Connect with us

Business

Heart and Soul Gala 2017: Towards Fostering Healthy Hearts in a Marvellous Celebration of Life

Published

on

 

It was a night of elegance and entertainment as Chike Okoli Foundation hosted the crème la crème of the society in its annual Heart and Soul Gala at the prestigious Lagos City Hall on the night of Friday, 1st of July 2017.

The Chike Okoli Foundation, established in furtherance of the ideals of Chike Edward Okoli who died five days after his 25thbirthday on May 31, 2005 from undetected coronary artery disease who was until his death the Founder and managing Director of Carden Energy Services Limited, an Oil Servicing Company in Lagos, Nigeria is envisioned that every young Nigerian will be fully aware of the causes of cardiovascular diseases and equipped with entrepreneurial skills to support the building of a healthy and prosperous nation.

Speaking at the event,  the Chairman, Board of Directors of Chike OKoli Foundation, Dr. Stella Okoli, OON, said the foundation has never derailed from the purpose which it was established.

“The purpose of the foundation has remained constant over the years; this is by using all proper and culturally acceptable media to draw attention to Cardio-Vascular Diseases, working closely with various youth development organisations and institutions. And also, by publication and distribution of health information materials on cardiovascular diseases for public enlightenment.” She stated.

According to her; the focus at the foundation includes ensuring that every young Nigerian will be fully knowledgeable about the dangers of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), and the available preventive measures and treatment options, as well as adequately equipping every young Nigerian with entrepreneurial skills to enable him/her to set up and manage a profitable business of his/her choice.

“This is our own poverty reduction strategy to complement the efforts being made by the Governments at different levels.” She said.

In this regards, this noble agenda made the foundation to establish the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, COCES in 2011. The Centre, located at Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has been training young Nigerians in the skills and art of entrepreneurship.

“This is borne out of our belief that the way to abolish unemployment is to train our youths to be self-employed. This will have multiplier effect on growing the economy and promoting prosperity among our people.” Okoli declared.

Meanwhile, the Heart and Soul Gala, is an annual event by the foundation to reflect on its activities, celebrate the short but eventful life of Chike Obi as well as raise funds to continue to support the principle and ideals which he lived for.

Present at this year’s event, is the 11th in the series are notable Nigerians and eminent personalities, which include the wives of the governors of Lagos and Ondo States, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and Mrs Anyanwu Akeredolu respectively, former Minister of Finance, Idika Kalu, Chairman Associated Bus Company, PLC, Frank Nneji, Senior Special Assistance to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Joke Orelope-Adefulire among others.

Commending the foundation for its efforts, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Bolanle Ambode said it has touched the lives of the Nigerian in many positive ways.

“Eleven years on and Chike Obi Foundation has touched more than 10 million lives through various social intervention programmes. Even more remarkable is the impact of its training and vocational establishment, the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (COCES).” Ambode said.

One of the main highlight of the event was the presentation of the winner of Chike Okoli Prize for Entrepreneurship Award Adosiobi Joseph Ugochukwu, a 400 level student of Nnamdi Azikwe University Akwa.

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

Published

on

General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

 

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

Continue Reading

Business

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

Published

on

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

Continue Reading

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

on

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending