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Tag: Ikeja

  • ASSAULT: Family seeks Out-of-Court Settlement with LASUTH

    ASSAULT: Family seeks Out-of-Court Settlement with LASUTH

    The Aso family and other well-meaning Nigerians have appealed to the Board and Management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital(LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos to settle out of court as a result of the assault that happened in the Surgical Emergency Unit of the hospital on the 24th of December 2021.

    According to a statement released from the office of the Chief Medical Director, Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo states, “Mr. Reginald Uwandu and Aso Family on Friday, 24th of December, 2021 in the Punch Newspaper, accusing the hospital of negligence and a demand for a public apology” after physically assaulting medical personnel on duty that fateful day. This report was seen to intentionally project the hospital in a negative light upon the death of Mr. Aso.”

    After a thorough investigation, the Hospital concluded that the physical assault on its members of staff at the Surgical Emergency Unit of the hospital was unwarranted. The Hospital Management deemed it fit to seek redress in the court. Upon receipt of the court order, the Aso family sent a written appeal to the Management of LASUTH for out-of-court resolution. In addition, the Hospital also received several pleas from well-meaning individuals for leniency on behalf of the family.

    In order not to further compound the trauma of the family, having lost a loved one, the hospital Management agreed to consider the pleadings from the family and well-meaning individuals to withdraw the court case. Consequently, at an out-of-court settlement meeting, the family agreed to the following terms with the Hospital- a letter of apology addressed to the Board and Management of LASUTH. Also, Individual apology letters addressed to the members of staff who were assaulted – letters should to be signed by Mr. Reinald Uwandu, the Respondent. The hospital equally demanded for an evidence of publication in the media, on the apology by the family to the hospital and assaulted members.

    In order to forestall such unfortunate occurrences, the Management of LASUTH has also put in place checks and balances to prevent an assault on the staff and vandalization of properties within the hospital.

    Professor Fabamwo reiterates that LASUTH is a government-owned hospital that attends to the medical needs of a vast array of people. The Hospital is committed to its mission of rendering high-quality healthcare services to Lagosians. However, we expect that any grievance(s) be channelled through appropriate quarters where they will be reviewed and addressed accordingly. LASUTH will not tolerate any kind of harassment of our staff who are diligently executing their duties to save lives.

  • NAMA Commences Implementation of Free Routing Airspace

    NAMA Commences Implementation of Free Routing Airspace

    …as Akinkuotu tasks Airlines to Embrace Technology

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced the implementation of Free Routing Airspace (FRA) in keeping with its commitment to enhancing airspace efficiency and reducing operational costs to airlines.

    Giving this indication at a stakeholders’ sensitization forum which held at Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu said Nigeria had earlier in October 2021 notified the global aviation community of its intent to commence the implementation of the Free Routing Airspace concept in December, 2021.

    He said “the journey to the implementation of the Free Routing Airspace in Nigeria started two years ago, following the decision and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) AFI (African- Indian Ocean) Region that member states should develop necessary strategies towards implementation of FRA in their respective states and regions. ICAO in collaboration with International Air Transport Association (IATA) supported this push by developing the FRA concept of operations, conducting FRA gap analysis as well as providing guidance in the development of FRA implementation checklist.

    “After several meetings, workshops, and coordination among contiguous FIRs (Flight Information Regions), the FRA concept is surely transforming from an abstract idea to concrete reality and that has been largely the Nigerian experience as the nation successfully commenced FRA implementation on the 2nd of December, 2021.”

    “FRA was first conceptualized about 13 years ago in Europe, being the first region in the world to have implemented a full FRA concept beginning from 2008. However, in the entire ICAO AFI Region, Nigeria is the second country, after Mauritius to implement this globally new concept.”

    Explaining further, the NAMA boss said FRA basically accords airspace users over Kano FIR the opportunity to migrate from the conventional fixed Air Traffic Service (ATS) route network to flight plannable direct routes between a published FRA significant boundary entry point to a published FRA significant boundary exit point, thereby optimizing airspace utilization.

    He listed the benefits of FRA to airspace users to include: Savings in terms of distance covered per route segment; Savings in terms of time required to cover one route leg; Fuel savings per route leg as well as carbon emission reduction per route segment per volume of airspace.

    Capt. Akinkuotu also used the opportunity of the forum to enjoin airline operators in Nigeria to take advantage of new technologies being deployed by the agency as these would enhance their operational efficiency and also. He recalled that in the last couple of years, NAMA had deployed several next-generation tools like the Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Approaches, Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC), Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category II and III, etc but noted that some Nigerian airlines were not taking advantage of them, stressing that NAMA would continue to strive to ensure that Nigeria has, not only safe airspace but also a profitable aviation industry.

    The Free Routing concept is associated with ICAO Aviation System Block Upgrade – ASBU modules B1-FRTO, i.e. Introduction of free routing in defined airspace, where the flight plan is not defined as segments of a published route network or track system to facilitate adherence to the user-preferred profile.

    The sensitization forum was well-attended as it attracted representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), IATA, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Max Airlines, Air Peace, Emirates Airlines, United Airlines, Arik Air among others.

  • Odu’a Investment Company Limited undergoing transformation into a World-Class Conglomerate- Aina

    Odu’a Investment Company Limited undergoing transformation into a World-Class Conglomerate- Aina

    O’dua Investment Company Limited is undergoing restructuring to enhance its performance, achieve sustainable growth, and transform into a world-class conglomerate in no distant time. The Group chairman, Dr. Segun Aina, disclosed this at the 45th-anniversary commemorative lecture on Friday in Lagos, with the theme:” From Regional Player to Global PowerHouse”.

    The board chairman said the company, owned by the six states in the South-West, aimed at emerging as a world-class conglomerate in no distant time.

    “Oodua Investment Company Ltd is being transformed into a lean, non-operating investment holding company to enhance transparency, focus on investment management and sustainability, traverse a path of maximum impact, and leverage on the models we have seen success in similar institutions across the globe.

    ”We have redefined our vision to one that captures our ambition appropriately, which is, “to be a world-class conglomerate, and a mission “to deliver sustainable returns for all stakeholders enhancing the legacy for future generations“, he said.

    Aina said the next four years would be the foundation years for the conglomerate to transform into an impact-driven organization.

    “Our targets for O’dua investment over the next four years are audacious in terms of social impact, growth in revenue, and returns on assets with various assets optimisation programmes planned.

    ”Despite the obvious challenges in the macro-economy, we are optimistic that with the support of everyone and stakeholders, we will over-deliver,” he said.

    Aina said the company planned to diversity its portfolio of assets beyond real estate and other subsidiaries and associates.

    He said the new investment initiatives of the company would now target selected sectors of the economy, including healthcare, transportation and logistics, ICT, energy and financial services.

    “We have the strategic intent to dilute ownership in some of the investments where we currently have 100 percent ownership while limiting our shareholding in new ventures to minority holdings as may be necessary.

    ”We are also seeking partners that will provide capital and technical expertise to run these businesses,” he said.

    According to him, the company plans to transform Wemabod Estate, its real estate business, into a leading real estate development company.

    He said the company had outlined plans to also transform its hotels into world-class destinations, driven by partnerships and global brands.

    The board chairman said the company had established new outfits, South West Agriculture Company Limited (SWAgco), Bita Exploration and Production Limited, South West Innovation and Technology Limited (SWIT), among others, to create jobs and grow the economy of the South-West region.

    “SwagCo, our agriculture investment vehicle is primed to create a pool of hundreds of thousands of farmers and agroprenuers across the states.

    ”SWIT will drive our strategic partnerships, investment, and activities in the technology and digital space through investment in Techhubs, FinTechs and other ICT business, thus creating huge jobs, a new crop of techpreneurs and wealth as we also set out to support the development of a digital economy in the South West,” he said.

    He commended the owner states – Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun – for their consistent support for the company, urging them to continue to support the company to achieve its new vision.

    Aina said that the fact that the company was still existing 45 years after its establishment was a cause for celebration, adding that the conglomerate had not fared badly.

    In his speech, Mr Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director of the company, said the conglomerate was repositioning itself to fulfill its role as both an investment vehicle and a growth engine of the South-West.

    He said the company was exploring many possibilities, including starting new businesses to strengthen its operations and add value to the economy.

    Raji said the rich heritage that O’dua Investment had preserved over the years was worth celebrating. “One of the examples is our venue for today’s event, the Lagos Airport Hotel, which will be 80 years old next year, and is one of the oldest surviving hotels in Nigeria.

    ”This for us, like many of the other assets in our custody, is not just an investment, but represents a part of our collective history,” he said.

    A management expert and a former Country Manager of Accenture, Mr. Dotun Sulaiman, MFR who gave the anniversary lecture, said O’dua investment was a treasure inherited from past leaders of the South-West region and that there was the need to reposition it and take it to greater heights.

    He urged the company to focus on its areas of strength and foray into emerging but lucrative sectors of the economy.

    The expert said the company had missed many investment opportunities in viable sectors like telecommunication, energy, and Fintech in the past but that it was not too late to consider those areas.

    “The Western Region recorded many firsts many years ago, but where are we today? Though we have yielded grounds, hope is not lost. If we begin to do the right thing with our inherited treasure with O’dua Investment Company, we will definitely achieve a lot,” he said.

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said there was the need for the company to explore new areas of opportunities in the economy.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, Sanwo-Olu urged the company to consider investments in agricultural storage and processing to tap the opportunities in those areas.

    “In our country today, 45 percent of tomatoes produced get wasted. Not that we do not produce enough, but not everything gets to the consumers’ table.

    ”So, why don’t we go into storage and processing of these things? We have cocoa plantations, why don’t we invest in those areas to align with the intent of our founding fathers,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said the world was changing and new investment opportunities were emerging and urged the company to move with the times.

    He said the state was happy to be part of the O’dua investment family once again.

     

  • Osinbajo, South-West Governors to Headline Odu’a Investment 45th Anniversary Lecture tomorrow

    Osinbajo, South-West Governors to Headline Odu’a Investment 45th Anniversary Lecture tomorrow

    The Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the six South-West governors will, on Friday, November 12, 2021, lead discussions at the Odu’a Investment Company Limited 45th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture.
    Scheduled to hold at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, the event which is themed, “From Regional Player to Global Powerhouse”, will have its keynote address delivered by the Chairman, Governing Board, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Mr. Dotun Sulaiman, MFR.
    Owners of the famous Cocoa House and engine room for development of the South Western states of Nigeria, the Odu’a Investment Company Ltd was founded in 1976 by the three Military Governors of the then Western Region, Major General David Medaiyese Jemibewon (Old Oyo), Group Captain Ita David Ikpeme (Old Ondo) and Major General Saidu Ayodele Balogun (Ogun).
    The firm will also at the anniversary event unveil its new business lines.
    Speaking on the upcoming tripartite event, the Group Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Adewale Raji, said the company is poised to become a world-class conglomerate.
    His words, “For the 45th anniversary of our company, we would be having a lecture on how we have transitioned from being regional players to becoming a global powerhouse.
    “Expected at the event are various leaders and captains of industry from Corporate and Social Nigeria. For us, this is a Bold Rebirth and we are ready to move into a new era.”
    Odu’a Investment Company has the mandate to be the engine room for the economic development and competitiveness of Western Nigeria. The conglomerate’s strategy of Sweat, Revive and Create (SRC 2025) is hinged on the strategic pillars of Corporate Governance and Reporting; People and Culture Transformation; Investment Excellence; Growth, Expansion, Profitability and Efficiency.
  • Team “Future of Dance” Wins Felabration 2021 Afrobics Dance Competition

    Team “Future of Dance” Wins Felabration 2021 Afrobics Dance Competition

    Team “Future of Dance” has emerged as the winner of the Afrobics dance competition of this year’s Felabration, in commemoration of the life and activities of the Late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, proudly sponsored by Fearless energy drink produced by Rite Foods.

    The team’s outstanding performance at the competition won them the cash prize of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) after outwitting other 10 contestants who were also extolled for their excellent performance.

    While it secured the overall winning prize, “Team Style” and “Team Afrika 90” came second and third, with the prize of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively.

    The selection of the winners was done at the Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, the venue of this year’s Felabration, which will commence from October 11-17, with the theme “Viva Nigeria Viva Africa.”

    The judges, which has Kunle Anikulapo-Kuti, one of Late Fela’s sons as a member, were overwhelmed with the beautiful dance steps of the winning team, while the audiences expressed their delight with a standing ovation.

    Other teams that participated in the contest were Star Kids Academy, Octopus Dance Zone, Kings and Queens Art Academy, and Afy Dance House. Expd Dancer, Ben Dancer, Ultimate Stepperz Crew, and Oyedepo Oluwatobi Daniel, with much attraction to the famous Fela’s song “Zombie o, Zombie,” released in 1977.

    Commenting on the competition, Kunle Anikulapo-Kuti, a member of the Felabration organizing committee, said Afrobics is a unique mix of African beats and dance tunes created by his father, Fela, and incorporated into the one-week event for more excitement.

    On the sponsorship by Fearless energy drink, he stated that the brand is on the right trail, having made the right decision to make Felabration bigger and better.

    In her remark, the Founder of Felabration, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, said the Afrobics dance contest was initiated to keep dance in people’s minds and would be held live next year, as it was restricted to video posts of contestants because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    On the support by the Fearless brand, the Managing Director of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, explained that the market leader in the energy drink segment resonates with Fela’s positive energy of fearlessness, positivity, and can-do spirit.

    The Rite Foods boss disclosed that the company’s contribution to Felabration this year will include a posthumous award for the late Afrobeat king, who made the nation proud globally with his unrivalled musical performance.

    On her part, the Company’s Brand Manager, Boluwatife Adedugbe, posits that Rite Foods would use the entertainment platform to energize music lovers with the Fearless brand, which consists of the Fearless Classic and Fearless Red Berry, together with its leading products such as the 12 Bigi variants of carbonated soft drinks, Bigi Table water, and Rite sausages.

    Other exciting programs for Felabration include Arts competition, schools’ debate with the topic “COVID-119 is a Blessing,” a Symposium themed “The National Question Devolution or Evolution” with the moderator/chairman, as Femi Falana, amongst prominent speakers like Senator Shehu Sani.

  • Felabration Bigger and Better with Rite Foods as Sponsors

    Felabration Bigger and Better with Rite Foods as Sponsors

    This year’s Felabration, a one-week annual festival of music and art commemorating the late Afrobeat Legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, will be bigger and better with Rite Foods Limited as the sponsor, taking into cognizance the legacy the music icon has left behind for posterity.

    Felabration, which holds yearly from October 11 to 17 at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, was conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in celebration of the life and times of her late father, Fela, who was also a human rights activist, and

    Themed ” “Viva Nigeria Via Africa,” this year’s event will be packed with exciting activities to make it memorable.

    Commenting on the sponsorship, the Managing Director of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, said the late Afrobeat king embodied justice, courage, and hope for the people during his lifetime and deserves to be celebrated.

    Adegunwa posits that the Truly World-Class and innovative company with the I CAN I AM mentality will continue to identify with well-meaning initiatives like Felabration, which continually renews what the late megastar stood and fought for during his lifetime.

    Adegunwa stated that the leading food and beverage company would use the entertainment platform to provide maximum refreshment to music lovers, with its 12 Bigi variants of carbonated soft drinks, Bigi Table water, Fearless energy drink brands, and Rite sausages, that has set the pace in the Nigerian market.

    Its contribution to the memorable event will include a posthumous award for the late Afrobeat king, who was at the forefront against injustice, inequality, and other depravities.

    The beautifully designed award would be part of the company’s posthumous honor for the megastar, who left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry and earned global recognition for his unrivaled stage performance in his genre of music.

    The Fearless brand resonates with Fela’s positive energy of fearlessness, positivity, and can-do spirit. Fearless is the leader in the energy drinks market, just like Fela was the global musical icon during his lifetime.

    Activities to mark Felabration include Afrobics dance competition, a show where contestants will compete by showcasing afrobeat dance moves with any song of their choice from any of Fela’s songs, like “Colonial Mentality,” “Teacher No Teach Me Nonsense,” “Mr. Follow Follow,” “Zombie o Zombie,” among others.

    Others include schools’ debate with the topic “COVID-19 is a Blessing” “The National Question Devolution or Evolution” for the Felabration Symposium, with the moderator/chairman, Femi Falana amongst prominent speakers like Senator Shehu Sani.

  • Nigerian Constitution: African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage) Partner’s NBA, Ikeja for August 2021 Big Ideas Podium

    Nigerian Constitution: African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage) Partner’s NBA, Ikeja for August 2021 Big Ideas Podium

    …enlists key legal authorities in public law to discuss and ideate on salient issues around the Nigerian constitution

    Pursuant to its vision of championing positive social changes through sustained advocacy that promotes transparent, effective management and governance of the Nigerian and African sociopolitical economies, African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage) partner’s the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Ikeja for the August 2021 Big Ideas Podium (BIP).  The event is scheduled for August 12, 2021 at 10:00am. Mixed and structured for both in-person and virtual participation, the event is themed: “Reworking the Nigerian Constitution for National Transformation and Integration”.

    As a national platform designed for public policy debates on emerging and developmental issues that inform policy reforms and good governance, the AfriHeritage Big Ideas Podium (BIP) seeks to drive the push towards a renascent Africa that is peaceful, democratic, prosperous, and a major player in the global economy. Working in partnership with the NBA, we are keen to influence public policies to catalyze transformative change and African economic renaissance.

    The August 12, 2021 edition of the Big Ideas Podium will have notable industry captains, experts in public and constitutional law, and policymakers to reflect critically and identify useful ideas on how we can rework our national constitution for national transformation and integration.

    The Keynote Address will be delivered by Bartholomew Aguegbodo, Esq — Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja and Principal Head, Bartholomew Aguegbodo & Co; while the discussants for the event are: Adeyemi Abijo, Esq, co-founder, LegalHub Partnership; Marvin Ibem, Esq, founding partner, Marvin Ibem & Co; and Justice Chineme Uhuegbu, esq, Principal Head, Uhuegbu Chineme & Co and National president, Association for Good Governance Nigeria.

    Commenting on the choice of theme and partnership, Professor Ufo Okeke-Uzodike, Executive Director, African Heritage Institution noted: “As the supreme law of a country, a national constitution sets out the rights of individuals, captures key national goals, and embodies the public will; it provides ground rules for citizenship and coexistence, and the responsibility of government to the governed. In essence, a government owes its legitimacy to the national constitution within which its authority must be completely subsumed. Sadly, the current Nigerian constitution does not command the loyalty it should from its governments and peoples. Saddled with social and political unrests and growing levels of criminality and poverty, Nigeria remains on the brink of becoming ungovernable or a failed state as some individuals and socio-cultural groups turn to violence or claims of separatist rights. Given the current context of massive levels of poverty, criminality, insecurity, and exclusionary politics (and the associated incessant unrest), AfriHeritage — in collaboration with legal authorities and intellectuals with competences in constitutional law – seeks a more focused and goals-driven national discourse on constitutional reform. We hope that such a focus will enable us to identify crucial benchmarks for achieving meaningful and sustainable peace, national integration, and socio-economic transformation and development”.

    All stakeholders and Nigerians are expected to click the link https://bit.ly/2V6Mq3Z to register

  • Marriott Hotels debut in Nigeria with the commissioning of Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja

    Marriott Hotels debut in Nigeria with the commissioning of Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja

    …brings sophisticated spaces, enriching experiences and thoughtful service to the vibrant Nigerian city of Lagos

    Marriott Hotels, the signature of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced its debut in Nigeria with the opening of the highly anticipated Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja.  The hotel reflects the newest global design vision for Marriott Hotels, featuring sophisticated and intuitively designed spaces for today’s modern traveller, enabling guests to relax, work and find inspiration during their stay.

    “We are excited to have opened the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, bringing Marriott Hotels’ transformed vision to Nigeria,” said Volker Heiden, Area Vice President – Sub Saharan Africa, Marriott International. “Lagos is a vibrant and bustling city with much to see and do for leisure and business travellers. What better place to debut the Marriott Hotels brand in Nigeria with its thoughtful service and intuitive spaces that enable guests to be inspired during their stay.”

    Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja offers 206 guestrooms and 44 suites each with expansive views of the city. The spacious guestrooms are thoughtfully designed with contemporary décor and intuitive in-room amenities.  Natural colours, crisp lines, purposeful lighting and comfortable bedding create an intimate and peaceful space for guests to get into their best headspace for success. Deluxe walk-in showers and spa-like lighting complete the relaxed experience throughout the room.  In line with Marriott Hotels’ newest global design strategy, local accents add a sense of place to the sleek aesthetic. Open workspaces allow for flexibility to connect anytime.

    The Greatroom at the heart of the hotel blends modern elements with local touches inspired by Nigeria’s rich heritage and traditional crafts. The multi-use space is designed for guest to socialise, relax and work.

    The M Club is an exclusive space reserved for Elite members and Club paying guests and provides complimentary breakfast, evening drinks, hors d’oeuvres and premium beverages throughout the day. The M Club also offers the brand’s signature Mind Menu, a selection of delicious snacks and beverages with active ingredients to enhance mind and body. Accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the M Club provides free Wi-Fi, printing services and power supplies to ensure uninterrupted productivity for business travelers.

    Guests can relax in the hotel’s tranquil spa offering rejuvenating and restorative treatments, steam rooms and saunas.  Guests seeking to stay active during their stay can enjoy complimentary fitness classes at the Fitness Center, and make use of the state-of-the-art fitness equipment and outdoor pool.

    Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja caters to small and large-scale events with 1,380 square metres of sophisticated event space, including the largest ballroom in Ikeja.  The hotel offers six breakout rooms and nine event rooms. The meeting spaces can be adapted to cater to a variety of event formats and group sizes, with pivotable walls, moveable partitions, soft seating and modular furniture. Ideas are easily captured with tech-savvy tools such as rewritable surfaces, magnetic panels and shared-screen technology to support productivity and collaboration.

    The hotel boasts a diverse selection of restaurants offering regional and international cuisine. The Azure Grill Restaurant, with stunning views of the pool terrace, serves a variety of dishes cooked to perfection on an authentic charcoal grill. The WAKAME specializes in Asian-Fusion cuisine originating from China, Japan, Thailand and Northern Indian. The Koriko & Co is an all-day dining buffet restaurant featuring international favourites and live cooking stations.

    Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja is located in the heart of Lagos, just 15 minutes from the Murtala Muhammed International airport and a short distance to the third main land bridge providing easy access to the other side of the Ikeja. The hotel is in close proximity to the city’s main attractions, leisure facilities and shopping malls including the Ikeja City Mall. The hotel also shares its area with The Shrine and Motherland – two globally acclaimed African music entertainment hubs.

    “We are exciting to welcome local residents and travellers to our inspiring space and look forward to creating experiences that nurture their creativity,” said Rudi Janse van Rensburg, General Manager, Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja. “Guests at Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja will be able to free themselves of distractions when they step into our hotel, allowing them to focus solely on being the best they can be.”

    To celebrate the opening of the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, the property launched a special Stay and Dine offer.  For details, visit: www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/details/LOSLG-lagos-marriott-hotel-ikeja/OFF-21461

    Guests of the hotel can enroll in Marriott International’s global travel program, Marriott Bonvoy and enjoy more value, more choice and more access across the 30 brands within the portfolio. Existing members can enjoy their member benefits at this exciting new hotel.

  • Marriott Hotel set to offer Premium Service in Lagos

    Marriott Hotel set to offer Premium Service in Lagos

    …opens door to customers

    Lovers of premium hospitality service in Lagos are in for an exciting experience as the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja opens its doors for business.

    The 250-bed, 5-star hotel, located in the serene GRA, Ikeja, is a partnership between the renowned global hotel brand, Marriott International and SIFAX Group, a conglomerate with investments in various sectors of Nigeria’s economy and beyond.

    The hotel, built on 11 floors, has various modern facilities like an exclusive crew lounge, VIP lounges, 1,000-capacity ballroom, executive meeting rooms, 400-capacity car park, 206 standard rooms, 44 suites (including three presidential ones), well-equipped gym, and continental restaurants, among others.

    At a press conference in Lagos, Janse van Rensburg, the hotel’s General Manager, said the desire to offer premium hospitality services to the Lagos market was responsible for the huge investment in the hotel.

    He said: “Every client of Lagos Marriott Hotel is set for an unimaginable premium experience like never before. We assure them of world-class hospitality, superb customer satisfaction, and royalty treatment. Frequent travelers who have points using the Marriott hotel franchise globally can also redeem their points here in Nigeria too. We have an in-club system for our premium members located on the first floor of the hotel.

    “The unique selling propositions of this hotel are the various amazing products we offer our clients which are non-existent in the country’s hospitality industry. The security of our guests is very paramount to us and that’s why every door and window in the facility is bomb-proof. Our pricing is also very commensurate with the quality that we offer.”

    Rensburg further noted that the hotel, which is in the classic premium category on the Marriott quality ranking, will be managed by the franchise owner, Marriott Hotel, for quality assurance purposes.

    Speaking also at the event, Chike Ogeah, Managing Director, Mac-Folly Hospitality Limited, the SIFAX Group’s hospitality subsidiary, applauded Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, for bankrolling the multi-billion naira investment, adding that his vision of a premium hospitality business in Lagos has manifested through the new hotel.

    He said: “The building of this hotel took us six years. We took our time to tastefully select all the materials and equipment that were used in order to serve our clients the best. As a man that has traveled all over the world and experienced first-hand hospitality at its peak, our Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, decided to build this hotel in Nigeria in order to promote the hospitality and tourism industry in Lagos and provide opportunities to further improve the economy.”

  • Fabamwo, Idris, Akinniranye speak on COVID-19 to Alumni of National Institute

    Fabamwo, Idris, Akinniranye speak on COVID-19 to Alumni of National Institute

    The Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo recently gave a presentation on the topic, ‘COVID-19; Myths, Realities and the Way Forward’, at a webinar organized by the Alumni Association of the National institute (Lagos chapter).

    Moderated by Major General Shina Ogunbiyi, the webinar saw various medical professionals airing their views on COVID-19 and its attendant issues. The Major noted that the essence of the session was to encourage effective knowledge and behavior in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

    Professor Fabamwo starting with the realities of COVID-19. He gave detailed statistical analysis on the global and local rate of the spread of the virus. He highlighted the realities of the symptoms, manifestation, severity and management. He also mentioned how the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Presidential Task Force (PTF) and other National Health bodies are setting agenda and strategies on making early detections, managing symptoms and curbing the spread of the virus.

    He noted during his talk that, the various arms that make up the nation should become responsible for themselves and contribute their quota in ensuring they curb the spread of the virus in their own capacity. He went on to debunked several myths regarding the realities that truly prevails.

    The CMD conclusively harped on the need for continuous research funding, enforcement of restrictions by Government, international collaborations, information sharing as the way forward for global progress.

    Other panelists present include Dr. Zainab Muhammed Idris, a Consultant, Infectious Disease and Member, IEC Kaduna, talked about the fears of women and myths following the COVID-19 pandemic period alongside the effects it has on women. Linking the pandemic with the spate of rape allegations making the news, she addressed the issue and noted that sexual violence victims that have survived the experience may never forget the incident and this can lead to lifetime insecurities and stigma.

    Also Dr. Olusegun Akinniranye, Consultant, Intensive Care Medicine and Anesthetist, Lagoon Hospital, Ikeja, also talked about realities and the way prices of essentials have gone up during the lockdown. He noted that the populace in general have taken advantage of the upscale of demand due to the pandemic. He cited the high price of ventilators as a vivid example. Opposed to this trend, he opined that “we are first of all humans and we should not take advantage of the pandemic period by inflating prices which can affect people who need these basic things.”

    The Chairman AAN, Lagos Chapter, Barrister Rotimi Edu in his presentation, focused on the way forward as he preached on the guidelines the government has laid down. He noted that people in the rural communities are not all complying to the guidelines based on the ignorance of some and lack of education or information on the part of others. Based on these, Barr. Edu concluded that there should be widespread sensitization through media platforms, influencers, community leaders and opinion shapers.

    The former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar (rtd) mni, AANI President, rounded off the session by giving a closing remark as he noted that continuous education and sensitization regarding this topic cannot be overemphasized.

  • Sanwo-Olu moves to optimise output of Alausa Independent Power Plant

    Sanwo-Olu moves to optimise output of Alausa Independent Power Plant

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, disclosed the plan by his Government to expand the capacity of the State-owned Independent Power Plant (IPP).

    Sanwo-Olu said his administration would be harnessing private investment to boost the output of the IPP in response to the growing need to sustain the “Light-Up Lagos” project of his predecessor and also to absorb more public offices in the State-owned power grid.

    The Governor made this known during a facility inspection of the IPP in Alausa, which is currently being managed on behalf of the Government by Alausa Power Limited.

    Sanwo-Olu was accompanied on the inspection by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olalere Odusote, and General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Mr. Mukhtar Tijani.

    This effort by the Sanwo-Olu administration to upscale the output of the IPP is seen as major move by the State Government to optimise the capacity of the power plant, seven years after it was built.

    The Governor said: “We considered embarking on this facility inspection of Lagos IPP to see how we will optimise the current usage of the plant early this year, given the growing demand for electricity to power public facilities around.

    “Knowing the current output of the power plant is necessary for us to know what kind of investment required to solve the operational issues and upscale the output. When the IPP was built in 2013, it boosted the capacity of Government’s offices in Alausa and help us in our Light-Up Lagos project. But, there is a need for us to expand the services for more coverage.”

    Sanwo-Olu said the current output could no longer meet the demand of the State. He said the inspection tour would be followed up with a meeting with partners on the IPP initiative to discuss sustainable growth plan on the output, as more Government’s facilities are set to be integrated into the power grid.

    “What we currently have now certainly cannot meet up with our requirements. We want to expand and grow the Light-Up Lagos initiative, so that we can light up strategic highways and areas, including Ikorodu Road, Ogudu, and Oworonsoki and extend the initiative to Adeniyi Jones and Oba Akran Road. We want to have the whole parts of the State lit up at night,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The Alausa IPP, built in October 2013, is one of the power plants conceived and developed by the State Government. It provides electricity to a number of public institutions in the Ikeja environ and also powers key public infrastructure, including streetlights on major highways.

  • Revolution Now: members staged protest demands Sowore’s release.

    Revolution Now: members staged protest demands Sowore’s release.

    Members of the Coalition for Revolution on Wednesday held a rally in Lagos to demand the release of members of the movement despite a crackdown on the movement by the Nigerian police.

    In the early hours of the day, at least 25 armed police officers were at the national secretariat of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, the publicised convergence point for the protest that was slated for 11 a.m.

    Later in the afternoon, members of the movement gathered at Under Bridge in Ikeja, Lagos where they commenced their protest demanding the release of everyone arrested across the country as a result of the August 5 protest.

    Addressing members of the public at the venue, Lanre Adeleke, a member of the movement, said they were out to challenge the status quo and to demand the release of their members.

    “We are here because of our comrades, Comrade Soetan Adéọlá, Comrade Sowore, Comrade Agba Jalingo and Comrade Olawale Adebayo, aka Mandate. We cannot allow this situation to continue.

    “We will not sit down and watch a democratic regime to be terrorising people and turn the system into a tyrannical one and that is why we are here today to say Nigerians will refuse this. We refused under the military, not because we wanted to, but because we wanted freedom.

    “We are saying we will not keep quiet and watch our economy being controlled by just one per cent and put everybody in squalor while they control over 90 per cent of the resources of the country.

    “We are saying we will not keep quiet while Boko Haram continues to kill people in the Northeast. We are saying we will not keep quiet while Fulani herdsmen continue to kidnap and kill innocent citizens. We are saying we will not keep quiet while education is turned into a trade and one cannot even conceptualise any meaningful knowledge for our youth. We are saying we will not keep quiet while the economy is run into chaos.”