Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

By Taiye Olayemi

TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria, on Saturday donated N1 million each  to two charity homes – The Care People Foundation and Galilee Foundatio in Lagos.

Its Managing Director, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, announced the donation during the 27th TotalEnergies Charity Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Club 1938.

Bouyer said the activity was deliberately organised to gradually eradicate poverty and help the less privileged in the society.

According to him, more danations realised from individuals who participated in the tournament would also be given to the charity homes.

“This event evokes the essence of giving, echoing the profound truth in the inspirational words of Horace Jackson Brown Jr – “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

“Drawing inspiration from the teachings that span across faiths and humanity, we believe that all participants in this charity tournament continue to experience the unique joy derived from selfless giving.

“Beyond the exhilaration of golf, a sport that enriches life and relationships, the act of contributing to charity adds a fulfilling dimension to our collective experience.

“TotalEnergies places premium on a healthy work-life balance, and it remains a steadfast supporter of sports and games, recognising their social benefits in fostering unity, solidarity, networking, leadership and promoting good mental health.

“The beneficiaries for 2023 edition are the Care People Foundation, Ibadan and Galilee Foundation, Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.

Bouyer noted that the annual recurrence of the event on the company’s calendar was a testament to its unwavering commitment to giving, especially to the less privileged.

According to him, this was in aligning seamlessly with TotalEnergies overarching goal of becoming the world’s most responsible energy company.

He said TotalEnergies’ involvement in golf sponsorships was extensive as the company’s charity golf tournament hold a special place in its events calendar.

“So, we count on your generous spirit to contribute to the identified charity homes.

“Our sponsorship extends to various events, including the TotalEnergies AFCON, National Men’s Division One and Two Basketball Leagues, Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG), and the OML 58 football tournament.

“Golf legend Arnold Palmer proclaimed, ‘In charity, there is no excess’.”

He applauded the collective efforts of everyone who had worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event as well as the golf section of Ikoyo Club 1938, for providing the venue and support for the charitable endeavour.

Mrs Favour Tioluwani, Vice President of The Care People Foundation, said TotalEnergies had been of tremendous help to the charity homes, haven supported the home with several materials.

Tioluwani said recently, TotalEnergies gave out 50 wheelchairs to the home.

“TotalEnergies has been so consistent in supporting our children for the past 15 years, in the area of academics, feeding and all. We say thank you, we are grateful and May God continue to promote your company.”

Also, Dr Gregory Egbadon, Executive Director, Galilee Foundation, said: “We are really grateful for this donation and a lot more you have done for us; we get subvention every year from you, infact TotalEnergies has been so wonderful to us.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 98 players participated in the tournament while Adebayo Alli emerged overall winner with 37 points; John Vassaur, the first-runner-up with 33 points and Folabi Balogun, the second-runner-up with 32 points.

Also, for TotalEnergies staff, Mr Paul Brisibe emerged overall winner in the male category with 31 points while Adesua Adewole won the female category with 23 points. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

Organisers of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) on Thursday said the 107th edition of the forum would hold for the first time in West Africa, specifically Lagos, Nigeria, from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15.

Dr Alex Okoroji, President of WEF in West Africa, made this known at a news conference in Lagos.

Okoroji, who doubles as the G100 Global Chair for Media, Arts and Communications, said that the 107th WEF would be preceded by the G100 West Africa Meetings to hold from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12 in Lagos.

She said WEF was an international conference platform for women’s greater visibility, voice, recognition and networking for pursuing “business beyond borders”.

According to her, WEF West Africa kicked off its two-part event with a digital conference in March to mark the International Women’s Day with participants and attendees from many countries.

She noted that the second part would feature a three-day cross-cultural engagement to create a global circle for conversations, connections, collaborations and celebration.

“The three-day event will take place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15 after the G100 West Africa Meetings happening Dec. 11 to Dec. 12 at the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Lagos with a VIP Meet & Greet with policymakers.

“The WEF West Africa edition is the first-of-its-kind regional edition that brings together women leaders and men allies from across the world and within our region into Nigeria.

“This is to discuss the most pressing issues and global solutions for women in business, society and across industries.

“This is a unique opportunity to connect with influential women leaders, learn from their experiences, share ideas, build networks and create opportunities for economic growth.

“It is also a chance to raise awareness of the challenges facing women in business while advocating for policies and programmes that support women’s economic empowerment,” she said.

Okoroji said that the WEF was organised with support from the WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council in partnership with G100.

She described the G100 as an influential group of 100 global women leaders from across the world in 100 diverse sector wings, supported by eminent He for She champions and 100 country clubs for powerful advocacy, awareness and impact across governments and global organisations.

Okoroji said that the WEF-West Africa 2023 edition would include in-person discussions and digital sessions, networking and collaborations to promote leadership around the world.

“It is meant to encourage women to grow their businesses, build successful careers and amplify their influence, impact and income.

“Day 1 will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Influence for a Resilient Future” with a keynote address and VIP plenary sessions featuring presentations and panel discussions on leadership and management.

“There will also be presentations on education, health and wellness, art, media and entertainment, fashion and beauty as well as culture and tourism.

“Day 1 will conclude with a VIP gala and honour ceremony, were 100 women will be celebrated and honoured at the WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala in collaboration with WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council.

“Presentations and discussions on Day 2 will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Impact for an Egalitarian Future”.

“The final day of the conference will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Income for a Sustainable Future” and will feature presentations and panel discussions as well,” she said.

Earlier, Shweta Srivastava, Secretary, WCCI Nigeria-India Chapter, said, “I am glad to be part of this. It is time to explore the power of global networking to strengthen our businesses and learn from one another.

“I encourage everyone to be there.”

Also, Noela Ugwu, Nigeria Chair, Intercultural Dialogue for G-100, noted that the forum was of great importance in view of the fact that a lot of women had been noticed to be marginalised in trying to contribute to societal growth.

She said it was time to harness the endowments of women to bring about further growth in the society.

For Dr Carolyna Hutchings, Vice President, WICCI, WEF was not a platform for women to come together to kick men off, but a platform to work together to achieve common goals.

“We are here to collaborate not to compete,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has vowed to reform the transportation sector and tackle all forms of thuggery around motor parks.

President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, stated this shortly after presenting certificates of attendance to 17 members of the association, on Friday in Abuja.

The 17 members completed a strategic leadership, ethics and policy-making training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), at Kuru, near Jos in Plateau state.

The RTEAN president was also presented with the Nigeria Silent Heroes Award (NSHA).

He said that the constitution of the association frowns against any kind of thuggery and hooliganism.

Maitakobi said the leadership training acquired by its members will change the perception some Nigerians have about road transport workers.

“I want to use this medium to thank NIPSS. This is good for those of us who are educated. Initially, the public see us as touts and hooligans.

“But when you go through our constitution, we have the mandate to eradicate touting and hooliganism in motor parks. This also shows that our members are educated because you can’t approach NIPSS if you are not educated.

“Interestingly, we have started seeing the impact of this leadership training. The people who attended NIPSS will take it back to their state chapters and also train others.”

He said that members of RTEAN are not used to causing trouble, saying “you can’t compare us to other unions.

“If we are aggrieved, we usually channel our complaints to security agencies because we don’t believe in violence. Take the example what happened in Lagos on Monday where we held a rally and it was peaceful.”

He urged members of the association against unethical conducts and to be law abiding

“I want to tell our members that anywhere you find yourselves, please be a law-abiding citizens. Don’t put yourself into a position that will cause problem.

“You should not allow anyone to use you. I know that going to do a rally or protest is your right but don’t destroy any properties or fight with security agencies.”

Earlier, the Kaduna State Chairman and Vice President, North West, RTEAN, Adamu Jalaludeen, who also took part in the leadership training, said the association was taking its rightful position among labour unions.

“In the past, there has never been a leader who has done this. Our president decided to chose from the rank and file to go for the leadership course.

“He sent us not because we are the best but because he has the interest of the association at heart. This means RTEAN is taking its rightful position in the scheme of things.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

The only solution to the oppression and suppression of the Muslim woman of today is the strict application of the fundamental human rights of the woman as enshrined by the Qur’an and exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)

These were part of the submissions of Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman of the Department of Islam and Development Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, when she delivered the 35th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University with the topic “

Deconstructing The Notion Of Oppression And Suppression Of Women In Islam: Revisiting The Islamic Versus Universal Concepts of Human Rights” on Tuesday 26th September 2023, at the Assembly Hall of the University.

According to Professor Saadatu, the rights to freedom that the modern woman is glamouring today have been given to the Muslim women over 1400 years ago by Islam as proven by the Qur’an and Hadīth and in the formulations of the Sharī’ah. She noted that these rights pertain to marriage, divorce, property, inheritance, custody of children, and evidence of reward and punishments among others.

While affirming the rights of Muslim women, the Professor of Islamic Studies further opined that the Qur’an and Hadīth of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) have given the Muslim women unpprecedented rights that have not been given to them by any religious civilization or by any human rights organization including the United Nations.

Other topical issues discussed by Professor Saadatu during the lecture include the place of Gender in Islam, leadership roles in the family, women’s education, child and forced marriage, divorce rights, concepts of polygamy, women’s political participation, the veil (Hijab), challenges due to traditional cultures amongst a host of other issues affecting the Muslim woman.

In his remark, the visitor to the University and Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe said Nasarawa State is proud of Professor Saadatu Hassan Liman for being the 1st Female Professor of Islamic Studies from Nasarawa State and the second in Nigeria, he also congratulated her for successfully delivering the 35th Inaugural Lecture of the University.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed remarked that the Inaugural lecture series affords Professors the platform to address national and topical issues and also to profess on areas they have conducted researches to the benefit of the general audience to understand and gain useful knowledge.

Notable dignitaries who attended the Inaugural Lecture include the founder and first visitor to the University, Distinguished Senator, Abdullahi Adamu, former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, former Governor of Bauchi State, Dr Ahmed Adamu Muazu, past and serving government functionaries, past and serving Vice-Chancellors and Heads of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, Royal fathers and dignitaries from all walks of life.

The high point of the event was the presentation of the plaque of honour to the celebrant by the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Saadatu Hassan Liman was the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration.