Okowa 2nd term support: AMP lauds Clark, Gbagi, Oritsejafor - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

THE Anioma Media Professionals (AMP) has commended Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri leaders for their public support for equity in Delta State through their endorsement of a second term for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in this year’s general elections, ITREALMS.

AMP believes such stance would engender peace, unity and development in the state and giver all ethnic nationalities and sections a sense of belonging.

Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark; prominent Urhobo politician and former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi and Itsekiri leader, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, had, at different fora, expressed support for the governor’s second term bid.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Ken Ugbechie, AMP, whose memberships cuts across the Delta North senatorial district, otherwise known as Anioma, said with such statements from prominent sons of the state from different ethnic group, it was obvious that Okowa, as a political bridge builder, has the support of all the ethnic nationalities in the state.

While Clark said: “Delta Central Senatorial District has had the governorship through Chief James Ibori, for eight years. Delta South had it for eight years through Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. It is the turn of Delta North to have it for eight years through Okowa," Gbagi noted that: “The greatest mistake APC made and to the advantage of Okowa is to have nominated a non - Anioma for 2019 governorship... what I am saying in effect is that we cannot alter the issue of Delta State, the state is bigger than anybody. Together we will stand up for the peace and success of the state as opposed to an individual."

Chief Oritsejafor, a respected Itsekiri leader added his voice: "Delta State can only move forward and maintain peaceful co- existence with the re-election of a governor of Anioma origin in 2019. Okowa fits the position as an illustrious governor with vision."

Ugbechie stated that the positions of the three eminent Deltans was consistent with the stance of AMP that what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander; hence the need to re-elect Okowa for a second time to complete the circle across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He urged well-meaning Deltans to be wary of those struggling to disorganise the tripodal arrangement of power rotation among the three senatorial districts of the state, saying sticking to the working formula would save the state from political tension and agitation of the past.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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1st year anniversary: Adams appeals to FG, multinationals to sponsor sports - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged the Federal Government and multinational companies operating in the country to recommit themselves to the development of sports in the country, reports ITREALMS.

The appeal came Thursday at the final of the Aare Gani Adams U13 football tourney at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, where Adams lamented that the National Stadium was in such a bad shape, recalling his growing up days when he used to visit the edifice to play football and watch the country’s national teams practice and play.

Adams said it was saddening that even football, in which the country once excelled at the club level, had nosedived in performance.

He recollected the days when the likes of Leventis United FC of Ibadan, Julius Berger FC of Lagos, Spartans FC of Owerri, IICC of Ibadan and Enugu Rangers of Enugu held their own on the continent and made Nigeria proud.

“I am calling on the Federal Government to put this edifice into full use once again. It is not befitting that all we do with our stadium now are social events and crusades. Whoever wants to do crusade and socials should use other facilities. We should use this place to breed future stars. Brazil has turned sports, especially football, into an economy on its own," he said.

Adams insisted that Nigeria has the potentials, stressing optimism that if the Federal Government makes a commitment and the multinational companies commit between 3 per cent and 5 per cent of their profit to sports development in the country, the economy will be the better for it.

ITREALMS reports that the tournament was won by Lagos Island-based Junior Arsenal by pipping their Ultimate FC counterparts by a lone goal in the final match of the competition to commemorate the one year installation of Adams as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. 

Junior Arsenal's Folami Habeeb scored the lone goal in the entertaining final on Thursday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. 

Earlier in the day, Rivers FC of Ebute Metta thrashed Anibaba FC by three goals to nil to win the consolatory bronze medal.

Adams said of the performance of the teams: “I am glad to witness a soccer tournament of this magnitude. 

“The kids have made me proud with their unlimited skills. I pray they will shine like the Messi, Ronaldo of this world. With what we have seen, I am sure next year event will be better than this. 

“We shall produce a more conducive environment for the kids to showcase their talents. I will try my best and make sure this tournament is sustained. The kids are the future if this country and I also urge other philanthropists to show interest in the game of sport,” he commended.

Bayo Banjo/Editor

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Pix: Gani Adams kicking off football for 1st year anniversary @ITREALMS

Sylva to suffer historical verdict prophesied Dickson - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Governor òf Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, has prophesied that the verdict of history will be hard on former Governor, Timipre Sylva, due to some nefarious activities linked to him, reports ITREALMS.

Dickson said that politicians who desecrated the opportunities to serve, to abuse state resources to lure Bayelsa youths to violence would face condemnation in the courts of posterity.

The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, stressed that politicians buying guns for Bayelsa youths and fanning the embers òf violence would have their place of rejection on history’s pages of villainy.

Dickson was reacting to a publication in which Sylva alleged of media plot by the governor to pitch him against the Chief òf Staff to the President, ABBA Kyari.

The Governor said that it was rather unfortunate that Sylva had descended to level of scavenging for imagined information from the gutters.

He said that while genuine and responsible political leaders respond to real issues, Sylva had continually showed that he is yet to extricate himself from the agony of excruciating rejection by Bayelsa people at the polls.

Soriwei said that Governor Dickson is too occupied with the effective execution of his responsibilities as Governor òf Bayelsa State to devote attention to trivialities especially imagined media reports.

He said that it was the determination of Dickson to finish his administration well and strong insisting the Sylva was one distraction which serious leaders should avoid.

Soriwei said that Sylva’s statement was a product of blackmail inspired by the feared and anticipated consequences of hidden guilt.

He said it was rather sad that Sylva in his desperation to prove his political relevance to his political overlords saw casting aspersions on Dickson as the only route to political relevance.

He said, “Again, we are constrained to react to spurious claims and distractions from Sylva and his cohorts who are bent on misinforming the Nigerian public.

“It is indeed unfortunate that Sylva has descended to the level of scavenging for imagined information in the gutters for the purpose of attacking the Governor.

“While it is the standard for genuine leaders and serious members need politicians to respond to real issues, Sylva is yet to recover from bitterness occasion by his excruciating rejection by his own people.

“Now that Sylva knows that a leaked audio is not emanating from Bayelsa, he may try catch some sleep. Dickson has great plans for bayelsa and Sylva is a costly  distraction no leader would  would want to afford.

“The recent invectives from Sylva are a product of Blackmail inspired by consequences of some tormenting sense of guilt. When Sylva talks about conscience, Bayelsans shiver! There couldn’t have been better way to advertise hypocrisy.

“While Sylva is worrying over the imagined consequences of a badly buried corpse, we are mindful to remind him once again that the only thing in hot pursuit of him is his shadow. When he looks back, he shall find no Dickson. The Governor is miles ahead of him.”

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ETSI Summit on AI gates April date - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has advanced plans to host its summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) reports ITREALMS.

ETSI, ITREALMS recalls is an independent, not-for-profit, standardization organization in the telecommunications industry in Europe, headquartered in Sophia-Antipolis, France, with worldwide projection. 

ETSI Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take place on 4 April 2019 at the ETSI premises in Sophia Antipolis, France.

ITREALMS equally reports that the ETSI Summit on AI will seek to separate the hype from the science and provide better understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning, as well as describing where AI is currently deployed using practical examples.

ITREALMS also gathered that this event will focus on AI’s role in the telecommunication sector particularly in network and service management for virtualized networks, the use of AI in the manufacturing industry as well as examining the principle challenges and opportunities that AI applications bring.

Although the event is free of charge to participate, potential attendees are enjoined to reserve your place now as space is limited.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Igwe Ofemili declares 2019 ‘year of advancement’ - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The traditional ruler of Awba-Ofemili in Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness Igwe Ezekwesili Maduagwuna, has declared this year, 2019, as year of advancement for his people, reports ITREALMS.

Addressing the General Assembly of the Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU) at its end of 2018 session, Igwe Ofemili 1 of Awba-Ofemili expressed optimism that before the end of first quarter, the electricity supply must have been stepped down at the remaining Umuosite village to enable the citizens enjoy the goodwill of the Anambra State government under Governor Willie Obiano and his leadership in the community.

This, he said, will no doubt boost the economics of his community at all levels, especially with their massive rice cultivation undertakings.

Igwe Ofemili who also offered progressive prayers with kola nut at the meeting, urged indigenes to support the current leadership of ADU-led by Dr. Ike Oforkansi, even as he planned to embark on a nationwide tour alongside the president for a townhall sessions with ADU branches so as to bring them up to speed with developments and prospects within the year, 2019 and beyond.

He equally warned trouble makers to stay clear of Awba-Ofemili as their time is up and there is no room for regressive people in the town and sued for peaceful coexistence of all well-meaning indigenes, and committed Awba-Ofemili into God’s guidance.

Also speaking, the President General (PG) of Awba-Ofemili Development Union, Dr. Oforkansi, used the opportunity to beckon on indigenes to support his administration, assuring them of fiscal accountability on every income.

Oforkansi-led ADU equally gave account of the internally generated revenue since inauguration last year with applause as participants enjoined them to sustain the accountability and openness towards educating people by ensuring they carry peace-loving majority along.

Further, branches in attendance shared their activities in the past year with some insights into 2019 plan of activities including Lagos and Port Harcourt among others.

Chuks Egbune/HOP

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M.C Olu-Omo not dead says Lagos State - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force (LSTF) have said that Lagosians should disregard the rumour making the round on social media that Mr. Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya  [a.k.a MC OLU-OMO] is dead, reports ITREALMS.

LSTF in a press statement made available to ITREALMS stated unequivocally that Mr. Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya [a.k.a M.C Olu-omo] is not dead as being circulated, but still responding to medical treatment at the hospital.

Further, LSTF stated that "For any avoidance of doubt members of his family could be contacted for further information. 

It therefore cautioned those peddling the rumour to desist.

"The agency therefore warned miscreants and hoodlums who might want to use this opportunity to forment any trouble to immediately desist as anybody caught disturbing the peace of innocent members of the public would be seriously dealt with.

"Parents and guardians are hereby enjoined to be vigilant about activities of their wards as both the Lagos State Police Command and the operatives of the Lagos State Task Force are on ground patrolling" part of the statement read.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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1st year: Aare Adams insists on restructuring, plans 21-man Aare-in-council - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, on Wednesday reechoed the call for restructuring as a way out of the challenges confronting Nigeria, accusing those opposing it as misunderstanding the true meaning, reports ITREALMS.

Adams spoke in Ikeja at the launch of two books in his honour by the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to mark the first year of his installation.

Adams, who highlighted other events to mark the anniversary, said: “I cannot end this speech without touching on a topic that is dear to us in Yorubaland.

“I said this before at various fora and I will still repeat it today that the only way out of the various crises Nigeria is facing is restructuring. Whether it is done today, tomorrow or next year, restructuring is a must if Nigeria must move forward.

“Many people, who are against restructuring, don't even know what it means. To me, restructuring simply means reorganisation, not disintegration. When we insist on restructuring, we are not after the balkanisation, disintegration or collapse of the country. What we are simply saying is that we need to reorganise this country.

“All over the world, development is always through Bottom-Up approach, not the other way round.

“Simply put, development can only come from ward to council, to state and then federal.
What the federal must do is to ensure effective compliance with laid down rules. 

“It is not possible to sit in Abuja and control what happens in the remotest part of Zamfara, Osun, Enugu or Rivers States.

“There is no need postponing this because the present system just won't work. The earlier restructuring is done, the better for all Nigerians. I pray that God will give our leaders the will to do the right thing.”

Adams, at the event, also reiterated the need to preserve the rich culture of the Yoruba people, recalling that his predecessors, the 14 Aares who reigned over a period of 589 years, did so in periods of war.

Adams, however, said his own period was important as the 15th Aare to promote Yoruba cultural heritage in a peaceful environment.

He said that 21 traditional council chiefs would be installed as members of the Aare-In-Council on Saturday.

“History will be made on Saturday as these eminent people are installed” he asserted.

Delivering his lecture, the guest speaker, Chief Gboyega Adejumo, said the current Aare was one with a purpose.

“All traditional rulers should please support the Aare, because he is an Aare with purpose. Respect him, don’t look at his young age,” he said

Adejumo, who also represented the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, said the office of the Aare was recognised as far back as 1622.

He explained that democracy started with the Aare because the roles and powers of the executive, legislature and judiciary were clearly separated.

The Chairman of the Lagos Council of the NUJ, Dr. Quasim Akinreti, lamented the effect of technology on culture in the nation.

He said the two books were written to preserve the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race.
“We want the next generation to have respect for their culture and respect for elders,” Akinreti said.

He implored all to patronise the books and also partake in the line up of the events for the installation of the Aare chiefs.

Prof. Siyan Oyeweso of the Department of History, Osun State University, who reviewed the first book, titled: “Gani Adams: The 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land,” said it has 200 pages.
According to Oyeweso, Adams is a worthy Aare, a man of integrity who rose from humble background to greatness.
“The Aare is a role model, exemplar and one of the ambassadors of the Yoruba race,” he said and recommended the book for Ministries of Information, Culture and Tourism.

He also requested the NUJ to make an online version available for wider audience.
Reviewer of the second book, Dr. Tunde Akanni, a lecturer in the Lagos State University, said the book: “Voice of Media, Voice of People,” was a good one, but pointed out the need for consistency in the spelling of nomenclature of the Oodua People’s Congress, which has Aare Adams as National Coordinator.

The “Voice of Media, Voice of People” has 129 pages and contains various media publications and comments about Adams.

Other activities lined up for the anniversary include the final match of the Aare Ona Kakanfo Under-13 football competition at the National Stadium in Lagos on January 10 at 3pm.
On Friday, another book: “1,000 Yoruba proverbs,” will be launched.

On Saturday at the 10 Degrees Event Centre in Oregun, Lagos, 21 Yoruba sons and daughters will be installed as members of the Aare-in-Council, while the launching of a documentary on the Aare and a lunch will conclude the events on Sunday.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Bode Opeseitan returns to Globacom - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The else while Director of Public Relations, Events and Promotions at the telecom giant, Globacom, Mr. Bode Opeseitan has returned to the company after a year and half since initial departure, as Director, External Communication & PR, reports ITREALMS.

Opeseitan, who is a founding partner at SA&B Mega Resources Limited until his return to Globacom, confirmed this to ITREALMS on his Facebook timeline, saying he has been deluged with messages and enquiries on the veracity of his return to Globacom.

“I wish to confirm that it is true. I thank everyone, particularly my friends and associates in the media who called or sent messages to wish me well and assure me of their full support,” he declared, pointed out he left Globacom at first, on “July 2017, one and a half years ago.”

As said by him, “I was stupefied when a media chief said last night, ‘you're one of the best in your field.’ I cannot thank you all enough for the confidence you have reposed in me. As we embark on this journey, I urge you all to please stand by me and this great brand which definitely has a lot of spectacular offerings for its subscribers.

“Some reports have also been published about this development. I wish to request that as it has been my tradition over the years, the focus should be on the corporate brand and not on my personality” he pleaded.

Opeseitan also used the opportunity to set the records straight regarding a report in an online publication, ‘The Capital’ entitled “Second Time Lucky... Bode Opeseitan Gets A Second Chance, Returns To GLOBACOM.”

He insisted that his return to Globacom was never a second chance per say but based on the respect for chairman of Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga, who he sees as “a father than an employer.”

He also maintained he never jettison SA&B Mega Resources Limited, a company he co-founded alongside other thoroughbred professionals.

ITREALMS gathered that Opeseitan return to Globacom was in effort to further support brand in its quest to consolidate position as a revolutionary institution in Africa's telecommunications environment.

Chuks Egbune/HOP

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Pix: Mr. Bode Opeseitan Director, External Communication & PR

Multiplied Innovation set agenda for ICT players in Dubai - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Acclaimed most influential technology vendors, telecommunications operators, and IT service providers from across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) are set to gather at the Address Dubai Marina hotel on Wednesday, January 23, as International Data Corporation (IDC) hosts 'IDC Directions 2019', an event specially tailored for the region's leading ICT players to garner insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie in wait for the coming 12 months.

Running under the theme 'Multiplied Innovation: Scaling a Technology Revolution in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa', the event will provide an exclusive platform for senior executives from the region’s pre-eminent technology firms to engage with experienced local and global IDC analysts on their predictions for the META landscape and evaluate the countries, industries, and technologies where opportunities for future growth lie.

IDC's senior vice president and chief analyst, Frank Gens, will speak at the event, presenting his outlook for the global ICT industry and examining the role that multiplied innovation will play in furthering the development of the region's digital transformation economy.

"Multiplied innovation represents the next chapter of the digital transformation journey, and the emergence of new digital business models will see more than half of the global economy become digitalized by 2021," says Gens. "The new imperative is to keep pace with the unprecedented rate of business change while increasing the speed of business operations, the speed at which changes are delivered, and the speed and scale of innovation. The forces of multiplied innovation are powering up in the META region, and we are seeing an explosion in digital innovation platforms and ecosystems to facilitate this transformation."

There will be a dedicated session exploring the META region's economic outlook, while a panel of senior IDC country heads will dissect and contextualize the technology-led innovation and entrepreneurship taking root in many cities and countries across the region. An executive panel session will examine the emerging priorities that will shape the CxO growth agenda of tomorrow, with a particular focus on the struggle that many organizations will face in trying to balance traditional systems and next-generation technologies.

"Developing an effective digital transformation platform that can sustain, advance, and scale business operations may be the most important task facing the region's decision makers over the next few years," says Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC's group vice president and regional managing director for META. "Many future applications will be developed by AIs without human supervision, and the future workplace will undoubtedly become far more collaborative. However, while new technologies are transforming key aspects of the modern business, legacy systems are holding others back, limiting innovation, opportunity, and engagement."


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1st anniversary: NUJ unveils two books on Aare Ona Kakanfo - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has unveiled two books to mark the first year anniversary of the installation of Iba Gani Ige Abiodun Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, reports ITREALMS.

The Chairman of the union, Dr. Qasim Akinreti, who disclosed this, said the idea behind the books: “Aare Gani Abiodun Adams: 15th Aare Onakakanfo” and “Gani Adams: Voice of the Media, Voice of the people,” is to put history in perspective for the present and coming generations.

Akinreti said the country is fast losing its cultural identity, hence the need to have publications that will chronicle events for the upcoming generations.

He said: “Expectedly, the book mirrors the transformation of Aare Abiodun Adams from a freedom fighter to a cultural icon. 

“The main motivation behind this is simply to tell the story of the humble beginning of a young man from the backwoods of Nigeria who rose to become a notable figure across the world. 

“He has been able to achieve this feat through a dint of hardwork, focus, perseverance and courage….

“We are of the view that one of the most important ways of instilling patriotism and inculcating the belief of the possibilities in our youths is through immortalizing our past heroes and those still living. 

“It is important we regularly cull from the life of such heroes lessons of living effective life at this time when cross-over syndrome has turned many that are hitherto regarded as conscience of the masses into lackeys of clueless and autocratic leaders.”

The two books unveiled on January 9, 2019 at Sheraton Hotel in Lagos with former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the governors of the South West States having confirmed attendance.

Other activities lined up for the anniversary include the final of the Aare Ona Kakanfo football competition on January 10, 2019 and the launch of another book: “1,000 Yoruba proverbs,” on January 11.

One of the highpoints of the event will be the January 12, 2019 installation of the Aare Ona Kakanfo Council of Chiefs at 10 degrees Event Centre in Oregun, Lagos.

The Council is made up of Yoruba sons and daughters across the six South West States and Kwara State, who have contributed to the development of Yorubaland and its culture.
On January 13 will be the grand finale that will include the public presentation of a documentary on the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Dr. Adebiyi Phillips, said as a follow up to the upcoming events, Iba Adams will in the coming months also set up the Aare Ona Kakanfo Advisory Committee.

Phillips said the committee will be made up of wise men and women who are to provide quality advices to guide the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Lagos attracts huge investment says Swiss Ambassador - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. George Steiner on Wednesday in Abuja said Lagos State with its huge market size provides a very good attraction for foreign investments, reports ITREALMS.

He made this declaration at a strategic visit to his office at the Swiss Embassy in Abuja by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Steiner who noted that Switzerland as one of the leading countries in the world with the best financial service industry and strong tourism economy also added that top Swiss companies operating in Nigeria have their headquarters in Lagos.

He promised to work with Mr. Sanwo-Olu if elected as the governor to attract more Swiss investments to the state whilst he commended the APC candidate for his THEME development agenda.

“Lagos is a natural point of attraction for investment because of market size. If you won your election we will partner with you to improve quality of lives in Lagos with increased investments from Swiss companies. Our country and Nigeria enjoy very good bilateral relationship. With Lagos as the commercial centre of Nigeria we will strengthen that relationship. I have listened to you on your THEME priority programmes and I believe, if well implemented it will bring greater good to Lagos.” he said.

While expressing his appreciation to the Ambassador for Swiss government commitment to Nigeria and promise to work with Lagos State, Mr. Sanwo-Olu reiterated his campaign message of a greater Lagos and his commitment to ensure the private sector will remain a major driver of economic development.

“Our campaign is hinged on a comprehensive development agenda  which we tagged THEME, Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and environment, Education and technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy and Entertainment and Tourism. The role of private sector investments is critical to our agenda. We welcome more investments from Swiss companies and I can assure that they will have a worthy partner in the government and people of Lagos.”

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Pix: Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu presents his THEME development agenda to the Switzerland Ambassador Nigeria, Mr. George Steiner at the Swiss Embassy in Abuja during a strategic engagement on Wednesday.

22 Nigerians leverage Shell Sabbatical programme - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Twenty-two members of the academia from 12 Nigerian  universities have begun research attachments at The Shell Petroleum Development Companies of Nigeria (SPDC) in several fields of study in the latest phase of the sabbatical and internship programme of the SPDC Joint Venture which was introduced in 1980. The number represents 13 percent increase from the outgoing 19 academics who recently rounded off their attachments with SPDC.

Eight professors and 14 post-graduate research interns commenced their programmes on Friday at SPDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, seeking to build industry knowledge and understanding in such fields as biodiversity, petroleum engineering, geophysics, environmental impact assessment, community and occupational health, remediation, marketing, and oil and gas exploration. Theys are from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Ibadan; University of Benin; University of Port Harcourt; Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; University of Lagos; Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt; Delta State University, Abraka; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure.

General Manager, External Relations, SPDC, Mr. Igo Weli, said: “The research and internship programmes form key aspect of our effort to contribute to the development of higher education in Nigeria. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. SPDC obtains specialised and cost-effective services from the professors and senior lecturers, while they, in turn, acquire industry experience and exposure to new technologies that can be ploughed back to the university curriculum.”

For a period of one year, the professors on sabbatical would conduct research in identified areas and share their findings with SPDC for application in the industry. Part of the internship programme involves Master’s  and Doctoral  degree students who are also offered one-year placements to acquire work experience in SPDC. The other set of interns are from the SPDC Centre of Excellence in Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Benin, who spend six months, enabling them to gain practical experience and be exposed to the work culture and ethics of Shell Companies in Nigeria.

Recruitment for sabbatical and research internship scheme begins with advertisements in national and local newspapers in March with selection interviews for shortlisted candidates in July each year.

Only in November 2018, SPDCits long history of supporting education in Nigeria through scholarships and other initiatives when it hosted the maiden SPDC Education Day in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. At the event, SPDC awarded 10 post-graduate annual scholarships to students from Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States to study engineering and geosciences at top universities in the United Kingdom, building a talent pipeline within host communities. Total number of beneficiaries since inception in 2010 is 80 at a cost of about $5.6m. Also, 40 engineering and geosciences graduates received hands-on training through a one-year internship programme organised by the SPDC JV and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, a group of indigenous oilfield service companies. Other scholarships valued at over N1.3 billion were awarded to 1,035 beneficiaries on that day by SPDC and its JV Partners.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Zeta-Web becomes Microsoft authorised education partner - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Zeta-Web Nigeria has become a Microsoft Authorized Education Partner (AEP), a demonstration of its ability to meet Microsoft academic customers’ evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment, reports ITREALMS.

To earn a Microsoft AEP authorization, ITREALMS gathered that partners must complete a test to prove their level of academic licensing and market expertise.
ITREALMS also gathered that the AEP programme is designed to train participating resellers on Microsoft’s Academic licensing, authorize them to purchase and resell Microsoft Academic licenses, and demonstrate to potential customers that they are approved and knowledgeable academic partners.
Head, marketing and communications at Zeta-Web, Mrs. Muyiwa Esomojumi, informed ITREALMS that the firm is a leading technology company, set-up to fill the gap of quality ICT service integration and IT Solutions.
She quoted the vice president of Education for Microsoft Corp.’s Worldwide Public Sector, Anthony Salcito, in  a press statement as saying that by becoming AEPs, partners show themselves to be committed and trained in providing discounted Microsoft academic products to the education market.

“This authorization, along with our other education partner initiatives, gives our partners recognition of their areas of expertise and our academic customers the confidence that they are buying from academic IT specialists,” Salcito said.

The Microsoft AEP Program is designed to authorize and equip organizations that deliver academic products and services through the Microsoft platform with the training, resources and support they need to provide their customers with superior experiences and outcomes.

Kunle Oyetola, Head of Technology Solutions, Zeta-Web in response, “We are extremely pleased and honored to be recognized as a Microsoft AEP. Our aim is to help Schools and various Educational Institutions enhance and add value to their daily operations at an affordable rate. We adopt the right mix of proactive planning and business administrative best practices to deploy and achieve the preferred state for their IT Solutions and Resources.”

ITREALMS recalls that Zeta-Web Nigeria designs, implements and operates high-end Business Solutions, Hybrid Internet Solutions, MPLS/VPN, Networking, TV Content Aggregation and Distribution, Security/Anti-Virus etc. for customer-specific needs by providing cutting-edge ICT solutions and services that help increase employee productivity, improve IT Efficiency, enhance service delivery, add value and reduce cost of doing business.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Fr. Nnaukwu @25: Ezenwata preaches peace for development - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezenwata has called on all indigenes and residents of Awba-Ofemili in Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State to embrace peace for sustainable development of the agrarian town, reports ITREALMS.

Fr. Ezenwata, made this call at the sermon he gave to mark the celebration of 25th priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Dr. Alex Chitoolisa Nnaukwu at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Awba-Ofemili.

According to him, there may not be meaningful development in any community without peaceful co-existence.

Ezenwata who is of Awka diocese, urged all to join forces to ensure peace prevail in the families and Awba-Ofemili in particular through actions and utterances, stressing that a house divided within itself will collapse.

The readings of the day were taken from first John 2:3-11, responsorial psalm from 96:1-2, 2-3, 5-6 and gospel taken from Luke 4:16-22.

The event chaired by the former Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Sir Mekoh Nnamdi Augustine witnessed the cutting of silver jubilee cake supervised by Chief Edmond Nnamdi Okafor, with Chief Benard Chidebe as the father of the day while Mrs. Rita Okoye was the mother of the day was widely attended from the celebrants colleagues, friends and families from near and far as well as the Parish Priest of St. Paul Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Colman Onuegbu, was compered by Anaelo KC Nwannelo.

ITREALMS recalls that Rev. Fr. Dr. Alex Nnaukwu is the second indigenous priest from Awba-Ofemili, following the footstep of Very Rev. Msgr. B.K. Nwakonobi, whereas Rev. Sister Felicia Madubuchi as the first indigenous sister, while Rev. Sr. Rosecatherine Nwakonobi as the second indigenous sister.

Born at Umuchibu village, Awba-Ofemili to the family of Nnaukwu and Monica Nw’obialu Maduagana on January 6, 1963, Fr. Alex was ordained into the Catholic priesthood in 1993 for the Catholic diocese of Awka, Anambra State-Nigeria.

Currently, Fr. Alex is the academic dean of school of Philosophy and Religion at Charisma University, Turks and Caicos Island, British West Indies.

Additionally, he is the adjunct clergy of the Catholic diocese of San Bernardino, State of California and presently a board certified chaplain (BCC) with State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations at the Ironwood State Prison.

He was formerly a chaplain at Hackensack University Medical Centre in Hackensack, Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, State of New Jersey between 2006 and 2013.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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FG plans nationwide support campaign for military - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that his ministry will soon launch a massive national campaign in support of the military, especially in their fight against insurgency and insecurity

“We are planning to launch a national campaign to rally support for the military. We believe the men and women who are risking all to keep us safe deserve the support and prayers of all Nigerians, not vilification, insults and other acts that are capable of dampening their morale,” the Minister said at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the campaign, which will be similar to the previous ones launched by the ministry on burning issues such as fake news and hate speech, insurgency and the fight against corruption, will mobilise Nigerians irrespective of their political leanings to show support for the military.

“I think it is high time that everybody, irrespective of political affiliation, joined in supporting the war (against insurgency). It’s not unusual, as a matter of fact it’s usually the practice, that when a country is faced with this kind of challenge, people will sink their differences and work together. So, very soon, you will expect to hear from us on this campaign to support the military in the fight against not just insurgency but in the fight against insecurity,'' Alhaji Mohammed said.

He said the national campaign, which will be multi-faceted, will include the production and airing of special jingles on radio and television, social media intervention and advocacy.

The Minister decried how some Nigerians, particularly opposition politicians, have made it their past-time to wage a campaign of disinformation against the military on the social media, saying such unpatriotic acts are discouraging and demoralizing the men and women in uniform.

“I think the biggest opposition probably today that the military has is probably not Boko Haram, it’s probably the Social Media because it’s so uncontrolled. Today, video clips are doctored and clips of happenings in other lands are now reported and sent out as if they are happening in Nigeria. Unfortunately, there is no one to hold responsible. This is very discouraging and it demoralizes the military.

“That brings me to the bigger issue of overall support for our military. Recent developments are disturbing. The activities of a section of the media and some opposition political parties are demoralizing the military and strengthening the insurgents. Without seeking or waiting for official clarification, outrageous casualty figures are prominently reported. Without consideration for national security, military plans are recklessly revealed. Not even in the United States, the bastion of democracy, does this happen,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said even though the government would neither censor nor gag the media, journalists must strike a balance between the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom to receive and impart information and national security.

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Kenya selects Nigeria’s reconciliation solution - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWMB) has selected a Nigeria-based automated accounts reconciliation solution, CLIREC, reports ITREALMS.

This development, ITREALMS gathered will address identified needs for a more efficient and effective accounts reconciliation practices across the institution.

The managing director and CEO of Precise Financial Systems (PFS), Nigeria’s leading fintech firm, Dr. Yele Okeremi, explained why Kenya through KWMB has selected its automated accounts reconciliation solution, CLIREC, to address identified needs for a more efficient and effective accounts reconciliation practices across the institution.

Dr. Okeremi said reason for the project was to deploy a reconciliation solution that would facilitate a reduction of the turnaround time of the reconciliation process in KWMB.

“The reconciliation will enable Kenya Women Financial Trust to increase its operational efficiency by providing a faster resolution to unprocessed items, customer queries and improve responsiveness among other benefits”, he said.

He said the bank had identified its peculiar needs to include faster resolution of unprocessed items, faster resolution of customer queries and improves responsiveness; achieve a near real-time scenario of the reconciliation process, timely reporting to management and automated escalation of long outstanding items.

CIO of KWMB, Mr. Kibet Kipkemoi, attested to Okeremi’s statement, saying that the bank selected PFS’ Clirec because of its records of accomplishment in solving complex reconciliation challenges with its simple processes.

“Clirec was picked as the preferred applications after rigorous selection process by our team and consultants who evaluated all available solutions. We are confident that Clirec will meet all our reconciliation needs. “

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Ambode predicts Sanwo-Olu emergence as next governor - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has predicted that the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will emerge as the next Progressive Governor of the state, reports ITREALMS. 

Ambode made this known on Tuesday, leading all state party executives, government officials, leaders and other candidates to the official campaign flag-off, which held at the Skypower Grounds in Ikeja, Lagos. 

He said the 20 years of constant economic growth that the state has witnessed was a result of progressive leadership, which was pioneered by the APC National Leader and former Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. 

"The APC campaign in Lagos State is united and we are all going to do it together. We are happy that everything is going on successfully.  The last 20 years has witnessed progressive growth in Lagos State. The first question we should ask is why? The answer is very simple. I have had predecessors that have delivered on their promises. From Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to myself. The 20 years of progressive growth has been under one party, the APC. There has also been uninterrupted continuity of governance. That's why there have been growth and development. 

"What I seek of you all is that you stick to us. The APC is the party to trust. In the House of Assembly, we have 40 candidates. The House of Representatives we have 24. The Senatorial, we have 3. And we have only one governorship candidate and by the grace of God, he will be the next governor of Lagos State."

The incumbent governor extolled the properties of guber candidate, saying he is the best in the race.

"Jide Sanwo-Olu's qualities as a former banker, former member of cabinet with strong public sector management skills, cannot be compared with any of the other candidates. He is more competent and reliable and I have no doubt in my mind we will have him as the next governor of Lagos State."

Ayo Midele/GEE

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