UNWIND Service Provider, UNWIND Service Provider, Joycee Awosika (Founder, UNWIND), Queen Edokpa (Business Development Manager, UNWIND), UNWIND Service Provider, Ibukun Ogunro (Operations Manager, UNWIND) and Jumoke Soetan (Client Support Manager, UNWIND)
The UNWIND Team held a Media Parley at their office in the heart of Victoria Island, where they introduced the new Tech App that is here to disrupt the wellness industry – UNWIND.
UNWIND is a Mobile App that caters to the needs of people by providing them with wellness services in the comfort of their homes, offices, wherever… The UNWIND App is founded by Joycee Awosika and on its all-female Management Team are Tommie Edwards (Chief Technology Officer), Queen Edokpa (Business Development Manager), Abiodun Williams (Provider Success Manager), Ibukunoluwa Ogunro (Operations Manager) and Adejumoke Soetan (Client Support Manager).
During the Parley, Joycee Awosika spoke passionately about how the UNWIND App was born during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the year 2020, a time when people were tired of being at home and desperate for therapeutic rejuvenation.
Globally, about 20% of spa rooms are occupied and the other 80% are left unused because a lot of people are unable to visit traditional spa centers physically, due to busy schedules.
UNWIND is therefore aimed at changing the wellness industry, with a key focus on helping Clients achieve their wellness goals with ease. Queen Edokpa explained: ‘’With the UNWIND App, you are able to book a nearby Certified Therapist directly to your doorstep anytime, anywhere, and at your convenience.’’ Indeed, UNWIND is an innovative intervention intentionally designed to democratize wellness.
Research reveals that the wellness industry is worth over 4 trillion dollars and the numbers are growing fast! The global spa industry, specifically, is worth about 122 billion dollars. Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing markets and this continent is the fastest-growing continent.
UNWIND launched in Lagos, Nigeria, and should expand within the next three months to other states such as Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano, with a view to eventually launch in other regions in Africa including Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa.
Professional setup for a rejuvenating Therapy Session
One of the “Media Parley” Journalists Enjoying A Quick Massage
The UNWIND App is not only catering to people’s wellness needs; it is also contributing immensely to the growth of the wellness industry by providing Spa Therapists with the opportunity to multiply their income to the tune of approximately 5 – 10 times more than their typical average salaries. UNWIND Service Providers earn 70% of each transaction fee. All Service Providers go through rigorous screening processes before they are approved to start accepting bookings on the UNWIND App.
One of the interesting things about UNWIND is how it is solving the problem of “low occupancy rate” among Spas by empowering them to monetize unbooked time slots on their in-Spa Calendars. All they have to do is list their Spa Therapists as Service Providers on the UNWIND App and appoint them to go deliver bookings secured through the App. Thanks to the UNWIND App, Spas are now able to maximize resources and significantly increase revenue.
UNWIND is all about booking, renewing and repeating. The App has amazing features such as allowing you to choose a preferred location for your service to be delivered, switch between male and female Service Providers, save your favourite Therapists, rate Service Providers and leave reviews on their profiles, perform cashless transactions, etc. You can even gift UNWIND services to loved ones and stand a chance to win free services once you become a loyal user. The UNWIND App is safe and secure to use, as UNWIND is currently in partnership with verification platforms, authorized by the National Identity Management Commission of Nigeria, to ensure that potential Subscribers have provided correct information before they are approved to perform transactions on the UNWIND App.
The App provides easy in-app and web-based booking features that seamlessly connect Service Providers and Clients. It ispowered by tech-based automation with chat support, booking reminders and built-in 3rd-party reimbursement, just to mention a few.
Some of the services you can book on the Unwind App include:
- Waxing (Face, Under Arm, Leg, Chest, Back, Stomach, Eyebrow, Full Body, etc.)
- Massages (Stress Release, Deep Tissue, PreNatal, Swedish, Hot Stone, Balinese, etc.)
- Facials (Anti-Aging, Classic Bright, Vitamin C, Purifying Facials, etc.)
- Manicures and Pedicures
Speaking further, Joycee Awosika stated that the Team has a “no tolerance” policy for safety and sexual breaches”. She emphasized the in-App review system put in place to curb misconducts and ensure that Clients are always satisfied on the platform. According to her: “As part of the onboarding process, each Service Provider takes the mandatory UNWIND Onboarding Course and corresponding Assessment, so they are fully aware of best practices regarding how to comport themselves before, during and after sessions. Low ratings are not indulged on the UNWIND App. Once a Subscriber has reached 3 poor ratings and reviews, they are blacklisted and unable to continue using the App.
UNWIND is open to Partners and Investors who believe in the wellness space and want to be part of a reliable on-demand solution. Having built a user-friendly MVP they are proud of; the Team is currently in the process of raising more investments. As they continue to develop more innovative features, the UNWIND App will be further enhanced to make it even more inclusive, easy and exciting to use. There are also plans for expansion that will make the App available to more people and territories around the world.
Wellness is critical, especially in a post-pandemic world. More people need to pay attention to their therapeutic and general wellbeing, in order to avoid unwanted health complications. The UNWIND App exists to help Africans prioritize their selfcare.
The UNWIND App is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store. Visit www.getunwindapp.com to learn more about UNWIND.
Unwind Is Social!
Instagram – www.instagram.com/getunwindapp
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/getunwindapp
Twitter: www.twitter.com/getunwindapp
Website – www.getunwindapp.com
Joycee Awosika (Founder, UNWIND), Queen Edokpa (Business Development Manager, UNWIND) and Jumoke Soetan (Client Support Manager, UNWIND)
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The much-anticipated premiere of The Woman King took place on Sunday 11th of September at Filmhouse Cinema Lekki Nigeria with hashtag #TheWomanKingNG
The long awaited feature film THE WOMAN KING, Set in the 19th century in the African kingdom of Dahomey, follows the all-female group of warriors, the Agojie, who protect the kingdom. The group’s general Nanisca trains a new generation of warriors to fight against an enemy who wants to destroy their way of life.
The film left everyone on the edge of their seats and did not disappoint. Everyone who watched had something great to say. The movie release is anchored by West African film company FilmOne Entertainment in partnership with Sony Pictures.
Gracing the beautifully decorated red carpet were actors, celebrities and influencers such as Jimmy Odukoya, Uti Nwachukwu, Iyabo Ojo, Bisola Aiyeola, Jide Kene, Chigurl, Anto Lecky, BamBam, Elozonam, Simi Drey, Hawa Mogaji, Samuel & Bisola Otigba, Saga Deolu, Leo Da Silva, Daala Oruwari, Khalid, Diana Edobor and more.
The Woman King movie premiere at Filmhouse Cinemas was proudly supported by Coca-Cola Nigeria, Burger King, Orijin, Wakanow, Five Alive, House of Tara, Beauty Line by Didi and Herconomy.
Speaking earlier at the press conference, actor Jimmy Odukoya, He said “I was very intentional about my character name” He saw the need to influence the name and role to sound the part as a Yoruba man on set. The Woman King is the actor’s Hollywood debut where he played the role of Oba Ade.
Filmone Entertainment, the distributors of The Woman King, pride themselves on this, as the movie project gives a deeper insight into African storytelling, rich heritage, spotlighting and encouraging women to do more.
The Woman King stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Jimmy Odukoya and John Boyega.
The Woman King will officially be released in cinemas on Friday 16th of September, 2022.
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To find out more about The Woman King, connect with Filmhouse and partners digitally
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Ujama Akpata and Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya, Co-founders Jand2Gidi
Jand2Gidi is a logistics company founded by two amazing ladies – Ms Ujama Akpata and Ms Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya. They came together to solve delivery issues and have since impacted their industry both home and abroad. Deliveries are swift, secure and their customer service is top-notch.
This extremely brilliant and innovative idea of these women is helping change the narrative of the logistics industry being a male dominated field. These women are using tech in their services to help customers track their deliveries from start to finish.
Jand2Gidi has been around for almost 10 years and has served a lot of clients in that space of time. In a male dominated space these women are thriving based on the fact that they are efficient, knowledgeable and have a great friendship. Every business has its ups and downs but the positives from the Jand2Gidi experience is so inspiring.
Jand2idi has delivered goods for clients such as Arami Essentials, Little Company Nigeria (Jara Beach Resort), Olayemi Odutola, Mudiaga Nwachukwu (CEO, Rhimamory Learning Resources) and Michelle Adesokan to name but a few.
Some of their clients had great things to say about them.
We have been working with this brand for over 5 years and we can say that their delivery timeline is top-notch. J2G we look forward to a more continuous partnership. – Arami Essentials
I don’t have to chase them to follow up or anything they go out of their way to keep me up to date with all my shipment details. I stay with them because I find their service professional. – Michelle Adesokan
I’ve known them for about 5 – 6 years and my favorite thing is their customer service. Even on days where there are glitches, they have a way of still comforting you and being very respectful. – Olayemi Odutola
The genuine feeling that they care cuts across them making sure that you’re constantly updated with the delivery processes of your goods and it coming on time – Mudiaga Nwachukwu
Having heard what some of their clients had to say about them, it is safe to write that one predominant thing about Jand2Gidi is the intentional care and respect for their customers as well as the timely delivery of goods which is very essential in the logistics industry all over the world.
Jand2Gidi has built a highly trustworthy and effective brand over the years through their commendable services. In addition to this is their willingness to do better and be better.
Their fascinating social presence has also brought them closer to their customers and prospective clients as the beautiful founders were also just featured on the front cover page of the Exquisite Magazine.
Jand2Gidi is one logistics company that is highly inspiring and we are really elated to see how they’ve grown over the years.
Jand2Gidi is Social
Website – https://jand2gidi.com.ng/
Instagram – @jand2gidi
Facebook – jand2gidiworldwide
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Last week, Lagos Talks 91.3FM, Nigeria’s foremost radio station focused on creating and encouraging important conversations, celebrated her 6th year anniversary with an array of activities. This was a week geared towards having important discussions about the state of the nation and also to have Lagos Talks’ loyal listeners be a part of the experience.
Starting with the Lagos City Activation on Monday 22nd August which saw representatives from Lagos Talks situated in strategic locations in Lagos from the island to the mainland. The activation was an opportunity for the Lagos Talks team to give gifts to Nigerians and put a smile on their faces.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChtoxnaM5xU/
Tuesday 23rd August saw the Takeover. This was a live radio show at the Palms, Lekki where Lagosians got the opportunity to watch their favourite OAPs present the shows live with amazing guests and also win cool prizes. Guests such as Bukky George- Taylor was a co-host on The Dish with Ify for the day.
On Wednesday 24th August there was a free workshop in collaboration with Ikoyi Obalende constituency and Jobberman. This was courtesy of Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal. (Exec. Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA.) This free workshop gave attendees the opportunity to learn skills that will help them in their search for jobs as well as establish themselves independently.
The fun filled, educative and inspiring Lagos Talks 91.3FM anniversary week was wrapped up on Thursday 25th August with the Lagos Town Hall meeting on the theme ‘Bridging The Gap Between The Governed and The Government.’ This event was majorly a way for Lagos Talks to fulfill her promise to serve as a bridge between the government and the people therefore highlighting politics as a catalyst for change.
Panelists for the day were Mayor Dele Oshinowo, Hon Femi Saheed, Shina Loremikan, Alhaja Kafilat Obgara and Hon Mrs Yetunde Arobieke.
Mr Chris Ubosi – MD, Megalectrics Limited
The activities filled week was a fun and wonderful way to celebrate Lagos Talks 91.3fm at 6. Ify Igwe, Programs Director had this to say – ‘’Thank you to everyone who supported us all through the anniversary. It was brilliant outing and my team, and I really appreciate.’’
This 6th year anniversary celebration will not be the last exciting and educating activity as Lagos Talks 91.3FM still has a lot more in store for Lagosians.
Lagos Talks is Social
Instagram – @lagostalks913
Website – https://lagostalks.com/
Twitter – @lagostalks913
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Lipton, a global brand and leader of the Nigerian tea market, is bringing all the tea to BBNaija season 7. Lipton is one of the sponsors of the 10-week extended reality TV show that has a grand prize of N100m.
It is believed that tea brings people together, so Lipton is here to help the housemates be present in the moment and make those moments together more meaningful and special over a cup of tea.
This year, Lipton has also promised to give the housemates a task that will be unpredictable, interesting and fun. We are looking forward to it and are excited about it.
Zainab Abbas, Brand manager, Lipton Nigeria exclaimed ‘’ We are so excited about the opportunity to be a part of season 7 of Big Brother Naija. Our two variants, Yellow Label and Extra Strong, will be keeping the housemates relaxed and rejuvenated throughout their stay in the house. Lipton Nigeria has been around for about 63 years creating moments and meaningful connections and as such, this sponsorship is one that we love!’’
Africa’s biggest reality TV show promises to be dramatic, insightful and filled with downright entertaining content. Viewers should expect to experience these talented housemates expressing themselves to the fullest.
They also need not worry about keeping warm in the house, reducing calories and sleeping well as they have an enormous supply of Lipton tea to do that for them, as well as the fact that they can have it all day, everyday and at any time. Therefore, trust the housemates to sip and ‘’spill’’ a lot of tea this year.
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Lipton Nigeria is social
Instagram – @lipton_nigeria
Twitter – @LiptonNG
Facebook – LiptonNigeria
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Good things come in pairs, including our skin care essentials.
Since a glow up is top of mind no matter the season and skin care is a very crucial part of wellness, Medplus Pharmacy is prioritizing this by including the sales of two outstanding products in all their outlets — Nature’s Aid Rose Water and Revive Active Beauty Complex.
By combining two well-matched treatments to bring out the best in your skin, using the supplement and skin product, which is an inside/outside approach, the pair can work in harmony to target skin concerns.
Skincare influencer, Ugo of My Skin Doctrine
Medplus Pharmacy has proven that it is an organization dedicated to wellness on every level. As a contemporary pharmaceutical company, the organization has moved beyond the simple science and technique of preparing and dispensing drugs, being modern in its approach to providing a broad spectrum of services.
This paradigm shift has been consistent as they have continued to evolve over the years , paving the way for others and playing a significant role in providing an important piece of the puzzle, regarding the health and wellness of Nigerians.
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Nature’s Aid Rose Water
Nature’s Aid Rose water and is suitable for all skin types. The Premium Strength natural rose water is traditionally produced and is five times stronger than standard rose water products. It can be applied neat, directly to the face, using cotton wool or can be diluted for use. It can also be added to your bath as you require.
Its benefits are:
- Softens and Refreshes the skin
- Moisturizes dry skin
- Soothes irritated skin
- Effective make-up remover
Nollywood Actress, Tope Olowoniyan
Revive Active Beauty Complex
This is a product that has been created to support hair, nails and skin. Beauty Complex contains a selection of ingredients that comes in a powder form, which means that the active ingredients dissolve in liquid, allowing for easier absorption by the body compared with a capsule or tablet. The powder sachet eliminates the need for any fillers, binders or bulking agents, which can affect the absorption process.
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Tested and trusted by skincare professional Ugo, popularly known as Skin Doctrine had this to say about both products, “My skin felt hydrated and soft upon application of the Nature’s Aid Rosewater. I also love the Revive Active Beauty Complex matches as it contains hydrating, brightening, skin firming and repairing ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid, marine collagen, biotin, phytoceramides and more.”
Lifestyle content creator, Toyin Onigbanjo
Nollywood Actress, Tope Olowoniyan, has also tried out these products and raves about them in her skincare routine video. “I love to prep my skin with the Nature’s Aid Rosewater after cleansing, it balances my skin’s pH level and that is so important! I am also big on supplements and the Revive Active Beauty Complex is great for my hair, skin and nails, it’s the perfect 3-in-1 product.”
Entrepreneur and Mother of 3, Toyin Onigbanjo takes her Revive Active Beauty Supplement daily and advises other women to do the same, ‘Dear working woman, your first priority to yourself is a balanced diet. Eat well and incorporate the Revive Beauty Complex in your regimen, you’ll thank me later’ She says.
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Being widely known to have a team of easily accessible healthcare professionals, these two products sold at Medplus Pharmacy are helping users to achieve optimal health through lifestyle recommendations.
Medplus is social
Website: https://medplusnig.com
Instagram: @Medpluspharmacyng
Twitter: @MedplusPharmacy
Facebook: Medplus Pharmacy Nigeria
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L-R: Lukman Adekola; Group Head, Corporate and Investments Banking Solutions Sterling Alternative Finance, Abubakar Suleiman – Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mohammed Yunusa; Director, Digital products and innovations, Sterling Alternative Finance and Olatunji Olabisi; Chief Information Officer, Sterling Alternative Finance.
LAGOS, Nigeria –
Sterling Alternative Finance has announced the launch of Nigeria’s first ethical Investment platform, Altinvest. This announcement was made known during a media parley held by the bank recently to launch its investment platform.
The non-interest arm of Sterling bank plc, Sterling Alternative Finance disclosed that AltInvest is aimed at changing the investment world, with key focus on real sectors in the economy by helping its partners create impact in the economy even as they build wealth without compromising their ethics.
The numerous investment options listed on the App are centered on diverse and real sectors such as Agriculture, Real Estate, among others, all of which are focused on wealth creation, capital appreciation for investors, and supporting economic activities directed toward inclusion, growth, and development. The investment app also boasts of the digitization and automation of investment advisory services, real-time portfolio monitoring, and seamless investment placement in a variety of asset classes.
Speaking on the uniqueness of the App, Mohammed Yunusa, Director of Digital Products and Innovations, Sterling Alternative Finance reiterated that users on the digital investment platform invest in the financial market through the real sector and are assured personal wealth growth. He said ‘We do investments differently on AltInvest. We ensure we bring your investment’s vision to life by providing the backstory of what our users, whom we consider partners, are investing in, as well as providing a certificate of ownership on that particular investment opportunity, which secures investment.”
Speaking further about the Altinvest App, Olatunji Olabisi, Chief Information Officer, Sterling Alternative Finance in his remarks described the app as being equipped with the best technology and assured of its efficiency and top-notch security. In his comments, he said ‘ The app has gone through rigorous testing to ensure users’ investments are well-secure. The app also prides itself on having a user-friendly interface which makes investing easier and more accessible for the user. The app also has generous educational resources with details on each of your investment choices. This way, prospective users do not have to know the A-Z on investment before signing up on Altinvest”
Furthermore, when speaking on how the bank mitigates against risks for retail investors, Lukman Adekola, Group Head, Corporate and Investments Banking Solutions, Sterling Alternative Finance explained that due diligence has been carried out to hedge against volatility. He said ‘We have conducted our due diligence by identifying the risk associated with investments and we have put in place strategies to mitigate these risks. So, be rest assured that we are making available only secure investments listings for our partners. As an organization, we firmly believe trust and transparency are critical.’
In his remarks, Abubakar Sulieman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, said “We are extremely excited about our latest product offering, Altinvest. For us as a brand, we are committed to constantly creating value for our partners and stakeholders and I am optimistic that our new offering, Altinvest, will aid in our drive to expand financial inclusion by ensuring that more people have access to finance and investment solutions.” He added that ‘We become our partners’ representatives at the table where wealth is being created’
About Altinvest:
AltInvest is the first ethical investment platform with focus on investments in the real sector, to aid with financing economic activities geared towards inclusion, growth and development. This product aims to solve the problem of investors who are averse to investing in conventional financial instruments, due to beliefs and values. AltInvest is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
Click this link to download- https://linktr.ee/altinvest.
AltInvest is Social
Instagram – @altinvestng
Website – www.altinvest.ng
Twitter – @AltInvestng
Sterling Alternative Finance:
Sterling Alternative Finance is the non-interest arm of Sterling Bank Plc that allows customers to bank and transact at 0% interest. Sterling Alternative Finance boasts of various product offerings and solutions such as Alt Mall, Alt Drive, Alt Power, amongst other various diverse and innovative solutions. www.saf.ng
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SBA Group New Office Building in Lagos State, Nigeria
SBA Group, leading provider of Technical Services, Sales, Spare Parts and After Sales Service for manufacturing companies last week officially unveiled the opening of its new office in Lagos, Nigeria, to accommodate its growing workforce, make room for more spacious workspaces, as well as its warehouse.
The organization is an African leader in packaging of water, beverages, liquid food, cosmetics, and dairy ranging from packaging machines, to automated filling systems, to water treatment, industrial printers, etc. They have been in operation since 1998 when they first established presence in West Africa. Since then, they have successfully secured multiple partnerships and opened additional offices across West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa.
It was a truly remarkable day for the Group as they welcomed over 100 Customers and Strategic Partners from all over.
The office launch, hosted by Yomi Owope, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Ogun State Governor’s Office, is part of the Group’s strategic decision to enhance effectiveness and the impact of its operations, while facilitating the growing activities in the Manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
The grand opening commenced with a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by Claude Bosson, Chairman, SBA Group and George Sakalis, Managing Director, SBA Group.
Thereafter, there was a building tour of all four floors, leading to a rooftop, where the group entertained guests in a small business party to mark the significant milestone. Special performances by Award Winning Nigerian Guitarist, Femi Leye, 12 year old Nigerian Saxophonist prodigy, Temilayo Abodunrin and South African singer, Noel Mio gave invited guests and employees a chance to relax and socialize while having drinks and canapes.
The promise of the brand new building with its ultra modern working environment was certainly a cause for celebration.
Speaking on surmounting challenges along the way, Mr. Sakalis in his welcome address expressed gratitude to various respective stakeholders saying “because of a growing team, it was not an easy task to buy land and build during the pandemic. But this happened because of our great customers, partners and a very determined contractor that pushed it through, despite all odds, despite all the difficulties in sourcing materials. We also thank our Chairman for his trust and for constantly supporting us to make this happen”.
The new head office is a tangible asset that will become an integral part of SBA’s devotion to pioneer more innovative ideas in West Africa. With extensive facilities for partnerships and collaboration efforts with local and international clients, the management says the building will be a landmark for catalyzing intellectual productivity. Given SBA’s track record, this project will also further enhance the momentum towards becoming a highly reputable brand.
Mr. Sakalis affirms the group’s commitment to being “the best at delivering value”. The mission has been the same for the last 24 years. In the next coming years, SBA Group is looking forward to taking great new steps and thinking ahead to a future of achievement and success, with a training facility within the structure, designed to train employees, customers, and machine operators.
SBA Group will continue to work closely with a broad range of partners in the widest possible range of sectors and areas. Its world-class services and provision of quality infrastructure are a reflection of the Group’s concerted commitments not only to the future growth of its establishment but more importantly, for the future development of Nigeria.
To know more about SBA Group, visit: www.sba-group.org
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L-R: Mrs. Chidi Obiejesi, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Mr. Kunle Lawal, Mr. Chris Ubosi, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Hon. Yishau Gbolahun, Mrs. Amira Obiokoye.
Lagos Talks on Thursday, May 12th, 2022 hosted its first Town Hall Meeting at Muson Centre, Lagos.
The forum, led by the station’s Founding group – Megalectrics, is a movement towards setting a new agenda for local government leaders in Nigeria and increasing transparency and trust between government representatives and citizens.
The event began at 9:00 a.m with the opening address of Megalectric MD/CEO, Chris Ubosi who explained the intention behind the initiative, saying it was critical for them to create a platform for honest exchange of ideas, unbiased conversations and feedback.
The Registration Desk: Lagos Town Hall Meeting
Speaking on the existing relationship with leaders of the Ikoyi/Obalende local government area, he said “They have hosted us for the last six ( 6) years. They have been gracious to us and have been listening to us. So we thought that we should naturally start this series with them”.
L-R: Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Chris Ubosi, MD/CEO, Lagos Talks, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area.
Ms. Dede Kadiri, Executive Secretary and Director, the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership took the stage afterwards. In her address, she spoke passionately about the importance of Lagos state in the context of change and national development and urged all to get involved in conversations on politics and governance, particularly as elections are closing in.
“Lagos state is critical because Lagos has the strongest economy in Nigeria and in most countries in Africa. So getting us here to talk about the challenges in education, health, environment, in Infrastructure etc., needs to happen”.
In a speech which turned out to be a reference point on some critical issues raised during the course of the event , Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Founder, Nigeria Network of NGOs delivered an inspiring presentation on leadership and responsibility. She began by stating that “the cycle of life happens in our local government”, as she gave an insightful narration into the various human activities that occur in our local governments, proposing therefore that governance at this level should be strengthened to deliver the needs of citizens in that domain. She further added that transparency, efficiency and accountability are the cornerstone of effective service delivery.
“Local government is the veritable foundation for national building. Without that strong foundation, anything that we erect on it is like building on quicksand and doomed to collapse”.
Challenging the audience to actions certain to bring transformative change, she implored Nigerians to embrace good practices, good ethics and values and to hold each other accountable, noting that the African culture is not individualistic but collective.
Prior to the long awaited panel session with Honourable Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area, Honourable Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawa, Eti-osa, Kunle Lawal, Executive Director Electoral College, Nigeria and Country Rep, Wardchat NG, moderated by Kayode Iposu, Assistant Programmes Director, Lagos Talks, the three (3) invited speakers were given a few minutes to introduce themselves and to speak briefly on the issues they cared the most about.
The Panel Discussion: L-R Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Mr. Kunle Lawal, Executive Director Electoral College, Nigeria, Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Rep. Eti Osa Il Constituency, Kayode Iposu, Moderator/Assistant Programmes Director, Lagos Talk
Kayode Iposu, Moderator/Assistant Programmes Director, Lagos Talks
Honourable Fuad Fola-Lawal, began his introduction by outlining his goals and achievements since he was elected in 2017. Having served his constituency twice, he identified health care, education, gender equality and some other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) crafted by the United Nation, as what underscores the priorities of the LCDA, saying though they cannot touch all the goals, they have aligned their objectives to suit that purpose.
Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area
Mr. Kunle Lawal in his own address, worked participants through the system of what the local government is within the smallest unit of politics; how elected offices function, while also correcting certain misconceptions and the wrong use of political terminologies. He also admonished Nigerians to read their constitution in order to engage the system from a place of understanding.
Mr. Kunle Lawal, Executive Director Electoral College, Nigeria
Speaking on the Town Hall theme, Honourable Yishawa, considered “closing the gap between citizens and their representatives” mis-normal, suggesting that the government must serve and stand with the governed at all times. “Why should there be a gap?”, he says “why is it separated, why should we even need to be closing a gap, when as a government, we are not there because of our desire, you put us there as your representatives. So each time we speak, we should be talking about your needs and your desires. It’s mis-normal for there to be a gap between the governed and the government”.
He also emphasized that the duty of the government is to respond to the needs of their representatives.
Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Rep. Eti Osa Il constituency
It was an interactive session of question and answers for the three panelists. There were a range of issues raised such as the need for leaders to build confidence in the citizens by using facilities they provide, enhancing security and forestalling crime, road management concerns caused by local transport drivers, poor drainage problems, building youth centres and recreational hubs for learning and development, among others.
Q&A Session during the Lagos Talks Town Hall Meeting
Q&A Session during the Lagos Talks Town Hall Meeting
Perhaps, one of the most interesting highlights of the event was the instant employment of a man who had been unemployed for eleven (11) years, after he spoke up on the high concentration of youth empowerment programs in Ward A and the seeming neglect of Ward E. Honorable Fuad who offered the graduate of Chemical Engineering the job at the LCDA created a loud cheerful atmosphere for his spontaneous decision, as he tried to address this concern.
The guest appearance of Rapper and Actor, Folarin Falana, popularly known as “Falz” also created some more excitement. He participated during the interactive session.
Falz at Lagos Talks Town Hall Meeting
Invited Secondary School Students at Lagos Town Hall Meeting
Being the first of many, there was a united call for an institutionalized process for engaging citizens, where residents are given access to communicate with respected officers when challenges arise, some even recommending that town-halls should occur monthly in the LCDA.
Although Lagos Talks Town Hall Meetings will be held quarterly, Ifunanya Igwe, Program Director, Lagos Talks, who gave the closing remarks, advised participants to keep the conversations going with a focus on building better, safer communities in Nigeria.
Lagos Talks is Social
Instagram – @lagostalks913
Twitter – @lagostalks913
Website – https://lagostalks.com/
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Lagos Talks is leading the conversations on governance and democracy on the 12th May with a Town Hall.
The station of over 17 million listeners will be hosting a series of town hall meetings with local government officials and other political leaders at the grassroot to address issues within one local government area at a time.
The first edition of the scheduled meeting, which will be held at Muson Center, Lagos is themed “CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN THE GOVERNED AND THE GOVERNMENT” with Sub-theme “Violence. Youth engagement. Revenue generation. Law and order”.
Invited speakers that will be participating in the town hall meetings are:
- Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, member Lagos State House of Assembly, Eti-Osa constituency
- Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area
- Kunle Lawal – Executive Director, Electoral College, Nigeria and Country Rep.
In an effort to assess the performance of local governments in consolidating Nigeria’s democracy, the broadcast station is reminding political stakeholders of the sacred duties they are tasked to perform by the Constitution on behalf of the citizens.
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Through this gathering, political leaders will get an unbiased and mutually beneficial platform where they can give account of their stewardship, while community members engage them in a question-and-answer session.
According to the Program Director, Lagos Talks, Ms. Ifunanya (Ify) Igwe, “The Town Hall Meetings are also designed to support both government and citizens in building a new Nigeria and bridge the gap between the people and politicians. The topics discussed will vary as they will address burning issues within each local government area”.
Ms. Ifunanya Igwe, Programme Director, Lagos Talks
Ms. Igwe was recently appointed the Programme Director to oversee the entire operations of the radio station. She is a highly celebrated radio and television presenter, voice over artiste and compère popularly known for hosting “The Midday Show With Ify” on Lagos Talks. As a visionary, Ify plans to make Lagos Talks a household name known for bringing the world to the doorsteps of the audience through exceptional and unparalleled content, which will define the new sound of radio.
The town hall meetings are a significant milestone for the radio brand and Ms. Igwe says “the subject of discussion is key to the sustainability plan of the nation and one we cannot do without in a democratic setting”.
She further stated that good governance entails efficiency, accountability, equitability, inclusivity, responsiveness and political leaders are saddled with the responsibility of producing a leadership that should empower and inspire. With this movement, Lagos Talks is optimistic that this experience will inspire a wide variety of stakeholders, particularly students from various learning institutions, as they become more critically aware of their roles in shaping and building the civil society of the future.
Others who will be in attendance are residents of specific local government areas, members of civil society organizations and representatives of the radio station and the Media.
This event is FREE but registration is required. Call Lagos Talks on 0809 2222 913 or send an email with your name, age and profession to events@lagostalks.com to reserve your seat.
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