Celebation

IWD 2021: CFM Leading the Charge in Women Empowerment

Published

5 years ago

March 7, 2021

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Each year, women across the world celebrate the International Women’s Day (IWD). The day is meant to direct attention to discriminatory practices against women and to rally people across the world to join forces with women to stop these practices that affect the dignity of the female gender. The theme this year #ChoosetoChallenge is a call to action for local and global agencies, corporate organisations and leaders in all spheres of human endeavours to address the gender inequality issues.

Hence, protecting the rights of women and the abolishment of discriminatory cultural practices like female genital mutilation, early marriage, harmful widowhood practices, wife inheritance, female disinheritance, male child preference syndrome and unequal pay for equal jobs are expected to form the major discourses in every part of the world on March 8, 2021.

Women, who make up 57.4 per cent of the global workforce, have become a strong force for driving social and economic growth. Women have also been proven to be change agents. They are talented at transforming detailed concepts into valuable insights. Women are also more emotionally intelligent in sensing issues that are critical to the health of a family, a corporate organisation or a nation. Therefore, providing more platforms to deepen women involvement in key growth areas is essential to the overall wellbeing of the global population. However, this would require bringing the lingering issues of gender inequality to the fore and challenging the impediments to gender balance in the society.

Education remains a major issue in gender equality. Girls are under-represented in education, particularly in developing economies. UNESCO reports that one out of every four females do not complete primary education. While educated women are more likely to become strong economic enablers for their communities, keeping the number of women who receive formal education low shortchanges the developing economies of the vital contributions of this highly talented section of the society.

Financing is another problem. Globally, access to loan facilities by women to pursue their business dreams is disproportionately low. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that there is a 9% gap between women and men in terms of access to a bank account. “In sub-Saharan Africa, only 37% of women have a bank account compared with 48% of men, a gap that has widened over the past several years. The figures are even worse in North Africa where about two-thirds of the adult population remains unbanked and the gender gap for access to finance is 18%, the largest in the world.” Limiting women’s access to financial facilities, which is key to boosting the gender’s entrepreneurial drive, is restricting the capacity of women to empower themselves and contribute to the economy.

In terms of employment opportunities, Hans Glick of Global Citizen, a web portal, said that although women participate in two-third of the total global work hours, they earn about one-tenth of the global income. Proposing that a framework that ensures equal pay for equal jobs among the genders should be aggressively pursued to encourage more impactful women economic participation. This pursuit cannot be restricted to public agencies or governments alone. It is also relevant in the private sector.

Looking inwards, while Nigeria has made very marginal progress in terms of drawing public attention and raising awareness for gender balance, with the hope of giving due recognition to women and availing them the opportunities to contribute to nation building and the economy. Not much has happened in terms of deliberate action to back this, policy statement or enforcement. Today, the nation is still far from where it should be and can certainly do more.

Regrettably, gender inequality in the country is perpetuated and encouraged by different cultures and beliefs. Depending on what part of the country you go to, you’ll find that it is more entrenched in some places than it is in other parts.

Even though gender inequality is a much deep-rooted epidemic in the public sector, it isn’t limited to the public sector, as it exists also in the private sector. Issues like women being denied the same work rights as men, sexual violence and exploitation, and discrimination in public and private offices, persist and remains huge impediments to attaining equal rights for women. The country must therefore realise that only societies that value women and men as equal can make meaningful growth and development as they are safer and healthier.

It is not all gloom and doom though. Nigerian women entrepreneurs are increasing in numbers daily and which must explain why they are now being referred to as the rising stars of this emerging economy. And what women are simply doing is turning their passion for food, cooking, baking, fashion, beauty, technology among others into businesses. Industrious and enterprising young Nigerian women, stepping out of the norm of a 9 to 5 job to build their own brands and create something that will possibly outlive them.

Not too long ago, February 2017 to be precise, the BBC, reported that Nigeria has the highest number of female entrepreneurs in the world, as forty percent of Nigerian women are entrepreneurs, which is higher than anywhere else in the world. It’s hard not to believe this when you look around and see the number of successful businesses owned and ran by women.

There are several examples of such exemplary women, Nike Majekodunmi – Founder/ CEO, Nuts About Cakes, Kene Rapu – Founder/ CEO, Kene Rapu Shoes, Linda Ikeji – easily Nigeria’s most popular blogger and many others like them who are building institutions and legacies.

Crown Flour Mill Limited, a subsidiary of the Olam Group, an agribusiness conglomerate, has been championing women empowerment across its value chains. The makers of Mama Gold flour brand and other quality flour brands, used in local bakeries to produce bread, cake and pastries, have consistently pursued and implemented impactful initiatives that give equal opportunity to both male and female employees, distributors, partners and consumers.

Mrs Karen Adwao, who runs Handmade by Karen Baker, and Mrs Esther Adjarho, owner of Dea-Rho Cakes and Events, are two small business owners who currently do business with Crown Flour Mill (CFM) and benefit from the organisation’s initiatives which also empower women.

The two women entrepreneurs testified to the transformations that their businesses experienced in their relationship journeys with the leading milling company and its products. Speaking about her experience with Mama Gold Flour, Mrs Adwao said, “Having Mama Gold Flour has opened a whole new world to me. There’s nothing I cannot make. I love Mama Gold Flour”. Mrs Adjarho in her case had this to say: “Doing business with Mama Gold Flour has not only impacted me positively, but I’m also able to transfer what it has imparted in me to others who are aspiring to be entrepreneurs”. Furthermore, on the issue of gender equality she opined that women would do very well if put in strategic positions because of their ability to multitask and their level of emotional intelligence. Women in Nigeria have not been given enough opportunities to contribute to nation building and in the few instances where opportunities have been provided, the right level of support and flexibility has been lacking.

The testimonies of these two women entrepreneurs underscores CFM’s commitment to the growth and development of the feminine gender. Equally important is the fact that CFM is an equal opportunity employer. The company has built a strong human capital base made up of diverse talents due to its policy of equal work equal pay for its workers as well as its robust and inclusive human capital development practices. Ashish Pande, the Managing Director at CFM, while reiterating the company’s commitment to gender equality, said, “We are committed to ensuring that women enjoy equal opportunity throughout our value chain – from our processing units, offices and senior management to all our distributors and users’ channels.”

According to Ashish Pande, CFM continuously provides on-the-job training and promotion opportunities for its female employees while ensuring each employee receives equal pay for equal jobs. These employee and channel management strategies have positioned the food manufacturer as an equal opportunity employer. Only recently, the organization was named an employer of choice in the African region, for 2021 after emerging with a strong score card during an HR Best Practice survey conducted by Top Employers Institute, a global authority on recognising excellence in people practice.

As CFM joins the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day, the company has reiterated its readiness to continue to promote gender parity in its workplace through the celebration of its people and their contributions, particularly the female employees. It remains committed to highlighting the benefits of a gender balanced workforce even in its trade partnerships, supply chain, and other stakeholders’ engagements.

Celebation

Primate Ayodele Celebrates With Christians On Easter

Published

1 year ago

April 20, 2025

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As the global Christian community gathers to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader and Spiritual Head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, extends warm Easter greetings and heartfelt prayers to believers around the world.

“Easter is more than a celebration—it is the foundation of our Christian faith,” Primate Ayodele declared. “It marks the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a reminder that no matter how dark the night, joy comes in the morning.”

He emphasized that Easter is a symbol of divine love, sacrifice, and the ultimate price paid for humanity’s salvation. “God, in His infinite mercy, gave His only begotten Son to die for the sins of mankind. Jesus endured rejection, suffering, and crucifixion—bearing what He did not deserve—all for our redemption. Such love is unmatched, and it demands from us a response of gratitude, obedience, and reflection.”

Primate Ayodele urged Christians to go beyond the festivities and reflect deeply on their lives. “While we rejoice in the power of His resurrection, we must also look inward. Are we living lives that glorify God? Are we walking in love, truth, and righteousness? Or are we, through our actions and choices, crucifying Christ all over again?”

He continued, “This season calls for genuine repentance. It calls for a personal revival—a renewal of our commitment to God and His word. We must allow the spirit of God to lead our conduct in every aspect of our lives—our homes, our communities, our nation, and the Church.”

The Prophet also used the occasion to speak to national and global issues. “In a world plagued by war, division, poverty, and injustice, the message of Easter is more relevant than ever. Jesus rose to give us peace, and as His followers, we must be instruments of that peace. Let us extend love to our neighbours, forgive those who have wronged us, and stand together in unity.”

He encouraged political leaders, community heads, and citizens alike to embody Christ-like values. “Our leaders must lead with integrity, humility, and compassion. Our people must rise above hate, greed, and corruption. Only then can we truly reflect the glory of the risen Christ in our nation and among the nations.”

Primate Elijah Ayodele offered prayers for peace, healing, and restoration. “I pray that this Easter season brings healing to the brokenhearted, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. May the power that raised Jesus from the grave revive our families, restore our dreams, and rekindle our hope.

Celebation

Alhamudulilahi, says Egungbohun @55

Published

1 year ago

March 3, 2025

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On my way to his Ilaro-Yewa office to wish him well on his imminent 56th birthday celebration—about ten feet away from the doorstep of his Mosque where he had gone to say his Fajr Salah prayer—I was about to prostrate before him.

He wouldn’t carry his esteemed charisma; he makes people feel at home with him anywhere, anytime; not only while bowing before Allah (Ruku), facing the Kaaba in Mecca!

The Chairman, IBD Impex Ltd, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun, the Olu-Omo of Yewaland, is known for his live and let live lifestyle; his humility is enviable to all persons of genuine godliness.

Before I could complete the prostration process, “how are you Simon?”, he drew me up. Good morning sir, May Allah accept your prayers sir, “amen”, he said. “Let’s go into the office”, he directed.

It was some minutes to seven o’clock. Sat on a cream coloured leather sofa, he offered me the seat to his right while seated his cousin, Prince Babatunde Elegbede, on the left sofa.

The four walls of his office, in addition to a well spacious space dedicated to seating of Honours, were filled with Awards of Competitive Importance. Those received within Nigeria were competing favourably with lots of captivating Laurels offered from overseas.

I couldn’t remove my gaze in time from one of the photographic frames which portrays the renowned Customs Comptroller General, Col Hameed Ali Ibrahim (Rtd) dressed in the Same sparkling White Kaftan attire with Chief Ibrahim Egumgbohun, the famous IBD Dende.

Individuals who had accepted the arrest rumour at that time may have to fact-check their sources. After reading this, they may have to consider contacting the former CGC to confirm whether Chief Egungbohun was his arrested suspect or invited stakeholder? The Portrait in his office remains a sight to behold.

Perhaps, Chief Egungbohun understood my admiration for the photograph. He allowed some minutes so that my eyes may feed to satisfaction on the portrait. Then, he asked, “anything about the picture”? I said, some people must see this. He said, “if you think so”.

I greeted him again, and said, I am here wishing you happy birthday in advance sir, your 55th birthday coming up in the next eleven days, he nodded in affirmation.

My visit mainly was to x-tray his mindset over the unprintable names that “a cabal of dissidents” called him, starting some days to his last birthday.

I wanted to know to what extent the “defamation” has disturbed, destabilized or discouraged him from continuing his nature as a provider of succour to the needy.

He was ready to respond. He said, “Aburo, my belief is that Allah is the Ultimate Sustainer; He guides, protects, delivers and blesses”.

“On the issue of helping people, don’t go there. Except Allah, no other persons or things of discouragement can stop me from giving my widow’s mite to the underprivileged.

“I always tell you. I am not wealthy. It is just the way Allah wired me, simple!

“You know, in addition to my Freight business, I think you know the farms. Me, I can’t stop giving”.

Speaking further about what I can describe as his 2024 ordeal, he said, “Once you know the ulterior motives behind any challenges facing you, then such challenge is almost gone. The propagandists knew about my good relationship with the Presidency. Those sponsored propaganda published against me was apparently a fight-back by the oppositions of the government, especially those against the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Service Chiefs. They alleged that the NPF, NCS, NA, and even the DSS aided the smuggling of contrabands laden trucks tagged, ‘Headquarters Movement’ for the use of bandits and terrorists.

“All those lies they told against me, using me as a lead, to discredit—in their own silly imaginations—the whole security architecture of this Sovereign Nation, all in their bids to cause anarchy in the land, Haba! Unfortunately, this Nigeria is our only Country.

“What else can I say? In the same year that all those things happened was the year I was honoured with several recognitions for patriotism and exemplary leadership across developmental strides in the society, among which were an Award of Excellence on “Community Leadership and Border Sanity” by NUJ Osun State Council, held at the Council’s Secretariat, Osogbo and the most recent Fellowship of the ICT Polytechnic, Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State, under the leadership of Dr Abiodun Oluseye, relying on my Community Development services.

“Yes, I am a business man of about four decades in this country. They can’t erase the fact that God has been for me, as I have been ensuring that I operate within the arms of the law.

“Just as I told you last year, ‘ẹni tó bá sá bọ̀tì ló máa bẹ̀rù òjò’. I so believe in the fact that ‘Òtítọ́ ló máa lékè, àti pé ẹni tó bá jẹ gbì ì ló máa kú gbì ì’.

“Today, a year later, though the case is in Court, but upon all their sponsored machinations and falsehood, Nigeria is growing; both in economy and security wise. Infact, President Tinubu is proud of the Nigeria Customs Service led by CGC Adewale Bashir Adeniyi MFR.

“The icing on the cake is that the Service surpassed the target given to it by the Presidency by over ₦1trn, remitted a huge sum of ₦6.1trn.

Recently, they were looking for ways to hang the tragic assassination of Yomi Adetula on me, saying he was their key witness in the Libel Lawsuit I filed against them. Imagine their level of extreme cruelty!

“For the sole reason that I have never been a gun runner, nor have I had anything to do with assassins but a patriotic, God fearing and kind hearted Nigerian businessman, Allah will continue to shame whoever chooses to join their cabal of dissidents, no two ways about it”.

“All I can say as I am clocking 56 is Alhamudulilahi!

“On my birthday, the 3/3/25, God willing, as usual, my families, colleagues and a few of you, my media friends will join me to say thank you Allah for continuing to be my Sustainer”.

Pinned to a reporter’s Diary, SIMON FAKEYE’s visit to Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun, the IBD Dende, yielded more wisdom, reemphasizing life’s positivity in the face of challenges, giving flight to my dream as a media professional to continue to diffuse smear campaigns by sticking to the truth, regardless of the circumstances.

Celebation

Primate Ayodele Celebrates Mother, Personal Secretary On Their Birthdays

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2024

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The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has penned congratulatory messages to his mother, Deaconess Margaret Ayodele and his personal secretary, Professor Rosemary Osubo as they celebrate their birthdays today Saturday, 28th of September, 2024.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement, described his mother as one of his strongest pillars and a special gift from God to help him navigate through life. He appreciated God for keeping her alive to be able to witness the mighty things that have happened through his ministry.

Primate Ayodele noted that his mother is the true definition of a virtuous woman who would do everything possible to ensure that her children are comfortable. The prophet also narrated the role his mother played in becoming an individual who is now globally recognized.

‘’My Mother is someone I will always adore because she is God’s special gift to me and one of my strongest pillars on earth. She is not just a woman but a virtuous one who would do everything to make her children comfortable. I have no idea of how I would navigate through life without my mother, she’s my personal guardian angel.’’

‘’My success story cannot be narrated without my mother, she was there in good and bad times, she is an ever-present mother and I am grateful to God for keeping her in good health and in good shape.’’

‘’Many now see me as a prophet who is globally recognized, God has been using my ministry powerfully but my mother is the foundation of it all. She ensured that I follow the path of Christ and today, I am who I am because of God and my Mother.’’

In the same vein, Primate Ayodele eulogized his personal secretary, Professor Rosemary Osubo for upholding the trust he has for her over the years.

Professor Osubo who lectures at the University of Lagos is one of the quality personalities around Primate Ayodele. Several reports have described her as someone who is hardworking, dedicated, trustworthy, and upright in discharging her duties.

Primate Ayodele noted that Osubo has demonstrated humility while exerting professionalism in working as his personal secretary. He hailed her dedication to work while praying that God grants her more years in good health and prosperity.