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Tag: Asaba

  • Sanofi Partners Delta State Government to Improve Access to Diabetes Care

    Sanofi Partners Delta State Government to Improve Access to Diabetes Care

    Sanofi is continuing to strengthen its long-standing commitment to access to diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries and underserved communities, where comprehensive care has not been widely available, through a series of innovative partnerships with healthcare authorities.

    Sanofi, on 21st September 2023, signed a two-year collaboration agreement with the Delta State Government in Nigeria, a milestone marked at a ceremony held in Asaba, the capital city of Delta State.

    Under the collaboration agreement, the healthcare authorities in Delta State can purchase affordable Sanofi analogue insulin products. In addition, Sanofi will provide a digital solution to support physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and community healthcare practitioners to engage with, educate and monitor patients to improve diabetes management and support a targeted medical training program for 700 healthcare professionals.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Delta State, said: “We face unique healthcare challenges, and the growing burden of diabetes is indeed a matter of great concern. Our region bears a heavy burden when it comes to diabetes. Addressing this challenge is a shared responsibility that transcends boundaries and sectors. The government of Delta State welcomes this partnership with Sanofi and we remain committed to the success of the initiative.”

    Also commenting, Dr. Stephane GOKOU, Global Affordable Strategy Lead, Sanofi General Medicines said: “We see delivering better care and improving the quality-of-life of those living with diabetes as part of our shared responsibility with healthcare systems. We are committed to playing our part to address significant unmet need and are proud to work closely with the Delta State Government in Nigeria. The partnership we now begin in Delta State builds on a model already deployed in Ghana. This allows us to learn from previous experience. Working with the health authorities in Delta State means the interventions we make will be tailored to address specific local needs and have the greatest impact for those with diabetes or at risk.”

    This joint approach to developing comprehensive diabetes care with Delta State government becomes imperative as Africa is predicted to experience the highest increase in diabetes cases globally. The number of people on the continent living with the disease is predicted by the International Diabetes Federation to rise by 129% from 24m in 2021 to 55m by 2045. Under-diagnosis is also widespread. IDF estimates suggest 3,623,500₁ adults in Nigeria live with diabetes (3.7% prevalence of diabetes in adults), the majority being Type 2 while an estimated 51,035² children and adolescents (0-19 years) live with Type 1 diabetes.

    The partnership in Nigeria aligns with the Affordable Access pillar of Sanofi’s approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The CSR strategy is one of three major elements of the company’s multi-tiered approach to social impact. This also includes Sanofi Global Health, a non-profit unit aiming to increase access to healthcare in the lowest income countries, and Foundation S, the Sanofi collective dedicated to philanthropy.

  • Feature: Mandate for the Minister for Manufacturing

    Feature: Mandate for the Minister for Manufacturing

    Personally, I am disappointed that President Tinubu did not appoint a dedicated minister for manufacturing with a mandate to turn the following cities into specialist industrial zones:

    Ayo Akinfe

    [1] Nnewi – Automobile manufacturing
    [2] Akure – Cocoa processing and chocolate
    [3] Orlu – Pharmaceuticals
    [4] Aba – Clothing and footwear
    [5] Abeokuta – Railway carriages and engines
    [6] Kano – Groundnut, neem, millet and sorghum processing
    [7] Damaturu – Dairy products
    [8] Port Harcourt – Shipbuilding, boatmaking and fishing equipment
    [9] Calabar – Aircraft assembly
    [10] Ajaokuta – Steel, machine tools and metal manufacturing
    [11] Asaba – Wood products and furniture
    [12] Lokoja – Hydroelectric power generation
    [13] Sokoto – Solar farm
    [14] Ikot-Abasi – Port handling equipment
    [15] Maiduguri – Solar panels and electricity transformers
    [16] Uyo – Windmills
    [17] Badagry – Coconut and cashew processing
    [18] Ilorin – Sugar production
    [19] Makurdi – Yam and cassava processing
    [20] Minna – Shea nut and kolanut processing

  • Feature: Nigeria should start a fair relationship with the Chinese

    Feature: Nigeria should start a fair relationship with the Chinese

    Ayo Akinfe

    With Putin desperate for African allies at the moment, President Tinubu should be telling the whole world that Nigeria is only open to fair relationships. Maybe start with this Chinese programme

    [1] With regards to the COVID-19 vaccine, Nigeria’s government wants a commitment that a pharmaceutical plant to manufacture the drug will be built in Nigeria. In addition, Nigeria wants sole distribution rights of the vaccine across Africa

    [2] Nigeria wants a platoon of an elite division of China’s special forces like The Leopards, The Siberian Tigers or the Night Tigers deployed to Borno State to help eliminate Boko Haram and the terrorist threat once and for all

    [3] Nigeria’s government wants China’s big four automobile manufacturers SAIC Motor, Dongfeng, FAW and Chang’an to open a joint venture manufacturing facility in Nigeria. It must produce at least 1m units annually and Nigeria’s government will be happy to take out a minority stake in the venture which will manufacture a unique electric African car. Maybe call it the Madiba

    [4] Each of these automobile companies must also open global assembly plants in Nigeria to assemble cars for worldwide distribution. At the very least, they must employ 20,000 Nigerians

    [5] CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC) is the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer. It must open a manufacturing facility in Nigeria to build train carriages for the entire Europe, Africa and Middle East region

    [6] China Power Investment Corporation supplies about 10% of China’s electricity. This state-owned company is engaged in the development, investment, construction, operation and management of power plants and power generation in 27 Chinese provinces. We want them to build six hydroelectric power plants in Nigeria at Lokoja, Idah, Yola, Asaba, Makurdi and Baro. Between them, they must generate 50,000MW of electricity

    [7] TBEA is China’s largest transformer manufacturer. We find it totally unacceptable that it has no manufacturing facility in Nigeria and by 2025 we want a plant up and running

    [8] China is the world’s largest steel manufacturer with approximately 10 times the steelmaking capacity of the US. Do you know that in 2015, Chinese steel exports represented approximately one quarter of all global sales. President Tinubu should get a firm commitment that China will get the Ajaokuta and Aladja steel plants up and running producing at least 5m tonnes before the end of this year

    [9] China’s Beijing–Shanghai railway line is 1,318km long and is the world’s longest high-speed line ever constructed in a single phase. It runs at 380km per hour. This year, the Chinese premier must be invited to Nigeria to lay the foundation stone for a similar Lagos to Abuja high speed railway line

    [10] China has 34 major ports and more than 2,000 minor ports. We do not want that many. All we ask for is that China build six deep sea along our 853km Atlantic coastline at Ayetoro, Warri, Brass, Opobo, Ikot-Abasi and Calabar. They must be able to take pamanaxes of any size

  • Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship 2023: Bayelsa Continues Dominance

    Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship 2023: Bayelsa Continues Dominance

    For the 10th time in the last 10 editions, St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State has qualified for the finals of the MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship now in its 23rd edition. The school has dominated the Championship since 2010, emerging as winners seven times in the last eight years.

    At the Atlantic Conference in Asaba recently, where St. Jude’s Girls defeated DomDomingos College Warri, Delta State by 14 points to 12 points to secure their place in the finals, Coach Tony Nelson let us into the secret of his school’s success!  

    According to Coach Nelson, the secret is continuous improvement. 

    “We have been working so hard back in Bayelsa to build this team for the last two years. Although we won the conference, we believe there are a lot of things we need to put together to get to the national standard. That is what we will do when we go back home”, he said. 

    The Bayelsa born coach said further, “We are defending champions, and most of these players are just coming up, so we really thank God that we could get to this level. We are going to Lagos, a place we always go to every year, where we have been named champions seven-times. The team will go back home to Bayelsa to correct our mistakes during the Atlantic Conference to enable us triumph again at the national finals in Lagos.”  

    Coach Nelson has worked with three different teams over the last thirteen years. They are, St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Belary Schools and Bishop Dimieari Grammar School all in Bayelsa State. During this time, he also trained over 100,000 basketballers for competitions and camps, working for the Bayelsa State Sports Council. He believes that praying to God and hard work are the two most important factors to success.

    The young, vibrant and energetic coach says “What really drives me to do what I do is that I enjoy working with children and teaching. I enjoy making impact on young people. I like seeing young people become something. I go to schools to get these children, bring them to the sports complex and begin to teach them. The drive in it is to see them succeed, to see them become champions and to see them become leaders.”

    In the boys’ category of the Atlantic Conference, Urhobo Model College, Effurun,

    Delta State triumphed over the boys from Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Ovom, Bayelsa State by 28 points to 24 points. 

    Both St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and Urhobo Model College, Effurun, Delta State will represent the Atlantic Conference at the national finals of the 23rd MILO Basketball Championship in Lagos in July. 

    Other teams who will be in Lagos for the national finals are winners from the Savannah Conference which held in Kano from the 3rd to the 10th of May and the Central Conference held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja from the 12th to 19th of May and Western Conference in Ibadan from May 30th to June 6th, 2023. 

    Category Manager for Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Olutayo Olatunji, reiterated Nestle’s commitment to developing talents, promoting healthier lifestyles, and instilling values for success in life through sports. “MILO, firmly believes that through participation in sports, children learn enduring values to help them achieve success in life,” he said.  

    “We are therefore, pleased to have this opportunity to provide a platform where young talents find expression through MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship. On the field of play, the teams depend on the discipline, perseverance, courage, self-belief, and respect that they imbibe during practice and through their interactions with each other. These life skills are not only for basketball; they equip the players to navigate their careers and to be productive in society. This is grit, learned from sports but useful in every area of life.”  

    Nestlé Nigeria’s MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship has been promoting the value of grit for over 23 years, helping schoolchildren learn essential life skills such as resilience, persistence, stamina, cooperation, and self-belief. These values enable them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals in life. 

    Nestlé continues to lead grassroot sports development in Nigeria through its MILO Basketball Championship, contributing to the development of the Nigerian national teams, and notable clubs across the world today. 

    States who competed in the Atlantic Conference of the MILO Basketball Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, from the 20th to 27th of May, 2023 are Bayelsa, Imo, Enugu and host Delta. Others are Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom and Abia. 

    The MILO Basketball Championship has grown tremendously from about 500 schools at its commencement in 1999. It now reaches over 150,000 individual players from over 10,000 schools across Nigeria every year. 

  • Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship 2023: FCT, Niger Shine in Central Conference

    Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship 2023: FCT, Niger Shine in Central Conference

    It is a dream come true for coach, Emmanuel Biodun Tanko, head coach of Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, Niger State, as his team defeated their counterparts from Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT in the final of the boys’ category in the just concluded Central Conference of the MILO Basketball Championship. 

    According to Coach Tanko, his team lost to the same opponents last year in the same championship. On the team’s preparation on the road to victory this year, Coach Tanko said, “We had a 70-day period of training. During Ramadan, we were there. It is a testimony that hard work pays. Also, without God we would not have been able to achieve this feat.”  

    Captain of the winning team from Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, Niger State, Mahmood Mustapha Mohammed, thanked Nestlé MILO for supporting and sponsoring them. The young man who says his dream is to play with globally recognized stars in the National Basketball Association (NBA) one day, also said, “I want to give a big shout out to our parents and coaches for always being there for us and believing in us, trusting that we will come back with the trophy.”

    The boys from Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, Niger State fought hard in a keenly contested encounter to defeat the boys from Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT with 53 points to 49.  They were therefore crowned champions in the boys’ category at the Central Conference of the 23rd MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship held in Abuja from the 12th to the 19th of May 2023. 

    In the final game of the girls’ category of the championship, Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT defeated their counterparts from Queen Amina College, Kakuri, Kaduna State by 35 points to 24 points. Both Father O’Connell Science College,

    Minna, Niger State and Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT will represent the Central Conference at the national finals of the 23rd MILO Basketball Championship in Lagos in July. 

    Other teams who will be in Lagos for the national finals are winners from the already concluded Savannah Conference which held in Kano from the 3rd to the 10th of May and winners from the two upcoming conferences – Atlantic Conference in Asaba from 20th to 27th of May and Western Conference in Ibadan from May 30th to June 6th, 2023. 

    Category Manager for Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Olutayo Olatunji, reiterated Nestle’s commitment to developing talents, promoting healthier lifestyles, and instilling values for success in life through sports. “MILO, firmly believes that through participation in sports, children learn enduring values to help them achieve success in life,” he said.  

    “We are therefore, pleased to have this opportunity to provide a platform where young talents find expression through MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship. On the field of play, the teams depend on the discipline, perseverance, courage, self-belief, and respect that they imbibe during practice and through their interactions with each other. These life skills are not only for basketball; they equip the players to navigate their careers and to be productive in society. In a nutshell, ‘the GRIT’ you learn in sport, you keep for life.”  

    Nestlé Nigeria’s MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship has been promoting the value of grit for over 23 years, helping schoolchildren learn essential life skills such as resilience, persistence, stamina, cooperation, and self-belief. These values enable them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals in life. 

    Nestlé continues to lead grassroot sports development in Nigeria through its MILO Basketball Championship, contributing to the growth of many players in the Nigerian national teams, and notable clubs across the world today. 

    States who competed in the Central Conference of the MILO Basketball Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package ‘B’ of the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja from the 12th to 19th of May, 2023 are Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, and host FCT. Others are Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Benue and Sokoto states. 

    The MILO Basketball Championship has grown tremendously from about 500 schools at its commencement in 1999. It now reaches over 150,000 individual players from over 10,000 schools across Nigeria every year. 

  • NLNG begins commissioning of completed projects in university teaching hospitals across Nigeria

    NLNG begins commissioning of completed projects in university teaching hospitals across Nigeria

    Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited today began the commissioning of Phase 1 projects in its multi-billion-naira Hospital Support Programme (NLNG HSP) with the opening of a maternity centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada.

    The Company will also commission new Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) in 2022 as part of the first phase of its HSP program. Six hospitals were selected in the first phase. The NLNG HSP targets 12 hospitals from the six geographical zones in the country.

    Other projects in the first phase due for commissioning in early 2023 include an Occupational Therapy and Neuromodulation Rehabilitation Centre at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), an Obstetrics & Gynecology Ward at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and a Neurosurgical & Stroke Centre at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

    Dignitaries at the event include the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. B.O Alonge; NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila; NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye; UATH Chief Medical Director, Professor Bissallah Ekele; Chairperson, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Betty Apiafi; Chairman House of Representative Committee on Health, Honourable Yusuf Tanko Sununu; the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Mr. Andy Odeh, among others.

    Commissioning the maternity centre, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, commended NLNG for the partnership and commitment to raising the level of healthcare delivery in the country. He said NLNG’s contribution of a Modern Maternity and Child Centre to UATH was in line with the principles of universal health coverage. He also called for more partnerships in the sector to fill gaps in healthcare delivery.

    Speaking on NLNG’s commitment to Hospital Support Programme, NLNG’s MD, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, said the programme was conceived following the Company’s COVID-19 intervention and its concern over the increasing pressure on the healthcare facilities in the country. He stated that the goal of the project was to boost the tertiary healthcare delivery system in 12 University Teaching Hospitals in the 6 geopolitical zones in the country, with attendant impacts on medical research and retention of in-country medical expertise.

    “First hand, we have seen how investment in the health sector can change the face of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. We contributed significantly to fighting COVID-19 through the NNPC and other Oil and Gas Industry Partners COVID-19 Intervention Programme by donating numerous intensive care medical equipment to medical facilities across the country. At the Federal Medical Centre Yola, for instance, the equipment came in handy for the successful separation of a set of conjoined twins. This feat brought us at NLNG a lot of satisfaction as we saw the impact that our donation made in the lives of those innocent children and others who would utilise the equipment. We believe we can expand this impact by investing more in facilities across the country,” he said.

    He stated further that each facility in the programme was based on the results of needs analyses which were carried out in conjunction with the respective hospitals, to determine NLNG’s intervention area for each of the chosen Teaching Hospitals.

    The newly commissioned UATH Maternity Centre consists of a 10-bed delivery suite, a 10-bed post-natal ward, two operating theatres, 10-bed Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), consulting rooms, doctors and nurses’ rooms, a laboratory, a pharmacy, medical records office, a Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) system, Ultrasound scan room and other administrative offices.

    The NLNG HSP is the second part of NLNG’s national Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The first part was the University Support Programme (USP) for the construction/rehabilitation of modern engineering laboratories, equipped with cutting-edge equipment in six universities which have since been completed.

    The other six university teaching hospitals to benefit from the HS Programme in Phase Two in 2023 through 2024 are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi; Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH); Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi; Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH); and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in Rivers State.

    NLNG is an incorporated Joint Venture owned by Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Nigerian National Petroleum  Company (49%), Shell Gas B.V.  (25.6%), TotalEnergies Gaz & Electricite Holdings (15%), and Eni International N.A. N. V. S.àr.l (10.4%).

  • ‘Pastor’ arrested with 3 drums of Mkpuru Mmiri in Akwa Ibom as NDLEA intercepts Australia, Indonesia bound Meth consignments

    ‘Pastor’ arrested with 3 drums of Mkpuru Mmiri in Akwa Ibom as NDLEA intercepts Australia, Indonesia bound Meth consignments

    …nabs 90-year-old bandits’ drug supplier, others at Lagos airport, 6 states

    A trans-border drug dealer, Pastor Anietie Okon Effiong, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, with three drums of crystal methamphetamine, locally called Mkpuru Mmiri, believed to have been imported from India.

    The consignment weighing 90 kilograms and loaded into a commercial bus with registration number RSH 691XC at Ojuelegba in Lagos was intercepted during a stop and search operation along Umuahia – Ikot Ekpene highway on Saturday 6th August 2022. The dangerous drug packed 30kg in each drum was meant for Pastor Anietie Okon Effiong, who was arrested in a follow-up operation at Oron beach in Oron. The recovered Meth drums were meant for onward delivery to the Republic of Cameroon.

    This comes on the heels of four seizures of the same illicit substance weighing 4.074kg going to Australia, Indonesia and Philippines with a 3kg cannabis sativa heading to Dubai, United Arab Emirates at some courier companies in Lagos. The consignments were concealed in body cream, hot burner iron and beads.

    Meanwhile, in Sokoto, a 90-year-old retired soldier, Usman Adamu was arrested on Wednesday 3rd August in Mailalle, Sabon Birni LGA for supplying bandits illicit drugs. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was caught with 5.1kg cannabis sativa.

    At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a 37-year-old indigene of Ovia LGA, Edo State and resident in Italy; Solo Osamede has been arrested for ingesting 41 wraps of heroin. He was nabbed and taken into custody for excretion while attempting to board a Turkish Airline flight to Milan, Italy via Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday 30th July. The swallowed wraps of the illicit drug were recovered in four excretions, which the suspect completed on Monday 1st Aug.

    In the same vein, a female passenger Jatau Lydia Lami was arrested at the Lagos airport for attempting to export 1,700 tablets of Tramadol 225mg concealed in her luggage to Istanbul, Turkey via a Turkish Airline flight on Sunday 31st July.

    Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, a mother of three, hails from Zango Kataf LGA, Kaduna State and lives in Istanbul, Turkey with her family. She blamed her action on pressure to raise N5million ransom to free her mother from the captivity of bandits who kidnapped her in June.

    Also at the SAHCO export shed of the airport, attempts by some freight agents to export two consignments of cannabis in a consolidated cargo to Dubai, UAE on Thursday 4th Aug were thwarted by NDLEA operatives who have arrested two of them in follow-up operations. They are: Oladipupo Oladapo Fatai and Animashaun Qudus, while two others are still at large.

    In Zamfara, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 4th Aug intercepted a truck from Benin, Edo state enroute Sokoto with 50,000 tablets of Diazepam owned by a drug dealer, Umaru Attahiru, while in Kogi, 14 sacks containing 1,376 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 190.4kg were seized along Okene-Abuja highway on Wednesday 3rd Aug. The exhibits were found in a delivery bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra and heading to Abuja. The follow-up operation in Abuja same day led to the arrest of Jude Ikenna and Ozoemene Cornelius.

    In Kaduna, four suspects: Sulaiman Rabi’u; Sanusi Sha’aibu; Ma’aruf Habibu and Christian Nnachor, were arrested in Zaria, Tafa and Romi Kaduna with 106, 770 tablets of Tramadol 225mg, Diazepam, Exol-5 and 100 bottles of codeine cough syrup.

    In Enugu, 143.5kg cannabis sativa was recovered from locked up stores in new market area of the state capital on Saturday 6th Aug, while in Delta, a suspect, Ike Okparachi, 42, was arrested at Abraka Junction, Asaba with 10,550 tablets of Tramadol 225mg; Swinol; Rohypnol; and 3,105 bottles of codeine syrup as well as 69grams of Molly.

    Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the Akwa Ibom, MMIA, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kogi, Delta, Enugu, and Kaduna Commands of the Agency as well as those of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation, DOGI for their recent feats. He charged them and others across the country to remain focused and vigilant.

  • MAGGI ‘O Setigo’ Season 2 Returns with 2-Million-Naira Grand Price

    MAGGI ‘O Setigo’ Season 2 Returns with 2-Million-Naira Grand Price

    O Setigo – MAGGI’s cooking competition – returns with 12 contestants competing for 2-Million-Naira grand prize this season. Other prizes include 1-Million-Naira for the first runner-up, 500,000 Naira for the second runner-up and other cash and consolation prizes. The exciting journey will kick off as the show premiers on the 6th of August 2022. The 11 episodes of the show will air for 6 weeks on major TV stations, both terrestrial and cable.

    This season, two contestants were selected from each of the different auditions in Enugu, Akwa, Umuahia, Owerri, Asaba, and Port-Harcourt. Their meals will be judged by top celebrities; Noble Igwe, Alex Unusual and Uriel Oputa. Uzor Osimpka will anchor the show bringing her talent and deftness to create a lot of excitement for viewers.

    The show is a Meal-Master cooking competition organized by MAGGI Nigeria to further appreciate the Southern food culture. MAGGI Nigeria’s vision is to enhance creativity with local cuisine as the diversity of tasty traditional meals is one of the exciting parts of their culture largely embraced by Nigerians.

    The cooking show aims to encourage young Nigerians to explore exciting ways of cooking and enjoying the food they love, presenting the best of Southern dishes. The contestants will showcase their culinary prowess, entertain, and educate viewers at home on techniques they can use to cook mouth-watering delicacies.

    Season 2, in addition to the display of culinary expertise, will be thrilling and exciting. This season will be filled with suspense and creativity, as MAGGI has planned to take culinary expertise to another level. The show will showcase the use of fresh ingredients to ensure healthy nutrition and provide consumers with tips for maintaining healthy lifestyles.

    Don’t miss out on any episode this Season, catch all the action from the auditions to the grand finale on these stations:
    • Trace Naija- Sat (7-7:30pm) & Sun (6-6:30pm)
    • Africa Magic Igbo- Sat & Sun (7-7:30pm)
    • ROK 2- Sat & Sun (6-6:30pm)
    • Isibido- Sat & Sun (7:30-8:00pm)
    • Orient TV- Sat (8-8:30pm) & Sun (7-7:30pm)
    • ABS Akwa- Sun (8-8:30pm)
    • DBS Asaba- Sat (7-7:30pm) & Sun (7-7:30pm)
    • MAGGI Nigeria on YouTube.

  • EXMAN AGM: Tunji Adeyinka-Led EXCO Gets 2nd Term, Inducts 5 New Agencies

    EXMAN AGM: Tunji Adeyinka-Led EXCO Gets 2nd Term, Inducts 5 New Agencies

    The Executive Committee of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) led by Executive Director of Connect Marketing, Tunji Adeyinka has been returned for another year of service by members of the association.

    This followed the vote of confidence passed on the Executive Committee by members of the association at its ninth Annual General Meeting held over the weekend between the 15th and 17th of July, 2022 in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    Tunji Adeyinka who is also the GMD of the Republicom Group was sworn in alongside other members of the executives who include Tolulope Medebem, Vice President (MD, Aster Integrated Marketing); Owolabi Mustapha, General Secretary (MD, Maxx Connection); Shola Antwi, Financial Secretary (Chief Operating Officer, Divergent MS) and Orunkoyi Adedeji, Publicity Secretary (Project General, iPanache Communications). A Former President of the association Dr. Rotimi Olaniyan also returned as a member of EXMAN’s Board of Trustees while Managing Director, Ideas House, Kehinde Salami joins him to fill the position left vacant by pioneer President of the association, Kayode Olagesin.

    As part of its activities at the three-day event, new member agencies were inducted into the fold of EXMAN. The inducted agencies are Radar Brand Research, Watermark & Victoria, Livespot360, 360 Market Solutions, and iD8 – Innovation & Ideation Place Limited. The new inducted agencies joined over 50 other agencies as members of the association. 

    A day earlier, the association facilitated a session with undergraduates, geared towards bridging the widening gap between gown and town at the Dennis Osadebe University (DOU), Asaba. Mr. Olagesin, who is also the Managing Director of TownCriers Limited commenced the session, speaking on what he entitled, “Making a Career in Marketing Communications-Experiential Marketing” while Rosemary Akpo, Managing Director of EXP Nigeria and GA Productions delved deeper into what experiential agencies and professionals do with a topic that centred on “Consumer Experience & Experiential Marketing.”

    Additionally, Mr. Adeyinka led a delegation of EXMAN members to the Delta State House on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of the State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who expressed optimism for the development their visit could facilitate. The governor who was represented by the Delta State Chief of Staff, Rt. Honourable Festus Ovie Agas welcomed the members of the association, commending them on the great works they do to promote the integrated marketing communications industry.

    Also as parts of the visit to the State House, the association presented the award of the ‘Business Friendly Governor Award of the Year’ to Okowa for his efforts in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    Two keynote addresses were delivered to the members association. Bolale Austin-Peters, the enigmatic movie producer making waves globally presented the first address while members were given more enlightenment on “The Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice, Sale Promotion and other Rights/Restrictions on Practice.”

    The high point of the AGM was the relaunch and rebranding of the EXMAN’s Certified Brand Ambassadors Program (ECBAP) which has been renamed Gateway To Experiential Marketing or GXMN for short. GXMN is a partnership between EXMAN and ExperientialNG built on the pillars of the ECBAP programme and intended to be the foundation of a more responsible and structured vocational development program while serving as a gateway into experiential marketing industry for prospective professionals. The program is expected to fully kick-off on the 1st of August, 2022.

    The publicity secretary of the association, Adedeji Orunkoyi reiterated that the program is in line with the vision of the body which is to be the respected force for the growth of brands through meaningful experiences, and its mission to protect, promote and regulate the strategic interest of certified players within the Nigerian experiential Industry. Recall two years ago, EXMAN was officially recognized as a sectoral body in the nation’s advertising business by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

    EXMAN is the sectoral trade body for forward-looking experiential marketing communications agencies in Nigeria. The association protects, promotes and regulates the activities of certified players within the experiential marketing industry in Nigeria and boasts over thirty billion naira as total billing.

  • Sports enthusiasts commend NCC’s exemplary Tennis Championship

    Sports enthusiasts commend NCC’s exemplary Tennis Championship

    The Nigerian Communications Commission’s support for sports development, with particular reference to the popular NCC-sponsored tennis championship for youth, dominated discussions at the launch of a book on sports in Nigeria in Lagos at the weekend.

    At the launch of the book titled ‘Sport in Nigeria: Going Round in Circles”, – authored by Sports Administrator, Godwin Kienka, at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Race Course, Onikan, Lagos, where the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, was the Guest of Honour, the Commission was acknowledged as a patriotic corporate institution that has supported sports in Nigeria at the grassroots.

    The cross-section of the sports administrators and admirers of tennis urged the Commission not to relent in supporting sports in Nigerian for the benefit of empowering the youths of Nigeria as it has done in the sponsorship of tennis across the six geopolitical zones.

    The author of the book, Godwin Kienka, acknowledged that the sponsorship offered by the Commission since 2015, has set the tone for the development of Nigerian youths for a future career in lawn tennis.

    “I want to appreciate the NCC for having set a sterling example in recent years for other private and public sector stakeholders and institutions to emulate. We appreciate the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta for sustaining the sponsorship when he assumed office in 2015 and for his outstanding contribution to youth and sport development in Nigeria in general,” Kienka said.

    Between 2015 and 2016, the NCC engaged in sponsorship of lawn tennis tournaments that rekindled interest in and re-defined tennis competition in Nigeria because of the renewal it brought to tennis development in Nigeria.

    Part of NCC’s objective for embarking on the tourney was to help in nurturing and exploring the talents of the Nigerian youth through robust competition so as to help them perfect their skills. It was also to promote peace and friendship among the players and by extension enthrone pan-Nigeria solidarity of sports enthusiasts.

    The tournament, which featured the hosting of several marches in different parts of the country, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Onitsha, Abeokuta, Kaduna, Abuja, and Enugu, also had the objective of fruitfully engaging the players, officials and the youth population in some value-driven activities associated with the sports competition in general.

  • TVS King Deluxe Plus iTouch 3Wheeler Unveiled in Enugu, Asaba

    TVS King Deluxe Plus iTouch 3Wheeler Unveiled in Enugu, Asaba

    …brings patented iTouch technology to the Nigeria market

    Simba TVS, the leading tricycle (Keke) distributor in Nigeria, has unveiled the TVS King Deluxe Plus iTouch, the latest version of its innovative three-wheeler vehicles at two impressive launch ceremonies in Enugu and Asaba. These latest launches come on the heels of a very successful national launch held in Lagos in December last year and are in furtherance of the organization’s efforts to enhance last-mile commute for Nigerians and boost earnings of keke operators. 

    Speaking at the ceremony in Enugu, Rana Sandeep, Regional Business Manager, South-East, Simba Group, revealed that “PLUS” means more convenience, more comfort, more earnings, and more security, stressing that the TVS King Deluxe Plus iTouch will ensure operators maximize their earning with more than 10 additional features added to the keke such as the iTouch start for smooth silent staring of the keke, strengthened chassis, longer and more convenient driver seats, triple filter and so much more.

    According to him, “The TVS Deluxe Plus iTouch comes with the patented Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) Technology, the very first time in the 3 wheeler segment. The ISG or iTouch has several benefits such as: the feather-touch start and stop which is noiseless and smooth, fewer parts to worry about with the removal of the starter motor which reduces cost of maintenance, next-gen technology for fuel savings especially when starting and stopping multiple times in traffic.”

    On how ISG improves battery life, he explained that, unlike the conventional starter motor system, the ISG gives power directly to the magneto which then rotates the crankshaft making the start instantaneous and requiring much less battery power, which, according to him, results in about 30 percent increase in the battery life. 

    Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Head of Marketing for Simba TVS, Mr. Taiwo Akinpelu, in his welcome address, said Simba TVS has remained committed to bridging the gap of last-mile transportation for passengers and goods in Nigeria adding that three-wheelers play a tremendous role in the mass transit scheme as they fill the last-mile gap, taking passengers and goods from major bus stops to their final residence. 

    Speaking during the unveiling in Asaba, Taiwo noted that the comfort of the driver is of great concern whether he is driving or resting. The TVS King Deluxe Plus iTouch, he said, offers comfort to the rider’s back, relaxing both arms during each trip along with the thoughtfully designed split seat which is foldable to allow the rider to operate the emergency backup hand starter when required.

    He revealed that the TVS King Deluxe Plus iTouch comes with thicker and stronger B & C Pillar tubes making the vehicle look and feel solid and sturdy. The B & C Pillars are now 60 percent thicker, bend resistant, rugged, and supportive for passengers to get in and alight from the keke.

    “As an organization, we are committed to supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic growth aspirations. This latest effort underscores our resolve to continually contribute to the promotion and attainment of an improved transportation system, trade, commerce, and commercial activities in the country,” said Taiwo.

    Another upgrade the TVS King Deluxe +iTouch offer is bigger side mirrors which improve the rear-view visibility for enhanced safety with aesthetically designed mirrors that can be adjusted in all directions.

    Also present at the event, the Sales Head, Simba TVS, Mr. Amit Seth, revealed that the TVS King Deluxe Plus iTouch is available at all partner Dealer shops nationwide including Enugu and Asaba. He reminded guests that Simba TVS offers full-service support for all their range of products including the TVS Deluxe plus iTouch along with a 12-month warranty on engine and shock absorbers. He also confirmed that all TVS vehicle has genuine spare parts which, he said, is available at all accredited service centres and dealer workshops. 

  • Danbatta Lists Benefits of Digital Literacy to Socio-economic Development

    Danbatta Lists Benefits of Digital Literacy to Socio-economic Development

    The Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has identified major benefits in promoting digital literacy in the country.
    Delivering the first Annual Lecture of the Bichi Emirate titled, “Digital Literacy as a Veritable Tool for Social and Economic Transformation” in Bichi, Kano State, over the weekend, Danbatta challenged actors in both public and private sectors to key into the programme.
    He noted that digital literacy provides the confidence required by individual citizens to utilise digital contents and tools, adding that it also helps citizens to effectively collaborate in creating digital content and becoming innovative problem-solvers within their socio-economic ecosystem.
    The EVC pointed out that technological changes have now assumed an unprecedented dimension in pace, scope and depth of impact, emphasizing that harnessing the progress is the surest path for Nigeria in her quest for economic diversification, especially the elevation of 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
    “The policy thrust of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration  in this direction is encapsulated in three key policy documents, namely: Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025; the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2010-2030; and, the National Policy on Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian telecommunications sector, ” Danbatta pointed out.
    He said one of the underlying goals of the three policies was the development of the Nigerian economy through digital technology enhancement and increased contribution of the telecom sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
    In demonstration of its recognition of the importance of digital literacy, Danbatta said that the NCC has, over the years, implemented various programmes to support adoption and application of digital skills in Nigeria.
    The programmes, according to him,  not only provide the necessary digital tools but also support the provision of digital infrastructure, training, connectivity and other incentives to facilitate the development of digital literacy skills.
    Through its Projects Department and the Universal Services Provision Fund (USPF), Danbatta observed that the NCC has been providing interventions such as the School Knowledge Centres (SKC), Wireless Cloud and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), among others, across the six geo-political zones of the country.
    Speaking specifically on NCC’s interventions in Bichi Emirate, Danbatta said that, of the eight local government areas that constitute the Emirate, the Commission has, through the USPF, identified about 1,900 square kilometers of land, populated by 462,222 individuals as unserved.
    “In order to cover that gap, the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have installed 212 BTS of which 112 are Second Generation (2G)-compliant, 73 are Third Generation (3G) networks and 27 are Fourth Generation/Long Term Evolution (4G/LTE) technology, with all providing broadband connectivity which is the bedrock of digital literacy.
    “The USPF has also provided interventions to secondary schools, tertiary institutions and hospitals in the emirate via its SKC, Tertiary Institutions Knowledge Centre as well as E-health initiatives; a total of seven of such projects have, so far, been executed since 2015 on my assumption as the EVC,” he explained.
    Speaking further the NCC boss also harped on the Commission’s seven interventions under the Advanced Digital Awareness Programme among others, stressing that all the interventions are in line with NCC’s equitable distribution of projects across all geo-political zones in the country.
    In recognition of the need to continue to foster the rapid development and growth of the Nigerian telecommunications marketplace and digital economy, the Commission established the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in May 2004.
    He noted, however, that since its creation, the Institute has grown to have six campuses, one in each geo-political zone. These campuses, which are in Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Asaba and Yola have some of the best training facilities and faculties in the country and have provided various training to individuals and corporate organisations, thereby making the Institute an invaluable institution to digital literacy in Nigeria.
  • Shoprite takes Breast Cancer Awareness Pan- Nigeria

    Shoprite takes Breast Cancer Awareness Pan- Nigeria


    In what looks like a massive boost to the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria, SHOPRITE, a leading retailer across Africa, has thrown its weight behind fight against breast cancer by situating four screening stations in Asaba, Onitsha, Abuja and Kano. Other cities are Damaturu and Lagos.

    In statement made available to reporters, the company said, “Early detection of breast Cancer can save lives; one of which may be yours. Free breast cancer screenings will again be available, this time in all six regions of Nigeria as a result of the long-standing partnership between Shoprite Nigeria and ‘Run For a Cure Africa’ (RFCA).

    According to the statement, the Big Pink Fight screenings will begin 3rd to 8th February, 2020 and it will give women access to clinical breast examinations, ultrasound scans and mammograms. Four of the screening stations will be situated at Shoprite stores in Asaba Mall, Delta state, Onitsha Mall in Anambra state, Novare Gateway Mall in FCT Abuja and Ado Bayero Mall in Kano state.

    Speaking on the campaign, Dr. Ebele Mbanugo, Founder/Executive Director of RFCA said, “The early detection of the disease is a crucial factor in its successful treatment, however, the sad reality in Nigeria is that 75% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed too late, when treatment is prohibitively expensive and survival rates greatly diminished.”

    Shoprite’s partnership with RFCA dates back to 2014, when the partners joined hands to raise awareness of breast cancer by roll-out of free screenings. Some 5000 women have since benefited from these screenings taking place annually.

    Dr Mbanugo said that the screening dates and locations are as followed; 3rd-5th February, Department of Radiology, Yobe University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu; 4th-5th February, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, A and E Building, Idi Araba Surulere, Lagos; 4the-5th February, Shoprite, Asaba Mall, Asaba, Delta; 6th-7th February,

    The campaign moves to Shoprite, Onitsha Mall, Onitsha, Anambra on 7th-8th February, Shoprite, Novare Gateway mall along Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja and from 7th-8th February, Shoprite, Ado Bayero Mall, Zoo road, Kano

    Shoprite is the leading retailer across Africa and it is the brand of choice for many consumers across the African continent.

  • Arik Air resumes services to Asaba

    Arik Air resumes services to Asaba

    …Increases frequency to Owerri

    Arik Air has announced the resumption of flight services to Asaba Airport in Delta state. 

    Starting from Wednesday, December 18, 2019, Arik Air will be operating daily flights from Lagos to Asaba.
    The resumption of flights to Asaba is coming at a time when people are looking for seamless travel during the yuletide.

    Arik Air’s return to Asaba is nostalgic as the airline was the first to commence commercial flights to Asaba when the airport was inaugurated in 2011.

    Similarly, Arik Air, in the spirit of the yuletide season, will be increasing its frequency from Lagos to Owerri to thrice daily. The additional flights will operate at 7:00am daily in addition to the 1:00pm and 4:30pm departures. 

    Speaking on the latest development, Arik Air Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said: “The resumption of flights to Asaba is a promise kept as we had assured our esteemed customers that we will be back on the route before the Christmas festivities. 

    “We once again assure our customers of a high operating safety standards and exceptional customer service during the yuletide and beyond.”