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UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa Plc, is calling on all Senior High School students in Ghana to participate in the 2017 edition of the National Essay Competition (NEC). Launched in 2014 in Ghana, the competition provides a competitive platform to develop the intellectual and writing abilities of Senior High School students in across Africa.

At a colourful ceremony at UBA’s Ghana’s head office, the launch was attended by a number of UBA’s senior executives, staff and representatives from the Ghana Education Service and beneficiaries from previous editions.

The Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana, Abiola Bawuah was pleased with the bank’s contribution to education in the country so far.

“For three consecutive years, we have organised and sponsored nine students at the tertiary level, and this year we are hoping to make it 12. We are committed to this and will keep supporting students who strive to achieve academic excellence in cognitive writing among other academic disciplines” she said.

She added that, “the number of essay entries received last year was an improvement over the previous years and we are encouraged by this. The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition is amongst the top academic competitions in the country at the moment. We have guardians and students who call in to ask when the competition is starting. It tells from the outside how keen the competition is getting and also reminds us of how we cannot fail the people”

The CEO of the UBA Foundation, Bola Atta talked about the contribution of the Foundation to the first nine beneficiaries of the NEC in Ghana who are currently at various institutions in Ghana receiving quality education. Of the competition, she said, “there is no looking back on this. One of our key focus areas is Education as it leads to empowerment especially for the youths who are the future leaders on the continent. We have launched in 3 African countries presently and plan on extending this to all countries in which we operate. I’d like to wish all the hopefuls success with their entries as this is a potentially life changing competition for many’.

Mr. Augustus Owusu-Agyemfra, the Deputy Director of the Secondary Division of the Ghana Education Service in his remarks praised UBA for their contribution to education and pledged their support to sensitise all Senior High Schools of the UBA Foundation Essay Competition. “I have heard of the competition and I have learnt of its contribution. We will use our connection with all the schools to ensure this year’s competition is well promoted”.

In her testimonial, Ms Dorcas Darko, a previous winner who is in her third year at the University of Ghana shared her experience with the guests.

“UBA has been very instrumental in my education. For me it was like a test to myself. In the least did I know I would emerge among the top three. My parents didn’t have to stress to raise my school fees because UBA had it covered. Am grateful to the organization and especially the UBA Foundation. I would like to encourage everyone who qualifies to participate in the competition. UBA are really true to their words”

Master Frederick Asante, also a previous winner, recounted his moments. “To me it was very challenging. I learnt a lot through participating in the UBA Foundation Essay Competition. It broadened my horizon and tested my cognitive skills. I would like to thank the Foundation for their support and like to entreat high school students take it serious this time”

The students stand the chance of winning educational grants to help their tuition in any African University of their choice. The National Essay Competition in Ghana has produced nine winners, some of whom are studying in various universities in Ghana.

Entries for the fourth edition start on Thursday, October 5 and will close on Friday, November 10. Applicants are required to submit handwritten essays of not more than 750 words to any UBA Ghana branch or to the head office, Heritage Tower in Accra, on the topic: “Galamsey or illegal mining has been a menace to the Ghanaian society causing ill effects. As a student, what ways or methods do you suggest can curb this societal problem?”,

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JUST IN: After 23 Months Of Suspending Operations In Nigeria, Emirate Airlines To Resume In October

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Emirates Airlines has stated that it is prepared to resume direct flight service from its base in Dubai to Nigeria twenty-three months after it halted operations there.

The airline made this announcement on Thursday through its official X account.

The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return flight EK784 will leave Lagos at 1730hrs and arrive in Dubai at 0510hrs the next day.

“We’re back, Nigeria! We’ll be resuming services to Lagos from 1 October 2024, and we can’t wait to offer unrivalled connectivity to Dubai and beyond to over 140 cities,” the tweet read.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria. The Lagos-Dubai service has traditionally been popular with customers in Nigeria and we hope to reconnect leisure and business travellers to Dubai and onwards to our network of over 140 destinations. We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers back onboard.

“With the resumption of operations to Nigeria, Emirates operates to 19 gateways in Africa with 157 flights per week from Dubai, with further reach to an additional 130 regional points in Africa through its codeshare and interline partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Air, among others.

“As a major economic hub in Africa, Nigeria and the UAE have built strong bilateral trade relations over the years, headlined by Lagos as the nation’s commercial centre. With the resumption of daily passenger flights, the airline’s cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, will further bolster the trade relationship by offering more than 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity, in and out of Lagos every week.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, hinted at the development earlier.

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Adron Homes Throws Grand Party To Celebrate Customers [PHOTOS]

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In a momentous gesture of gratitude and recognition, the Adron Homes Management Team orchestrated a surprise celebration at the esteemed West Park & Gardens Estate, Paradise City, Ayegun Adron City, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, on the 12th of May 2024. This grand event, meticulously organized by the Directorate of Estate at Adron Homes, aimed to honor and appreciate the valued residents and homeowners of this prestigious estate.

Under the distinguished chairmanship of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, the Chairman/CEO of Adron Homes, the event unfolded with an air of elegance and prestige. Accompanied by many top senior directors including :

Mrs. Ajobo Adenike – Deputy MD, Southern Nigeria;Ms. Shola Orunmuyiwa – Group Director Legal Bureau ;Engr. Stephen Ogunbiyi – Technical Director;Engr Sola Okanlawon – CPC Southern Nigeria;Arch. Bolaji Mustapha – PD Upland World;Mr. Christopher Adeogun-Director Internal Control & Compliance;Engr Kole – Chief Director Power & Energy ;TP Rotimi Dipeolu -Director of Physical Planning and Development ;Ms. Omotola Alonge – Director of Construction & Building Materials,Mr. Michael Oyadele -Director of Public Affairs; Engr Festus Fatunbi-Deputy Project Director Upland World;Mr. Kunle Aliyu -Director of Estate Western World and other esteemed Partners and consultants ,the occasion was a true testament to the community’s significance and vitality.

A highlight of the celebration was the official inauguration of the New Executive Committee of the West Park & Gardens Estate Residents Association (WEPAGERA) by the esteemed Chairman/CEO, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing himself. With Mr. Idris Adejumo leading as Chairman and a stellar team of executives by his side,which include :

-Elder Abayomi Olatunji – Vice Chairman;

-Mr. Akintunde Akinpelu – General Secretary;

-Mrs. Aderonke Adelakun – Assistant General Secretary;

-Mr. Musbau Yekini – Financial Secretary/Treasurer;

-Mr. Babatunde Adesesan – Assistant Treasurer;

-Mr. Sakiru Opeyemi Aliu – Publicity Secretary;

-Mr. David Akinbi – Assistant Publicity Secretary;

-Dr. Sola Popoola – Ex-Officio/Adviser;

-Dr. Ademola Adebayo – Ex-Officio/Adviser;

-Grandma Esther Adeyemi – Ex-Officio/Adviser;

-Alhaji Ismail Adeyemi – Security Coordinator;

-Mrs. Gbemisola Adelakun – Projects/Maintenance Coordinator;

-Rev’d Olufemi Tokede – Zone 1 Coordinator;

-Mr. Oyewumi Adelakun – Zone 2 Coordinator;

-Mrs. Elizabeth Olade – Zone 3 Coordinator

the committee embodies a vision of unity, progress, and excellence, promising to steer the community towards greater heights.

Residents, professionals, and top senior officials from Adron Homes alike were swept up in the joyous atmosphere of the event. Questions were entertained by the Adron Team, fostering an environment of open dialogue and camaraderie. Residents were encouraged to embrace a culture of inclusivity and neighborly love, transforming West Park And Gardens Estates into a beacon of hospitality and warmth, attracting potential landlords seeking solace in its tranquil surroundings.

The Adron Homes Management Team pledged their unwavering support to the newly inaugurated WEPAGERA committee, vowing to work hand in hand to make West Park & Gardens Estate the epitome of excellence in the entire southwest region. The residents, in turn, expressed their heartfelt appreciation for this initiative, applauding the management of Adron Homes for their commitment to their well-being and happiness.

As the celebration drew to a close, filled with laughter, music, and entertainment, it symbolized not just a moment of revelry, but a reaffirmation of the strong bonds that unite West Park & Gardens Estate. In this enclave of luxury and harmony, residents and management alike come together to create a thriving and prosperous community, setting a shining example for others to follow.

See photos below:

 

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Interest Rates Would Stay High Until Inflation Is Curbed — CBN Governor Cardoso

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso has hinted interest rates would remain high until inflation rate subsides.

Cardoso, on Monday, in a Financial Times report also noted that orthodox policies would be implemented to tame inflation.

In March, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 33.20 percent, from 31.70 percent in February.

Consequently, CBN’s monetary policy committee (MPC) raised the interest rate by 200 basis points in March to 24.75 percent.

Cardoso said there is “every indication” that MPC would “do whatever is necessary” to rein inflation.

“They will continue to do what has to be done to ensure that inflation comes down,” Cardoso said.

“Let’s face it: for a long period of time, the CBN did not embrace orthodox monetary policies.

“We want to go back to using an orthodox method, and it will take us to where we want to go.”

Cardoso said the apex bank had been “reoriented” to focus on “price and monetary stability”.

He said the official window of the foreign exchange (FX) market has been stabilised.

According to the governor, investors previously had a “tendency to head for the window” in response to currency fluctuations, however, there has been a “fundamental shift”.

“They’re getting more comfortable with the market,” Cardoso said.

The naira fell to its lowest level of N1,627.40/$ in the official FX window on March 8 but rallied to N1,154.08/$ on April 18, after which the local currency began to lose its gains.

As of May 10, the official FX rate stood at N1,466.31/$.

Also, Cardoso maintained that raising interest rates has been crucial.

He hoped that high interest rates would not linger for too long and act as a disincentive to investment and production.

“Hiking interest rates obviously has had a dampening effect on the foreign exchange market, so that has begun to moderate. It’s not a zero-sum game. You lose on one side, you get on the other,” he said.

He said inflation was higher than he had hoped, blaming “distortions” mainly due to high food prices.

Cardoso said it is not directly within CBN’s control.

Food inflation rose to 40.01 percent in March, compared to the 24.45 percent rate recorded in the same month last year.

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