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NANS TASKS EDUCATION MINISTER ON RESOLUTION OF CRISIS AT FCET, AKOKA
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has asked the new Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa to resolve all outstanding issues before the resumption of full academy activities at the Federal College of Education, Technical, Lagos, which re-opened on Monday after a two-month closure.
Specifically, the Lagos Joint Campus of NANS said it could not guarantee peace on campus without the resolution of issues which forced the institution to shut its doors early August.
Recall that the college was hurriedly shut when the crisis on leadership, which lingered for over three months, degenerated into violence as some workers and students reportedly attacked the Chairman of the Governing Council, Olatunde Adenuga and other council members, vandalising cars and properties.
But NANS is spoiling for another fight on the N10,000 levy imposed on all students without identifying and prosecuting the ring leaders among staff and students who destroyed five vehicles and vandalised the official quarters on campus.
“The Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been made aware of a recent decision by the college management to impose a blanket charge of 10,000 Naira on all students.
This fee is said to be in response to damages sustained during the recent upheaval on campus, which stemmed from students’ expressions of their concerns regarding the college’s leadership.
“This development has come as a significant shock and is wi dely seen as both unfair and insensitive, especially given the current economic climate. Families across Nigeria are grappling with soaring living costs, and many are struggling to afford basic needs, including food and essential supplies.
“As an organization committed to the welfare of Nigerian students, we find this measure to be unacceptable. It not only fails to address the root causes of the unrest but also penalizes all students collectively, irrespective of their involvement or lack thereof in the incident.
“Collective punishment of this nature disregards due process and overlooks the underlying reasons that led to students’ demands and frustrations.
“In light of these concerns, we strongly urge the college management to reconsider and reverse this imposed fee. Failure to take immediate corrective action may leave us with no choice but to initiate a peaceful protest aimed at addressing this injustice and amplifying students’ voices.
“We are hopeful that the management will choose the path of dialogue, empathy, and fairness in resolving this matter,” NANS wrote in a letter issued by Comrade Alimi Lekan Idris and Comrade Abefe Abdulrazak Yusuf, chapter chairman and secretary respectively.
Genesis of Crisis.
As the crisis boiled over last July, the Governing Council of the College asked the Provost, Dr Wahab Ademola Azeez to step aside and appointed Dr Isaac Miller as the acting provost of the institution.
In an internal memo on August 8, referencing FCE/T/AK/RO/IM/2/206 and signed by the Registrar of the College, Rasheed Dada, the council said Wahab Azeez should “step down” as the provost effective 31 July.
The Lagos State Police Command also arrested 32 persons, staff and students in connection with the violence. They were subsequently charged at Yaba Magistrate Court.
“This is to inform the College Community that at the inaugural meeting of the 8th Governing Council of the College on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, the Council directed that Wahab Ademola Azeez should step aside from office as the Provost of the College with effect from 31 July 2024, the statement reads in part.
The Council had raised two panels, one to investigate allegations against the provost on maladministration and financial impropriety. The second one, a special committee was mandated to investigate the riot by some students and staff which resulted in the closure of the college.
A circular dated Wednesday, August 7, 2024, and signed by Dada said the 8th governing council at its sitting on July 31 constituted an investigative panel and a committee to probe allegations against some staff and the crisis that engulfed FCET.
The 2nd circular titled: “Special Committee of Council to Investigate various allegations against College Management and Staff” had a five-man committee with an external council member as chairman.
The special investigative panel comprised the representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Attorney General of Lagos State, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Institute of Quality Surveyors, Minister of Education and Chairman, Oluwole Residents Association.
The panel was mandated to look at the remote and immediate causes of the students’ unrest leading to the vandalization of five vehicles, damage to part of provost’s lodge, identify the ring leaders of the students’ crisis, staff, students and outsiders, itemized the damages suffered by the college in the course of the crisis, evaluate cost of replacements of the damaged items and assess the students facilities to be replaced and recommend those to be immediately repaired.
Many students and staff of the college have expressed concern that two months after their inauguration the findings of the panels are yet to be published. “It is unacceptable to punish all the students when those who participated in the riot were taken to court. Where is the outcome of the police investigation and the panels set up by the college,” Segun Olusola, a second-year student queried?
Background.
Protest began at the college on 27 May, 2024, when students, and some staff locked up the office of the Provost of the College and issued him a notice to quit his official residence over his tenure of office.
The protest was organised by the leadership of the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education, SSUCOEN, FCET chapter, and other unions who called themselves “concerned staff.”
The protesters insisted that with the amendment of the Educational Colleges Act 2023, which introduced a five-year single term of office for provosts and other principal officers of the colleges, the tenure of Dr Azeez had ended on 26 May.
However, the provost said he was appointed for the first term of four years in 2019 and that having been duly reappointed by the institution’s governing council in 2023, he had resumed his second term in office on 27 May 2023 before the amended act was signed into law on 12 June 2023.
The staff unions asked for clarification on the tenure of office of the provost based on the amended act, and former the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, wrote the unions, affirming the legality of Dr Azeez’s second term of four years.
The protesters ignored the minister’s verdict and continued to stage daily protests on the campus, denying management members access to their offices even after the former Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu met with the warring parties in Abuja to reach an amicable settlement.
Despite signing resolutions reached at a reconciliatory meeting chaired by Sununu, some workers of FCET continued to threaten a showdown should Dr Azeez return to the office.
The resolutions signed by the representatives of the ministry, the governing council, and the staff unions included the reopening of the office of the college’s provost and his return to the office.
News
Pernod Ricard’s CEO for Africa and Middle East Visits Nigeria, Reinforcing Market Commitment Amidst Dynamic Landscape
Pernod Ricard’s CEO for Africa and Middle East Visits Nigeria, Reinforcing Market Commitment Amidst Dynamic Landscape
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest wine and spirits company, reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria’s thriving market through a recent visit by Africa and Middle East CEO, Selcuk Tumay, accompanied by Chief Financial Officer Africa, Nevzat Akkiz, and Managing Director Africa, Sola Oke.
Pernod Ricard’s Africa and Middle East CEO, Selçuk Tümay (center), with Pernod Ricard Nigeria Management Team, MD, Pernod Ricard Africa and CFO, Pernod Ricard Africa and Middle East, Nevzat Akkız, during the recent visit of Selçuk Tümay to Pernod Ricard Nigeria.
The visit began with a business review at Pernod Ricard’s Lagos office, assessing regional performance and strategic planning. A “Meet and Greet” session recognized local employees’ talents, fostering conviviality.
An immersion into the Nigeria’s vibrant retail landscape followed with an open market visit to Oke-Arin Market, guiding discussions on adapting marketing strategies. Retail partnerships were reinforced by visits to top stores, enhancing in-store experiences. At night-time, On-trade visits showcased Pernod Ricard’s premium offerings. The Key Distributors were not left out during the visits. These visits underscored collaborative relationships for a brighter future.
Selcuk Tumay stated, “Despite Nigeria’s complexities, especially foreign exchange volatility, we are optimistic. Adapting strategies will drive growth, support local partners and deliver exceptional consumer experiences.”
Exploring operational excellence: Pernod Ricard’s Africa and Middle East CEO, Selçuk Tümay, during a recent visit to Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s warehouse.
Building on success in Turkey and the Middle East, where innovative marketing and strategic partnerships fuelled double-digit growth, Pernod Ricard applies these learnings to Nigeria.
“We can leverage Turkey’s and the Middle East’s successes and best practices to navigate Nigeria’s challenges and unlock opportunities,” added Selcuk.
News
SUNU Nigeria’s Free Mammogram/Breast cancer Screening Receives Positive FeedbackSUNU Nigeria
SUNU Nigeria’s Free Mammogram/Breast cancer Screening Receives Positive FeedbackSUNU Nigeria –
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, a leading insurance company and SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, a reputable health maintenance organization (HMO) in Nigeria, has received overwhelming positive feedback from beneficiaries of its recent free 3D mammogram-breast cancer screening initiative.
The program was launched to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide early detection services, was widely lauded by participants.As gathered, SUNU Nigeria remains committed to promoting preventive healthcare and empowering women.
Through the offering of free breast cancer screenings, the company aims to reduce the burden of breast cancer and improve the overall health and well-being of Nigerian women.
The initiative, which took place at DIAMED Centre, located at heart of Lekki, Lagos, attracted a large number of women from diverse backgrounds.
The screening process, which included mammograms and clinical breast examinations, was conducted by experienced medical professionals.Mrs Ajayi Funmilola, one of the 100 women who benefited from the screening exercise expressed her gratitude to the company.
“I’m so grateful to SUNU Nigeria for providing this free advanced mammogram screening. Of course, early detection is key, and this initiative has given me peace of mind.
Thank you for prioritizing women’s health”.Another beneficiary, Arogudade Feyisayo said, “The 3D mammogram screening offered by SUNU Nigeria was a game-changer.
It was a quick, painless, and thorough experience. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to benefit from this initiative, I hope the company continue to be productive as they continue and increase the tempo in the future”.
“I’m incredibly happy to have had the opportunity to undergo a free 3D mammogram screening. It’s heartwarming to see a company like SUNU Nigeria prioritizing women’s health. May God continue to bless and prosper your organization,” commented Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi.
Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Yusuf Japari, Head of Corporate Services at SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility, stating that the free mammogram screening is just one example of the company’s commitment to improving public health.
Mrs Yusuf stated, “At SUNU Nigeria, we believe in giving back to the community. By providing free 3D mammogram screenings, we’re not just offering healthcare; we’re empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being.
We are committed to continuing these initiatives to improve public health.”Dr. (Mrs.) Abiola Olorode, CEO of Diamed Centre stated that her facility is proud to partner with SUNU Nigeria to offer free breast cancer screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “By joining forces, we aim to promote early detection, educate women about breast cancer prevention, and ultimately save lives. We thank SUNU Nigeria for their commitment to improving public health and for sharing our vision of a healthier future.” SUNU Nigeria, encompassing SUNU Assurances and SUNU Health, is dedicated to improving as well as adding comfort to the lives of Nigerians.
SUNU Assurances offers reliable insurance coverage, while SUNU Health provides cost-effective healthcare solutions.
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Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in Style This Season at Transcorp Hilton Abuja
Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in Style This Season at Transcorp Hilton Abuja
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
As December approaches, there is a buzz in the air, and people everywhere are starting to feel the magic of Christmas. Streets are filled with lights, homes are filled with vibrant decorations, and family plans for the holidays are well underway.
For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the festive spirit this year, Transcorp Hilton Abuja promises to be a holiday destination like no other, subtly transforming into a Christmas haven.
A Festive Transformation Like No Other
The Christmas season always brings with it a sense of warmth and celebration, and stepping into Transcorp Hilton Abuja this December will be like entering a world of Christmas magic. Visitors will be met with dazzling lights, shimmering ornaments, and beautifully crafted décor designed to spark joy and create a sense of wonder. The festive transformation at Transcorp Hilton Abuja is a nod to the holiday spirit, crafted to make guests feel like they’re part of something truly special.
Holiday Feasts with a Festive Twist
No Christmas experience is complete without a delicious spread, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja is ready to bring out the best of both traditional and contemporary festive flavours. This year’s holiday buffet will offer an array of treats, perfect for those who appreciate a hearty meal that captures the season’s spirit. The hotel’s talented chefs have worked tirelessly to prepare a Christmas dining experience that is both memorable and fitting for any holiday celebration.
Activities for Family & Friends to Enjoy Together
Christmas is a time for family, and the holiday lineup at Transcorp Hilton Abuja will include activities that bring everyone closer together. From cheerful carol singing to hands-on experiences like bead-making and festive games for kids, there’s something for everyone. With special appearances by Santa Claus, children can look forward to joyful surprises, making Transcorp Hilton Abuja a wonderful setting for families to make memories together.
Moments to Unwind in Holiday Comfort
For those looking to escape the holiday rush and unwind, Transcorp Hilton Abuja also offers spaces designed for pure relaxation. With accommodations overlooking Abuja’s skyline and a holiday-themed spa offering rejuvenating treatments, guests can relax and recharge before rejoining the celebrations. The tranquil atmosphere of the hotel provides the perfect balance to the holiday excitement.
Ring in the New Year with Elegance
As 2025 approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja invites everyone to ring in the new year in style with its New Year’s Eve Gala and New Year Countdown, making way for fresh starts and new memories.
Join the Celebration at Transcorp Hilton Abuja
This season, the warmth, joy, and traditions of Christmas come alive at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, a place ready to welcome all who wish to make this holiday season unforgettable. Whether you are looking for a festive family retreat, a romantic getaway, or a joyful celebration with friends, this is a destination crafted to capture the essence of Christmas.
This December, let the spirit of the season come alive—celebrate in the heart of Abuja, where every moment is filled with the magic of Christmax
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