JUL-SEPT 18
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www.phoenixnigeria.com
Shaping Nigeria’s Future
Jamila Muhammed Kolo
Also: ● Akon: Lighting The Way ● Hon. Justice Pius O. Aderemi ● WizKid: World Domination ● Nollywood Comes To Life
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Diezani Alison Madueke – A ‘Mover & Shaker’
Amal Fashanu Creating Her Own Legacy In Fashion
Your FREE ● Business ● Commerce ● Positive News Magazine
Editor’s Note W
elcome to the amazing July-September edition of Phoenix Nigeria. As with last edition, we are so excited to promote the positive things that are happening in Nigeria, and by
Nigerians in the diaspora, with some home-grown talent thrown in for good measure as well! In this ‘Year of the Woman’ we are proud to be able to throw a spotlight on some of the thankless and difficult work that so many of our women all around the world are a part of. This month we feature some the stunning Amal Fashanu, daughter of former footballer of Nigerian and Guyanese descent, John Fashanu, who has a stunning range of bags, which has remained her passion.
l Daniel Riley, Assistant Editor, Phoenix Nigeria
Our Royal guest at our 7th Anniversary Celebrations last year, His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ile Ife features again this month as he continues his worldwide visits, this time to Brazil, where their highest academic honour, the coveted ‘Academic Palms,’ from the Academy of Letters was presented to him. WizKid, Nigeria’s most bankable star is on his way to World Domination, having swept practically all notable awards a Nigerian recording artist can think of and has been nominated for - including the 2017 Grammy Awards.
l Emeka Alex Akwaeze,
Operations Manager
Positivity is at the heart of everything we do here at The Phoenix, and that shines
l Marcia McLaughlin, Editor In Chief, Phoenix Nigeria
through in abundance as you turn through the pages of this magazine. As well as featuring the women of the world, the men are not shying away from standing up to be counted either.
Nigeria, so dive in, get involved and stay positive! I hope you enjoy this edition of Phoenix Nigeria, and if you have any stories of your own, please do get in touch via our newsdesk.
Akon has been very much under the radar recently, and it turns out that he has been putting his money to good use, by recently opening a Solar Academy as part of his effort to bring electricity to 600 million people in rural communities across Africa. Inspiring stuff! The wedding of Tchidi Chikere and Nuella Njubigbo was always going to bring Lagos to a standstill, and in the process brought Nollywood to life!
l Jamila Muhammed Kolo Agent
I have been blessed to speak with our cover story, Jamila Muhammed Kolo, over the last few months, and she is someone who I have built up a great trust and rapport with. She has now become part of the team at Phoenix Nigeria, and I am pleased that she will represent this publication with the utmost respect and professionalism that we pride ourselves on. As always there is a lot to get your hands on in Phoenix
l Steve Williams - Editorial
Contents 3 - Editors Note 6-7 - Akon Bringing Light To Africa 8-9 - Pope Francis Accepts Bishop’s Resignation 10-11 - Ooni Conferred Brazil’s Highest Academic Honour 12 - Educational Excellence 14-15 - WizKid Special
JUL-SEPT 18
28-29 - Holiday & Travel Shaping Nigeria’s Future
30 - Health & Wellbeing
Jamila Muhammed Kolo
31 - Creating Her Own Legacy Amal Fashanu 34-36 - Diezani Alison Madueke Spotlight
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Also: ● Akon: Lighting The Way ● Hon. Justice Pius ● WizKid: World Dom O. Aderemi ination ● Nollywood Comes To Life Diezani Alison Amal Fashanu Madueke – Creating Her A ‘Mover Own Legacy & Shaker’ In Fashion
Your FREE ● Busines
16 - Charles Ignatius Sancho
38-40 - Property & Real Estate
17-19 - Man of Excellence - Hon. Justice Pius O. Aderemi
44 - Africa - A Land of Opportunity
20 - Team Nigeria Shine in Gold Coast Games
45 - RIP Simon Kayode Morgan A.K.A.Kakaaki
22-24 - Shaping Nigeria’s Future
46 - Mission to Treat 1.5m Missed TB Cases
26-27 - My Wedding Day Nollywood Comes To Life!
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s ● Commerce ● Posit
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48 - Ghana Leading Way In Righting Wrongs of Complicity In Slave Trade 50-51 - The Making of Giants in Nigeria’s Education Sectors
Contact Us Published by: TPN Media Limited UK
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BUSINESS
Akon Bringing Light to Africa H
e’s one of the world’s greatest singer/rappers, yet, despite being best known for making great, popular music, Akon is decided to ‘sharing’ his power. Away from regularly filling dancefloors and stadiums, the SenegaleseAmerican superstar is dedicating his life to bringing solar energy to people living in rural Africa. And, under his Akon Lighting Africa initiative, he recently teamed up with Shell to create an innovative football pitch in Nigeria that allowed the local community to play football at night. The singer has recently opened a Solar Academy as part of his effort to bring electricity to 600 million people in rural communities across Africa. Located in Bamako, in Mali, the academy's aim is to help engineers produce solar power. The organisation states that the continent averages 320 days of
sunshine a year. He said: "I think with people you have to motivate people to want to do better, motivate them to want to believe that they can do it themselves, and more than anything you have to be in a position to empower them so they can do it themselves." Growing up in a town without electricity, Akon has also spoken about how he finds charity in Africa problematic; "From the time I was born to now, I've seen a number of charity organisations come into Africa just to constantly give,” he says. “There hasn't been any structure building, no environmental development - none of that.
given. When people work for things, they can sustain it a lot better than when it's given to them. Africa's been years and years of constant charity and nothing has stemmed from it. I think that putting people into a position where they can actually benefit from it, they work hard and they find themselves in a position to make that economy more thriving to earn more." Samba Baithily, who co-founded Akon Lighting Africa with Akon and Thione Niang, told Reuters: "We have the sun and innovative technologies to bring electricity to homes and communities. We now need to consolidate African expertise."
People are just waiting for the outside world to come and constantly give and there isn't the motivation to want to build it up on your own.
"We expect the Africans who graduate from this centre to devise new, innovative, technical solutions," said Niang.
With charity it's just giving.You have to be able to put yourself in a position to appreciate what you have been
"With the Academy, we can capitalize on Akon Lighting Africa and go further."
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AZUZA STREET
Pope FRANCIS Accepts Bishop’s Resignation P
ope Francis backed down and accepted the resignation of a Nigerian bishop who had been rejected for years by the priests of his diocese, setting a precedent that could have repercussions elsewhere when papal authority is challenged. The announcement came after Francis issued a harsh ultimatum to the priests of Nigeria’s southern Ahiara Diocese, warning they would lose their jobs if they didn’t obey him and accept Monsignor Peter Ebele Okpaleke as their bishop. Francis gave each priest 30 days to pledge obedience. The Vatican said that 200 priests obeyed, but some still expressed problems in working with Okpaleke. Pope Benedict XVI had appointed Okpaleke to Ahiara in 2012, but the local clergy rejected him. Ahiara is in the Mbaise region, and its faithful objected to the appointment of an outsider from the Anambra region
to lead them. In protest, the Mbaise blocked access to the cathedral when Okpaleke was to be formally installed, and he was installed outside the diocese. The Vatican’s mission office said the Pope took the priests’ ‘repentance’ into account in deciding not to sanction them for “the grave damage” they had inflicted on the church by rejecting Okpaleke. But the Vatican said it hoped “in the future they will never again repeat such unreasonable actions opposing a bishop legitimately appointed by the Supreme Pontiff.” The case could affect another divisive Bishop appointment, Chilean Bishop Juan Barros. Ever since Francis appointed him Bishop of Osorno, Chile, in 2015, Barros has been rejected by many faithful and priests. His opponents cite accusations by sexual abuse victims who say Barros witnessed and ignored their abuse by Chile’s most notorious predator priest.
After Francis sparked an outcry during his recent trip to Chile by defending Barros, the pope did an about-face and sent in a Vatican investigator to take testimony about Barros’ behavior. The investigator, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, met with Barros’ main accuser on Saturday. Many Vatican watchers had cited the Nigerian conflict in explaining Francis’ refusal to remove Barros. Barros had been named a bishop by St. John Paul II and confirmed by Benedict, making it difficult for Francis to sack him without compelling reason. But Francis’ decision to accept the resignation of the Benedict-appointed Okpaleke, who graduated with a Masters in Theology at the Catholic Institute of West Africa in Port-Harcourt, due to popular opposition suggests he could do the same for Barros, who has already offered his resignation twice and had it rejected by Francis.
O H Ooni Ogunwusi Conferred Brazil’s Highest Academic Honour
A
s he continues to promote global pledge of bringing universal peace to people of diverse religious beliefs the unyielding work of the
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was recognized when he received the coveted ‘Academic Palms,’ from the Academy of Letters in Brazil.
Ooni Honoured With Brazil’s Highest Academic Honour The highest honour which is usually granted to Heads of States, Ministers and President of High Cultural Association, leader of the community, Academician Alberto da Costa e Silva, who had been ambassador of Brazil to several countries in Africa, stated that The Ooni was honoured for his work towards promoting a peaceful co-existence. He said: “The ‘Academic Palms’ is the highest honour granted by the Brazilian Academy of Letters and only delivered to Heads of State, Ministers, Presidents of High Cultural Associations is being conferred on Ooni Ogunwusi because he is promoting peace all over the world. We don’t just honour people. Our awardees are immortals for services rendered to
the letters, sciences, arts and cultural approach of the peoples and great writers.” He continued: “Óòni has a special meaning by the strong spiritual presence of the Yorubás in the life of the Brazilians. Ooni Adéyeye is a Kind of Pope in and out of Nigeria and Africa as a whole”. Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi called for tolerance among people of diverse cultural dispositions and religious beliefs.” During what was a hugely celebrated visit to the South American country, Ogunwus and his entourage – who included: Queen Dambi Kabatusula of Kasai Kingdom in Democratic Republic of Congo; Professor Sophie Oluwole; Professor Kola Abimbola of Howard University, USA; Sooko Laekun
of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi; scholars, priests, government officials; members of Herbal Therapy Society Of Nigeria led by Chief Akintunde Ayeni of Yemken Group and a renowned Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun - were well received by members of the community. He also took up the opportunity to meet with former Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Maria Auxiliadora Figueiredo, who was lorded by The Oooni for her work in fostering greater unity between Afro-Brazilians and Africa. “The royal father promised to further strengthen his campaign for religious tolerance,” da Costa e Silva said, “as well as abolition of all forms of discrimination against Afro-Brazilians.”
Other member of The Ooni’s entourage of 120 people during the 10-day star including Yoruba traditional rulers like Timi of Ede, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Alaran of Arandun, Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Jegun of Okitipupa, Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Onisabe of SabeIgbobi, Alayandelu of Ayandelu, Owakogun of Okerewe-Ife, Alayemore of Ido-Osun. The ‘Academia Brasileira de Letras,’ which was established at the end of the 19th century, is composed to this day of 40 members, known as "immortals", chosen from among the citizens of Brazil, who have published recognized works or books of literary value.
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EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
l LASU’s (Lagos state University) best graduating student, Fuad Ogunsanya Adetoro, will be receiving massive support by state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode
LASU Best Graduate Receives N5m Gift C hosen as LASU’s (Lagos state University) best graduating student, Fuad Ogunsanya Adetoro, will be receiving massive support by state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who will be sponsoring his Masters programme in any university of his choice in the world. Governor Ambode declared his commitment whilst delivering his address at the
LASU 2016/2017 academic convocation, Leadership reports.
For being the best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of 4.78, Ambode also gifted the student with a cash sum of N5 million.
The governor noted that it is unusual for a university visitor to attend the first day of university convocation where first degrees are awarded; hence, he said the day must
have been divinely obtained.
He stated: “But I don’t know why I decided to come. This confirms that there is a divine side to the story. The story of the best graduating student is too compelling to ignore. It makes me reflect my own background too; therefore, I hereby adopt him” On receiving the N5M gift, and showing the greatest of appreciation, a grateful Fuad
was full of ‘thanks’ as he emphasized how useful the financial aid and scholarship will be to him. Olugbenga was one of the five selected Hesselbein International Scholars from Africa to participate in the Hesselbein Global Leadership Summit at the prestigious Hesselbein Global Academy for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, at the University of Pittsburgh, in the US.
Nigeria’s ‘Most Bankable’ Star Ready for World Domination W ithout a doubt, one of the most re c og n i ze d Nigerian musicians in the world, singer/songwriter WizKid has swept practically all notable awards a Nigerian recording artist can think of and has been nominated for - including the 2017 Grammy Awards. The artist, real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, recently signed a multi-album worldwide deal with RCA Records/ Sony Music International. At the tender age of 11 he kick started his music career when he released an album ‘Lil Prinz’ with the group Glorious 5 in 2001. After the group disbanded he met top Nigerian music producer OJB Jezreel in Surulere. Since then, at his studio he would see the likes of 2face Idibia, Sound Sultan and Rugged Man record some of their classic tracks. After waiting in the wings, WizKid recorded his first song in OJB’s studio,
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and the song featured the legendary producer. A.k.a. Starboy - he changed his name from Lil Prinz to WizKid in 2006 - he was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O's 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/ Bankable African Artists.
In 2016, he achieved international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the global hit, ‘One Dance,’ which reached number one in 15 countries, including the United States, the UK, Canada and Australia. In addition to his solo work, he has also collaborated with several other artists and was featured on the hits ‘Girl’ (with Bracket), ‘Fine Lady’ (with Lynxxx), ‘Sexy Mama’ (with Iyanya), ‘Slow Down’ (with R2Bees), ‘The Matter’ (with Maleek Berry), ‘Pull Over’ (with KCee) and ‘Bad Girl’ (with Jesse Jagz). Following the release of his second studio album and expiration of his 5-year recording contract, WizKid left E.M.E.
In 2017, Billboard magazine reported that he signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records. The deal was first reported by several media outlets in September 2016. The chair and CEO of RCA Records, Peter Edge, confirmed the signing while speaking to Music Business Worldwide. With a wealth of talent, and nairas, Ayodeji recently revealed that his parents were still living in the ghetto (Ojuelegba) and refused to move into his Lekki home; “My parents are still living in the ghetto,” he said. “They refuse to move to Lekki. I just got them a nice house and better place in Ojuelegba.” Having performed alongside world class acts like Chris Brown, Akon, Young Jeezy and Kardinal Official, he created his own label Star Boy in 2013. Having already stormed the Nigerian music scene, one of Africa’s ‘Most Bankable Acts,’ Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, a.k.a. music maestro WizKid, is ready for world domination…make no mistake!
Charles Ignatius Sancho - A ‘Learned’ First
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hilst many are led to believe that the ‘Windrush Generation’ is the first evidence of a Black presence in the UK, the truth is that, there was a mass visible presence throughout Britain for centuries pre-1948 – and with a prominent presence that many ‘learned’ historians were determined not to highlight. Perhaps even they had no idea of their existence. As, for time immemorial, ‘British History’ in schools was probably, questionably ‘selective’ at best, the fact that the likes of Ignatius Sancho and his contribution to the history of Britain, must be celebrated – not ignored. One of the country’s leading composers, actors, and writers of his time, records also show that he was the first known Briton of African heritage to vote in a British election. Born on a slave ship in 1729, his influence in British society, especially the arts, proved massively and hugely positive. A man of refinement, he was described as "the extraordinary Negro." And, as such, he his position in British culture very much recognized. He even had a portrait created of him by the world’s great artist; Gainsborough during his time. Married to Ann Osborne, also of African heritage, devoted husband, Sancho became a symbol of the humanity of Africans and immorality of the slave trade during his time
“I am one of those people, whom the vulgar and illiberal call ‘Negurs,’” it was understood he said. “The first part of my life was rather unlucky, as I was placed in a family who judged ignorance the best and only security for obedience.” To 18th-century British abolitionists he became a symbol of the humanity of Africans and immorality of the slave trade. On a lighter note, he was also quoted as saying; “Old folks love to seem wise- and if you are silly enough to correspond with grey hairs, take the consequence.” In a boy becoming a man, his words of wisdom were; “As you are not to be a boy all your life- and I trust would not be reckoned a fool-use your every endeavour to be a good man.” ‘The Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, an African,’ edited and published two years after his death, is one of the earliest accounts of African slavery written in English by a former slave of Spanish and English families. The 1768 oil painting of Ignatius Sancho, by Thomas Gainsborough, currently hangs in the National Gallery of Canada, in Ottawa. Scientists unearthed the jawbone of what they claim is one of the very first humans discovered in Ethiopia. The 2.8 million-year-old specimen is 400,000 years older than researchers originally thought.
MAN OF EXCELLENCE
A Man of Excellence:
Hon. Justice Pius O. Aderemi
N
igeria’s leading legal eagles were as one as they mourned the passing of Justice, Sir Hon. Pius Olayiwola Aderemi.
intended to disparage or doubt the sterling qualities of the eminent jurists, and fellow-justices, whose inputs have helped to stabilize the polity in recent times.
“He wanted me to study Law because he was already a lawyer then. I got admission to the University of Ife then to read Law, but I didn’t like it.
but because of my work. We have enough lawyers in the house already. I have a brother who is a lawyer, and a sister who is a Magistrate.”
The jurist, who recently retired from the Supreme Court, was also mourned, by the profession, in the United Kingdom-base of his son, Olakunle.
As the country remain eternally grateful for who proved to be a seminal contributor to The Bar, the country, and greater continent, his practice became eminently used by fellow- jurists and academics alike.
“He referred me to a Felix Adenaike, his friend, who sorted me out. He said he should allow me to study what I wanted to and that was how I went to the Ibadan Poly where I read Mass Communication to HND level.
When Nigeria was a 19-States country, Aderemi had offices in all the 19 states: “He (dad) worked hard,” recalls Olakunle. “Hard work was his passion.
One of the country’s most forthright and incorruptible jurist, the devoted Catholic and leading defender of the law, was a member of the National Judicial Council, the Body of Benchers of Nigeria, and a Papal Knight of St Gregory the Great. One of the very few jurists whose record was intact while on Bench, the Honourable Justice Pius Olayiwola Aderemi stood out as a unique personality on the Bench an assertion which was by no means
Passing away at the age of 79, Sir Hon. Pius’s legacy continues on as his son, Olakunle, also a lawyer and who plies his law trade in the United Kingdom, was lucky to be with his father shortly before he passed on. He said: “Luckily for me, I saw him just before I left for Lagos. “My father didn’t want me to study Mass Communication which I originally studied,” he recalled.
“I am a trained journalist. But today, I am a lawyer. I studied Law in the United Kingdom in order to satisfy my father, but, funny enough, he never knew I studied Law. “I never told him till he died. I needed to have a deep knowledge of law because of the nature of work I do which entails contract. “I studied it not mainly to practice
You couldn’t be with him and be a lazy person. I remember when I was writing my School Certificate exams in 1978, I would be at the back of his office at Sango, opposite the Cemetery reading on weekends. He was a fantastic man – and even greater father. And as such I will be eternally grateful to him.” Justice Aderemi was survived by children and grandchildren.
SPORT
Team Nigeria Shine in Gold Coast Games l Ndidi Nwosu with the Women’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting medal
T
he true ‘weight’ of expectation fell on the likes of Abdulazeez Ibrahim, Ndidi Nwosu, Roland Ezuruike and Ndidi Nwosu to bring home gold from the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with the not-too-surprising Bronze for the Women’s 4x100 metre runners to the shock of Quadri Aruna’s gold in the men's table tennis, Team
Nigeria’s 9th position in the recent Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast provided a mixed bag amid the elation of what was largely a very successful 2018 celebration of sport. Whilst Patience Okon-George, Glory Nathaniel, Praise Idamadudu and Yinka Ajayi won silver for Nigeria, with a time of 3m:25.29s, in their showpiece 4x400m Final event, from Suwaibidu Galadima’s
T47 100 metre gold, and, equally, Blessing Oborududu’s Women's Freestyle 68 kg Wrestling win, the total of 9 Golds, 9 Sivers and 6 Bronze medals proved what was probably expected by many, though some might put it as; ‘am opportunity lost’ for a generation of superbly tuned athletes primed for greater success than ever before on the world stage.
“Congratulations to my Nigerian brothers and sisters on an awesome Commonwealth Games,” said Nigerian international football captain, John Mikel Obi. The former Chelsea midfield superstar, who is now plying his trade with Tianjin TEDA in the Chinese Super League, was speaking ahead of him leading the Super Eagles onto their Russian adventure – and the FIFA World Cup Finals. Tayo Oreweme, Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department, said that Nigeria’s Ministry of Youths and Sports Development did everything to ensure the country’s surpasses all expectations at Gold Coast 2018 and they made Nigeria very proud. “We did everything we possibly could for the Games in the Gold Coast,” she said, “as soon as we returned from the Games in Glasgow.” The overall results at the end of the Games proved encouraging as Team Nigeria now start to focus on the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo.
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
Shaping
Nigeria’s Future by Emeke Alex Akwaeze
B
orn on July 16th, 1966, to the family of Muhammed Kolo, Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria, Hajiya Jamila Muhammed Kolo, a mother of 5 and a grand mother of two is a quintessential business woman and an activist. We caught up with Jamila Muhammed Kolo in her house in Gwarimpa, Abuja where she took us on a journey down memory lane. “Life for me as a child was sweet and interesting. "Growing up in a large, polygamous family of 27 kids and three wives, my father was very strict and religious. He was a very quiet man. “I remember that my father can always be found with his face in a book. Looking back now, I recall that my father never used corporal punishment on us but yet we feared him a lot. “He was softly spoken but always seemed to put the fear of God into us. Both my parents were educated and are civil servants. “Education was very important to them and from a young age, I was made to believe, as my dad would put it, that education is the greatest asset you can possess, one you can carry everywhere with you and yet cannot be stolen from you. Jamila Muhammed Kolo had her primary and secondary school education in Maiduguri. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language from the University of Maiduguri. Jamila also has a postgraduate diploma in Education and an MBA, both from ABU Zaria.
“Our advantage is in our number and diversity!” During her National service in 1988, Jamila taught French and English languages in ABU Zaria, at demonstration secondary school. After her service she was absorbed into the university as a graduate assistant. Jamila was a typical Northern girl who was brought to
believe and respect the marriage institution; therefore she married very early, at the tender age of 17. However the marriage was short-lived. She lost her first husband, Malam Isa Abdullahi, five years after the marriage in a ghastly motor accident. "It was my first real loss. I was
devastated. " Jamila recalled.
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Jamila's marriage to Isa was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Zainab.
tough times have clouded their vision against what all these sacrifices would bring about for the future generations of Nigerians."
Two years after the death of her husband, Jamila met and married a young officer of the Nigerian army, who is now a retired Major General. Together they were blessed with four children, two boys and two girls.
"Today Nigeria is in a serious mess and it's sad to see the masses suffering from the mismanagement of the elite. The Buhari administration is faced with the herculean task of cleaning up the mess left behind by successive regimes.
Hajiya Jamila is a politician who is a staunch supporter of the Buhari administration and especially its fight against corruption.
“But we remain ever optimistic. Nigerians are survivors and with God on our side, this country will reemerge stronger than ever.
She was recently made the deputy National Women Leader for the Muhammad Buhari Osinbajo Dynamic support Group, (MBO). This is an organisation committed to ensure continuity in governance and the continuation of the war against corruption and insecurity.
“We are blessed with a large youthful population. Our future rests in their hands. Our duty today as elders is to ensure that we leave Nigeria intact for the future generations.
"It is really unfortunate that a lot of Nigerians fail to see what this administration is trying to achieve. The present
“We have no right to break it up. Our forefathers worked had to keep it together, we must pass it on to the next generation as a one indivisible entity. Our advantage is in our number and diversity!”
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
Nolly Comes H
e is one of Nollywood top producer/ directors, and she, one of its greatest actors. So when Tchidi Chikere wed Nuella Njubigbo it was always going to bring Lagos to a standstill. The ceremony, which took place at the Catholic Church of transfiguration,VGC, saw the producer/actor ‘tie the knot’ with the star of films such as ‘Royal Touch,’ ‘Apparition,’ ‘Lord of Marriage’ and ‘Open & Close.’ Guests at the lavish affair included some of Nigeria’s biggest star like Bishop Umeh, Osita Iheme, Daniel K. Daniel, plus other celebrities such as; Rita Dominic, Monalisa Chinda-Coker and Kate Henshaw.
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Anambra Statebor Nuella, looking stunning in her Yemi Shoyemi-
MY WEDDING DAY
ywood to Life designed dress, shone bright as a proud Tchidi was beaming in the Lagos sun. In a statement made through her publicist BigSam Media, she said: “Let me start by confirming some of the rumours you may have heard. “Yes, the traditional marriage rites between Tchidi Chikere and I will be performed (today) soon. This was not the way we imagined or planned it, but as they say, nobody has a crystal ball to tell where or who we end up with. Life is a dice.” For Mbaise-born University of Calabar graduate, Chikere, this is the second time he has walked up the aisle – he was previously married to Sophia before they were divorced in 2012 - That union producing three sons. The couple have a daughter between them.
La Campagne Tropicana Africa’s Most Visited Beach
HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
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p a r a d i s e beyond every t o u r i s t ' s imagination, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort sits in a serene environment amongst virgin trees and the gentle reflection of the setting sun. One of Africa's most visited beach resorts, it is a tropical getaway situated on a piece of isolated nature along the Lekki Expressway. The resort lies right on the Gulf of Guinea, on the
coast of the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Ikegun Lake. Guarded by trained security personnel, La Campagne Tropicana offers comfortable accommodation with 29 well-equipped chalets, luxury tents, a private swimming pool and the perfect beach for picnics. Boasting 29 well equipped and fully furnished charlets, with exquisitely decorated interiors, each en-suite tent at the resort, in Lagos, overlooks the beach and comes designed with a
private bathroom, a flatscreen television, a minibar, a fully-equipped kitchen, tea/ coffee making facilities and a private balcony. All tents in the Beach Resort are fully air conditioned and feature beds draped in mosquito netting. The entrance fees at La Campagne Tropicana include: • Children: 1,500 naira (with or without corkage) • Teens: 2,500 naira (without corkage), 3,000 naira (with corkage) • Adult: 5,000 naira (without
corkage), 6,000 naira (with corkage) Guests can order a variety of Nigerian dishes at the onsite restaurant and enjoy an array of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks at the bar. Housing a swimming pool and a fitness centre, you can also engage in a variety of recreational activities such as water sport and quad biking. Rooms in Lekki are in high demand, so the best to book is now.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Is Nigeria’s Blood Bank Drying Up?
C
oncerns have arisen that the country’s National Blood Transfusion Service and Traumacare is running short of blood and that its blood bank is drying up. According to statements there is a big deficit of over 1.7 million yearly, which That deficit is either filled or people continue to die for lack of blood.
Describing this statistic as disturbing, Chris Otabo, Traumacare Coordinator, said: “We are talking about the need for blood transfusion,
blood is needed for emergency in cases of big surgery, when patients bleed in case of accident and when women deliver and bleed. One of the causes of death for women who deliver at the maternity ward is bleeding.” Following the statistics given by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Otabo did state that Nigeria requires 1.8 million unit of blood annually, but the National Blood Transfusion Service said it had not gotten blood more than 66,000 units per year.
He continued: “During the recent World Blood Donor Day, the Minister of Health gave us statistics that are disturbing. He said 1.8 million units of blood are required in Nigeria annually and the National Blood Transfusion Service said in recent years, they have not gotten blood more than 66,000 units per year. That means there is a big deficit of over 1.7 million. That deficit is either filled by remunerated donors which are not saved or the blood is not there at all and that means people can die for reason that could be prevented.
We want to talk to Nigerians to save lives by donating blood. Blood donation is safe and nothing can happen to blood donor, it is a good health practice to donate blood. In the process of solving this big deficit in the blood we have in our bank, we are organizing a national blood donor registration.” He then said that the blood donor registration and blood donation have commenced in Abuja and other parts of the country. While calling on Nigerians to come out in record-breaking numbers to register and donate blood, he was looking to beat India who currently held the Guinness Book of Record after donating about 3,400 units of blood in 1 day. “We want to get 10, 000 people to come to register and signifies their intention to donate,” Otabo said. “We want to get a database of at least 10,000 people that we can call on at any time if there is the need to donate; so that we can keep the blood bank wet rather than dry.” Is Nigeria’s Blood Bank Drying Up?
Creating Her Own Legacy S
he’s the celebrated d a u g h t e r of a former international footballer, but, for Amal, she’s ‘kicking it’ out there all by herself. With her father being exWimbledon, Norwich City, Millwall and Aston Villa star, John Fashanu, who was also famed for presenting TV show ‘Gladiators’ she was in his country of birth for the prestigious DEGA Achievers Awards held at the Presken Hotel & Resorts,Allen Roundabout,
Ikeja, in Lagos, where she was in expected receipt of the ‘Young African Fashion Icon in the Diaspora,’ in recognition for her muchin-demand cluch-bags and handbags. Born in London but raised in Spain, Amal is also a successful model and media personality, who is now embarking on an exciting music journey. With a Masters in Handbag and Leather Design from IED University, Madrid, in Spain, she has designed lots of exotic handbags.
Her new brand is a luxury African and Spanishinspired high quality leather handbag collection. John, who was capped by England, had a very successful football career, was most noted as a member of Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’ who, whilst being a very small Londonbased provincial club, beat the mighty, all-conquering Liverpool in the 1987 FA Cup. He carved out an equally successful career in television when he presented alongside Ulrika Jonsson on Gladiator - the internationally watched programme for over 2 decades. Meanwhile, Amal Fashanu’s exclusive heritage collections will be launched officially in September. The ceremony also featured music performances, comedy, a fashion runway, red carpet extravaganza, and model search contest among others.
SPOTLIGHT
Diezani Alison Madueke – A ‘Mover & Shaker’ A
politician and the first female president of OPEC, Diezani Alison Madueke was also Minister of Transportation in Nigeria in 2007-2008.
with the help of the then president, Goodluck Jonathan.
She later moved to Mines and Steel Development and was appointed Minister of Petroleum in Nigeria appointed to the cabinet
Not short of controversy, in 2015 international news agency, Reuters, reported that she was arrested by the UK`s National Crime
In government she pledged to transform Nigeria's oil and gas industry so that all Nigerians benefit.
Agency on suspicion of corruption. Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission also raided her real estates in Nigeria. In 2010, Goodluck Jonathan signed the Nigerian Content Act, which aimed to increase the percentage of petroleum industry contracts awarded to indigenous Nigerian
businesses – a reaction to the domination of the sector by foreign operators. While in office she received treatment for breast cancer in the United Kingdom. With a supposed $2 billion dollars on her various bank accounts she is one of the richest women in the country.
SPOTLIGHT
Born in Port Harcourt, in Rivers State, in 1960, Diezani, the daughter of late Chief Frederick Abiye Agama, the removal of state subsidies on fuel prices was one of Alison-Madueke’s most controversial policies. Having studied architecture in the UK, before moving on to Howard University, in the US, she returned to Nigeria to start work with Shell Petroleum Development Corporation. She traveled to England in 2002 to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Cambridge University. She would become the first woman to be appointed as an Executive Director by Shell. Married to former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Allison Madueke, a military governor
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of Anambra State between 1984 and 1985 and military governor of Imo State from August (1985 to 1986) she is the second wife of the Admiral, with one biological and five stepchildren (Ugonna, Chima, Chimezie, Donald, and Ngozi) from the late wife of the Admiral. She is said to have so many houses in Dubai that she has lost track of them all. That said, though, her benevolence has been muchnoted, reportedly giving a lot of money to one of her associates who supposedly owns a £50 Million Yacht that music’s ‘it’ couple, Jay Z and Beyonce, once rented. The former minister has been living in London since the country’s former military ruler President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was sworn in, in 2015.
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PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE
Over-Lapping Functions Affecting Nigeria’s Economic Growth
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I
n highly performing economies in the world, the government agencies know their briefs or mandates and keep to them without any attempt to interfere or encroach on other bodies’ statutory responsibilities. By so doing, businesses, industries and commercial activities experience smooth and steady growth. But in Nigeria, the situation is different because of over-lapping of functions among the Federal Government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
In Nigeria, government’s regulatory agencies set up to facilitate businesses are oftentimes at one another’s jugular, making the essence of establishing them counterproductive. Industry watchers have expressed serious disgust concerning the recent move by one of the Federal Government’s agencies known as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), trying to take over one major statutory mandate of yet another federal agency, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON.
In a recent online advertisement, NESREA appealed to importers to obtain its newly formulated Environmental Clearance permit which according to it, would now replace SONCAP certificate usually administered and issued by SON. The development, according to industry watchers, is nothing but a clear confrontation by NESREA against SON, two sister-agencies of the Federal Government which are expected to work harmoniously in the spirit of inter-agency co-operation.
For NESREA requesting importers to apply for the agency’s permit negates the spirit of Federal Government’s ease of doing business mantra. According to the online report, the safety of the products are not even given consideration. This is another way to tax consumers and manufacturers. The NESREA procedure only requires the importers to send the agency’s Material Safety Data Sheet, MSDS, along with application to get a permit. This allows for serious loopholes in the entire system.
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The MSDS, given by the importer, could have been doctored which would invariably increase the level of unwholesome products in circulation across the country. Furthermore, there is no value added to what SON and NAFDAC have already tested with their accredited agents and accredited laboratories in Nigeria. The bottom line is to collect money and create a safe haven for unscrupulous importers to falsify the import documentation by dealing with it as NESREA imported goods. To them, NESREA should focus on the huge volume of e-waste that is flooding the Nigerian market.
The ministry or minister in charge of the agency should therefore call NESREA and those at its helm of affairs to order before the Federal Government becomes so highly embarrassed by the latest initiative, an industrialist stated. According to Mr. Famikade Famiroti, a member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, government’s agencies are indeed over-burdening the economy and exploiting operators and businessmen through duplicity, duplication and over-regulation including taxes and fees for their services.
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Countries like Rwanda are strongly against importation of second-hand goods. NESREA should therefore save its energy and direct it to such areas like increasing duplication of roles by MDAs at the nation’s ports, according to observers.
The beautiful thing about NESREA clearance permit is that the same certificate is used to obtain Form M unlike the SON certification where you are required to get product certificate first and later get SONCAP after getting Form M.
“The question is, what does NESREA want?” the NESREA online advert told importers. “Is it to make money or what by rudely and unconscionably intruding into the jurisdiction of another agency?
Again, no certificate validation required for NESREA. Instead, you go straight, use your permit to apply for Form M and subsequently the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR. Take full advantage of NESREA now and reduce costs associated with SON.”
NESREA perhaps wants to make revenue for itself given that the advert portrayed its own process or permit as cheaper than SONCAP.
It is so regrettable especially at a time when the Federal Government is focusing more attention on non-oil exports and export promo-
He wondered why NESREA should suddenly wake up and come out with such unwholesome policy when there is already another agency that is fully in charge officially and handling the processes seamlessly. We gathered that to clear items in the country, importers are required by law to have for every consignment of regulated products, a SON Product Certificate, PC, and SONCAP Certificate, SC, issued by SON’s approved inspection agencies like Intertek, SGS and Con-
tecna. These independent accredited firms are time-tested international technical partners which have the expertise and technical capacities and competence to handle the processes. The SON PC is used to open the Form M while the SC is for raising the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, for clearance of the imported items.
tion drive for certain agencies to be thinking of flooding the country with imports. What is actually wrong with some agencies that are chasing shadows instead of living up to their billings? Investigation showed that NESREA cannot even do what it is saying it can do in the import business. The agency has no facilities, expertise or skills to conduct due diligence certification and grant permit to prospective importers. It therefore appears fraudulent for NESREA to carry out what it has not been created to do or has no capacity to execute.
Again, both the PC/SC are processed and obtained by exporters in the country of supply of goods following laid down compliance guidelines. All products imported into the country (Nigeria) are regulated under the SONCAP programme administered by SON which also issues Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme, MANCAP certificate for all regulated exports. For industry watchers, government regulatory agencies should fast-track the administration’s ease of doing business mantra; they should totally avoid over-regulation which in turn stifles businesses.
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Africa a Land of Opportunity by Emeke Alex Akwaeze
T
he African c o n t i n e n t is generally becoming a point of attraction to the western world in this 21st century, going by the general population of the African continent and the mineral deposits which are largely in quantity and also under tap.
not give others a chance to showcase their own leadership skills? Why are Africas leaders tagged as being very corrupt? Does it mean that the western countries are not corrupt? Questions that we Africans must sit down and ask ourselves.
we are still below 50%. How long must we continue to be a laughing stock in the eyes of the western world? We all as Africa should wake up and see this as a call for transformation, which will bring about the needed peace and unity which we are lacking in our midst.
The leaders of Africa should wake up and live up to expectation in being leaders who are out to serve their nations, service is a sacrifice and not an opportunity to amass wealth for oneself.
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We have what it takes to make Africa the pride of the whole world, God almighty have richly blessed us to the extent that almost all the mineral resources are found in Africa and in the right and best quality.
Our African leaders are widely travelled so lets learn to emulate the western countries on the delight they take in making sure that every of their citizen comes first.
Africans should learn to love one another and say to themselves ‘together we stand for the progress of our continent’.
Why are crisis so predominantly in occurrence in Africa? Why do our leaders
African leaders should learn to take responsibility to the wellbeing of their country and come up with workable systems that will bring about the needed positive change which will give birth to a new Africa.
African leaders should come together in one voice and say no to all the kills that predominantly found almost everywhere in Africa, they should come out with one voice to say no to all forms of bloodshed.
Leaders of Africa should take a leaf from Nelson Mandela of Africa who never struggled for power, for selfish reasons but freedom for his country South Africa and total freedom for the generality of African race.
The west are where they are today because they have learned the secret to success, is undivided unity, which invariably give birth to peace and when a country makes peace a bedrock the sky is their limit.
unconditionally.
Our leaders should learn from the examples of what has become of past leaders who have amassed all the wealth of their nation to the detriment of their citizens and what was their end result, in fact corruption is a menace responsible for where we are today as Africa. In terms of infrastructures, employments, health, education,poverty eradication
Our youth should stand up against every forms of corruption, and know that it’s corruption when one is involved in exam malpractices. Corruption is not all about siphoning a country’s wealth, its corruption when one fails do his or her civic duty, it does not necessary mean if one is under a watch, but the ability to stand for the right decision
Job creation should be an interest of every African leader, looking at the number of deaths being recorded almost every day in the struggle of African youths trying to migrate to the west through the sea. Home is sweeter than being an immigrant but when home is un-conducive what do you expect?
A
very friendly and amiable Nigerian, Simon Kayode Morgan (a.k.a. Kakaaki) passed on with no known family in the UK that can organise his burial. With that in mind, many took it upon themselves as UNIWA (United Nigeria Welfare Association, Birmingham, Solihull & the Black Country) members to organise a decent burial for the deceased. Unable to do it alone, they solicited for assistance from the Birmingham Community, “in the spirit of being our Brothers' keeper,” they said, to give Kakaaki a decent burial. “May the soul of the departed rest in peace” said one ‘Brather,’ Adeola Okoi. “And may the Lord comfort his family. Let us do good and move more closer to God for we don't know when and wherever I meet this bro, he's always smiling.” He was survived by; Adeola, Genisis and Shabach. “Left so soon,” said ‘Brother’ Kunle Onikute. “We love you but God loves you most. You will always be in our heart.” He was 43.
RIP Simon Kayode Morgan a.k.a. Kakaaki
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Mission On to Treat 1.5 Million Missed TB Cases
T
he World Health Organization (WHO) is one of a group of organisations, together with 13 countries, who have got together to launch a programme to find and treat an increase of 1.5 million missing cases of TB by the end of 2019. The Global Fund initiative spans from the 48th Union World Conference on Lung Health which took place earlier this month in Guadalajara, Mexico. Spanning from the 48th Union World Conference on Lung Health which took place in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Global Fund said that ‘the new initiative is critically important to stopping the spread of TB and to reaching the global goal of ending TB as an epidemic by 2030.’
The new effort seeks to support a combination of innovative and targeted programmes, promote better use of data and evidence, and expand the most successful approaches to find more missing cases of TB. The Global Fund said that it is investing $190 million in the initiative. The money, which comes from the Fund’s catalytic investments, had been announced previously. According to the Global Fund Observer (the newsletter of AIDSPAN the Global Fund watchdog group) some of the areas where the investments will be used are as follows: • to implement systematic and routine screening among children, prisoners, migrants and people living in urban slums; • to promote better use of
diagnostic tools such as X-rays and GeneXpert technology; • to support a closer engagement between private and public-sector providers to accelerate case finding, treatment and prevention; and • to support gender and legal assessments to help remove the main barriers to accessing TB services. The initial announcement did not mention what the other partners and countries are investing. The Global Fund Secretariat told Aidspan that the WHO and Stop TB will work with other partners to support countries through a joint plan. In a guidance document on its TB catalytic investments, the Global Fund said that the main objective of this funding is to find missing cases of both drug susceptible TB and MDR-TB patients using new and innovative interventions, approaches and ideas ‘that do not continue the business as usual approaches.’ In countries where innovative approaches exist, the Fund said, catalytic funding could be positioned to scale-up or expand these interventions. The countries – Bangladesh, Congo DR, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Ukraine, Kenya, Mozambique and India – account for 55% of all missed cases of TB and multidrugresistant TB. Dr Marijke Wijnroks, Interim Executive Director of the Global Fund, said: “Missing TB cases including drug-resistant TB are major challenges in fighting the disease, and pose a serious threat to global health security. Only through partnership and smart investments will we achieve the global goal of ending TB as an epidemic.” Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, said the agreement will provide much-needed impetus to help countries begin closing gaps by finding cases of both drug-susceptible TB and drugresistant TB. “We have set an ambitious target of finding and treating an additional 1.5 million missing cases of TB by 2019,” Dr. Ditiu said. “This agreement allows us to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Global Fund, implementers and health partners in ensuring we reach our objective,”
WORLD NEWS
Ghana Leading Way in Righting Wrongs of Complicity in Slave Trade
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s you hear the angry sound of the ocean heaving waves against the shore, Ghana’s `Project Joseph' campaign is hoping to attract more Black visitors with tours that show how Africans aided European slavers. As Ghana prepares for next year's 50th anniversary of gaining its independence — the first country in subSaharan colonial Africa to do so — it is launching a major tourism campaign aimed at blacks scattered across the globe by the slave trade. American slave merchants carried off millions of people, packed tightly in rickety ships. The West African country was as ‘guilty’ - for aiding and abetting.
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‘Project Joseph’ is an invitation to Black people who trace their history to the slave trade to reconnect with the land of their ancestors.
And it comes with an apology — not from the Western countries usually associated with slave masters, but from Ghanaians themselves.
Of the project Emmanuel Hagan, Director of Research and Statistics at Ghana's Ministry of Tourism and Diasporean Relations says: "The reason we wanted to do some formal thing is that we want — even if it's just for the surface of it, for the cosmetic of it — to be seen to be saying, `Sorry to those who feel very strongly, and who we believe have distorted history, because they get the impression that it was people here who just took them and sold them.' It's something we have to look straight in the face and try to address because it exists. So, we will want to say something went wrong, people made mistakes, but we are sorry for whatever happened." UNESCO, the United Nations' culture and education agency, estimates that 17 million people were forced to leave western Africa in wooden ships bound for the Americas. Millions more died anonymously, far from home and without proper burial, during the brutal overland march to reach the slave trading forts like Elmina Castle, where blacks were kept shackled in dungeons, then branded with hot iron rods before being packed like "pieces of ebony" into waiting ships. The fact that Africans complicit in the slave trade is mostly ignored, but Ghana has never shied away from it.
EDUCATION
THE MAKING OF GIANTS IN NIGERIA EDUCATION SECTORS by Emeke Alex Akwaeze
N
i g e r i a education is such that it has for decades now, produced specialists in almost every sphere of life. Though poorly funded, the private sectors in this industry, philanthropists and some corporate individual have taken up the challenges in bringing standard to the Nigeria education system. The Ajaokuta staff comprehensive secondary school which was founded in October 10, 1983 owned and managed by the Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd, a federal government company, have contributed immensely to the Nigeria education. In terms of infrastructures, modern learning materials and most importantly qualified and well trained teachers in various fields. The school which was born
out of the desire by the management of the company, in providing qualitative education for the children of staff of the company and to ease the burdens parents are encountering in sending their children to far distance schools, all in the bid to give their children good education. Part of the success story of the school cannot be told without the founding principals like; Mr S.A. Ezenwuba, Rev. N.E. Ajayi, Mrs T.M. Awotoye, Mr O.O. Bajeh and Mr F.E. Ordiah who saw the need to maintain an international best practice and standard in the educational sector, and the selfless services rendered by teachers and none teachers of the institution, who are all out to make positive impacts in the lives of their students. The school which use to be a mixture of the whites and blacks, who came from different parts of the world, for theconstruction of the
steel plants, mostly the Indians, Russians, France and Germans . Life then in the steel tertiary was fun as these immigrants is without their culture to show case to the people of Africa and vise-visa In the early 80’s while the company was under construction the Ajaokuta staff comprehensive secondary school has been planted on a solid foundation which brought in awards as best in school in Kogi State from various competitions and outcome of WAEC results which has earned it the name it has today. Graduates of the staff comprehensive secondary school Ajaokuta are doing excellently well in every spheres of life, e.g. medical, law, pharmacy, and engineering. The standard is such that they compete favourably with international best practice in education. The graduates of this institution have participated in both local and international educational competitions and in all won the best prizes. A science, technical and art based institution is proud to have produced notable figures occupying various positions in Nigeria government and
diaspora, in the business cycle and science and technology industries. The school, which will be marking their 35 year anniversary come October 10 2018, the alumnus of the institution are leaving no stone untouched in making sure the event remains a remarkable week to all their alumni. It’s hoped that during the events friends who have lost contact during the secondary school days will have a time of reunion and dine together. The school alumnus is also expected to lay foundation
for developmental projects and raise funds to help in the development of the school and adding beauty. Record has it that all the principals of the institution right from inception have been proven men and women of integrity and disciplinarians who has impacted on their students. The newly appointed sole administrator who is working tirelessly day and night to making sure that the plant is back into full operation has assured the alumnus of the school that the government is out to make sure the plant is
fully completed This will surely create a better and enabling environment or atmosphere and impact positively on the output (products) of the school in future. The current principle of the school Mr. Philip Igbiunadion assured the alumni of his readiness for the forthcoming anniversary and stressed that all the past principles of the school have been fully informed with great assurance they will be present on the event D day.