News Wings

Tag: government institutions

  • SlumPact Initiative Launches in Nigeria to Drive Inclusive Development and Empower Underserved Communities

    SlumPact Initiative Launches in Nigeria to Drive Inclusive Development and Empower Underserved Communities

     SlumPact Initiative, a newly established non-governmental organisation, has officially launched in Nigeria with a strong commitment to transforming underserved and informal urban communities across the country. The organisation enters the development space at a critical time when millions of Nigerians living in slum environments continue to face significant challenges, including poor housing, limited access to healthcare, unemployment, and social exclusion.

    Founded on the belief that communities often defined by deprivation also possess immense potential, SlumPact Initiative is set to deliver sustainable, community-driven interventions that improve quality of life and promote inclusive growth. The organisation will focus on empowering vulnerable populations, especially women, youth, and children, through targeted programmes that address both immediate needs and long-term development goals.

    Speaking at the launch, the Founder of SlumPact Initiative, Prof Davies Adeloye, stated that the organisation was created to bridge the gap between underserved communities and opportunities for social and economic advancement.

    According to Adeloye, the initiative is not just about addressing poverty, but about unlocking potential, amplifying voices, and fostering dignity within communities that are often overlooked.

    SlumPact Initiative’s strategy is anchored on collaboration, working closely with local communities, government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to ensure that its interventions are impactful and sustainable. Its programmes will span key areas such as community development, youth empowerment and skills acquisition, public health awareness, and advocacy for inclusive urban policies.

    The launch has been widely regarded as timely, given the increasing need for structured and scalable interventions in Nigeria’s rapidly growing informal settlements. Stakeholders at the event noted that the organisation’s focus aligns with national development priorities and global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, sustainable cities, and reduced inequalities.

    SlumPact Initiative also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact, pledging to ensure that all resources are efficiently deployed to benefit the communities it serves. As it begins operations, the organisation is calling on partners across sectors, including government agencies, development organisations, and individuals, to support its mission of building resilient communities and creating pathways out of poverty.

  • NECA Urges Stakeholders to Strengthen Psychosocial Work Environments for Sustainable Growth

    NECA Urges Stakeholders to Strengthen Psychosocial Work Environments for Sustainable Growth

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on employers, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to intensify efforts toward developing and sustaining healthy psychosocial work environments as a critical pathway to improved productivity, employee wellbeing, and organisational resilience.

    This call was made by the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, in commemoration of the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, themed “Good Psychosocial Working Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations.”

    According to him, the theme highlights the growing importance of mental and emotional well-being in the workplace and reinforces the need for a more holistic approach to occupational safety and health.

    “Across sectors, there is increasing recognition that workplace wellbeing extends beyond physical safety. A healthy psychosocial work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and able to perform optimally is essential for organisational effectiveness and long-term sustainability,” the Director-General stated.

    Mr. Oyerinde noted that while progress has been made in improving workplace practices, there is a need for sustained and collective action to further strengthen psychosocial conditions in line with evolving global standards, including guidance from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

    He emphasised that psychosocial wellbeing is influenced by how work is structured, managed, and experienced, and encouraged stakeholders to adopt intentional strategies that promote positive work environments. These include clear job roles, manageable workloads, supportive leadership, open communication, and policies that promote work-life balance and inclusion.

    “Creating healthy psychosocial work environments requires deliberate and continuous effort. Employers, in particular, play a pivotal role by embedding supportive systems and fostering workplace cultures rooted in trust, respect, and fairness,” he added.

    The Director-General also underscored the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks and workplace practices that support employee wellbeing, including access to counselling services, employee engagement mechanisms, and transparent organisational policies.

    He also referenced the NSITF–NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) as a practical demonstration of NECA’s commitment to advancing workplace safety through proactive, preventive approaches. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), evolved from the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.

    “While the Employees’ Compensation Scheme provides support in cases of workplace incidents, NECA continues to emphasise prevention as the most effective approach to workplace safety. This includes expanding the scope of safety initiatives to address psychosocial risks alongside physical hazards,” he stated.

    Through SWIP, NECA and NSITF have supported organisations in strengthening occupational safety and health systems, conducted risk assessments, facilitated stakeholder engagement, and recognised organisations demonstrating strong commitment to safety standards.

    Looking ahead, NECA urged all stakeholders to integrate psychosocial risk management into existing workplace safety frameworks to ensure a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to employee well-being.

    As part of activities marking this year’s commemoration, NECA will host a Knowledge Sharing Session on April 30, 2026, themed: “From Compliance to Commitment: Building Sustainable Safety Cultures at Work.” The session will provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights, exchange best practices, and reinforce collective commitment to safer and healthier workplaces.

    NECA therefore calls on Employers, Government Institutions, and Social Partners to continue working collaboratively to build work environments that not only drive productivity but also support the dignity, well-being, and full potential of every worker.

  • First Trustees to Host 8th Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja

    First Trustees to Host 8th Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja

    First Trustees, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., and a leading provider of trust solutions for individuals, corporates, and government institutions, is proud to announce its 8th Islamic Estate Planning Clinic, scheduled to take place on February 7, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria.

    This highly anticipated forum is designed to educate and empower participants on structuring Islamic wealth transfer in today’s evolving world. The Clinic will provide practical guidance on how to secure and preserve legacies in accordance with Islamic principles, ensuring that wealth is managed and passed on responsibly across generations.

    The event is being hosted in partnership with The Metropolitan Law Firm and will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers, including: Professor Isah Ali Pantami, Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Professor Adam Abubakar, ESQ, Professor of Islamic Banking and Finance, Yobe State University; Professor Dauda Abubakar, Founder and Director, Dawood Research Institute; HE Aisha Babangida, Chairperson, Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman; Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Managing Partner, Metropolitan Law Firm; Barrister Mohammed Yunusa, Partner, The Metropolitan Law Firm; Ismail Rufai, Managing Director/CEO, One17 Financial Services Limited; Mutiat Olatunji, Al-ameen Trustees Limited; and Rotimi Obende, Head, Private Trust, First Trustees Limited.

    Together, these thought leaders will share insights on the importance of Estate Planning within Islamic law, highlighting strategies for safeguarding family wealth and ensuring continuity.

    First Trustees remains committed to providing innovative trust solutions that help clients preserve their legacies while staying true to their values.

  • Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing the Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative

    Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing the Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative

    Pivot Nigeria:Reframing the Lens is a national thought leadership platform created to reset Nigeria’s reputation agenda. Powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals (HighStakes PR Professionals), Pivot Nigeria catalyses dialogue to inspire pride, amplify authentic narratives, and co-create a stronger, more balanced Nigeria narrative.

    The inaugural Pivot Nigeria Conference, held recently, brought together thought leaders, innovators, journalists, entrepreneurs and youth to emphasise the urgent need for Nigerians to own and shape Nigeria’s narrative. The conference blended high-impact keynotes, panels and hands-on co-creation labs to inspire action.  

    Urging attendees to become ambassadors of truth and optimism for Nigeria, Pivot Nigeria convener, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka set the tone: “We are not here to complain or to lament; we are here to reframe the lens on how we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us starts with how we present and represent ourselves. Our mission is to challenge the prevailing narratives, to spotlight authentic stories, and to co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.”

    The conviction that Nigerians must first change how they see themselves before looking for external validation echoed throughout the day, from the keynote and plenary sessions to the co-creation labs. The conference focused on culture as capital, who tells our story and why it matters, reconciling criticism with commitment, and the role of the media in changing the narrative. 

    Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nigerian actor, lawyer, filmmaker, and cultural icon popularly known as RMD spoke about the paradoxes of Nigeria: “Nigeria is a beautiful country. It is a great country. On the one hand, it can frustrate you to the point where you feel like ‘I’m getting out.’ But on the other hand, it can give you so much that you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to unlock the keys that give you entrance to the bountiful opportunities that you find in Nigeria.”  

    He added that Nigeria, as a country, needs to go back to the drawing board, to see who we are, “It is when you have articulated who you are that your people can see.” 

    On his part, Mr. Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV said, “Who tells your story and how it is told is often how you are seen. Too often, our stories are told by outsiders. Building inclusive national narratives, consistent cultural diplomacy, and deliberate policies to rebuild trust are essential to shaping how the world perceives us. If you look at emerging news platforms like AfiaTV and News Central, there is a deliberate editorial direction, a recognition of the power the media wields, and the duty it has to project balanced, accurate, and responsible portrayals of Nigeria, particularly to international audiences.”

    Speaking in the same vein, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director, Commercial and Communications, News Central TV said,  “The story of Nigeria, in all its complexity, courage and brilliance, must no longer be told by others, through filters of fear or foreign bias. It must be told by us: boldly, responsibly, and completely.  For far too long, the image reflected of Nigeria has been distorted, reduced to the cliches of conflict, corruption, disease, and despair.”  

    Emphasising the critical role of the media in changing the narrative, Rosemary added,  “At News Central TV, we took a stand. We chose to change the narrative not by ignoring the challenges, but by contextualising them, by highlighting progress alongside problems, and most importantly, by amplifying voices that are too often silenced and overlooked.” 

    Pivot Nigeria conference participants converted ideas into action in the co-creation labs and proffered solutions: reclaim Nigeria’s story through citizen action; promote balanced, indigenous storytelling; embed civic education and national values in school curricula; leverage creative industries (film, music, fashion, tech) as soft-power engines; push for stronger accountability in governance; and scale Pivot Nigeria through campus ambassadors and community chapters to sustain awareness about the currency of reputation as capital. 

    Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei highlighted narrative power as a tool of diplomacy, trade, and cohesion, urging collective action by the media and all stakeholders to reclaim the Nigeria story. 

    The “Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens” initiative is a call for citizens, creatives, media houses, government institutions, the private sector and the diaspora to interrogate and reframe their presentation and representation of Nigeria, and to use their everyday platforms (including social media) responsibly to reflect a balanced, authentic Nigeria narrative. 

  • FBNQuest Trustees Limited Hosts Estate Planning Summit in Port Harcourt

    FBNQuest Trustees Limited Hosts Estate Planning Summit in Port Harcourt

    FBNQuest Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, provider of trust solutions to individuals, corporate and individuals, corporate, government institutions, recently hosted its inaugural Estate Planning Summit in Port Harcourt.

    The maiden event, themed: Wealth Preservation and Transfer without Hassle, was organised to strategically enlighten and empower the participants with the necessary knowledge required to seamlessly manage and successfully transfer their assets and legacies to their beneficiaries.

    Speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director, FBNQuest Trustees, Babajide Fetuga, stressed the critical importance of seeking professional guidance on estate planning, preservation and transfer of wealth to successive generations and other beneficiaries. He stated that a professionally drafted estate plan gives no room for any form of ambiguity; hence, it provides clear directives on what to do at any time.

    ‘’The potential consequences of not having an estate plan include perennial family disputes and protracted court cases, which may result in a huge financial burden and foster long-lasting resentments among loved ones if proactive steps are not undertaken to protect individuals, families and loved ones from avoidable stress.

    ‘’Understanding the values of wealth preservation is crucial. It is vital to recognize the importance of having a strategic estate planning blueprint, and we are determined to educate you with knowledge that not only informs but inspires you to take the necessary actions as you move forward,” he added.

    FBNQuest Trustees is dedicated to promoting effective estate planning solutions. The company has a track record of successfully hosting estate planning summits in Abuja, Lagos, Minna and Ibadan and continues to emphasize the importance of thoughtful planning through initiatives like the Legacy Series Campaign and the Legacy Room podcast.

    The summit featured industry experts who delivered valuable insights on the significance of wealth preservation and transfer, addressing the residents of Port Harcourt and its environs. The discussions focused on practical approaches and proactive measures attendees can adopt to manage their estates effectively and minimise potential future challenges.

  • FBNQuest Trustees Champions Estate Planning in Ibadan

    FBNQuest Trustees Champions Estate Planning in Ibadan

    FBNQuest Trustees, a subsidiary of FBNHoldings, and a leading provider of trust solutions to individuals, corporate entities, and government institutions, recently held its first Estate Planning Clinic in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event aimed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the essential steps and actions required to preserve and manage their properties and legacies for future generations.

    The event, themed “Preserving Legacies Across Generations,” offered valuable insights on the importance of Estate Planning and intergenerational wealth transfer to the residents of Ibadan and its surrounding areas. Industry experts from FBNQuest Trustees shared insights and provided attendees with in-depth knowledge on the benefits of having a well-planned estate. Participants learned how to prevent costly court battles, plan for unforeseen incapacitation, and ensure that their loved ones are well taken care of. This event equipped attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their legacy and ensure that their wishes are respected for generations to come.

    In his message, the Managing Director/CEO of FBNQuest Trustees, Adekunle Awojobi, represented by the Head of Business Development at FBNQuest Trustees, Babajide Fetuga, underscored the importance of a well-drafted estate plan. He highlighted how FBNQuest Trustees, with their expertise and experience, can guide potential clients in this crucial process. This ensures that assets are properly allocated to the right individuals at the right time, thereby preventing future disputes or legal issues among family members. He shared examples of unfortunate situations that have occurred in families of prominent Nigerians who lacked estate plans. He also emphasised the importance of seeking guidance from professionals at FBNQuest Trustees to establish a comprehensive blueprint for estate planning that benefits future generations. Understanding the actual value of your legacy is crucial to preserving it. Your legacy extends far beyond material possessions, encompassing our positive impact on those around us and the values we uphold.’ He added.

    At FBNQuest Trustees, we are committed to educating individuals on the importance of effective estate planning. We have successfully hosted various estate planning clinics in Nigeria. Through our Legacy Series Campaign and Legacy Room podcast, we continually emphasise the importance of having a well-thought-out strategy that preserves your legacy across generations.

  • Beyond Charity: Building a Brighter Future for Children

    Beyond Charity: Building a Brighter Future for Children

    Olasunkanmi Samuel, a visionary leader and co-founder of Celebrate Me Kiddies Planet Initiative, stands as a transformative force, dedicated to shaping the lives of children and leaving behind a legacy of hope and inspiration.

    As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Olasunkanmi Samuel has become a beacon of transformation, advocating for the celebration, empowerment, and well-being of every child. His unwavering love for children has driven the organization to new heights, making a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of young hearts across various communities in Nigeria.

    As a co-founder, Olasunkanmi was pivotal in establishing the Celebrate Me Kiddies Planet Initiative, providing a platform for children to nurture self-discovery and growth. His compassion shines through as he passionately leads the organization, believing that every child deserves love and happiness.

    Under his visionary leadership, Celebrate Me Kiddies Planet has implemented innovative programs beyond traditional charity initiatives. From kiddies clubs and leadership classes to projects like Feed and Clothe a Child, Inspire a Child, Hospital Project, and Youth Rise and Lead Project, amongst others. His influence has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s holistic approach to child development.

    He upholds the core values of unconditional love, equal opportunities, fostering self-confidence, celebrating individuality, and nurturing children in the way of God. Olasunkanmi’s unwavering commitment goes beyond rhetoric, shaping the essence of the organization’s mission and objectives.

    Through partnerships with communities, local schools, government institutions, private organizations, volunteers, and nonprofits, Olasunkanmi has transformed Celebrate Me Kiddies Planet Initiative into a force for positive change. He is a true hero for children, guiding them as shining stars and empowering them to reach for the stars, illuminating the path towards greatness.

  • Funmi Modupe Connects Youths with The Book JAPA

    Funmi Modupe Connects Youths with The Book JAPA

    As part of her contribution to the future of work, Funmi Modupe, author of JAPA and CEO of Schoolingyonda Consultancy recently unveiled a new book – JAPA at Laterna Ventures in Lagos. The educational masterpiece takes a critical look at a generation in transition, driven by the growing interconnectedness of a new world.

    It was a colourful event with guests cut across the society ranging from captains of industry to young undergraduates, entrepreneurs, and members of the international community. The Book JAPA is focused on the physical and emotional transition people make when they travel, also offering valuable insights into the benefits of venturing beyond borders.

    In the words of the Author, Funmi Modupe said, “My book is a must-read for students and their families, as well as anyone interested in the global shift transforming all aspects of life and humanity.”

    She further stressed that the lifestyle of humans post-pandemic, school curriculums and the actual nature of work have changed forever. So there is a daunting need for individuals and organizations to unlearn while rethinking new ways to collaborate and solve problems in the society.   

    Modupe is a dynamic woman who is passionate about young people and education. Also, through her personal experience and deep understanding of the complexities of transition, she was able to deliver a book that is both thought-provoking and inspiring.

    Ademola Adelakun, a young computer science graduate from the University of Lagos, shared his experiences after finishing school in 2021. Despite job hunting for so long with very limited opportunities within the corporate and government institutions, he has resolved to “JAPA” to Canada for greener pastures.     

    Funmi Modupe is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Schoolingyonda – an educational consultancy service with the goal to offer students personalised study thereby assisting parents and their wards to acquire opportunities abroad. Interested readers can also order The Book JAPA in different formats on Amazon or website via https://schoolingyonda.com/japa/ and join the conversation on social media to acquire new skills in the workplace.