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When We Ought To Beat The Drums By Dr. Tony Osakpamwan

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There comes a time in the life of a people that a consensus is reached for a change of the status quo. The barometer to measure this change comes from a variety of arithmetics ala societal values, mental psychometrics of the people, human re-engineering and the driving propulsion of government.

Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavour.

It is against the backdrop of the foregoing that the ‘apathetic’ silence that greeted the recent awards to sixty distinguished Nigerians who have made huge, stupendous developments to the Nigerian film and movie industry comes to mind. This was part of the activities to mark 60 years of the country’s independence from the colonial masters early in the month of October. The award was entitled, “60 ICONS THAT HAVE SHAPED THE NIGERIAN FILM AND VIDEO INDUSTRY. It was delivered by the Federal Government of Nigeria via the National Film and Videos Board, NFVB.

The dead silence was toxic, sickening and a very bitter pill to swallow for most well meaning Nigerians. For many of us, the growth of any nation is not always measured in financial or monetary terms. There are other moral and value-base imperative requirements for nation building. Let us not be deceived, we can preach unending until ‘karanamoda’, nothing will change in our society if the fundamental tripod of behaviour is not in place. These are values, role models and mentoring.

It is pertinent to note that Edo State is arguably the cultural capital of Nigeria. Proudly saying that as an Edo man nothing minding whose ox is goored! On the strong 60 awardees list, Edo state had two of our illustrious son’s. They are Sam Loco Efe (of blessed memory) and of course the movie Czar, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. It is shocking that there has been no mention or recognition for these worthy sons of Edo. Sam Loco Efe is extra terrestrial, but Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen is very much with us. Bringing out the drums to celebrate the achievements of these dynamic duo has huge ‘moral generator power’. It is intrinsic.

As a people burdened with vices such as crime, thuggery and agberoism; an award like this is an opportunity to leverage and promote sound moral rectitude for our teeming youths and upcoming generation. In their citations, the NFVB stated that men like Sam Loco Efe and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, “have broken new grounds, and continue to do so and open doors of opportunities, and have made indelible marks that have molded the Nigerian film and video industry”. They have brought honour, dignity and respect to the motherland. Such monumental achievements ought to be celebrated. The drums ought to be rolled out to herald these men and women of repute who have transverse our landscape like a colossus.

For Edo state is currently on a strategic transformation under the dynamic leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki. The zooming lens which our beloved son, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has brought on Edo is an added impetus. We can look no further for a motivation or inspiration for our teeming youths and children. A proud Edo son of the irk of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen needs to be celebrated. Herein lies the challenge for the Edo state Ministry of Youths, the Ministry of Arts and Culture, our print and electronic media in Edo state, and the Uhunmwode local government council where our illustrious son hails from. Na where all of una dey? Where lies the moral regeneration that we all preach? Is it just mere lip service? Are we really serious about the value paradigm shift we crave. We cannot always put the blame of our shortcomings on a Governor or President alone. Yes, they are culpable at times, but each of us has a role to play in the moral redirection of our society.

The likes of Sam Loco Efe of blessed memory, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and other Edo state sons and daughters who have put our state on the global map should be celebrated. We are gradually reducing our existence to a four year cycle of political campaigns and elections while other important aspects of our lives dwindles. We cannot afford to remain this way. There’s still ample time to correct this anomaly. The various agencies of government at all levels must be alive to their responsibilities proactively. The glory of distinguished edolites like Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen should be harnessed to inspire a new generation. A movie czar like him is an evidential role model who can mentor upcoming Edo sons and daughters.

So let us roll out the drums and let the music begin.

Dr Tony Osakpamwan Agbons writes from U.K.

Community

Abiodun declares state of emergency on flooded Isheri community

…assures residents of permanent solution after comprehensive assessment

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Governor Dapo Abiodun


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday declared state of emergency on the flooded  Isheri community,  in Ifo Local Government Area of the State, as he assured residents of the area quick intervention to save the situation.

The governor added  that a comprehensive assessment that would lead to permanent solution to the menace of  flooding in the affected area  would be conducted very soon.

Prince Abiodun, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after inspecting the flooded community, said that his administration is working with the federal government to deal with the situation as an emergency case.

He noted that the time has come to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding to make the area morw conducive for living.

According to him, the state government will see to the elevation of some roads in the area as parts of the solutions to the problem.

The govenor said: “We will prioritize the works here because I am touched with what I have seen. I will ensure that we immediately begin to see signs of relief as we are stepping this up. The Minister of State for Environment is already aware. The Vice President is already aware and also the president. It will be dealt with as an emergency and we are taking it as such.

“As an emergency, I will like to take it up myself. Please continue to bear with us as we are going to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what we need to do to make this place conducive for living.

“Whatever that assessment comes up with is what we are going to implement. So, we are going to first start with ensuring that we have the required road infrastructure at the appropriate levels.

“So if you now built in such a way that we need to relocate you, we have to do that. Whatever it is that we must do to ensure that place does not persistently experience flood, we will do it. But let us wait for the result of the studies to come back and then we will begin to take that decision as and when the situation arises.”

Addressing residents of Riverview Estate, Governor Abiodun said he has requested for an area survey of the entire estate to identify critical areas that needed immediately intervention.

He assured that the intervention would come through the construction of an elevated road with adequate drainages to mitigate their suffering.

“I want to assure you today, knowing fully well that we are a promise keeping administration, we do not say what we do not mean, my heart goes out to you, it is very unfortunate, I am giving my commitment today, the commissioner for works will come and see what needs to be done.

“We have also engage the Minister of State for the Environment, who fortunately, is from Ogun State and I have already brought this to his attention.

“Before the end of the week, I will also table it before the Vice President and the President as well so that we ensure that this problem gets all the desired attention and consequently gets the desired solution so we can bring this to an end,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that he and the Minister of Water Resources would visit the community in few days time.

“We will also discuss the issue of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and try and interrogate the activities there and understand how their activities affect this community and other communities with respect to the opening and closing of the dam,” he said.

The governor described the environment around the Kara cattle market as an eyesore and not befitting the dreams of a “new Ogun State”.

He said that the market was not conducive for human living and not in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals and waste disposal.

He, however, acknowledged the area as one of the biggest commercial operation that provide services to a large number of people, even as he assured that government would go into a satisfactory agreement with the market men and women after which a comprehensive beautification of the area would take place.

The Chairman, Riverview Estate, Abayomi Akande, in his remarks, intimated the governor of the suffering residents of the area are going through as a result of the flooding.

He said that there is a need for a panel of inquiry into the operations of Oyan Dam to stop incessant release of water to cause havoc in the State

He applauded the governor for sending miscreants packing from the road, saying residents of the axis have suffered robbery attacks and other criminalities for quite awhile.

Akande urged the state government to think of converting the area into a Government Residential Area (GRA) through Public Private Partnership arrangement to fast track its development.

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MediaTek, Airtel Nigeria intensify collaborative efforts to bolster mobile connectivity in Nigeria

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Airtel’s logo


Lagos, Nigeria – October 12, 2023 – MediaTek, a global leader in semiconductor industry together with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider, briefed the local media on Thursday on their collaborative efforts, to drive technological advancements and improve mobile connectivity across the nation.
The collaboration introduces MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity. This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before.


Speaking during the session, Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing at MediaTek, Middle East Africa, highlighted MediaTek’s commitment towards expanding its footprint across the Smartphone and Smart Device ecosystem in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.
“MediaTek is at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, and we are proud to lead the way in key sectors like Smartphones, 5G Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, TV, and AI-IoT. In Nigeria, our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, revolves around three core areas of focus. In connectivity, we are enhancing high-speed internet access with our advanced chipsets.”


“In the Smartphone domain, we are committed to offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones. In the realm of AI-IoT, we are exploring new possibilities and technologies. Thus, this will promote digital inclusion, revolutionize connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Osman.

In addition, he said, “This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our MEA agenda, laying a robust foundation for the future of 5G technology. As we move forward, we are excited to lead in technological progress within this continually evolving region.”


Ismail Olusegun Adeshina, Director, Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the partnership with MediaTek and how it will provide affordable connectivity to Nigerians. He stated, “Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology. We’re proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria”.


MediaTek powers globally recognized brands and remains dedicated to providing state-of-the-art innovations through its latest products and solutions. These offerings span a diverse range, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive technology, satellite connectivity solutions, and next-generation wearables.


MediaTek’s product portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G smartphones, MediaTek HelioG series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things applications, MediaTek Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for cutting-edge automotive technologies, among others.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/

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Bigi Brand’s Annual “Watch & Win” Promo Returns with Grand Prizes

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The award-winning Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink brand, a product of Rite Foods Limited, is delighted to unveil her highly-anticipated fourth edition of its “Bigi Watch and Win” promo. Designed exclusively for movie enthusiasts in Lagos and Abuja, this exciting promo offers participants the opportunity to watch their favourite movies and win fantastic prizes.

From September 18, 2023, to November 18, 2023, movie goers can enjoy any film of their choice at Silverbird Cinemas and receive a raffle ticket. These tickets can be redeemed for a chance to win incredible prizes, including laptops, Bigi products, printers, perfumes, and more. The grand prize for this edition is a brand-new car.

The first edition of “Bigi Watch and Win” took place in 2021, and later that same year in December, the Bigi brand held another edition. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, demonstrating Rite Foods Limited’s commitment to rewarding brand loyalty among its valued consumers.

Ms. Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi, expressed her excitement about the fourth edition of the promo, saying, “We’ve partnered with Silverbird Cinemas to enhance people’s movie-going experience. Movie lovers can enjoy any of our 13 Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink flavours while watching their favourite films and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.”

Ms. Aransiola also mentioned that her favourite part is witnessing participants’ reactions when they discover the incredible prizes they have won, particularly the grand prize—a brand-new car. She encourages potential participants to check @getbigi on all social media platforms for the terms and conditions.

Through the “Watch & Win” promo, the Bigi brand accentuates Rite Foods Limited’s dedication to supporting the entertainment industry. The brand continues to sponsor movie premieres, as it has in the past with movies such as “The Prophetess,” “Progressive Tailors Club,” and “Aki and Pawpaw.” Additionally, it has been a consistent sponsor of the popular talent discovery platform, Nigerian Idol, for three consecutive seasons (6, 7, & 8), helping aspiring Nigerian singers achieve their dreams of stardom in the music industry.

The “Watch & Win” promo, combined with other effective marketing initiatives, has earned the Bigi brand numerous awards within its market segment. In 2023, Bigi Cola was honored with the “Best Value for Money” award at the BrandXchange Consumers Value Awards. In 2022, it received the “Fastest Growing Cola Brand of the Year” award at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards in Lagos. The Bigi brand also claimed the “Most Outstanding CSD Brand of the Year” award at the 2021 Brandcom Awards, solidifying its position as a market leader in the beverage industry, outperforming its competitors.

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