Business

LAUTECH Alumni association raises N5.5Million out of N1Billion in nine days

Published

9 years ago

June 22, 2017

Some former students have raised N5.8 million for the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, nine days after they set up the #fundlautech Initiative with a target of raising N1 billion in 90 days for the beleaguered institution.

Areo Oyedepo, the president of the students’ union of the university for 2013/2014 academic session, made this disclosure in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday.

He said the Alumni Association launched the initiative to help the university resolve a funding challenge that has crippled it for close to two years.

“As at this moment (Day 9), I can confirm that we have N5.8 million,” Mr. Oyedepo told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday evening.

Speaking in the same vein, Adebayo Adeyinka, an old student and one of the facilitators of the #fundlautech project, told PREMIUM TIMES that the initiative has received positive response from Nigerians, as a result of which he expects LAUTECH to reopen soon.

“We are not asking people to bring millions, people donated N1000, N500 even N200 and it goes a long way.

The big donations we got were from Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and (a former governor of Oyo State), Rasheed Ladoja.”

According to Mr. Adeyinka, the Ooni of Ife pledged #500,000 but gave a cheque of #250,000, which will clear on June 27, while Mr. Ladoja gave a cheque of N 2 million.

He said the former governor also pledged his pension for six months totalling N644,000.

He explained that #fundlautech is a bailout to enable the university pay salary of workers while the owner state governments proceed with their move for auditing of the finances of the university.

“We have short term and long-term objectives,” Mr. Adeyinka explained further.

“The short-term objective is to raise N1 billion, which is for payment of three months salaries. It is just a bailout.

“Our long-term objective is an endowment fund so that when their salaries are paid by the government, we will take it back from them and use it to build an ICT hub,” that would generate funds for the university.

He enjoined the alumni associations of other institutions to support their schools by adopting the initiative and encouraged tertiary institutions to look beyond government funding for the betterment of the education sector in Nigeria.

“Can we have a community-based university where everybody who is working in a particular state has check-up dues which could be below N1000 or above that will go into an endowment fund?

“This will enable your child to go to university free of charge after a period of years. This is possible, it is similar to the pension scheme we have today,” Mr. Adeyinka said.

Akeem Olatunji, the Accord Party spokesperson in Oyo State, on Wednesday confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Ladoja also pledged his six months pension to the #fundlautech initiative.

“The (members of Oyo State House of Assembly) in Accord Party also pledged one million naira,” he further disclosed.

“We are working on how the school can open soon because they have not mobilised students since 2014.”

He also said Mr. Ladoja had promised to get in touch with major stakeholders to intervene and put an end to the crisis in the school.

Business

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

Published

6 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.