Features
Evolution of Citizens’ Quest for Truth Initiative

When, in 2019, a non-governmental and non-profit organization – Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, came on stream, not a few persons consigned her future to the dustbin. One of the reasons stemmed from the fact that people knew next to nothing about the vision and mission of the NGO. Another being that, to most of such initiatives, political colouration won’t allow them to stand the test of time.
This later group of persons therefore spared nothing in their avowed commitment in seeing that every step of Citizens Quest in realizing her objectives, was smeared with putrid political innuendos and, sometimes, outright dismissal. Interestingly, the harder the naysayers entrenched their vitriolic punch, the higher Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative record more success stories. Before long, the NGO has become a household name in the interrogation of all tiers of government policies viz-a-viz their implementation.
As an accountability advocacy group which concerns itself with holding government at all levels accountable for their actions, activities, programmes and policies, Citizens Quest invokes the rights of a citizen to investigate government policies, as they affect the people, and visit project sites for unbiased assessment.
Founded by Chief Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe, a seasoned journalist and advocate of good governance, Citizens Quest has a National Executive with existing structures and membership across the 9 states of the Niger Delta region.
As a registered Non-governmental Organisation with the Corporate Affairs Commission, some of the aims and objectives of Citizens Quest include, but not limited to raising future productive leaders that will be passionate about transforming the society. This is in addition to engendering platforms for active participation of youths in regional integration and nation building.
In the course of an interesting interview recently, Chief Christie Obiaruko Ndukwe, revealed some of the propelling motivations for the formation of the NGO. According to her, “I noticed that it is difficult for anybody to appreciate those in government and it is difficult for those people in government to also see the views of the masses without bias. So, I decided to strike a balance by coming up with the idea. Where the government is doing well, we will support them and encourage them. If there are areas they need to probably make some changes, we also let them know as we speak to the people, who will trust us enough to pour out their hearts to us.”
It is therefore that desire, the commitment to strike a balance that gave rise to the several quests the organisation had embarked upon to bring to the fore the truth concerning project execution by the various tiers of government and their agencies, especially those of the Niger delta region.
A brief trip into the advocacy journey of Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, otherwise known as “Search4TheTruth/C4Urself”, might suffice here.
The journey started with a test run wherein projects done by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were highlighted. This opened a Pandora box ranging from abandoned projects, substandard project execution and, most regrettably, frightening cases of outright stealing of funds meant for projects that were never executed.
Besides, on June 30th, 2020, Citizens Quest beamed her investigative searchlight on the long-abandoned Chokocho-Igbodo Road in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. The outcome of this quest was, to say the least, appalling. Being a federal road, the group thereafter, made frantic representations to the federal government to come to the aid of the affected communities .
One of the landmark achievements of these advocacies remains the return to site of various contractors handling the long-abandoned East-West Road project. It would be recalled that following the spirited interface between Citizens Quest and the Hon. Minister o Niger Delta Affairs, on the one hand, and between Citizens Quest and the contractors handling the project, on the other hand, our dear President Muhammadu Buhari caused funds to be approved and released for the completion of the all-important road. It is heart-warming to state that SETRACO and RCC are working round the clock to ensure quality and timely delivery of the East-West Road project.
In view, therefore, of his commitment to the realisation of this project in record time, it would not be out of place to commend the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for granting the advocacy group listening ears.
The success stories so far recorded by Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative would not have been possible, but for the leadership prowess of the Founder and President of the group, Chief Christie Obiaruko Ndukwe. A woman who tread where others fear to tread on. Like the goldfish that has no hiding place, her unique and innate leadership qualities have, at different times, brought her to the fore to be recognised and celebrated as an Amazon of her time.
Only recently, she defeated two serving First Ladies to emerge DMOMA Award Lady of Excellence in the South East and South South part of Nigeria. The Award ceremony, which was held Sunday 13th December 2020 at Azny Theatre Hall, Abacha Road, GRA, Port Harcourt, also saw Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative coasting home with two ornamental awards, first as a Proactive Group of the year, South-South and South-East and again, as Special recognition for speaking for the masses.
With benefits of hindsight, the nomination as WOMAN OF THE YEAR by the African Women Industrialization Award on Chief Christie Obiaruko Ndukwe, did not come as a surprise because Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative has, through her various programmes, become a household name in the champion for good leadership, youth advocacy and youth empowerment.
Beyond steering the waters for good governance in the Niger Delta region, Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, has concluded plans to launch out into the deep waters of leadership disequilibrium in other states of the federation. The task may be daunting, but it is achievable.
Community
Abiodun declares state of emergency on flooded Isheri community
…assures residents of permanent solution after comprehensive assessment

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

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

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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