Business

Network calls for end to daily killings in Benue

Published

8 years ago

April 24, 2018

A group, the Benue Valley Professional Network has called for an immediate end to the killings in Benue State and other middle belt region, which they accused terrorists of being responsible.

In a press release issued after its Colloquium on “Peace, Progress and Development in the Benue Valley” held in Lagos, the group declared that the terrorists who were hiding under the guise of ‘herdsmen’ are responsible for the incessant killings, which had left hundreds dead in the areas.

The release signed by Vitalis Ortese and Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, called for “inclusive leadership to take into cognizance the contributions of professionals with a diversity of skills that can aid development.

The 9-point resolution also included “the need for a review of the current structure of the nation to include fiscal federalism, local government autonomy and a weaker central government.

“The participants noted with dismay that the government was failing in its duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens in the Benue Valley and the middle belt and called for the government and other leaders to address this grievous failing urgently.

“They also called for communities to redefine their identities as people of the Benue Valley and deepen the need for professionals to gain a stronger understanding on the historical origins and evolution of their indigenous backgrounds.

At the ceremony, which included presentation of awards of Certificate of Commendation to some people from the region, the group called for the engagement of state actors in the management of social and other systems to drive the developments in the Benue Valley.

“The participants also restated their commitment to Nigeria; in the face of provocation by state institutions who are appear to be weak in curtailing the killings in the valley.

“They also advocated for strong mentorship programmes to prepare and empower youths from the Benue valley.

The colloquium also called on youths to adopt a positive and effective use of social media resources by way of harnessing ideas, enhancing and deploying the ideas creatively to resolve social issues.

Among those honoured
were The Tuface Foundation, the late Edward Dooga, Dr. Helen Tegh Tegh, Rev. Father Solomon Ukeyima, Mrs. Alu Azege, Dr. Ochoche, and Rev. Father John Atta of the Oturkpo Diocese, Mr. Daniel Kwen, Barrister Terence Vembe.

About 70 professionals from Lagos, Benin, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Asaba attended the colloquium.

Other key speakers and participants at the event include, Prof. Iorwuese Hagher a former senator, federal minister and aspiring presidential candidate, Prof. Jonathan Ndera of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Dr. Terver Akpar of the Benue State University and Dr Terhemba Wuam of the Kaduna State University, Kaduna; others include Architect James Ugo, Engr. John Audu as well as Dr. Chris Orngu, the representative of the Vice Chancellor of the Benue State University, Prof. Sugh Kembe and Rev. Father Andrew Igbana, Rector of the St. James Seminary Yandev Gboko.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

20 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.