News
Glamour As Fashola, Others Celebrate Ankara L’anta boss {Photos}
BEST Western Hotel, Iyaganku, Ibadan, was transformed last Saturday, 19th January, as Dame Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, joined family, friends and associates from all walks of life to celebrate the Chief Executive Officer of Ankara L’anta, Mrs Ebunoluwa Ashiwaju who recently added another year.
Guests, especially the women folk trooped in to enjoy the day filled with good music, comedy and positive educative programmes such as Work Life Balance, Sex Clinic among others was next to none.
(L-R) celebrant’s father, Mr Franklin Clement Ashiwaju, Mrs Abimbola Fashola and Ebunoluwa Ashiwaju
Ankara L’ anta boss, Ebunoluwa cutting the birthday cake
Speaking at the well – coordinated and seamless event, Mrs Fashola who described the celebrant as a kindhearted and generous person, also urged women, especially those going into politics to be themselves, and not lose themselves to situations around them.
“Be yourself, say it the way it is; not everybody will like you. But be truthful, know your limitations and love God”, Fashola harped
While describing women as nation builders, she averred that “if good values are not inculcated in female children for them to become women with good character, the society will be in shambles”.
Speaking also, the celebrant’s father, Mr Franklin Clement Ashiwaju noted that the celebration of Ebunoluwa by the family, friends and associates was not only because of her success story but her contributions to humanity.
According to him, “my daughter is so generous almost to a fault and with all these that she has started is not for her self alone, but of course she’s doing this almost like a give away and even giving back to the society which she makes money from as well”.
He continued, “I thanked God that I have her as my daughter and I am grateful to God. I am always very happy, I am proud of her.
” She gets on with the family. All my children, they work as a team they love each other and that’s the way they have been brought up with love. I pray that God will lead her to a land of promise and destination”.
Continuing, in a chat with the Event Diary Crew of Mega Icon Magazine, the celebrant, Mrs Ebunoluwa Ashiwaju informed that she decided to bring no fewer than 50 women together on her birthday to share experience, network and learn from each other.
The celebrant, Ebunoluwa Ashiwaju
“ I have always wanted to gather women together to have good time with them, to hang out and for them to speak out. You know a lot of people are going through so many things , a lot of women are depressed and I find out that the bottom line is because we really don’t get time to hang out together to talk to each other.
“Some are even going through more difficulties and they are still able to carry on”.
Ankara L’anta products stand at the event
She, however hoped to continue the project on a quarterly or annual basis.
The classy and memorable event, also had in attendance wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi, ace gospel musician, Mrs Tope Alabi and other top business tycoons.
Photo credit: Lypix Photography
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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