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Samuella Sam-Orlu Emerges Winner of 2017 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition

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Pix 1: l-r: Group Head, Human Resources, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Patricia Aderibigbe; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Overall Winner of the 2017 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition and Student of British Nigerian Academy, Miss Samuella Sam-Orlu; Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; and Group Head, Secretariat & Corporate Services, UBA Plc, Bili Odum during the Grand finale and prize giving ceremony of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, held at UBA House in Lagos on Monday

 

 

It was an all-female affair as fifteen year old Samuella Sam-Orlu of British Nigerian Academy Abuja, emerged the overall winner of the 2017 edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, winning an educational grant of N1,000,000.00 to study in any African university of her choice, as well as a laptop.

 

Samuella clinched the first position at the grand finale, which was held on Monday November 20th, 2017 at the UBA Head Office,  Marina Lagos, ahead of 11 other finalists selected from over 1,000 entries received by the UBA Foundation from students of senior secondary schools across Nigeria.

 

Pix 2: L-R: GMD/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka with the Overall Winner of the 2017 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition and Student of British Nigerian Academy, Miss Samuella Sam-Orlu during the Grand finale and prize giving ceremony of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition held at UBA House in Lagos on Monday

A visibly elated Samuella – who was escorted by her guardian, Mrs. Jacqueline Uzoadibe –  said winning the competition would propel her to do more in attaining her dreams of becoming a Medical Director. “I am very thrilled, and thankful to God. I want to say that I was very grateful to hear my name announced as the winner. I am indeed very grateful to UBA for this huge opportunity and making me believe in myself. This grant will go a long way to support my bid for quality education.”

 

The second prize was bagged by Deborah Chinwendu Innocentaged 15 of Enal International Schools Abuja, who won N750,000 educational grant and a laptop while the third prize went to Yahofon Ettah Essien of Nigerian Christian Institute Akwa Ibom State, coveting a N500,000 educational grant and a laptop. The other 9 finalists were given laptops. All 12 finalists also went home with certificates.

 

Pix 3: l-r: 1st Runner-up 2017 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition and student of ENAL International Schools, Miss Deborah Chinwendu Innocent; GMD/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Overall Winner and Student of British Nigerian Academy, Miss Samuella Sam-Orlu; Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; and 2nd Runner-up and Student of Nigerian Christian Institute, Miss Yahofon Ettah Essien during the Grand finale and prize giving ceremony held at UBA House in Lagos on Monday

Bola Atta, the MD/CEO of UBA Foundation while congratulating the winners commended them for their exceptional brilliance.  “Every student who sent in an entry is on a winning streak already. To be confident about your writing skills and thirsty enough to enter a competition to further enhance your educational path is laudable.  For those that did not win, I would say do not be discouraged. Take it as a challenge to perfect your writing skills and enter for the competition again in 2018’ she said.

 

According to Atta, UBA Foundation, being the CSR arm of UBA Plc, makes it a point of duty to give back to communities where UBA operates.  Education she noted is one of the Foundation’s focus areas as it is the bedrock of any nation.

 

She went on to encourage finalists to be good ambassadors of the competition which is in its sixth year in Nigeria, affirming that the competition will be held every year.

Pix 4: l-r:: GMD/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Overall Winner of the 2017 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition and Student of British Nigerian Academy, Miss Samuella Sam-Orlu; and Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; during the Grand finale and prize giving ceremony of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, held at UBA House in Lagos on Monday

In his remark the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Plc Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, said UBA as a bank is happy that it is touching lives and making solid impacts through this competition and the grant it gives out to those who emerge winners.

 

“Seeing past winners tell their stories on the impact the grants have made on their education and particularly how the financial burden was lifted off their parents, gives us joy that our foundation is unique and stands out from others in touching lives,” Uzoka said.

 

He informed the gathering made up of parents, students and media that the essay competition has produced over 100 winners, since its inception in 2011 in Nigeria, with winners studying varied courses in Universities in Nigeria and within the African continent.  “I must also state here that we want to make sure that the grants are given to those who really need it. That is why we restrict the grant to schools within Africa alone. If by chance the parents of any winner sends his or her ward to an elite school outside Africa, we would not go ahead with that support, because what we are really after are those who need the grant as we contribute to the development of Africa, Uzoka said”.

 

He encouraged the winners to be of good character, and ensure that apart from academic excellence, they must avoid any negative action that might dent the foundation’s image and that of their families.

Pix 5: l-r: Group Head, Human Resources, UBA Plc, Patricia Aderibigbe; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Guardian of the Overall Winner, Jacqueline Uzoadibe; Overall Winner of the 2017 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition and Student of British Nigerian Academy, Miss Samuella Sam-Orlu; Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; and Group Head, Secretariat & Corporate Services, UBA Plc, Bili Odum during the Grand finale and prize giving ceremony of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition held at UBA House in Lagos on Monday

One of the past winners of the 2011 edition, Miss Enitan Amodu,  who is now a graduate of Physiotherapy, from Babcock University, said the grant has taken a huge burden off her parents financially, and has also helped to build her confidence.  “Being a winner of this grant gave me a platform to shine and has helped to reinforce my determination that I can achieve anything I set out to do. That is why every day, with heartfelt gratitude to UBA, I have decided to be a worthy ambassador of the foundation by keeping the fire burning most importantly because I don’t want to be another unemployed graduate statistic,” she said

 

The judges, led by a Professor of English (Gender Studies) and Director of Pre-degree Studies, University of Uyo, Mrs. Ini Uko said they  were  impressed with the participants who showed lots of promise as to what to expect of the future of Nigeria, noting that the students wrote intelligently and their ideas were well articulated, new and refreshing. She noted that the judges were also encouraged by the fact that entries came in from students from all parts of the country.

 

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Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

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Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

Dr. Ifeoma Eze isn’t just a preacher; she is a voice that awakens purpose, a mentor who nurtures potential, and a guide leading people back to the true source of value—God. With warmth, wisdom, and an undeniable passion for transformation, she delivers a simple yet powerful message: your worth isn’t defined by what you have, but by who you are connected to.

Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

In her inspiring book, Becoming A Person of Exceptional Value, Dr. Eze drives home a truth that is often overlooked: no one can truly thrive in life without being plugged into the ultimate source—God. “We are not just physical beings trying to have a spiritual experience,” she says with conviction. “We are spiritual beings navigating a human journey.”

She takes readers back to the very beginning—Genesis 1:28—where God gave humanity a clear mandate: be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue it, and have dominion. “This isn’t just about surviving,” she explains. “It’s about thriving, creating impact, and living a life that truly matters.”

But what happens when people try to go through life disconnected from their source? Dr. Ifeoma paints a vivid picture: “Imagine a strong, well-built water pipe. It looks good, but if it’s not connected to a water supply, it serves no purpose. That’s exactly what happens when we try to succeed without God—we may look promising, but we’ll never truly function as we were meant to.”

She also draws lessons from Jesus’ encounter with the barren fig tree. “Jesus wasn’t upset with the tree for simply existing,” she explains. “He was upset because it gave the appearance of having fruit but had nothing to show for it. And that’s how many people are today—outwardly successful but inwardly empty.”

Dr. Ifeoma Eze’s message is more than just words—it’s a heartfelt call to action. She speaks with the authority of someone who has walked this path, someone who has experienced firsthand what it means to be transformed by divine connection. Her sermons are not just lessons; they are life-changing encounters, filled with energy, encouragement, and practical wisdom.

Through Becoming A Person of Exceptional Value, she challenges people to reconnect with God, to recognize their true worth, and to step boldly into their calling. “You weren’t created to struggle in mediocrity,” she affirms. “You were made to shine, to build, to replenish, and to lead. But first, you must be connected to the One who gives all value.”

Dr. Ifeoma Eze isn’t just teaching people how to live; she’s showing them how to truly thrive. And in a world where so many are searching for meaning, her message couldn’t be more timely.

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Business

Ramadan Delight: Enjoy Flexible Payments, Huge Discounts & Exclusive Gifts with Adron Homes

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Ramadan Delight: Enjoy Flexible Payments, Huge Discounts & Exclusive Gifts with Adron Homes

 

In the spirit of Ramadan, Adron Homes and Properties is spreading joy and making homeownership more accessible with its “Ramadan Delight” promo. This special initiative offers incredible rewards and discounts, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions while embracing the essence of generosity during this sacred month.

As part of the promo, customers can enjoy up to 30% discount off land prices and the convenience of spreading payments for up to 24 months with flexible, zero-interest installment options. This incredible offer allows aspiring homeowners to invest in premium estates without financial strain, making their homeownership dreams a reality.

To make the season even more rewarding, Adron Homes is gifting subscribers valuable items, ensuring they experience the true delight of Ramadan. Customers who take advantage of this special offer will receive exciting gifts, including provision packs, provision hampers, standing fans, fruit baskets, microwaves, smart TVs, refrigerators, and many more luxurious rewards. Additionally, essential food items such as bags of rice, cartons of noodles, gallons of cooking oil, and Ramadan hampers will be shared, along with prayer mats and Qur’ans to support spiritual reflection.

Adron Homes estates are; in Lekki-Epe, Badagry, Shimawa, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ede Osun, Osunjele, Ilisan, Jos, Sagamu, Ado Ekiti, Atan Ota, Ikorodu, Papalanto, Ijebu Ode, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, and more. With strategically located estates and a commitment to excellence, the company ensures that clients have access to premium and affordable properties in fast-growing areas.

Beyond offering attractive property deals, Adron Homes is reinforcing its commitment to corporate social responsibility by giving back to communities, mosques, and underprivileged individuals. The company has embarked on a charitable drive, donating food items and relief materials to support those in need, embodying the true essence of Ramadan’s spirit of generosity and kindness.

With the “Ramadan Delight” promo, Adron Homes continues to redefine real estate accessibility while celebrating the beauty of giving. Now is the perfect time for individuals and families to take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to own a home while enjoying heartfelt rewards.

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FIRSTBANK FILES APPEAL

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FirstBank has announced that its FirstEdu product designed to put schools at an advantage in the financing of capital projects such as the acquisition of new property, school expansion and reconstruction has been remodeled to a period of up to a maximum tenor of 48 months.

-INJUNCTION AND STAY OF EXECUTIONC

-ARGO REMAINS UNDER ARREST

 

In a surprising twist of events, its decision delivered today, the Federal High Court in a surprising shift from the true nature of FirstBank ’s claim held that the matter is not a maritime claim but rather, a simple case of debt recovery. This is quite surprising considering the fact that the order sought is to prevent further fraudulent sale of crude on the FPSO.

 

Shockingly, the court also held that the Arrest Order against the cargo, because it was exparte in nature, expired by effluxion of time within 14 days of its issuance.

 

Aggrieved by the decision, FirstBank lodged an appeal against the decision of the FHC. Also, FirstBank filed an application for an injunction of the court against GHL, pending the determination of the appeal. The Cargoes of Crude Oil on the FPSO TAMARA TOKONI remain arrested.

 

While FirstBank has great respect for the courts, it strongly disagrees with the ruling, which, in our view, constitutes a miscarriage of justice.

 

FirstBank remains committed to protecting and securing the interest of its members and will relentlessly pursue justice against mischievous debtors seeking to use the machinery of the law to perpetuate mischief and evade their responsibility to offset outstanding obligations.

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