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GTBank Sponsors 2019 Lagos International Polo Tournament

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Some of the most renowned indigenous and international polo teams are set to convene in Lagos, Nigeria to compete for highly coveted trophies in the 2019 Lagos Int’l Polo Tournament. Sponsored by leading African Financial Institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc. This year’s competition will begin on March 13, 2019 and will see both Nigerian and foreign teams compete in five main cups, namely; the Silver Cup, Open Cup, Oba of Lagos Cup, Low Cup and Majekodunmi Cup. 

Over the years, GTBank has been at the forefront of supporting Polo; widely revered as the Sport of Kings, and promoting the Lagos International Polo Tournament, which has hosted reputable personalities such as His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Played on the grounds of the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, the premier polo club in the country, the tournament has featured polo greats like Alphonso Pieres, Gonzalo Pieres and Alan Kent, and promises to provide top class action and entertainment for all polo lovers.

Some of the players expected to light up this year’s tournament include Tomas Fernandez Llorente, a seven-goaler from Argentina; South Africa’s Tom De Bryune +6; and Diego White a +6 handicap player from Argentina. Other professionals expected include Chris Mckenzie +6, Pedro Soria, Leroux Hendrix, and Martin Waiganjo. Polo enthusiasts will also be treated to a variety of activities ranging from thrilling performances by music stars to an exquisite experience at the exclusive GTBank Lounge where guests will be treated to epicurean cuisine and vintage wine.  

Commenting on GTBank’s sponsorship of the 2019 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said; “We love the game of polo, the passion and the symbiosis between the players and their horses, but most importantly, we hold a strong affinity to the sport of kings because it reflects quality, competitiveness and fair play; some of the values that have made GTBank a Proudly African and Truly International Financial Institution.” He further stated that; “Our sponsorship of the 2019 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, which has grown over the years to become one of the most anticipated social and sporting events of the year, demonstrates our strong belief in the role of sports in developing and uniting our society.”

Guaranty Trust Bank plc is one of the few Nigerian financial institutions that have maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, most especially in sports education. The GTBank Masters Cup as well as the Principals Cup tournaments in Lagos and Ogun states are some of the projects the bank has taken up in this regard.

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🌿 Talented but Rotten

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🌿 Talented but Rotten By Femi Oyewale

He could sing like an angel, captivate a crowd, and move hearts with his gift. Doors opened easily, applause followed him everywhere, and people whispered, “What a talent!”
But behind the curtains, pride grew. Character crumbled. The gift was strong, but the vessel was weak. He was talented—but rotten inside.
Jesus once spoke of a tree known by its fruit. No matter how lush the leaves, if the fruit is bitter, the tree is sick. In the same way, talent without godly character leads to destruction. Samson had supernatural strength, but his lack of discipline brought him low. Judas walked with Jesus, saw miracles, and even cast out demons—but his heart was corrupted by greed.
Your talent may open doors, but only character will keep you there. God is not impressed by performance; He looks at the heart. True greatness is not just in what we do, but in who we are when no one is watching.
🌿 Talented but Rotten By Femi Oyewale
📖 Anchor Scripture: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. By their fruit you will recognize them.” — Matthew 7:19–20
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, help me not to rely only on talent but to cultivate a heart that pleases You. Purify my motives, prune my character, and let my life bear fruit that glorifies You.
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Abuja Set Ablaze with Anticipation as Folorunsho Unveils You Against Crime International (YACI)

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Abuja Set Ablaze with Anticipation as Folorunsho Unveils You Against Crime International (YACI)

 

 

Abuja, Nigeria – 11th September 2025 – Social innovator and youth mentor Tayo Folorunsho is set to officially launch “You Against Crime International (YACI)“, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to crime prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria. The launch will take place during the Abuja Stakeholders Dialogue on Sustainable Crime Prevention, themed “Culture: The Cure for Crime”, on Thursday, 11th September 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Transcorp Hilton (Capital Bar), Abuja.

 

 

You Against Crime International (YACI) is a grassroots-driven movement that combines culture, advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement to foster safety, peace, and lawful living. Through the power of edutainment and national dialogues, YACI seeks to address the root causes of crime by inspiring behavioral change, strengthening communal values, and empowering young people to choose positive alternatives.

 

Founded by Mr. Tayo Folorunsho, who has over 15 years of experience working with youth and communities, YACI reflects his lifelong commitment to mentorship, empowerment, and opportunity creation.

 

 

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mr. Folorunsho stated:

“You Against Crime is not just a campaign – it is a movement. It’s about equipping people, especially young Nigerians, with the tools, knowledge, and hope to choose a better path and contribute positively to society.”

 

One of YACI’s core strategies is the use of culture as a powerful tool in the fight against crime. By reconnecting with traditional values, languages, and heritage, the initiative promotes discipline, respect, and responsibility. Through music, drama, festivals, and storytelling, YACI will engage directly with grassroots communities, creating meaningful platforms for awareness, prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

 

At the launch event, YACI will also unveil its upcoming projects, including:

• The “You Against Crime” Festival & Docu-Series – featuring real-life testimonies, cultural performances, and awareness campaigns.

• Community-driven initiatives linking cultural identity with crime prevention, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.

 

YACI aims to bring together government agencies, civil society, traditional institutions, the private sector, and local community launches ,a united mission to build a safer and more hopeful Nigeria.

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Petroleum Workers Commend Dangote Over Respect for Workers’ Rights, Warn NUPENG Against Derailing Economic Progress

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Petroleum Workers Commend Dangote Over Respect for Workers’ Rights, Warn NUPENG Against Derailing Economic Progress

Petroleum Workers Commend Dangote Over Respect for Workers’ Rights, Warn NUPENG Against Derailing Economic Progress

 

The Petroleum Workers Advancement Initiative (PEWAI), a coalition advocating for the welfare of oil and gas workers and the stability of Nigeria’s economy, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the management of Dangote Refinery for respecting workers’ rights and safeguarding national economic growth following the suspension of a planned strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

In a statement on Wednesday signed by its president, Comrade Ebikeme Okorotie, PEWAI hailed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on September 8 between Dangote Refinery, NUPENG, and other stakeholders as a decisive step in strengthening industrial harmony and advancing economic development.

Petroleum Workers Commend Dangote Over Respect for Workers’ Rights, Warn NUPENG Against Derailing Economic Progress

The MoU, also signed by Sayyu Dantata, managing director of the Dangote Group, Ogbugo Ukoha, executive director of distribution systems, storage, and retailing infrastructure at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Benson Upah, acting general secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Nuhu Toro, general secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), effectively shelved the strike that was scheduled to commence on September 8, 2025.

The agreement allows workers at both Dangote Refinery and its petrochemical operations to unionise freely and guarantees that no employee will be victimised for exercising this right. The process of unionisation is expected to commence immediately and conclude within two weeks, from September 9 to 22, 2025.

PEWAI described the resolution as a laudable demonstration of responsible leadership by Dangote, noting that the refinery’s willingness to uphold workers’ constitutional rights signals a commitment to both employee welfare and the broader economic stability of the country.

“Dangote’s management has shown that it is possible to respect workers’ rights while simultaneously promoting economic growth,” Comrade Okorotie said.

“By engaging in dialogue, negotiating in good faith, and ensuring that no worker will be victimised, the Dangote Group has set a benchmark for industrial relations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

The group also emphasised the national importance of the refinery, noting that any disruption in its operations could have significant repercussions on fuel supply, job security, and economic progress.

PEWAI warned NUPENG and other unions to exercise prudence in pursuing industrial action, stressing that Nigerians will be watching closely and will not allow any union to derail the ongoing progress in the economy being driven by Dangote’s refinery operations.

“While we acknowledge the right of workers to unionise, this must be balanced with the wider responsibility to the nation,” Okorotie added.

“The refinery represents billions of naira in investment, thousands of jobs, and critical infrastructure. Any action that threatens its operations is an action that threatens all Nigerians.”

PEWAI also urged other corporate players in the petroleum sector to emulate Dangote’s approach by combining respect for workers’ rights with responsible economic stewardship.

According to the group, fostering industrial harmony is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a catalyst for sustained growth and development.

The coalition commended the roles of the NLC, TUC, and other stakeholders in facilitating the MoU, describing their involvement as critical to averting potential disruption and maintaining confidence in the petroleum sector.

“Industrial disputes are inevitable in any dynamic economy, but the way they are resolved defines the health of the nation’s labour relations and economic trajectory. Dangote’s leadership, combined with the willingness of the union to engage in dialogue, has prevented a crisis and ensured that progress continues,” PEWAI said.

The group further reiterated its call for all unions in the oil and gas sector to act responsibly, warning that while worker rights must be respected, they should not be pursued at the expense of citizens’ economic welfare or national development.

“Dangote has shown that business leadership and national interest can coexist. We expect all stakeholders to maintain this path and for unions to exercise their rights with wisdom and patriotism,” Okorotie said.

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