GTCO Announces 2024 Autism Program Themed “A Spectrum of Possibilities”

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or “the Group”) has announced dates for the 2024 GTCO Autism Program and follow-up consultations. This year’s program is themed “A Spectrum of Possibilities” to promote inclusivity, self-advocacy, and empowerment for persons on the Autism Spectrum.

The theme A Spectrum of Possibilities aligns with GTCO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its goal of creating a society where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their background or abilities. The theme acknowledges and celebrates this diversity, recognizing that each person living with autism has their own unique strengths, challenges, and potential.

The GTCO Autism Program, a flagship project under the Orange Ribbon Initiative, has established itself as a beacon of hope and a reference point for autism advocacy and intervention in Africa. Over the years, the program has made significant impact, providing support and empowerment to thousands of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. In collaboration with specialists and partner organizations from Nigeria and outside Nigeria, the program will feature lectures, panel discussions, and performances carefully prepared to showcase the diverse talents that exist in the autism community.

The program will also create a platform where families and guardians can connect with experts and share experiences and insights. This interactive platform will facilitate meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing on various aspects of autism.

In Nigeria, the program will hold on the 15th and 16th of July at the Muson Centre, Lagos, whilst the free one-on-one clinic consultations will open from July 16th to 20th at the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Ikeja. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the activities will begin with a workshop on the 23rd of July at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana, and consultations will last from July 23rd to 27th at the same venue.

Commenting on the 2024 GTCO Autism Program, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, stated: “Everyone has something special to offer, and we want to help individuals with autism succeed and lead healthy, supportive lives. By embracing autism as a strength, and not a weakness, we can help individuals with ASD find their passion, develop skills, and make meaningful impact in society.”

He added: “We are learning more about autism every day, and we are dedicated to using that knowledge to make a positive difference. We believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life, and we are committed to making that possible; by working together, we can build a society that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and empowers everyone to thrive.”

For more information on the GTCO Autism Program and free consultations, please visit: https://csr.gtbank.com/autism.

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Bullion Records CEO Ajadi bags ‘Award of Excellence’ at NIJ as Eedris, GyC light up students’ week

CEO of Bullion Records, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has been bestowed with the prestigious “Award of Excellence” by the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).

The accolade was presented during the Grand Finale of the annual Students’ Week, themed “LOUD AM”, held at NIJ’s Ogba campus on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

The event, which spanned six days of cultural showcases and talent exhibitions, culminated with the celebration of Ajadi’s contributions to both journalism and philanthropy.

Addressing the audience during the Awards Night, Ajadi expressed his gratitude, reflecting on his formative years at NIJ:

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my alma mater. The journalistic education I received here has been instrumental in shaping my career across various fields, from journalism to entertainment; politics, and entrepreneurship. I remain committed to supporting the SRC and NIJ’s future endeavors,” Ajadi stated.

The President of the SRC, Awelewa Oluwatosin John, on his part, highlighted Ajadi’s longstanding support for the council, emphasizing that his supports are highly acknowledged.

Ambassador Ajadi has consistently supported our initiatives since his days as a student. His dedication to empowering young journalists and his philanthropic efforts are exemplary,” President Awelewa stated.

The evening was further enriched by performances from notable figures such as veteran musical icon Eedris AbdulKareem and rising star Kingsley Fortune, known as GyC, from Bullion Records.

GyC’s spirited performance of his latest single “Woman” captivated the audience, epitomizing the vibrant spirit of NIJ’s Students’ Week.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dr. Boye Ola; Alhaji Ademola A.J. Otolowo, a prominent UK-based music promotion executive, and key figures from Bullion Records including the Managing Director, Mr. Elegbede Femi Ajibola; the Financial Director Comrade Kilamuwaye Badmus; the Marketing Head Mr. Gbenga Olaitan Awoeyo, and Hon. Kehinde Teluwo.

Other dignitaries that graced the event were the winners of the 2024 year’s beauty pageant which took place on the 27th of June,2024 at the school hall.
Mr. NIJ, Wisdom James Nkereumen; Miss NIJ, Comfort Udo Eder; Miss photogenic, Bankole Aminat; Mr photogenic, Benjamin Osemekhian; Miss Amity, Musa Joy Ali, and Mr Amity, Olooye Victor.

The “Award of Excellence” not only recognizes Ajadi’s achievements but also underscores NIJ’s commitment to honoring outstanding alumni who continue to make significant impacts in their respective fields.

Popular Bank’s Private Jet grounded

PRIVATE JET– The Federal Government through the Nigeria Customs Service has grounded a United States-registered Gulfstream G650ER jet belonging to a leading Nigerian bank, signalling the commencement of government clampdowns on private jet owners over unpaid import duty running into several billions of naira.

The development came barely two weeks after the NCS began a one-month verification exercise for private jet owners in the country. The exercise which began on June 19, 2024, is expected to end on July 19, 2024.

In a public notice by the Customs, the exercise aims to identify private jet operators that have illegally imported aircraft into the country without paying the necessary import duties.

The customs had recovered about N2bn into the government coffers when a similar exercise was carried out in 2019.

At least 80 private jet owners are expected to present their import documents and aircraft certificate of registration to the Customs in Abuja during the one-month exercise.

Although the grounding of private jets which fail to pay the necessary import duty is expected to begin after the one-month Customs verification exercise, findings showed that moves by some operators to export their aircraft might have forced the NCS to begin the clampdowns on some private jet operators.

The Nigeria Customs Service had last week said some operators of foreign registered private jets were temporarily flying their aircraft out of the country apparently in a bid to evade the exercise.

However, findings by The PUNCH on Sunday disclosed that a luxury Gulfstream G650ER plane belonging to a tier-1 bank had been grounded at Lagos airport over unpaid import duties reportedly estimated at N1.9bn.

It was learnt that the NCS had written the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency asking them to cancel the flight clearance approval given to the private aircraft.

Our correspondent gathered that the agencies had received the letters to distrain the US-registered Gulfstream G650ER with registration number N331AB and manufacturer’s serial number 6487.

The bank is reportedly owing about N1.9bn in unpaid import duties to the government on two formerly owned private jets (Gulfstream G450 and Gulfstream G550 aircraft), which according to sources have since been taken out of the country.

It was also understood that the assessment of N1.9bn was based on a verification exercise carried out by the NCS in 2021.

It was learnt that going by the current exchange rate, the N1.9bn might be raised to about N6bn. Aircraft import duties are computed based on prevailing exchange rate.

NCAA and NAMA officials said they had received the cancellation of the previously granted flight clearance approval for the Gulfstream G650ER aircraft.

According to the letter, the luxury aircraft which cost over $65m, was found to have contravened the Federal Government’s import duty regulations and as such denied the necessary Export Permit by the Customs Service Area Command at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

A copy of the letter written to the NCAA and NAMA, which was sighted by one of our correspondents, was titled “Re: cancellation of flight clearance approval for Gulfstream G650ER with registration N331AB and manufacturer’s serial number 6487.”

The letter read in part, “The above subject matter refers.  The Nigeria Customs in its drive for enhanced revenue collection decided to do a verification exercise on private airlines operating in Nigeria.

“The verification aims to identify privately owned aircraft that were inappropriately imported into the country. This will enable the Service to perfect these Imports and collect revenue accruable to the Federal Government.

“The above-cited aircraft has been found to have contravened the Federal Government’s import duty regulations and as such denied Export Permit by the Customs Service (MMIA Command).

“In furtherance to the above, we are soliciting your kind co-operation and assistance to deny flight clearance approval”

The Comptroller General, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, had two weeks ago said a good number of private jets were leaving the country as the verification began.

Adeniyi, who disclosed this while speaking in an interview with Arise Television, stated that since the exercise started,  only a few owners have shown up.

“Very few of them (private jet operators) have showed up for verification and we gather intelligence that a good number of them are leaving Nigeria since the announcement was given because they would not want to be verified,” he said.

The CGC explained that the service introduced the private jet verification exercise because more private jets were operating outside the ambits of the law.

“We have seen so many of these aircraft flying and our record tends to show that only a few of them have shown up to pay duty and this is why we are bringing this verification up,” he said.

The CGC disclosed that data obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority revealed that though many private jets were operating in the country, only a few had paid customs duties.