Tag: Tunde Onakoya

Lafarge Africa Plc Empowers 100 Persons with Disabilities in Vocational and Entrepreneurial Training Across Lagos

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions and manufacturer of a wide range of cement, readymix, mortar, and Plaster of Paris brands, has successfully upskilled 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through its Disability to Ability (D2A) programme.

The event held recently at Sheba Centre, Maryland, Lagos, marked the successful completion of intensive vocational and entrepreneurial training delivered in partnership with chess icon and changemaker, Tunde Onakoya, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).

The D2A Programme, themed “Ability Reimagined,” equipped participants with practical, market-relevant skills across four vocational areas: Laptop and Phone Repairs; Make-Up and Gele styling; Wig and Braids Making; and Shoe and Bag Making. The training was conducted across two hubs; Ikeja (Lagos West) and Ikorodu (Lagos East), ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for beneficiaries across the state.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, explained that the initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to fostering equity, empowering vulnerable groups, and supporting inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.

Alade-Akinyemi noted that the milestone is a significant step in advancing inclusion and economic empowerment for persons living with disabilities. According to him, equity and inclusion are not just ideas the company speaks about but principles it actively embeds in its business culture. He stated that the company remains committed to building a future in which every individual, regardless of physical ability, has the platform, tools, and dignity to thrive.

“Through targeted training in digital skills, vocational training and entrepreneurship, we are not only equipping participants with capabilities for today, but are positioning them for relevance and independence for the future of work,” he said.

Delivering his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the company for empowering people with disabilities with the skills and necessary tools needed to thrive.

Ogunlende urged the company as well as the beneficiaries to continue to forge a partnership or collaboration that would help them grow in their crafts

“For us in Lagos State, we believe that there is ability in disability. It is what you do with the skills or empowerment that matters. Your destiny is in your hands because you have been empowered or exposed to the right skills.’

L-R: Head, Geocycle, Lafarge Africa Plc, Temitope Dosumu; Permanent Secretary, Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State, Ololade Aina; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; Beneficiary, Ibrahim Rashidat; Permanent Secretary, Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyitolu, and Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development Director, Viola Graham-Douglas, during the graduation ceremony for the beneficiaries of Disability to Ability(D2A) initiative organized by Lafarge Africa Plc

The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Feyisayo Alayande, noted that the initiative has been largely successful as a result of the powerful collaboration between the agency and the company.

Alayande stated that building the future goes beyond infrastructure but also building people, strengthening their potential, and shaping a far more inclusive and sustainable society. She described the programme as a reflection of the institution’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities and ensure that individuals can thrive independently. She added that through the programme, the beneficiaries can earn a living and contribute to themselves, their families, and the broader Nigerian economy.

Also speaking, the Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, said that the D2A programme aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability and inclusive growth agenda, which prioritises empowering underserved communities through practical and scalable solutions.

Graham-Douglas stated that the programme was initiated with the belief that inclusion must be intentional and empowerment must be practical. She noted that the programme is not only meant to train people, but also to transform their lives in a way that is sustainable and far-reaching.

One of the participants in the laptop and phone repairs group, Oluwatosin Savage expressed gratitude to Lafarge, LSETF and LASODA. He stated: “Following the training, I can confidently repair a phone and laptop. I can also handle any type of accessories and gadgets ’ he said.

April 13, 2026
2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Lafarge Africa Plc Celebrates Beneficiaries of its Disability-to-Ability Programme

…Partners with Tunde Onakoya, LSETF others

Lafarge Africa Plc, a building solutions company renowned for creating a greener planet through innovation and operational excellence, commemorated International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, December 4, 2025 with the participants of its Disability-to-Ability (D2A) Programme in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and Tunde Onakoya, Founder, Chess in Slums Africa, and Guinness World Record Holder for the longest marathon chess game.

The D2A Programme, themed “Ability Reimagined,” which kicked off recently is designed to train 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and equip them with market-relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills that open pathways to employment, business development, and long-term self-reliance. Participants will receive hands-on training in four key areas: Laptop and Phone Repairs, Make-Up and Gele, Wig and Braids Making, and Shoe and Bag Making.

To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the programme was implemented across two hubs; Ikeja (Lagos West) and Ikorodu (Lagos East), allowing beneficiaries from different parts of the state to participate fully.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, described the initiative as a reflection of Lafarge’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. She expressed her appreciation to the partners for championing inclusion and supporting the success of the programme.

Graham-Douglas explained that beyond technical skills, the programme will expose participants to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentorship sessions coordinated by LSETF, ensuring that beneficiaries are not only skilled but also ready to thrive as business owners or professionals in their chosen fields.

“This programme is very important to us at Lafarge and underscores our commitment to our communities. We don’t just produce building solutions, we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best that they possibly can be”, she said.

“Everyone has a right to dignity, to make a living, and we believe in real opportunities. A society is not governed by the policy, it is governed by people, committed people, people who really want to make a difference. We really want to make a difference in people’s lives and an inclusive society is one where everyone can make a living and give back in their own way,” she added.

In his speech, the program partner, Tunde Onakoya lifted the spirits of the participants, citing his personal story and how playing chess and reading books gave him the opportunity to travel the world despite his condition. He charged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and take utmost advantage of the Lafarge D2A programme as a valuable opportunity. He encouraged them to be diligent with their God-given skills and use them as a blessing to the world. He commended Lafarge for providing such an opportunity that empowers people living with disabilities.

Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) joined other key stakeholders at the event to engage the beneficiaries in a speed mentoring session.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, LASODA emphasized that the responsibility of building an inclusive society does not lie with the government alone but is a shared task that requires collaboration, compassion, and consistent effort from every stakeholder.

She commended the partnership of Lafarge Africa Plc and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) for the impactful entrepreneurship training, which has over 100 beneficiaries. “By supporting business registration and providing starter toolkits at the end of the training, you are empowering these individuals to begin their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence and clarity. This is the kind of thoughtful support that truly transforms lives, and we at LASODA sincerely appreciate your commitment” she concluded.

December 5, 2025
PodFest Naija 2025 Marks Historic Debut, Uniting Creators, Policymakers, and Brands in Lagos

Nigeria’s first ever podcast and storytelling festival, PodFest Naija – A Festival of Stories, made a landmark debut on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing over 1,500 creators, storytellers, brands, and policymakers for a day of powerful conversations, cultural showcases, and innovation.

Curated by The Muvmnt Studio in partnership with Eventful, the festival delivered on its promise to bring Nigeria’s most influential voices together to celebrate storytelling, collaborate across industries, innovate new formats, and learn from leading voices shaping the future. From live podcast recordings to interactive brand activations, six themed stages, and a major masterclass on monetization, the festival became the cultural and creative heartbeat of Lagos for a day.

In her keynote address, Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, emphasised the growing importance of podcasting in amplifying Nigeria’s creative voice globally.

“Podcasting has become one of the most powerful tools for projecting our soft power and amplifying Nigerian creativity to the world,” the Minister stated. “It is a veritable medium that transcends borders, democratising how stories are told and who gets to tell them.”

She further highlighted podcasting as a strategic tool for youth engagement and job creation.

“Our young people are not just listeners. They are creators. They are hosts. They are writers. They are sound engineers, researchers and digital entrepreneurs. Everything that speaks to that value chain from the bottom to the up. I think podcasting covers everything. Mr. President is really committed to looking at how we can fortify the future of the young people. And the only way that we can do that is by absorbing as many young people into the job market as possible.”

Tosin Adefeko, Curator of PodFest Naija and CEO of AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, reflected on the festival’s journey and purpose:

“When we started this journey, our vision was simple: to tell better stories. Over time, we realized that everyone was working in silos, there was no platform bringing the tribe together. We knew something had to change.”

“Podfest Naija was born out of that realization. It’s a festival of stories, a creative convergence designed to celebrate our voices, collaborate across communities, innovate in how stories are told, and learn from one another. Whether we like it or not, the podcast ecosystem is here to stay, and we intend to stand at the forefront of that movement.”

The festival’s lineup featured over 40 storytellers and cultural icons, including Chude Jideonwo, Tunde Onakoya, Adaora Mbelu, Rufai Oseni, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Masoyinbo and many others, who led conversations that cut across generations, genres, and industries. Major brands including Coca-Cola, Sterling Bank, UAC Foods, Bet9ja, Crown Flour Mills, and others powered immersive activations throughout the venue, reinforcing the intersection between storytelling, culture, and brands.

One of the day’s most anticipated moments was the unveiling of “The Next Big Podcaster,” an initiative by The Muvmnt Studio to spotlight emerging talent set to redefine the podcast space. Pearllie Hart was announced live on stage as the winner, positioning her as a podcaster to watch under The Muvmnt Studio’s spotlight.

As Nigeria cements its place in the global creative landscape, PodFest Naija stands as a rallying point for creators, policymakers, and brands to celebrate creativity, collaborate on ideas, innovate formats, and learn from shared experiences, shaping narratives that travel beyond borders.

Photo and Caption

L-R: Malik Afegbua, CEO, Slickcity Studios; Nze Ed Emeka Keazor, representing Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture; Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy of Nigeria; Tosin Adefeko, CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, Curator, Podfest Naija; Tobi Ayeni (Miss Techy) – Tech Content Creator and Obinna Okerekeocha, Founder, Naija AI Film Festival (NAIFF) during the inaugural Podfest Naija 2025 event held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Lagos.

L-R: Titilayo Oyinsan, Storyteller & TV Host; Oluwasola Obagbemi, Head of Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa; Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy of Nigeria and Tosin Adefeko, CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, Curator, Podfest Naija during the inaugural Podfest Naija 2025 event held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Lagos.

L-R: Tochukwu Macfoy, Founder, Energize Central; Adaora Mbelu, Bright Light & Creative Mastermind; Tosin Adefeko, CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, Curator, Podfest Naija 2025; Chinonso Ogbogu, CEO/Founder, Sabi Writers and Chude Jideonwo, Host, WithChude during the inaugural Podfest Naija 2025 event held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Lagos

L-R: Donatus Okpako, Head, Retail Marketing, The Alternative Bank; Arese Ugwu, TV producer & Podcast Host; Tosin Adefeko, CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, Curator – Podfest Naija 2025; Stanley Onuorah, Content Creator and Glory Edozien, founder of 9to5chick and ascent club during the inaugural Podfest Naija 2025 event held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Lagos.

L-R: Patrick Doyle, Nollywood Actor & Filmmaker; Rufai Oseni, Journalist; Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Founder, TW Media, Communications; Tosin Adefeko, CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, Curator – Podfest Naija 2025; Morayo Afolabi- Brown, TV Hosts and Media Consultant; Jonathan James, President/CEO, Bliss Broadcasting and Joseph Edgar, Host, The Duke Rants after a live podcast session at the inaugural Podfest Naija 2025 event held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Lagos.

L-R: Egemba Chinonso (Aproko Doctor), Content Creator; Dr Monisola Adanijo, Cardiologist & Heart Health Coach; Tosin Adefeko, CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, Curator – Podfest Naija 2025; Dr Kaffy Shafau – Choreographer, Creative Director & Filmmaker and Kemen Fitness – Founder, Kemen Fitness during the inaugural Podfest Naija 2025 event held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Lagos.

More Pictures from the event

October 12, 2025
Bigi Brings Festive Cheer to 150 Mushin Kids with Chess & Fun

Rite Foods Limited, a leading beverage company partnered with Nigerian chess master and coach, Tunde Onakoya to bring festive cheer and empower children in Mushin through the “Chess for Christmas Mushin” initiative.

The event, held from 11am to 4pm on 23 December 2023, provided a platform for chess training, talent showcases, and fun games, all while promoting the Bigi brand and its commitment to social responsibility.

Bigi saw this event as an opportunity to build a positive brand image and enhance its reputation through its association with a meaningful initiative. Rite Foods’ communication efforts throughout the event focused on promoting the Bigi brand, including its popular Rite Sausage rolls and Sosa Fruit Drinks, while demonstrating its dedication to supporting underprivileged communities.

The programme went beyond just chess competition. Children participated in literacy challenges like spelling bees, showcasing their academic abilities. Additionally, talent showcases featuring dancing, singing, and drawing provided a platform for artistic expression. Fun games like snakes and ladders, Ludo, and bouncing castles kept the energy high throughout the event.

The winner of the spelling bee competition received a one-year scholarship courtesy of Octa, while the first and second runners-up were awarded laptops as part of their back-to-school kits sponsored by Rite Foods.

A highlight of the event was the chess competition between children from Mushin and Ikorodu. It was inspiring to witness the skill and talent displayed by children from underserved communities, demonstrating the power of chess as a tool for empowerment and opportunity.

Rite Foods leveraged the Bigi and Sosa brands to create awareness and engagement with the children. Refreshing Bigi drinks, Sosa fruit drinks, and Rite sausages kept everyone energised throughout the day, while children also received draw-string bags filled with gift items, bringing added joy to the festive occasion.

Biola Aransiola, the Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi at Rite Foods Limited, said the initiative was intended at bringing excitement to the children through the company’s unique brands which the yuletide season connotes. Also, to keep them fit for a better academic future.

Through its support of this initiative, Bigi demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and community development. The event was not just about chess; it was about celebrating the potential of children in underserved communities, providing them with opportunities to learn, express themselves, and have fun. The success of Chess for Christmas Mushin reinforces Bigi’s values and its dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

January 3, 2024
Jimoh Fawaz and Usman Adegoke wins Senior and Junior Categories of the Chess Competition Organized by Chess in Slum

by Gbenga Irantiola

Jimoh Fawaz and Usman Adegoke are the winners of the Senior and Junior categories respectively of the Chess Competition organized by Chess in Slum. The finals were held under the Mokola bridge after two weeks of intensive training of less privileged boys in Ibadan.

Usman Adegoke the winner of the junior category

Other winners of the Senior category include Okeke Ikenna, 2nd position; Bilal Umar, 3rd position; Owolabi Ayomide, 4th position and Joshua Akinwumi, 5th position respectively while Dauda Lasisi got 2nd position and Babaginda Sanni got the 3rd position respectively. Also, Owolabi Ayomide got the prize for Brillance.

Also in attendance was the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Honorable Ṣeun Fakorede; the Divisional Police Officer, Mokola Police Station, ASP S.O. Abosede; Vice President, World Chess Federation (FIDE), Mr. Lekan Adeyemi; Vice President, Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adewole Adeyinka; Convener, Chess in Slum, Tunde Onakoya and Chief Arbiter, Olawale Oyeleye.

February 18, 2023
Zimvest set to Reward New Users in Savings Campaign

…excites TFAA audience with freebies

Digital wealth and investment management firm, Zedcrest Investment Managers (ZIMVEST) on Sunday, February 20^th, 2022 announced a 7-day savings reward campaign to promote a healthy savings culture and reaffirm its commitment to enriching lives at the 16^th edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) held in Lagos.

The campaign themed #Zimvest50kgiveaway was also initiated to celebrate African youths through the biggest youth platform on the continent.

50 new users of Zimvest App will receive up to 50,000 naira in their Wealthbox savings account on the app from February 20th – 27th. To qualify, all participants are to download the Zimvest App on the Google Play or iOS Store; follow Zimvest on Instagram and/or Twitter (@zimvestapp); sign up using the referral code – TFAA and create a WealthBox account on the app.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Zimvest, Renah Osiemi, the campaign was initiated in continuation of Zimvest support for this year’s TFAA.

“At Zimvest, we believe everyone must develop a savings culture. This explains why we are happy to have this opportunity to enrich and empower Nigerians with cash rewards of up to 50,000 naira, especially at this time”, she said.

She stated the cash prize is non-withdrawable for one month as it is expected to help many new users of Zimvest App to start saving and set their wealth creation journey in motion.

The 16^th edition of the awards themed “Celebrating Challengers and Builders”, was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The award ceremony was hosted by Nollywood actress and show host, Nancy Isime.

Winners for this year’s award include Andrea Iyamah, Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi, Bimbo Ademoye, Tunde Onakoya of Chess2slums, and a host of others.

On the red carpet at the awards ceremony, Zimvest organized financial quizzes and rewarded guests with branded items.

Zimvest is a subsidiary of the new-age principal investing and financial solutions powerhouse in Africa, Zedcrest Group. The company is licensed by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) as a Fund & Portfolio Manager. The company’s products are designed to offer inflation and currency protection, risk management and sustainable growth.

Other members of the Zedcrest include the leading consumer finance brand, Zedvance Finance; award-winning inter-dealer brokerage firm, Zedcap Partners and venture capital company, Zedcrest Capital.

February 24, 2022