Tony Elumelu, Cindy McCain, Address Africa’s Youth Unemployment, Hunger Crisis at UNGA79

 Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), hosted a reception with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), to highlight youth unemployment and hunger in Africa, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly meetings, in New York City. The gathering convened philanthropists, entrepreneurs, change makers, policymakers and global leaders.

Dialogue centred on two pressing themes, fundamental to Africa’s transformation: providing a lasting solution to hunger and the transformative potential of entrepreneurship to eradicate poverty on the continent.  With over 7,500 of Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneurs drawn from the food sector, the link between sustainable access to food and entrepreneurship was clear. The event was also an opportunity for WFP, once again, to highlight the “forgotten” humanitarian emergencies ongoing in Africa, including Sudan and the DRC, where WFP is delivering in the most challenging of environments. McCain detailed WFP’s efforts to mitigate hunger in global conflict zones, including Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine. Both McCain and Elumelu underlined the urgency and the need for novel approaches, going beyond short-term fixes, and creating sustainable, empowering solutions. Hunger in Africa is often a direct consequence of climate change and Elumelu reiterated the need for an equitable approach to climate and sustainable energy across Africa.

The event also served to introduce WFP’s exclusive philanthropic initiative, spearheaded by McCain, which aims to unite global leaders in the pursuit of Zero Hunger. “We are at a pivotal moment where global hunger has reached alarming levels, fuelled by conflict, economic instability, and the climate crisis. WFP is supporting communities in need across the globe, but we cannot do it alone. Political and private sector leaders must step up now. We need bold action and innovative partnerships to turn the rising tide of humanitarian needs. If we all join hands in the fight against hunger, we can achieve our shared ambition of a better future for all,” said McCain.

Elumelu spoke of the vital role entrepreneurship plays in fostering stability, growth and purpose. He said: “Entrepreneurship creates economic resilience and plays a critical role in preventing crises. 783 million people are affected by hunger worldwide – this is a humanitarian issue, a global crisis. At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we empower young African entrepreneurs who will build resilient economies from the ground up and drive sustainable change, ensuring prosperity even in the most fragile contexts.”

Again, Isiaka Facilitates Instructional Materials For Secondary Schools In Ifo—Ewekoro Federal Constituency

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

The House of Representatives member of Ifo—Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka has again facilitated the distribution of instructional materials to Senior Secondary Schools in Ogun State.

The Distribution was facilitated through National Institute For Education Planning in conjunction with Funism Global Service Limited provision of instructional materials for Secondary Schools.

The material distributed were textbooks, desktop and laptop computers, projectors, notebooks, modern blackboards, mathematical sets, drawing boards, Public Address system, Plasma Television among others to Ifo and Ewekoro Local Government Amebo Newspapers NG. learnt.

The beneficiaries of the instructional materials were Anglican Grammar School, Openly Ifo, Ifo High School, Ifo and Nawarudeen Grammar School, Solu in Ifo local government area. In Ewekoro, Ifedapo Community Comprehensive School, Availability, Papa High School, Owu Community Secondary School, Elere Adubi respectively.

During the distribution, Rt Hon Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka who was on oversight function was ably represented by Chief Abiodun Folarin, he extended the gesture of Hon Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka to the beneficiaries, noting that the empowerment of Ifo and Ewekoro is the priority at hand.

“Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka will not relent in his empowerment programme for his constituency, he choose it as his priority and we are in the season of ensuring our people in Ifo and Ewekoro get something doing, the idle hands is the devils workshop, that was why we have ensure Motorcycles, Sewing machines, Grinding machines, Tricycles were adequately distributed to equip our people and give them daily earnings.” Said Abiodun Folarin

Meanwhile, some youths and undergraduates were given training on Fabric and Trade in July and after the training they were all given cash to kickoff their respective businesses and most of them are doing extremely well in their new careers.

Construction of blocks of classrooms and laboratory was also facilitated by Rt. Hon Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka and most of the buildings are near completion in Ifo and Ewekoro Federal Constituency.

Isiaka admonished the management of the secondary schools to make good use of those materials and inbibe in maintainance culture to enable the instructional materials last longer and serve it purpose to the students.

Abdul Samad Rabiu Donates N2 Billion to Support Maiduguri Flood Victims

In response to the recent devastating floods in Maiduguri and President Bola Tinubu’s call to private sector to support recovery efforts, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Industrualist, philanthropist and Founder of BUA Group, one of Africa’s leading conglomerates, has extended a donation of N2 billion to aid the victims and support recovery efforts in Borno State. The donation includes N1 billion in cash and N1 billion worth of essential food supplies, aimed at alleviating the suffering of displaced persons and communities affected by the floods. This was made known when a delegation from him visited Maiduguri to deliver the food items as well as the cash donation.

Speaking on the donation, Abdul Samad Rabiu, who is the Chairman of BUA Group and founder of ASR Africa, reaffirmed his commitment to standing by Nigerians in times of need. “The recent flooding in Maiduguri has caused untold hardship for thousands of families. I believe it is my responsibility and that of my organisation which is deeply rooted in the fabric of Nigerian society, to act swiftly and meaningfully in providing relief to those affected. This N2 billion donation to the victims of the recent flooding in Borno is one way of supporting the most vulnerable in times of crisis.”

The N1 billion worth of food items consists of flour, pasta, sugar, rice, and other essential commodities. These will be distributed to the hardest-hit areas to provide immediate relief. In addition, a N1 billion cash donation was presented to the state government through the governor to ensure that aid reaches those in need as swiftly as possible.

Abdul Samad Rabiu, through the philanthropic arm of his company, BUA Foundation, and his personal philanthropy, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), has continuously demonstrated his commitment to supporting communities across Nigeria and Africa at large, particularly during crises. This latest contribution is part of broader effort to support recovery and rebuilding efforts across flood-affected regions in the country.

In collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, BUA Foundation and ASR Africa will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the necessary resources are provided to help the people of Maiduguri recover and rebuild in the wake of this disaster.

Abdul Samad Rabiu added, “Our thoughts are with the families and individuals who have been affected by this disaster. As we continue to extend our support, we urge other corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to join us in this effort to restore hope and rebuild lives.”