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‘Why i won Sisi Oge beauty Pageant’ – Chiamaka Chulwrah reveals

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CHIAMAKA Chukwurah emerged as the 10th beautiful lady sponsored by My Heritage, My Pride organisation to this year’s edition of Sisi Oge of Africa pageant held in Lagos recently.

The Anambra State-born queen, who is also an entrepreneur, is the originator of Ama Shoes, a shoe brand that she says would play a great role in providing foot wears for the under-privileged children.

In this interview, Chukwurah equally talks about her pet project, Connecting Smiles, which focuses on assist- ing women and youths.

As an Ibo lady, what motivated you to contest Sisi Oge of Africa beauty pageant?

Sisi Oge of Africa pageant aims to promote African values, culture and identity regardless of ethnicity. It’s open to everyone regardless of your state of origin, so my tribe has got nothing to do with it. Over the years, the pageant has produced nine beauty queens before me and if you look at the demographics of these beauty queens, you’ll realise majority of them are not from Yoruba land.

Who talked you into the pageant?

When I heard of the pageant through a friend, my mind wasn’t made up, and to be frank, I was really reluctant. My mum gave me the go ahead to apply and I made a quick decision that if I wanted to be part of it, I had to win. My mum gave me confidence with her prayers and support. She was that voice that gave me the push. That encouragement was what I held on to even while we were in camp and luckily my dream came true. Twenty of us contested the pageant.

You said your mum is a clergy, would you want to follow her footsteps later in life?

I don’t think it’s for me to decide. That is a total calling from God. But right now, I’m a chorister in my church.

What do you try to learn about your mum?

My mum taught me to be a strong woman. That’s one thing that I wish to be. She has been through a lot of things but despite that she’s still herself. She has not gone into depression thinking God is not with her. Life hasn’t made her not to be the good person that she is.

What about your dad?

He is late.

You have an enviable physique. Have you always been a model?

I have done runway and photo shoots, TV com- mercials for MTN as well as for Hollandia before Sisi Oge pageant. I also featured in ‘10 Days In Sun City’, a movie produced by comedian Ayo Makun (AY).

Aside modeling, did you ever attend a grooming school?

Not really, but my mum used to be a fashion designer. She’s been telling me what to do at any particular point in time. Maybe I should call her my coach, as she advises me on what to do, what not to do, what to wear and what not to wear. For instance, I wear African prints a lot even before Sisi Oge pageant. My mum doesn’t believe in long weaves but she likes me to look very Af- rican in my dressing, and we had no inclination that one day, I would take part in the pageant.

What made you stand out to win the crown?

I put in my best. I said the things I needed to say on point. I think everything just worked in my favour. Be- ing intelligent also helps during a time like this.

Do you have any beauty routine?

I try to eat early enough and drink a lot of water. I eat vegetables and I exercise about two, three times a week.

How’s your project, Connecting Smiles, different from other empowerment programmes around?

Connecting Smiles is a beautiful platform for me to reach a lot of people, put smiles on their faces, empower them, make them look inward and not be dependent. In- stead they should aim to be employers of labour. I want to embark on entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programmes where young ladies and women would acquire knowledge they need to improve themselves. A lot of empowerment programmes are out there but don’t amount to much because they don’t understand the needs of the people and don’t know the right people to empower. My first approach would be to identify these people the connecting way. We all have to put our hands together and do something to assist our youths, and we have been able to identify them. Whether we like it or not, all of us cannot work in the bank or offices. With our pride and our heritage, we want to correct miscon- ceptions about life and living. We need to bring back our lost values. Some of our young ladies are not ready to work; they believe N100,000 monthly salary is not enough, but they should look at what they could do in the long term with their hands and become employers of labour.

You are three months on the throne, what have you done since you won?

The last Children’s Day event was one of my focuses. I organised children and entertained them. I advised and encouraged them and made them smile. They were so happy being around me and they tell me ‘Auntie, you look really African, we love your dressing’; you know, children are fascinated with beauty queens. They were so happy.

You won a KIA car, has your lifestyle changed in any way?

I have traveled to Dubai and the United Kingdom as Ambassador of Africa after the pageant. I’ve honoured invitations to events too. I’m very careful these days.

Any advice for ladies who want to be a queen like you?

Be sure that this is what you want to do. It’s a lot of hard work but be confident, make sure you are intelli- gent and the sky will be your limit.

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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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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

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