is not out of place, the high commissioner is the head of the mission. By recalling him, who will relate with South Africa at the highest level?” he queried.

    He disagreed with the notion that the envoy did not do well. He said as a retired diplomat, he has had his fair share of what envoys go through.

    Agbu said going by what he has been reading in the newspapers and on the television, it is good that Nigeria has recalled the envoy.

    He said: “If what we read in the media is correct, Nigerians have been going to the high commission and staging protests for succour without being attended to. The gates of the commissions are always locked against them during the time of needs. It shows there is no cordial relation between the high commission and Nigerians in the country.

    “I also understand that resources are scarce, but that does not mean that you have to lock your gates against your countrymen in the time of need.”

    According to the university don, recalling the envoy “is a symbolic act”. “It shows Nigeria is displeased with South Africa,” Agbu said.

     

     

     

  • Insecurity: Nigeria Army, Police extremely Ill-equipped, says ex-US Marine

    A security expert and retired Captain in the United States of America Army,  Mr. Sunday Adebomi, has said the Nigerian Army and Police lack the equipment necessary to combat the rising wave of kidnapping, insurgency and banditry being witnessed across the nation.

    This, Adebomi, said was responsible for the under performance of the security architecture in combating the men of the underworld terrorizing the country.

    He called on the Federal Government to provide necessary military hardware required and ensure proper funding of the nation’s security formation, adding that all hydra- headed security threats could be easily surmounted if federal police structure is decentralised to give way for the creation of a state police.

    He said a nation-state with wide territorial expansion and dense population like Nigeria can only guarantee the safety of lives and property of the citizens, if it spreads the dragnet of security to the grassroots.

    Adebomi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, gave the advice in a chat with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, calling on members of the public to be conscious of their environment and report suspicious persons and movement to security agents.

    Adebomi, who tasked the security operatives, particularly in Ekiti to step up surveillance and patrol in order to nip the rate of insecurity in the bud, said such can only be achieved if those with the deep knowledge of the terrain are integrated into the security architecture to gather information for proper actions.

    He commended the various efforts of Governor Kayode Fayemi towards stopping criminal activities and called on the people of the state to always support the government in this regard.

    “I want to express concerns on the alleged killing of about 23 people at a funeral ceremony in Borno State last weekend by suspected Boko Haram sect. The news was disturbing and traumatising to me.

    Read Also: Police foil bus hijack in Rivers

    “Our government must do more in providing necessary facilities and sophisticated weapons that would be enough to its security personnel to tackle insurgency and Nigerians to be united to fight this battle.

    “The various interventions of government at all levels toward solving the challenges of insecurity had yielded little results, so we need to be sincere with ourselves by doing what is right.

    Adebomi, who was a governorship aspirant in the state, described the recent meeting of Traditional rulers across the country with President Muhammadu Buhari on how to end the various security challenges in the country as a welcome development, saying that the traditional rulers have greatet roles to play in securing the society.

    “The decision of the federal government to install CCTV cameras on major highways across the country was commendable .But such must be done with high sense of security intelligence, so that there won’t be any reason for sabotage”.

     

  • Ten interesting facts you didn’t know about Tiger Woods

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

     

    After 11 years of personal and professional setbacks, one of which was a highly-publicised divorce and multiple surgeries, American golfer Tiger Woods on Sunday made a one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, winning the 2019 Golf Masters for the fifth time.

    This victory impressed President Donald Trump of the United States of America, who is set to honour him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

    Trump, who took to his twitter handle said: “Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, life, I will be presenting him with the presidential medal of freedom,”

    It is on record that President Donald Trump, a golfer himself, once played with Woods including in February when the pair joined golf great Jack Nicklaus for a round at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida.

    Read Also: Tiger Woods’ net worth rises to $800m

    Here is a look at ten things you might not know about Tiger Woods.

    1. His real name is Eldrick Tont Woods – Eldrick because it has his father’s initial at the start and his mother’s first initial at the end, and Tont is a traditional Thai name
    2. His father was in the army and named his son Tiger because his fellow solider and friend Col. Vuong Dang Phong was also known as Tiger
    3. He is a Buddhist…. Raised in the religion, he claims that his infidelities and fall from grace can be attributed to his deviation from his Buddhist awareness and practices.
    4. At 24, he became the youngest golfer to win the career grand slam.
    5. He was a stutter as a child and overcame it by taking classes at school and talking to his dog at nights.
    6. He became the first billion dollar sportsman. His net worth in 2018 is currently estimated to be $740m.
    7. He had a glittering amateur career, winning the US Amateur Championship three years in a row from 1994-1996. He is the only man to do that.
    8. His father Earl instilled golf in him from a very young age and Tiger would watch his father hit balls in the garage from his high chair from the age of 6 months.
    9. He first began playing at the Navy Golf Course which his dad had access to. He shot 48 for nine holes aged 3.
    10. He attended Stanford University to study economics for two years. He was nicknamed “Ukrel” by his friends. He did not graduate but instead left early to turn professional.

  • US, China congratulate Buhari

    The United States of America and China have sent congratulatory messages to President Muhammadu Buhari for winning the 2019 Presidential election.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday extended congratulations to President Muhammadu Buhari on his decisive win in the February 23 presidential election in Nigeria.

    In his congratulatory message, President Xi said: ‘‘On the occasion, of your re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to, on behalf of the government and people of China and in my own name, extend to Your Excellency warmest congratulations and best wishes. I wish you continued success in fulfilling the lofty mission.’’

    President Xi said, through joints efforts with President Buhari, Nigeria and China in recent years have significantly enhanced political mutual trust and secured fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation, which have delivered tangible benefits to both countries.

    ‘‘I highly value China’s relations with Nigeria and stand ready to join hands with you to follow through on the outcome of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and take the China-Nigeria strategic partnership to a new height, to the greater benefits of the two countries and two peoples,’’ President Xi said.

    In another statement, the U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo congratulated the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election, and President Buhari on his re-election.

    Secretary Pompeo commended all Nigerians who participated peacefully in the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections and condemned those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process.

    ‘‘We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities.

    ‘‘We also congratulate all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.

    “We call on all Nigerians to ensure successful state elections next week. Going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations,’’ Secretary Pompeo said.

  • US Mission marks world girl-child day

    The United States of America Mission (US Mission) in Nigeria on Thursday joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child.

    The embassy’s Public Affairs Section held a programme to commemorate the day. The programme which had female students from schools in and around Lagos, had panelists made up of top women from diverse fields to speak to the young girls.

    Among the panelists were Uche Pedro, a popular blogger and founder of Bella Naija.com; Leyi Somolu Lesi, founder of Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre; Collette Otusheso, Head, Accelerate TV; Mercy Johnson Okojie, a Nollywood star, Mildred Okwo, top Nollywood producer; Chidera Mouka, Style Editor, The Guardian Newspapers and Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, winner of 2018 CNN Hero.

    Read Also: UN day of the girl: Nigerian youth call for N50,000,000 to end FGM

    Speaking on the on the girl-child, the US Mission Country Consular Coordinator, Alice Seddon urged the girls not to let any put them down by telling them as girl-child, they can’t do it. She said: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Read, get education and knowledge. The internet is there if don’t have access to a lot of books. It is wonderful to be a girl. There is so much going on round the world, read to make educated choices. Nigeria is an incredible country with so much potential. You have the ability to do what you want to do.”

    Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges faced by girls, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The theme for 2018 celebration is: With Her: A Skilled Girl Force

  • Osun Election: US applauds INEC over inconclusive verdict, rerun 

    …urges victor, loser to be magnanimous, patient in victory, defeat

     

    Government of the United States of America has okayed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s decision to declare the last Saturday governorship elections in Osun state inconclusive.

    The United States however urged winner in the Thursday rerun to be magnanimous in victory and loser to be patient in defeat.

    American Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, who said this in Kaduna on Wednesday, expressed support for the election rerun, noting that the rerun is vital because every vote need to count given the fact that there was almost 353 vote margin between the two leading candidates, while over 3,000 votes could not be casted.

    Symington, who was represented by the Charge’d Affairs in the American Embassy, Mr. David Young, urged the people of Osun state to vote peacefully and accept the results of the elections peaceful as well.

    He urged the victors to be magnanimous in victory and who ever loses to be gracious in defeat.

    “We want to commend the people of Osun State for their peaceful vote last Saturday it was very positive for democracy, the people went to the polls in such large numbers about 700,000 voters, which is certainly an expression of democratic freedom that we applaud. We also applaud the peaceful contest that took place, the work of security operatives that guaranteed the peaceful votes.

    “I want to say that the electoral commission did a good job in terms of what we saw. The decision of INEC to go ahead and have a rerun in seven polling units is the one that we respect. Given the fact that there was almost 353 vote margin between the two candidates and a couple of a thousand votes were not able to be casted. Certainly this is a decision that makes sense.

    “We want to say that for the voters, through no fault of their own were not able to vote, it is important in a democracy that every persons vote is sacred and is allowed to count. Clearly as we go forward with the votes Thursday in a democracy one side wins and one side loses. We want to emphasize that the people vote peacefully in the conduct of the election and accept the results peaceful as well.

    “We want to urge the victors to be magnanimous in victory and who ever loses to be gracious in defeat. This is part of democracy and democratic freedom and going forward it is important for the Nigerian people to be free of vote buying in a contest that is peaceful.”

    The American Ambassador, who spoke at the launch of women and girls child empowerment of Magviole Vocational Center, also urged Nigerian to plan for potential population explosion in the next few decades by educating and providing the youth with skills that would create jobs for them and get them engaged.

    “With Nigerian population growth in the next 30 years, it is important for the country to realize that it has to invest in children and I think focusing on education, health, investment and making sure these are actually funded. We also saw today with the Magviole vocation center here in Kaduna that it is so important for the young people to get jobs, training; skills that can help them move forward and create a better future for them.

    “This is something that requires focus from the entire Nigerian society and recognizing that you have to think long term to address these challenges.”

    He stayed that US has been very much involved in funding health and education, throughout Nigeria citing the antiretroviral drugs provided for almost 1 million Nigerian suffering from HIV/AIDS in collaboration with the Nigerian government. “We are proud to help fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, the polio cases and we are hoping to continue with these in the future.”

  • UNGA: Edo’s investment opportunities inspire investors 

    The growing profile of Edo State in the global business community caught the fancy of global business leaders during their meeting with Governor Godwin Obaseki on the side-lines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly holding in New York, the United States of America.

    Read Also:Toyin Saraki leads High-Level Child Health and Malaria Forum at UNGA

    Edo State’s unique selling point at the Nigeria Investment Roundtable in New York, as articulated by the governor, is the emerging barrier-free investment climate occasioned by massive reforms across all sectors which have earned the state higher rating on the ease of doing business index.

    At the meeting were Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelamah.

    Others were Chairman and Chief Executive of Motorola Solutions, Mr Greg Brown; Mr Frank Mosier, Chairman of Rendeavour; Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and Mr Peter Tichansky, President and Chief Executive of Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organisation that encourages dialogue between business and political leaders in different countries.

    Other sessions had in attendance, Ms. Temitope Iluyemi, Director Global Government Relations, Africa, P & G; Mr. Ekene Isichei, Managing Director, ACIOE LLC; Ms. Cheryle Jackson President, AAR Africa; Mr. Marcus Jadotte, Vice President, Public Affairs AAR Corporation; Ms. Brittany Masalosalo, Head of International Affairs and Public Policy, 3M; Mr. Gorgui Ndoye, Sales Development Director, APR Energy; Ms. Patience Oniha, Director-General, Debt Management Office and Fahad Obaid Al-Taffaq of the United Arab Emirate amongst others.

  • The China largesse

    When was the last time a British Prime Minister embarked on a meaningful visit to Nigeria, Britain’s major former colonial outpost? When was the last time leaders of the most advanced Western nations like Germany, France and even the United States of America do the rounds of Africa in a seeming relay?

    This happened recently and we wager it’s not by chance. As China hosted 52 African countries early September in Beijing for the 7th Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the entire world watched in part apprehension and part bemusement. This is because, at each new summit, China sets new standards in multilateral relations and economic co-operation between a first world nation and a straggling African continent.

    FOCAC which started in 2000 has continued to wax stronger both in terms of quality of participation and quantum of benefits accruing to African countries. With the theme: “China and Africa: Towards an Even Stronger Community with Shared Future Through Win-Win Cooperation,” Chinese President, Xi Jinping announced a unprecedented bumper basket of financial assistance from his country totaling $60 billion over the next three years.

    This huge outlay of funds must have made the jaws of not a few Western nations drop considering their tokenistic aids to Africa which have left little impact.

    And the Chinese are not merely bandying figures because their aggressive infrastructure-backed aids to Africa in the last two decades are quite visible across the continent. The $200m 20-storey state-of-the-art headquarters of the African Union (AUCC), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia made a major statement about China’s new policy towards Africa.

    China’s strategy is not to hand a few million dollars to African leaders some of who turn round to embezzle most of it. It has been a trend of specific, infrastructure-backed loans complete with equipment and personnel to deliver projects on target.

    Apart from the AUCC, examples of such large projects abound across Africa. The 754 Addis Ababa to Djibouti standard gauge rail line which has linked landlocked Ethiopia to the Djibouti port of Dorelah is one. It must be noted that East African countries of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are among the major beneficiaries of what may be described as the Chinese largesse.

    Coming to Nigeria, the harvest has been bounteous too, especially in the last decade. It is reported that about $5 billion has been committed to Nigeria’s economy in just three years of the Buhari administration. The list of projects, completed, on-going and projected is long. Most of projects are highways, railways, transportation and power related; among the most critical infrastructure requirements of fledgling African nations.

    Some of these are: Abuja-Kaduna Railway which was opened mid 2016 and the Abuja Rail Mass Transit which began operation in July. Other rail projects are the 615 high-speed Lagos-Abuja line; the 312km Lagos-Ibadan line; the 300km Lagos-Benin route and the 675km Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri line.

    Other proposed projects are the $1 billion Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos Greenfield Expressway; $500m new terminals for four international airports; the Lekki Deepwater Port in Lagos; the massive Mambila Hydro Power project in Taraba state; the $478m solar power plant in Niger State to generate about 300mw and the 614 km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project.

    Nigeria-China trade finance and corporate banking are being deepened first with the on-going $2.5 billion Naira-Yuan swap and a recent $850m Chinese loan to boost African trade. The Cairo, Egypt-based Afreximbank has recently secured $500m facility from the China Development Bank and another $350m from the Bank of China. While the one would help Afreximbank support infrastructure projects across Africa, the other is for bank-to-bank syndicated loans and for trade finance.

    These are just a few of China’s massive economic diplomacy offensive into Africa. It is at once unprecedented and bedazzling; almost akin to America’s Marshall Plan for Europe at the end of World War 2, 1945.

    While the West is surely in shock conjecturing the new map of the world 50 years hence, Africa seems full of euphoria with a dash of hysteria. China is no doubt picking up an abandoned ‘virgin’ Africa for her global leadership role tomorrow.

    Only smart African countries would understand that these are loans, every kobo of it. If they are not carefully documented, managed and repaid promptly when due, they are bound to compound into trillion dollars of sovereign debts.

    Bottomline: thinking African countries will seize the opportunity of the Chinese largesse to build infrastructure as a fulcrum for industrialization while unthinking ones may end up becoming bonded to China someday.

     

  • Rotary Club battles maternal mortality, poverty

    Reduction of maternal mortality, women and youth empowerment and improved sanitation will be the major preoccupation of members the Rotary Club of Agege, this year, Kayode Opeifa has said.

    Opeifa, former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, spoke at his investiture as the 35th President of the club and fundraising for projects under his leadership.

    He said the club has secured two incubators from one of its partners, while two medical missions from the United States of America (USA) and Canada would take place in September. This, he said was aimed at improving health care and well-being of the people.

    He revealed that the Rotary Club of Agege, which is one of the flagship clubs in District 9110, would continue to be at the forefront in delivering quality humanitarian interventions to the downtrodden, even as he urged well-meaning individuals and philanthropists to partner with the club.

    Still on its intervention in health care delivery, Opeifa said the club would impact on the lives of 3,000 indigent expectant mothers by installing inverters and electricity generating sets in three primary health care centres and play active role in disease prevention, especially in the war against polio.

    He said: “We will, under the leadership of our District Governor Rotarian Kola Shodipo, work hard to put an end to polio, not only in Nigeria but worldwide. We will join two million other Rotarians worldwide as a component part of Rotary District 9110, Nigeria, to put smiles on the faces of billions of people in the world through the Rotary six areas of focus.”

    Opeifa, who later presented Rotary’s most influential youth award to Temitope Adekunle, (popularly known as Small Doctor), said the club would reach out to 1,000 indigent students with back-to-school items such as school bags, note books and other writing materials.

    At the event, were important personalities, among who are the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Mrs Folashade Ayoade, human rights lawyer Mr femi Falana (SAN), former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), former Chairman Lagos State APC, Chief Henry Ajomale, Managing Director of the Lagos State Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service (LACVIS), Mr Segun Obayendo and the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, among others.

    He advised: “Let us together put smiles on those little kids with thorn shoes who struggle to learn because their parents cannot afford a decent school uniform for them. Let’s lean on you to end drug abuse (Codeine and Tramadol) among our youths. Join us to inspire our young adults to discover their talents, build and realise their potential. Join us to bring hope to the hopeless, life to the lifeless and secure peace in a world devastated by war and conflicts.”

    Earlier, the guest speaker Mrs Folashade Ayoade challenged members of Rotary Club to inspire change in the society by encouraging quality intervention that could put an end to sufferings.

    In his goodwill message, Oyeyemi said he was proud of associating with the Rotary Club, adding that the club is preaching a gospel of selfless service which, according to him, is “uncommon in this part of the world.”