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Tag: winners

  • Winners

    Winners

    • Football brings glory 

    Triple awards for Nigerians at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Marrakech, Morocco made a statement about individual performance and teamwork. Ademola Lookman, 27, was named CAF Men’s Player of the Year. Chiamaka Nnadozie, 24, won CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year. Nigeria’s Super Falcons won the CAF Women’s National Team of the Year award, also for the second year running. 

    Lookman, according to CAF, deserved the honour following “a sensational 12 months with Italian side Atalanta and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.” CAF said it was the first time Nigeria had back-to-back winners in the men’s award since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997) were honoured almost three decades ago.

    He is the sixth Nigerian international to win the award, and succeeded fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen, winner of the award in 2023. Also, he is the first Nigerian player born outside the country to win the award. He said on stage when collecting his award: “Four years ago my career felt down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa.” He added: “Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.” This was a powerfully inspiring message, particularly to Nigerian youths.

    He described his award as “an incredible achievement,” saying, “It’s not just me but we have a lot of talent, not just in the men’s game but also in the women’s game, and for us to be able to give motivation to the young kids who want to aspire to be like us is the most important, because if we can set a good example, they have good footsteps to walk into.”

    Born in England to Nigerian parents, he had represented England at under-19 and under-21 levels before switching to Nigeria, making his senior debut for the country in 2022. This was a laudable demonstration of love for his roots.  He was in the Nigerian team that were runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.  He had played for English sides Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, and German club RP Leipzig before joining Atalanta in 2022.

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     He won the UEFA Europa League with Atalanta in May, spectacularly scoring a hat-trick in the final against German club Bayer Leverkusen. All eyes have been on him since that magical performance. Significantly, he was the only African on the 2024 Ballon d’Or list and finished 14th in the race to be crowned the world’s best player. Described as a creative, versatile and explosive winger with a keen eye for goal, he is at the top of his game. 

    Nnadozie, goalkeeper for French club Paris FC and Nigeria women’s national team Super Falcons, had a superlative season for her club, and was named Premiere Ligue Goalkeeper of the Season 2023-24. She joined the French side in 2020, after playing for Rivers Angels in the Nigerian league.  Her impressive performances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, particularly in the Super Falcons’ match against Canada, which ended in a goalless draw and earned her a Player of the Match award, raised her profile at the international level.  

    The record of Nigeria’s Super Falcons makes it Africa’s most successful women’s national football team. It has won an unequaled 11 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles; and it is the only African women’s national team that had reached the quarterfinals at both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Summer Olympics. Also, it is the only African team that has qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    Glory for the country at the 2024 CAF Awards should inspire the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the country’s football governing body, to raise its game. Regrettably, the organisation remains below par, which does not help the advancement of the sport in Nigeria. 

  • Winners of Skyewise business support fund receive N7m prize

    Winners of Skyewise business support fund receive N7m prize

    Six young entrepreneurs who emerged winners at the recent business pitch “Meet The CEOs” organised by Skyewise Foundation have received their cash prizes in fulfilment of the foundation’s promise, upholding the credibility it has over the years established.

    The young entrepreneurs at the 4th edition of the “Meet The CEOs,” had a first hand mentorship from highly successful chief executives, including the President/CEO or Chocharis Group Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CEO of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria Charles Odii and others.

    They also pitched their business ideas after which six winners emerged.

    The summit tagged ‘Cultivating the Next Generation of Young Entrepreneurs for Tomorrow’s Economy’ saw over 100 applications for business empowerment.

    However, the applications were screened and only left with ten.

    This number later pitched their business ideas to a panel of unbiased judges and six persons made it to the final.

    All six winners have been credited via a bank transfer. Elizabeth Sunday, the CEO Zaza Food won the star prize of N2m.

    Others are, Scholastica Ladan Kashim, the CEO Kastican Business Enterprise, Emmanuel Adams the CEO Adams Gold Designers, Miss Naimah, CEO Adron By Nay, Okoro Faith the CEO Food Aza Services and Kunle Eyefid, the CEO ERP Data Tech. Each of the candidates received the sum of N1m.

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    The MD/CEO of Skyewise who is also the president of Skyewise foundation, Dr. Elvis Abuyare while commending the elated winners charged them to maximize the opportunity given to them by the company to expand their vision. He equally congratulated them for their steadfastness, during and after the program.

    In his words; “I want to welcome you in a special way to Skyewise organization, we are delighted to have you here today. We are also excited to be here to hand over the cash reward to the deserving winners. Today we are giving out 7 million naira to this year’s winners of meet the CEOs 4.0. These young entrepreneurs have distinguished themselves and we are happy to have them. I want to urge you to be very meticulous and careful.”

    “Remember that to whom much is given, much is anticipated. You are expected to put into practice the experiences and mentorship you have garnered at this year’ s conference to expand your dreams and elevate your businesses. This fund is not meant for you to start enjoying yourselves, rather, it is for you to use it wisely and sensibly to push your visions and dreams to the next level.”

    The star winner Esther Elizabeth in response said, “I’m really super excited, firstly, I want to acknowledge God who makes everything good in his own time. I’m happy today because skyewise has given me the privilege to smile again as a struggling entrepreneur in Nigeria. I’m happy to embrace this new role of a mentee because skyewise is already a role model to me.”

    While giving vote of thanks, Mr Senkoya Oluwole, a trustee of Skyewise Foundation applauded the winners for coming out top during the event. He assured them of the NGO’s desire to follow up their business growth as well as monitor their progress in the respective crafts especially with the investment of the money in their businesses.

  • Afrikindness, Winners’ Chapel empower churches to protect children

    Afrikindness, Winners’ Chapel empower churches to protect children

    Afrikindness, in partnership with Winners’ Chapel International Leeds in United Kingdim, has launched a Safeguarding Training Pack for faith-based communities.

    The initiative, unveiled at a workshop, addresses the unique cultural and spiritual needs of African and faith-based communities, equipping them with tools to safeguard children and young people.

    Co-created with safeguarding experts from Voluntary Action Leeds and representatives from seven faith communities, the training pack is an adaptation of Leeds Safeguarding Board’s guidelines.

    The workshop, at Winners’ Chapel International Leeds and sponsored by National Lottery Community Fund, attracted over 110 parents, 30 children, and leaders from faith groups, including Redeemed Christian Church of God, Apostolic Missions International Ministries U.K (Church on Mission), Chosen Church, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and Meshebah Community Interest Company,  among others.

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    The lead trainer, who helped develop the pack, Deaconess Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, noted that safeguarding requires awareness and proactive measures, stressing  the need for cultural sensitivity in addressing these critical issues.

    Highlighting the church’s dedication to child safety, Resident Pastor of Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, Adeyinka Olaniyan, said: “We are devoted to upholding safety and wellbeing of every child.”

    He introduced the church’s designated safeguarding leads, underscoring their role in implementing robust safeguarding measures.

    Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Katung, noted that safeguarding extends beyond homes, highlighting the indispensable role of faith communities in nurturing moral grounding.

    “When they unite with families and civic institutions like ourselves, our collective strength ensure no child is left unsupported. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to safeguard and care for our children.

    While praising Afrikindness and Winners’ Chapel for their efforts, she urged other faith communities to adopt similar safeguarding practices.

    Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of Afrikindness, Bunmi Owolabi, urged churches to uphold moral standards.

    “A church should be a safe and holy place dedicated to instilling moral values and positively influencing communities and individuals,” she said.

  • Winners emerge in ‘After The End’ review competition

    Winners emerge in ‘After The End’ review competition

    The organisers of the review competition for Olukorede S Yishau’s sophomore novel, After The End, have announced the winners. 

    The statement by the organisers reads: “After careful consideration, we are pleased to announce the winners of the After the End Book Review Competition, celebrating critical reviews on Olukorede S. Yishau’s novel, After the End published by Masobe Books this year.

    “We thank all the reviewers who took time to submit an entry. It was engaging and illuminating to read the entries. (We apologise for the one-day delay in announcing winners.)

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    “First prize: Ugochukwu Anadi

    Anadi expanded the understanding of the novel with an engaging scholarly bent, critically balanced, situating the novel within the canon of African literature. The review is a craft on its own.

    “Second prize: Sima Essien.

    Essien’s review sheds light on catharsis as a creative device. In fact, we see his review as a response to concerns raised in Anadi’s. Essien demonstrates a good and positive understanding of the characters in the novel as he explores the highlights After the End.

    “Third prize: Evidence Adjarho

    Adjarho’s review shows an originality and compassionate understanding of the novel as it explores grief and the frailty of the human condition, driving her points home with rich analysis.”

    The First prize is N150,000, the second prize: N50,000 and the third prize is N30,000.

  • Winners emerge in Nigeria Brain Bee Competition 

    Winners emerge in Nigeria Brain Bee Competition 

    The finalists of the Nigeria Brain Bee have emerged and were awarded during the 21st Annual Conference of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria held at Bingham University, Karu.

    The competition, which was held in three states, Niger, Gombe and Nasarawa, had over 150 participants across the states.

    Ogochukwu Patrick of Faith Academy, Karu, emerged as the overall winner, while Esther Oluwa Yinka from Mawo International Schools, Minna, emerged second, and Ardo Gift from Matrix International Academy Gombe emerged third.

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    The three finalists received their cash prizes and certificates of participation during the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria annual conference. 

    The Chief Organizer of the National Brain Bee Competition, Associate Professor Angela Danborno, said the competition was usually done in the six geo-political zones, but due to low funds, it was held in the three states this year.

    She explained that the competition was held in two stages saying that in the first stage, five students were selected from different secondary schools in the states while the finalists from each of the schools competed with each other to emerge the champion for each state while the second stage had 18 finalists who competed for the championship.

    According to Danborno, the competition was meant to stimulate secondary school students towards having an interest in neuroscience, adding that it also allows sensitizing the students about the brain.

    “We also conduct a drug awareness campaign for the students to let them know how the abuse of drugs can affect their brains. So the competition is not only about getting them interested in neuroscience but to let them learn the importance of caring for their brain because your brain is you”, she stated.

  • Winners emerge for ‘A trip to Zanzibar with Omah Lay’

    Winners emerge for ‘A trip to Zanzibar with Omah Lay’

    Winners have emerged for ‘A trip to Zanzibar with Omah Lay’ courtesy of Smirnoff Ice.

    The organisers threw an unforgettable party celebrating the winners of the recently concluded Chill & Win Big promotion designed to reward the brand’s most loyal consumers.

    The party which was held at Bamboo Lounge, GRA, Lagos became a tropical haven complete with Smirnoff Ice’s signature cool blue and fiery red hues.

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    The exclusive victory party had the winners enjoying refreshing Smirnoff Ice cocktails setting the tone for a night replete with good music, good vibes and shared experiences, allowing them to connect with their fellow champions and create new memories.

    “We’re absolutely thrilled to be celebrating our amazing Chill & Win Big winners tonight,” said Dorcas Mashingil, Senior Brand Manager, RTS Portfolio, Guinness Nigeria. “From the very beginning, this promotion was designed to reward our loyal consumers and create unforgettable experiences that go beyond just winning a prize.”

  • Firm rewards winners of millionaire promo

    Firm rewards winners of millionaire promo

    There were smiles all around as Betano, one of Nigeria’s fastest growing online betting companies, rewarded the winners of the Betano Millionaire Promo.

    The promotion kicked off on September 15th, 2023, and aimed to reward loyal customers who had been signing up en-masse with the gaming tech giant since its official launch in Nigeria in April.

    During the event at the corporate headquarters of the company in Victoria Island Lagos, ten lucky winners were selected through a raffle draw and received various cash prizes alongside other items worth ₦10m.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques to the three top winners.

    Mr. Olawale Ajakaiye won the grand prize of ₦5,000,000.

    A visibly emotional Olawale, expressed gratitude to the company for choosing him as the big winner and pledged to use the money wisely.

    Mr. Charles Gabriel, the 2nd place winner received ₦500,000 and a brand new Apple Macbook computer.

    Mr. Aanuoluwa Abe who was the third-place winner, received ₦300,000 and a brand new Apple iPhone.

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    The remaining winners also received cash rewards ranging from ₦400,000 – ₦100,000.

    During his speech, Betano’s country manager, Mr. Oyindamola Michaels reiterated the company’s commitment to continuously provide value for its customers.

    He emphasised that the company was on a mission to revolutionise the betting industry in the country through its innovative products and services.

    In his remarks, the marketing manager; Mr. Omene Osuya promised Betano users even more rewards in 2024, starting with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 to be held in Cote D’ivoire.

    He reassured users of Betano’s, continued dedication to promoting responsible gambling through its award-winning customer-protection initiatives.

  • Innovators Challenge winners to get cash prizes

    Innovators Challenge winners to get cash prizes

    The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) has  launched the Innovation Makers’ Challenge (IMC), a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering innovation among young talents in the technology and telecoms sectors.

    The outstanding participants in the Innovation Makers’ Challenge (IMC) will have the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges at the Innovators Conference for a prize of N2million, N1million, and N500,000 for the winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up.

    Young innovators aged between 18 and 35 are invited to participate in the challenge by showcasing their original technology-driven ideas and products.

    The IMC features a talent discovery competition, an intensive boot camp, and culminates in an exhibition and conference, scheduled for November 9, at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    To participate in the contest, submission should include a 90-second video pitch of your innovation, as well as response to the accompanying questions.

    Entries are open from September 11 – October 16.

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    From the entries, 20 finalists will be invited to participate in the Innovators Boot Camp, where they will get guidance, mentorship, and feedback from experts with a proven track record in the technology and telecommunications industry to improve their ideas.

    The finalists will also enjoy the privilege of showcasing their innovations at the grand event, pitch their innovations to venture capitalists and investors, and network with professionals and industry experts from across the country and abroad.

     Lead Consultant, TTSWG Secretariat, Bekeme Olowola said “Nigeria is rich in talent that needs more support, encouragement, and development to flourish and become major contributors to the nation’s economic growth.

     However, the country has often celebrated ideas that have no significant impact on national development. The IMC is designed to celebrate and empower young creatives in the technology space who can make a positive difference.”

    We invite everyone in this age group from all over the country to apply at www.ttswg-imc.com and follow @ttswg on all social media channels for more information.”

    The IMC conference will feature a remarkable array of international speakers, such as Kate Hancock, Founder, Metaverse XYZ, Oluwole Asalu, Chief Executive and Founder of Quomodo Systems Africa, Lanre Bamisebi, Executive Director of Access Corporation, Chuks Ekwueme, Chairman of UNICCON Group, and many more.

  • Winners get gifts at seminar

    Winners get gifts at seminar

    Winners of the first Boy-Child Initiative talent hunt will be announced and rewarded at the second Parenting Boy Child Initiative seminar, an initiative of the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, under her pet project, Lagos Boy-Child Initiative.

    The talent hunt held in the Badagry Division of the state, with participants within the age range of 9 to 16 years.

    Wife of the governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the contest was to organised to identity hidden talents of the Boy-Child, nurture and showcase them to the world.

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     The competition was done in two categories – Creative and Visual Arts, as well as Science and Technology (Robotics and Mechatronics).

    The Parenting Seminar, with the theme ‘Parenting and Leadership: Bedrock in raising Responsible Boys’, will hold today at the Villa Park Hotels and Suites, Amuwo-Odofin. It will focus on sensitising parents on impacting values and positive influences in boys.

  • Winners emerge in House of Models reality TV show

    Five contestants have emerged winners of this year’s House of Models Reality TV Show.

    A Counselling and Educational Psychology graduate of the University of Abuja, Agbomere Osemobo also known as Priceless outsmarted 20 other contestants to win the grand prize of 3,000 dollars and a brand new car.

    Other winners are Ezechukwu Stephanie aka Stephanie (1st runner up); Amebi Godwin Young Simply known as Godwin (2nd runner up); Musa Asekhame aka More (3rd runner up) and Nwokeke Juliet Nneoma aka Jules (4th runner up).

    The contestants were selected at the auditions held in Lagos, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Owerri and camped in a house for 20 days, where they engaged on various tasks and challenges related to modelling and entertainment to determine their strength and weakness.

    Osemobo, who aspires to be a professional model and singer, said that she did not see herself winning the ultimate prize.

    “This happens to be my first contest and my first in Lagos,” she said.

    “I didn’t see this coming but I came and I conquered. I happened to be the quietest person in the house. Some even gave me the nickname, ‘Mummy G. O’, because of my calmness but my vote actually counted and I won. My utmost thanks, goes to Almighty Lord for making it a success and making me the winner among multitude.”

    She continued: “I lost my job last year, so I stumbled on (an) advert on my Instagram page and because I love fashion, I was like, ‘let me just give this contest a try’ and now the rest is history. I thank God that this platform has given me the opportunity to discover multiple God-given talents is in me. I’m not going to get stuck in one place as model because I found out that I can sing, act and engaged in many sporty activities.”

    The executive producers and directors, Emmanuel and Joseph Etim – twin brothers, said the show is geared towards giving the Nigerian youths the opportunity to showcase their talents to the world.

    “House of Models Reality TV show is a platform which we use to mentor and showcase models and link them to some corporate brands, so that they could get endorsement deals,” they said.