Nigerian Business Mogul, Aliko Dangote, Ranked 'World's 6th Most Charitable Person'

The philanthropist attitude of Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote group was recognized and highlighted by Richtopia, a digital periodical that covers business, economics, and financial news, based in the United Kingdom, on Wednesday as the richest man in Africa was named as the sixth most charitable man in the World.  Dangote recently endowed his foundation to the tune of $1.25 billion

Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and J.K Rowlings occupied the first three positions while Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk were in the fourth and fifth position respectively.

 Aside Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa was 11^th on the lists and these two were the only Nigerians on the lists.

 Aliko Dangote started his foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation in 1981, with a mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities.

Aliko Dangote Foundation was however incorporated in 1994 as a charity in Lagos, Nigeria. 20 years later, the Foundation has become the largest private Foundation in sub Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor. The primary focus of Aliko Dangote Foundation is health and nutrition, supported by wrap-around interventions in education, empowerment, and humanitarian relief.


Among many others, it would be recalled that the foundation gave out a whopping N2.5 billion, the same amount the Federal Government also donated for the purpose of ameliorating the sufferings of the flood victims during President Jonathan era.
The Foundation, in line with its mandate to provide relief in times of disaster, spread its philanthropic works beyond the shores of Nigeria with a donation of $1 million to the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.  The gesture was meant to support the government’s efforts in providing relief to the victims of the earthquakes that occurred in the country.
The Foundation also recently came to the aid of victims of the communal clash between Yoruba and Hausa traders and residents in Ile-Ife, Osun State with a donation of N50 million and also also donated N500 million as assistance to victims of the fire outbreak that occurred recently in five major markets in Kano.

The Foundation has also  been at the forefront of alleviating the conditions of people in IDPs. The Foundation in 2011, gave the sum of N364 million to IDPs across Kaduna, Bauchi and Gombe states after the post-election violence which rendered many homeless while the sums of N100 million and N60 million were respectively donated to victims of flood disaster in Lagos and Oyo States the same year.

Dangote Foundation donated N39.34 million to those IDPs displaced by the communal clash in Benue state in 2014.

While N42.5 million was used in feeding 5000 IDP households across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states last year, N100 million and N50 million were respectively contributed to the Appeal fund raised by Daily Trust to cater for the IDPs in the Northeast and to support the Adamawa Peace Initiative all for the IDPs. The sum of N1 billion was also recently pledged to Victim Support Fund for IDPs across the Northeast.

Through the Foundation, Dangote invested N2 billion to create jobs and end hunger for Borno State residents living in Internally Displaced Peoples camps(IDP).

Consequently, the Dangote Foundation came up with a micro grant scheme aimed at empowering the grassroots dwellers with funds to help them undertake petty trading so as to lift their economy.

Already, 256,500 women in states such Kano, Jigawa,, Kogi, Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe have benefited from the scheme that is expected to move round all the 774 local government areas across the nation.

Following the endowment to the tune of $1.25 billion recently by the founder/President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Dangote Foundation has unveiled a new name and logo, and it is now called Aliko Dangote Foundation.

TOP 50 AMALA JOINTS ACROSS NIGERIA (For The Traveler)

One of the foods held in high esteem in Yoruba land is Amala. Amala is usually taken with its accomplices; Gbegiri and Ewedu. It is one of the foremost Yoruba delicacies, especially in Oyo State, western Nigeria capital state. A peculiar food believed to give vigor when munched, Amala is typically taken with ‘abula, a combination of “ewedu” and “gbegiri” and be complemented with assorted meat parts its devourers fondly call ‘orisirisi’. Travelers who are in love with Amala never miss the delicacy while on the road, and they prefer it hot and supple.

Below is the list of A-Class Amala joints selected from across Nigeria.

Mama T (Adenike, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso)

Amala Polaris (UI gate, Ibadan)

Canada (Ebute Metta, Lagos)

Iya Eba (Beckley Str, Lagos Island)

Iya Ope (Oshodi, Lagos) 

Iya Mulika (Oshodi, Lagos)

Village Kitchen (TBS, Lagos)

Iya Yusuf (Tanke, Ilorin)

Iya Amina ( Olunlade, Opposite Michael Imodu  Institute, Ilorin) 

White House (Sabo Yaba, Lagos)

2doors (Mushin, Lagos)

Mama No 1 (Under G, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso) 

Mama Kasim (Akure) 

Omo Olope (Ado Ekiti) 

Yakoyo (Ita-Ore, Ekiti bypass)

Iya Oyo (Katsina) 

Iya Ayo (Sabon Garin, Kano)

University of Amala (Idimu, Lagos)

Lagos Kitchen ( Ogbomoso-Oyo road)

Eyitayo (Oyo)

Amala Sogo (Oyo)

Iya Oyo (Wuze, Abuja)

Iya Ibadan (Jabi, Abuja)

Yakoyo (Kubwa, Abuja)

Winners (Utako Abuja)

Amala Place (Kubwa, Abuja)

Ojuelegba (Gwarimpa, Abuja)

Amala Spot (Ikenegbu, Owerri, Imo State)

Iya Bimbo (Itaoshin Garage, Abeokuta)

Embassy (Osogbo)

Oyo Amala 

(Magodo, Lagos)

Alhaji Joint (Osogbo)

Yetty Mama (Osogbo)

Iya Ruka (Phase I, Adeniji,L/Island)

Iya Niyi (Minna)

Madam Saje (Refinery Road, Warri)

Princess Food Canteen (Along Okene Road)

Amala Joint (FUT, Minna back gate)

Omo Yoruba oint (Sapele)

Olaiya Joint (Opposite FSS, Unilag)

Olaiya Joint (Shitta, Surulere)

Iwe Iroyin Joint (Abeokuta)

June 12 Canteen (Oke Owode, Ogbomoso)

Iya New Road (Ijebu Ode)

Odoegbo (Ijebu Ode)

Iya Moria (DLI, Unilag)

Owodunni (Bariga, Lagos)

Next Level (Oke Koto Agege)

Iya Alake (Maryland)

Oluwanishola (Minna)

-compiled by Ademola Folorunsho

Living An Impactful Life: Apostle Suleman's Words of Exhortation

“The moment you ask Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord, your sins are forgiven and your slate is wiped clean. God is no longer holding your past sins against you,” begun the servant of God and senior Pastor at Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) Apostle (Prof.) Johnson Suleman, as he mounted the rostrum at the just concluded The Supernatural 2018 which held at Lausanne, Switzerland between Tuesday, October 2nd and Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018.

A caring pastor, who always lives a godly life, faithfully loves and teaches God’s Word to people, Apostle Suleman, no doubt, recognizes how tremendous the challenge is to be a leader and model; thus when he has the opportunity, he does offer from his position, ideas, words of encouragement, and exhortation that will be a blessing to all.

Teaching God’s Word is a privilege and a blessing, but it is no easy task. However, some leaders make it look easy, and this is based purely on grace. According to the firebrand preacher, “we can have the same name, the same title but what separates us is our impact. We can have the same name, the same title but what makes one stand out is his impact. God is not looking for men with titles; He is looking for men He can tie Himself to. If you are not making impact as a preacher, the world will be too busy to hear you. What makes you stand out as a preacher is your hunger for impact.”

At the two-day impactful gathering, the ‘Oracle of God’ gave teachings on some important and foundational Christian beliefs from which participants drew a deeper understanding of God and His works on mankind. “When a man has out-grown his present stage, God uses circumstances to push him out to a higher level,” he delivered to the mammoth crowd at the conference. Further, Suleman warned on the influence of friendship, urging men to “mind the people you associate with, because sometimes there is group punishment for private sin.”

Apostle Suleman has authored passion-packed books that touch on living an impactful life as well as books that speak about revolutionizing the Church. From his writings, Christians especially will find solution to challenges, and encouragements.

The servant of God’s sermon also addresses the issue of authenticity; how genuine a man should be. Dissecting his address, it says it is possible for a man to practice an outward display of holiness, without in actuality, having inner reality of godliness.

“A man’s outward demonstrations of goodness may be no more than mere hypocrisy”, posits Suleman, adding; “It is what you do in secret that reflects in the public.”

Urging on hope, Apostle Suleman says that Christians hope is a realistic expectation of joyful longing for future good. “It is not until we have hope and move beyond the misery stage that we are able to find a magnificent lesson to be learned. No matter how bad your situation may be, do not panic. Have hope,” he concludes.

David Akhimien Declares for President, Emerges GDPN Sole Candidate

 

 

 

Dr.  Davidson Isibor Akhimien  on Friday,  September 28 2018, declared to run for the office of the president of the federal republic of Nigeria.  Davidson who declared under the Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria (GDPN)  is the only presidential aspirant of the party.  

Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria is a party poised to cater to the people and society of the grassroots and up the ladder of the social status. 

 

And this, the presidential aspirant emphasized through his very apt speech on the day of his declaration.  

 

 

 

DIA as he is fondly called made his declaration amidst pomp and ceremony in the presence of a teemingly enthusiastic crowd with the party chairman, Ambasador Odion Shedrack Okpebolo and other party delegates in attendance.  

 

 

 

Passionate about Nigeria and the current situation she is enmeshed in DIAwho hails from Edo state and born in 1965 in Kaduna has promised to make the living condition of the average Nigerian a favourable one.  

 

 

 

A philanthropist of benevolent altruism with the sole intention of increasing the well-being of mankind, DIA, a polyglot, fluent in Hausa Yoruba, Igbo,Esan, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish (a working knowledge) is a man of his words and is ready to take Nigeria to the next level of near perfection.  

It is instructive to note that DIA attended Army Children's school Kakuri, Kaduna state, Nigeria Military school Zaria, Kaduna state. Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna State. 

 

 

 

He bagged a B.A combined Honours in (French and Portuguese)  from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. 

 

 

 

He has a diploma in Portuguese, Universidade de Brasil; a diploma in French, Universite  Nacionale du Benin, Lome, Togo; PGD Theology (Pastoral Ministry), Babcock University,  llisan-Remo, Ogun state; Masters in international Law &Diplomacy,  University of Lagos, Lagos; Masters in Criminology, University of Lagos, Lagos; PhD, Political Science (Peace &Conflict Resolution)  "in view" Babcock University. 

 

 

 

DIA is currently the Chairman/CEO of King David Group of Companies with vast interests in Industrial Security, Protocol Services, Logistics, Hospitality and Garment Manufacturing.  

 

 

 

He is a serial entrepreneur, an employer of labour with over 8,000 staffers on his pay roll across Nigeria.  

He is the National President, Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN). 

 

 

 

DIA is a visionary, a philanthropist with lots of charitable feats under his belt,a motivational speaker, a darling husband, father and brother.

 

 

Top Lawyer, Kabir Shote, Emerges Ijebu Central House of Reps Candidate

prominent lawyer, Taiwo Kabir Shote, has emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ijebu Central Federal constituency in the 2019 general elections.

The primaries for the House of Representatives seat were held peacefully today (Wednesday). He is expected to slug it out with candidates from other political parties in the next election.

Following his victory, Barr Shote expressed his appreciation to the party leaders, elders and delegates who trooped out in large number for the event.

He commended all the stakeholders for their perseverance, orderly and peaceful conduct that led to a successful primary.

In his own words, "I am indeed humbled by my emergence as the flag bearer of our party in Ijebu Central Federal Constituency for the 2019 House of Representatives election, but I will like to state that this is our collective victory. The primary was only the first step in our match to victory and the Green Chamber in Abuja. 

"As a party, we must continue to work as a team to deliver victory at next year's general election. You, my dear leaders and elders, who constitute the delegates, endured the long hours, the pushing and shoving and the scorching sun to elect me to represent you and our party at the general election. For all these, I will remain always indebted and committed to you.

Barrister Shote, added,"I intend to run a vibrant, open, inclusive and issues-based campaign. A campaign that will have the input of all our Stakeholders. A campaign that will accommodate all interests and tendencies within the PDP family.

“I appeal to all PDP members in Ijebu Central Federal Constituency to rally behind me and all other PDP candidates for various positions, towards ensuring that the party records wide-ranging and resounding victory in the 2019 general election.

“It is time for all of us to unite and forge ahead together as a people with a common destiny. It is only as one big family that we can achieve the desires of the long suffering people of Ogun State."

Mosseri Takes Over As Instagram Head

Following the resignation of Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Facebook has appointed Instagram’s Vice President of Product to become head of the photo-sharing social network.

While the official story remains that Systrom and Krieger resigned to take some time off to explore their curiosity and creativity again, and possibly to pursue building a new start-up from scratch, inside sources insist the real reason Systrom and Krieger departed was disagreements with Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg over the direction of the app.

Their departure was months after the resignation of co-founder and CEO of WhatsApp, Jan Koum. Koum quit Facebook in April over disagreements about data privacy, advertising and encryption.

The story of Mosseri taking over was sold to the public as a means to pursue continuity to Instagram. Systrom and Krieger who broke the news of his appointment wrote in a blog post, “Since we announced our departure, many people have asked us what we hope for the future of Instagram. To us, the most important thing is keeping our community — all of you — front and centre in all that Instagram does. We believe that Adam will hold true to these values and that Instagram will continue to thrive.”

Adam is also perceived by many to be close to Zuckerberg, and getting the job as a result of that, but Systrom and Krieger are sure Instagram is in safe hands with Mosseri.

Amosun Commissions Gateway Polytechnic Apps Devt. Centre

Determined to ensure that Nigerian youths explore the opportunities that abound in the information, Communication and technology sector, Ogun state governor,  Ibikunle Amosun has commissioned the Gateway ICT Polytechnic apps development centre.

The centre which focuses in software and mobile application developments was commissioned at the 2nd Convocation Ceremony of the institution.

Representing the governor,  Commissioner for Education, Modupe Mujota said the government will work to ensure the institution partners with global players on sustainable development in apps development.

Her words " I am looking forward to a lot of creativity,  we are also going to be trying to connect the school with global players,  who knows the likes of Google and a lot may take a look at what we are doing here,  but indeed is a great work"

Speaking on what necessitated the centre,  Rector Gateway ICT Polytechnic,  Dr. Isaiah Oyeyinka said the aim is to train undergraduates that will be independent,  imbibe the entrepreneurial spirit and be self-sustaining in a country that is relatively dependent on oil.

His words, "not only that we will train people on apps development,  we will also do technology incubation,  we will nourish their company to grow before we release them to the society. We took the cue from places like America where they incubate their technology and that is why you see great things coming forward from such a place. 

Dr. Oyeyinka said the polytechnic is committed to continue in its determination to provide qualitative programmes in Engineering,  Science and Technology,  ICT within the mandate of the National Policy on Education and subject to regulations of the National Board for Technical Education.