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How Tonto Dikeh has kept me from celebrating with my son on his birthday – Husband, Olakunle Churchill reveals

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Toast Magazine Media crew finally met Dr. Olakunle Churchill after several attempts in his new Ikoyi office, Lagos and below are the interview excerpt from the moments with the philanthropist

Toast• Your Foundation has been in the news since last year, what is your motivation for doing this?

Churchill: Well, it’s something we are passionate about. Big Church Foundation is basically designed to empower and provide charity functions. Started it from Ghana before cutting across states in Nigeria and beyond‎

Toast•‎ Besides What we Know, can we be privileged to get to know you in person?

Churchill : There is nothing much to know about me, My name is Olakunle Churchill, the Chairman of Big Church Group and other subsidiaries including Big Church Foundation

Toast• With your mega expenditure during your 4- day Walk For Love” charity campaign incomoration of United Nation World Disability ‎Day, calls for Concern, How is your Foundation Funded?

Churchill: Yes, that was a memorable charity event. Am glad it was successful. Atleast a lot of the physically challenged were empowered, we lectured them on how to discover ability in disability. Our income comes from favour, goodwill, besides 10% of our profit or revenue from Big Church Group is transferred to charity to the foundation charity account.

Toast •Recently, your househelp ‎or domestic staff disclosed to an online media that you had issues with wife and you have not been at home just after your December foundation project last year

Churchill:  Every family has its ups and downs but I would not want to talk about my family.

Toast• It was said that after You left home, you were Alleged of  having affair with your Female PA? 

Churchill : Well, it’s funny to me, because I don’t have female personal Assistant, My PA is Mr Paul, who has been working with me over the years. Besides, it was a sponsored blackmail.

Toast• Gist had it that your wife Tonto Dikeh Churchill caused uproar in your mother’s home, i.e her mother- inlaw, when she was alleged to have pushed her down and broke everything in her house within 2 hours due to her marijuana reactions

Churchill: These issues are private to me and my family.

Toast: Rumour Has that because of domestic violence from you that  your wife moved out with your son?

Churchill: I wonder where they got such gist from? I don’t believe my wife will say that, besides I frown against such even my foundation preach against domestic violence in some of our charity awareness campaigns. It is obvious that all these channelled attacks are targeted to drag my image and what I believe in to the mud. Well, the truth is that I have never raised my hands against my wife. I have evidence of CCTV Cameras in my mums house when this happened. It can be replayed if you what us to go that far.

Toast: The news earlier today posted and deleted by one Uche Maduagwu that you have relationship with Bobrisky and Swanky Jerry? What is your take on that? 

Churchill:  Truly, I did not see it posted because am not a social media person, but got wind of it later. It’s sincerely beats my imagination to think of such relationship…well, don’t know Bobrisky but got to know Swanky Jerry through my wife. I believe whoever my wife likes as a friend, I also take as a family friend. Am too busy to think of such unpleasant issues, let alone cooking up defence.

Toast: Your Son’s One Year birthday is few days from now, do you have plans to celebrate it? Guess you will be celebrating him with your wife? 

Churchill: Oh! My son, I sure miss him so much. I have planned a worthwhile birthday party for him with friends and family members but it’s sad to say that all effort to reach him proved abortive,  and this is affecting my business and emotions, The mum won’t pick calls and the nanny,Our son has been with the mother and not at home for now.  I truly, should not be granting this interview if this is all about my family. Am very optimistic that the family will unite together for King Andrea birthday even though channels to reach my wife is temporarily off.

Toast •How Do You perceived all these happening in your family

Churchill: I see nothing in it, it’s a phase of life. Since it does not affect my cheques and savings. But I truly want to call on bloggers or on social media addicts to verify facts before assuming. Every marriage has good and bad moments, it’s just unfortunate that I recently discovered that the alledged marriage instability is making headlines on some media platforms. Please Tonto Dikeh fans and well wishers take it easy on her, guess she is still adjusting to motherhood. With time, it will be well.

Toast • The news had it that your son owns his own company Kindred Realtors, a real estate firm, don’t you think his is too young?

Churchill : (laugh), the company Kindred Realtor was actually one of my companies before I changed it to our son’s name after his birth. I feel it’s one of his benefit to start building up a brand for him as he grows.

Toast • Back To Your Projects, the Big Church Foundation fearlessly stormed war ravaged Southern Kaduna to provide Aid- the KADA massacre?

Churchill: Well, To God be the grace, we went, we touched life and we came back inspite of the Killings. It was a sad experience, they needed food, shelter, medications, *sobs*. I just Thank God,  many of them smiled with our presence.

Toast • Big Church Foundation was Loud by December with Billboard Season Greeting and Scholarship in UNIBUJA? Tell us about it?

Churchill:   The season greeting was the foundation decision which I guess it was good at that time. It was appreciating our clients, partners, foreign colleagues, fans etc Well, for the scholarship it’s part of the scheme in the Big Church Foundation. The Big Church Scholarship scheme is a project which offers sponsored education for the beneficiaries across different level of academic qualification or levels. Yes, we were in Unibuja recently, we discussed with the Senate and unveiled some of the students beneficiaries.‎

Toast • Your Foundation has bagged some Major awards including West Africa Philanthropy Award, how do you feel?

Churchill : Every award is appreciated. No one is bigger than the other. We feel humbled to be recognised by several brands. It’s not our making but God. It’s exciting when you touch lives and you are remembered.

Toast • Which Projects is Big Foundation  Up to Now?

Churchill: This will be a long and busy year. We have lines of charity projects, peace events, Summits and project sponsorships with visible impacts. Our team is putting everything in place, but will let it out soon. But we will amongst other things empower 36,000 youths through the Big Church Foundation empowerment scheme. We shall empower 1,000 youths from the 36 states through skill equisitions, financial business supports, loans etc.

Toast • You bagged a Doctorate Honours from Republic of Benin University, so which do you prefer to be addressed? Ambassador or Dr?

Churchill : Well, it’s not about the title, if my name is attached to any title you call me, I will answer. Even without title. *smiles*

Toast • Sir, it been great talking with, any last word?

Churchill : The adage of the old says ” He that washes his hands well, can eat with elders”…Remain focus, determined and be consistent. We pray we spread the gospel of love and charity as far as we can.‎

Source: Toast Magazine‎

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

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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.”

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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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.

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

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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.

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