Amid the global surge in cases of COVID-19, President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, stressed the need for world leaders to work together and reinforce partnerships to limit the catastrophic consequences of the pandemic.
Speaking at Nigeria Day during EXPO DUBAI 2020, the President declared that the theme of the very important global event, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” has placed a moral burden on all relevant stakeholders, across national boundaries, to urgently work together for a better and brighter future.
‘‘The concerted efforts by world leaders, working together, enabled us to limit the catastrophic consequences of this pandemic.
‘‘Such level of continuing understanding and pragmatic partnerships are needed and must be reinforced to ensure that our world is a better place that addresses humanity’s common challenges to guarantee sustainable development and progress for the global community,’’ he said.
President Buhari told the EXPO that Nigeria, like other countries in the world, was impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding national efforts in addressing insecurity, fighting corruption and diversifying the nation’s economy.
Nonetheless, he noted that the present administration in Nigeria has registered significant progress within a short period of time and is still making headways in key sectors of the economy.
‘‘Therefore, the Nigerian delegation is participating in this EXPO with great prospects for positive outcomes, while assuring the world of our determination and readiness to partner with relevant investors in our bid to tackle a number of challenges to make Nigeria a better country.
‘‘Nigeria is participating in this epoch-making event in order to explore opportunities that are capable of unlocking the huge potentials that abound in our country, as it makes conscious efforts to be a strategic partner of choice for the global community.
‘‘It is my pleasure, therefore, to invite all participating countries, organizations and other private sector operators to take full advantage of opportunities being provided by the EXPO 2020, by linking up with the Nigerian team, to collaborate with us in diverse areas of interests for our mutual benefits,’’ he said.
The Nigerian leader thanked Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for inviting him to the Expo and especially to attend Nigeria’s Day event, which offers a great opportunity to show-case the potential of Africa’s largest economy.
The President described Expo Dubai 2020 as the single most important global event of its kind to take place in the Middle East, Africa and the South East Asian regions in recent years.
‘‘We are proud to be a part of this dynamic evolution of pragmatic partnerships that are both creative and innovative for the progress of the country.
‘‘I heartily congratulate the UAE authorities for the painstaking work to create this state of the art complex that has connected our world within our fingertips as we share international best-practices as well as opportunities that abound in all our countries,’’ he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 3, 2021
Lagos, Nigeria 03 December, 2021
Wentors announces Mfon Ekpo as new board member to further drive diversity and inclusion of women in the tech industry through mentorship
Wentors is excited to announce that we are adding a new member to our board who will bring an additional layer of expertise and insight to our work in the personal development industry. In the past year, we have worked nonstop to make sure that even more women in technology participate and are retained in the technology industry and we have done this by providing these wentees with access to expert guidance from women in top tier organizations across the world.
“We are not in a hurry to fill up board member roles, but one thing we are intentional about doing is that as we find the people we are looking for and as the opportunity presents itself, we take it,” EduAbasi said as she made this announcement to the team at Wentors before deciding to make the news public.
We believe the timing and person is both right for us.
Mfon Ekpo has championed the cause and has received national and international recognition for helping women in Africa, Europe and the United States translate their ideas into strategic income-generating and sustainable businesses in diverse industries including tech. It is this wealth of knowledge and expertise she brings to Wentors.
We know as we intensify our drive to nurture women in technology everywhere, Mfon Ekpo is the right addition to the board.
Mfon Ekpo, who is currently the CEO of The Discovery Centre, a training organization that specializes in developing effective and technological advanced systems, strategy and structure for organizational and individual development.
An astute professional with multiple degrees in Maritime Law, Business Law, Journalism, Neurolinguistic programming, Project Management and Negotiation, Mfon, an international speaker and a coach to top CEOs, industry and though leaders, who has also worked and trained for the British High Commission, The Supreme Court of Nigeria, National Judicial Institute and the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amongst others.
We realize that there is a gap in the technology industry especially for women in technology and we want to make mentorship more accessible and Mfon’s diverse plethora of professional experience would help us create more viable solutions for women in technology and the industry at large.
As an organization, we are excited about this move and as we build a community that nurtures women in technology everywhere, we look towards the work ahead and the impact we would create together.
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About Wentors
Wentors is a global organisation focused on increasing the rate of participation and retention of women in technology through mentorship. In the past year it has grown from a team of just 4 members to a rapidly evolving community of over 2000 women in technology across the world with ambassadors in 12 countries across Africa, Europe and the Americas.
So far, Wentors has impacted over 2000 women in technology with its programs and with a bold ambition to impact over 8 million women in technology by 2030, the organisation considers itself an advocate for women in technology.
For partnerships, sponsorships or more information about Wentors, visit www.wentors.com or mail@wentors.com.
PDP’LL SUPPORT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WITH CAPACITY TO SALVAGE NIGERIA – WIKE
*I WON’T IMPOSE MY SUCCESSOR
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has explained that only a courageous person with the capacity and vision to salvage the country will be supported to fly the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.
He clarified that although the party is yet to decide whether such candidate will be from the southern or northern part of Nigeria, one thing is certain, the candidate will be one who can confront the evil tactics of All Progressives Congress, APC.
Speaking on African Independent Television, AIT, on Thursday, Governor Wike said the process to determine who PDP will field as its presidential candidate will be a turbulent one.
“Let nobody come and tell you that in arriving at a presidential candidate that it will be easy. No way, it can never be. You know, there are two types of turbulences. There is turbulence that will not have a crash, which is a normal turbulence. There are turbulences that there is likely to be a crash.
“Our own turbulence in PDP is the normal turbulence, which I believe we will get through it, but APC turbulence is a turbulence that is likely to lead to a crash.
“PDP has redeemed its position towards what Nigerians are expecting, because Nigerians are tired of what is going on in the country. So, they need an alternative, and the only alternative as it is today is the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).”
Governor Wike said as a firm and courageous person, who having demonstrated such selfless leadership in Rivers State, he will only support a presidential candidate who will not mortgage the party for other selfish interest.
“And so, if you want to run for presidency under PDP, I will not support somebody who’ll just want to bear the name of former presidential candidate, I will not agree to that. I must see that you are prepared for it, and to confront this evil called APC.”
Governor Wike boasted that he feels fulfilled that PDP got it right with a peaceful conduct of its national convention that saw the emergence of a new competent national working committee, (NWC).
He dismissed insinuations in some quarters that PDP governors had forced on an early convention because they wanted sole control of the party. According to him, any true party man will love a PDP that is stable, focus and forward looking.
The governor maintained that already the new leadership of the PDP, waiting to be sworn-in on the 9th December 2021, have started engaging Nigerians and other party members on identifying what the problems are and how to address them properly.
Governor Wike said Nigerians are tired of the misrule of APC and will not allow their evil to continue beyond 2023.
“Nigerians are waiting. Nigerians cannot have this type of evil come up again in 2023. We will be doing a disservice to Nigerians to allow this to continue.”
He said PDP is already aware of the antics of the APC controlled Federal Government to ensure it holds on to power at all cost. According to him, APC is already gearing up to deplore unconstitutional means to frustrate the conduct of a free and fair 2023 general election.
Governor Wike expressed strong reservation on the likelihood of President Muhammadu Buhari ever assenting to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
“The president will not sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The signs are already there. It is dead on arrival. The president does not disappoint people.”
He stated that the seemingly disagreement between members of the national lawmakers and APC governors over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is devised to frustrate it.
The governor wondered why the president would be seeking INEC’s advice on a law that is already passed by the National Assembly. He asserted that issues of security and cost implication will be used eventually as reasons why presidential ascent will be declined.
Governor Wike said the current Senate and House of Representatives controlled by the APC lack the capacity to use veto power to override President Buhari if he refuses to accent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Speaking on how his successor will emerge, Governor Wike reassured that the leadership of the party will meet to decide who to support at the appropriate time.
Governor Wike maintained that he is obliged to ensure that PDP wins the 2023 governorship election, but he not impose any candidate on the party.
“There is no right thinking Rivers person who will say Wike’s administration has not done well for Rivers State. And so, I believe everybody will want somebody who has something positive to add.
“One mistake I will not make is to impose somebody. From my experience as a student of history, reality has shown that it is difficult for you to say Joseph is the man I can trust. Until you give somebody power and money, that is only when you will know whether that person is trustworthy or not.”
Governor Wike said God will not allow someone that will destroy all the remarkable progress the State has made over the years to be the next governor. According to him, God will ensure that it is only someone who is courageous, firm and ready to protect the interest of Rivers State that will succeed him.
“Rivers state is a state that so many people have interest. It is a state that you have to put your feet on the ground. It is a state that you have to annoy a lot of Nigerians, and a lot of Nigerians will hate you. But what is important is for you to know what is good for your people, and stand for your people. Do not allow personal interest to sway you against the interest of your people.”
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING
Headquarters, Mabushi P.M.B. 111, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria
PRESS RELEASE
Jubilation, commendations as President Buhari Commissions Nnewe – Oduma Road
- Urges road users against abuse
- Nigerians to expect more delivery of projects in a season of completion and impact – Fashola
Jubilation, commendations and gratitude rent the air as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Nnewe – Oduma – Uburu road covering 26.27 kilometres with 14 kilometres spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi states, today 2nd December, 2021.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made a passionate appeal to road users to desist from acts such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to Permanent parking places which could damage the road.
“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, he said.
Buhari who again emphasized his administration’s commitment to Infrastructural development gave the assurance that Nigerians will be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.
The Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Sir Greg Nnagi described road contruction as the cradle of civilisation. He noted that the underlying benefits of road construction is that it opens up the door of economic advantage and boost the economy of the people.
The Governor expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN for bringing the project to conclusion.
He said, ” This road will take its pride of place as one of the most critical infrastructure implemented by the Federal Government”.
Fashola, in an address read on his behalf by the Director Highways, South Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, noted that the road being handed over was a continuation of the good tidings being delivered across the country. “I am happy to reiterate that this is the third of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact,” he said.
expressed appreciation for the SUKUK funding which is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.
Fashola said, “The SUKUK is currently contributing to Progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold.”
He commended all the stakeholders both in the private and public sectors who contributed to the actualization of the project.
His Royal Highness Igwe Patrick Oshiekwe the Ohazulume I of Ukete – Oduma, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, expressed happiness and commended the President for the project.
Road users in the area who were obviously filled with joy expressed their gratitude to Mr President .
Mr. Patrick Ekwe said, “The project is helping us very well. It was very hard for us to travel to anywhere but today it is very easy, if you want to go to Lagos from here, you will leave today and come back tomorrow. Before it took us a whole day to go to Enugu but now you can go and come back within 2 hours.”
Kingsley Nicholas said, ” God will continue to bless President Muhammadu Buhari, the God that put the project into his mind and for his willingness to help the people of Oduma, may the good God continue to bless him.”
For Princess Nkem Ngirim the project will help the people to take their goods to the market and boost their economy. She said, ” We thank our able President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering us, giving us access road to other places.”
She added that a journey that used to take them about 5 hours can now be covered within 30 minutes.
It could be recalled that the 304 kilometre Sokoto – Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora – Makera road in Sokoto and Kebbi States and the Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch road in Benue and Cross River states were recently commissioned on November 25th and 29th 2021 respectively.
Boade Akinola
Director Press and Public Relations
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: LAGOS’LL REMAIN REFERENCE POINT FOR IMPACTFUL, INNOVATIVE EDUCATION
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and technology, saying his government will ensure that Lagos State remains the reference point for impactful, inclusive and innovative education.
He said education and technology would continue to occupy prime positions in his government because quality education and educational leadership are both critical to the execution of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of his administration.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the 2021 annual Governor’s Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association with the theme “Educational leadership and technology as viable options for economic recovery and nationhood: The experience of Lagos State,” held at LASU main campus, Ojo on Thursday.
The Governor said his administration is committing substantial resources to the provision of quality education that is needed to actualise economic recovery in a digitised world because the State Government recognises the transformational gains of integrating quality education with innovative technological solutions for economic recovery.
He said the State Government is closing the digital divide by collaborating with the private sector to deploy metropolitan fibre optics across the State, noting that his administration has implemented 3,000km of metro fibre connection.
“Our administration understands the key role that education and technology play in transforming the society, which explains why we made education one of the major pillars of our T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Economy, Entertainment and Tourism and Governance and Security).
“In the last two years, we have made extensive investments in education and technology but a major take away from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on how we live, socialize and conduct business is the need for policymakers to determine how we can further use technology for sustainable economic growth.
“There must be intentional efforts by all stakeholders to promote equitable and quality education so that the products of our schools are equipped with the critical skills needed to proffer lasting solutions to our socio-economic problems. There is also no better time than now to deepen productive discourse on how we will continue to utilize technology to make life more meaningful.
“The indubitable fact is that technology now has a significant impact on the business and economic environment and we must as a matter of urgency accelerate the adoption of new technologies for sustainable development and economic stability,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said knowledge expansion is a crucial component of the 21st-century academic system and therefore tasked educators and educational leaders to harness the power of technology to produce skilled graduates who are able to drive long-term economic recovery.
“In Lagos State, we have been able to achieve some of our educational goals through a systematic blend of our curriculum with technology and the selfless efforts of our educators. We now operate an improved educational system with enhanced institutional capacity for digital learning,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the LASU Alumni for remaining passionate about the continued growth and development of the institution as well as being worthy ambassadors of the school and remaining loyal to LASU long after they passed through the school.
“All over the world, alumni associations have become strategic players in educational and governmental issues: I am proud of your association’s commitment to ensuring that LASU becomes one of the best universities in the world; I assure you that this is my administration’s goal too and we will continue to create the enabling environment for LASU to thrive,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated quality leadership in the governance of the State and in the administration of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
She said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt response to all issues pertaining to the Lagos State University and the entire State is unprecedented.
“The Governor has demonstrated quality leadership and support for the University by the prompt release of monthly subvention for payment of salaries, immediate release of funds for accreditation, commencement of the construction of over 9,000-bed space students hostel on Ojo Campus and the release of additional N4 billion to the 2022 University Budget.
“Mr. Governor has also taken steps to renovate and revamp the Epe Campus of the University, unprecedented support of the Lagos State University College of Medicine and various ongoing projects across our campuses,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor said LASU management would continue to align with the six points strategic goals of the University to achieve the mandate of the institution and therefore urged the Governor to continue to support in meeting the needs of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor while commending LASU Alumni Association for consistently demonstrating its commitment to the development of the school said the association had brought about growth and development of networks for mutual support.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Seye Ogunlewe, stressed the need for additional universities in Lagos State, saying having more universities in the state will provide the opportunity for youths, especially Lagos indigenes and residents to be admitted into universities.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 2, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: LAGOS’LL REMAIN REFERENCE POINT FOR IMPACTFUL, INNOVATIVE EDUCATION
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and technology, saying his government will ensure that Lagos State remains the reference point for impactful, inclusive and innovative education.
He said education and technology would continue to occupy prime positions in his government because quality education and educational leadership are both critical to the execution of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of his administration.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the 2021 annual Governor’s Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association with the theme “Educational leadership and technology as viable options for economic recovery and nationhood: The experience of Lagos State,” held at LASU main campus, Ojo on Thursday.
The Governor said his administration is committing substantial resources to the provision of quality education that is needed to actualise economic recovery in a digitised world because the State Government recognises the transformational gains of integrating quality education with innovative technological solutions for economic recovery.
He said the State Government is closing the digital divide by collaborating with the private sector to deploy metropolitan fibre optics across the State, noting that his administration has implemented 3,000km of metro fibre connection.
“Our administration understands the key role that education and technology play in transforming the society, which explains why we made education one of the major pillars of our T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Economy, Entertainment and Tourism and Governance and Security).
“In the last two years, we have made extensive investments in education and technology but a major take away from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on how we live, socialize and conduct business is the need for policymakers to determine how we can further use technology for sustainable economic growth.
“There must be intentional efforts by all stakeholders to promote equitable and quality education so that the products of our schools are equipped with the critical skills needed to proffer lasting solutions to our socio-economic problems. There is also no better time than now to deepen productive discourse on how we will continue to utilize technology to make life more meaningful.
“The indubitable fact is that technology now has a significant impact on the business and economic environment and we must as a matter of urgency accelerate the adoption of new technologies for sustainable development and economic stability,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said knowledge expansion is a crucial component of the 21st-century academic system and therefore tasked educators and educational leaders to harness the power of technology to produce skilled graduates who are able to drive long-term economic recovery.
“In Lagos State, we have been able to achieve some of our educational goals through a systematic blend of our curriculum with technology and the selfless efforts of our educators. We now operate an improved educational system with enhanced institutional capacity for digital learning,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the LASU Alumni for remaining passionate about the continued growth and development of the institution as well as being worthy ambassadors of the school and remaining loyal to LASU long after they passed through the school.
“All over the world, alumni associations have become strategic players in educational and governmental issues: I am proud of your association’s commitment to ensuring that LASU becomes one of the best universities in the world; I assure you that this is my administration’s goal too and we will continue to create the enabling environment for LASU to thrive,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated quality leadership in the governance of the State and in the administration of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
She said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt response to all issues pertaining to the Lagos State University and the entire State is unprecedented.
“The Governor has demonstrated quality leadership and support for the University by the prompt release of monthly subvention for payment of salaries, immediate release of funds for accreditation, commencement of the construction of over 9,000-bed space students hostel on Ojo Campus and the release of additional N4 billion to the 2022 University Budget.
“Mr. Governor has also taken steps to renovate and revamp the Epe Campus of the University, unprecedented support of the Lagos State University College of Medicine and various ongoing projects across our campuses,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor said LASU management would continue to align with the six points strategic goals of the University to achieve the mandate of the institution and therefore urged the Governor to continue to support in meeting the needs of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor while commending LASU Alumni Association for consistently demonstrating its commitment to the development of the school said the association had brought about growth and development of networks for mutual support.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Seye Ogunlewe, stressed the need for additional universities in Lagos State, saying having more universities in the state will provide the opportunity for youths, especially Lagos indigenes and residents to be admitted into universities.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 2, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WE’LL WALK FOR PEACE WITH YOU, LASU STUDENTS TELL SANWO-OLU
…As Governor Commissions Biggest Students’ Arcade In Nigeria
Lagos State University (LASU) students on Thursday expressed their readiness to participate in the proposed Peace Walk, being organised by the State Government to herald the healing of Lagos in the aftermath of last year’s EndSARS protests in the State.
The students of the state-owned tertiary institution who came out in large numbers to welcome the Governor, who is also the Visitor of the institution, said they have all resolved to participate in “A Walk for Peace” with the Governor for peace and prosperity of the State.
LASU students made their resolve on the Peace Walk known through their Student Union President, Comrade Oladipupo Uthman Badmus on Thursday during the sitting of the Students Representatives Council, the legislative arms of the Students Union Government.
The sitting was the first Council session to be held at the newly built Students Arcade of the school, which was commissioned by Governor Sanwo-Olu on Thursday.
The LASU Students Arcade is the largest Student Union Building in any Nigerian tertiary institution.
Speaking during the sitting, which was witnessed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, Special Adviser to Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and members of the institution’s Governing Board, among others, President of the Student Union, Comrade Oladipupo Uthman Badmus and Speaker of the Students Representatives Council, Rt. Hon. Mustapha Adejuwon, who led students to welcome Governor Sanwo-Olu described him as Youth-Centric Governor.
They commended the Governor’s giant strides in Lagos State, especially in the education sector.
“To Mr. Governor, Sir, it is what you signed up for but we are indebted to you. Be rest assured, whenever you walk, we will work with you. We will be by your side. Whenever you run, we will run with you to the end,” Badmus assured on behalf of LASU students.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who had the first session with the Students Representatives Council, charged the students to join hands with the State Government and LASU management for the institution to make it competitive among notable universities in the world.
Governor Sanwo-Olu during the sitting announced a donation of two brand new big buses to the Student Union to ease movement around the campus as well as other gadgets and equipment for students’ use.
He said: “I want to tell you that we are in this journey together and together, we will build the biggest university in the whole of Africa and it will compete with the greatest universities in the entire world.
“I feel highly honoured that all of you have turned out in large numbers to come and see the possibilities of what we can do collectively.
“This arcade will provide the right atmosphere for the leadership of the Student Union of LASU and opportunity for students management better relationship. It would provide an opportunity to engage with the wonderful youths in LASU, because this is also a building to develop the future leaders that are leaders here today.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 2, 2021
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Fathima Beckmann promoted to Vice President of Global Inclusion, ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI)
Beckmann to Lead a Global Team in Driving DE&I Strategies for VCNI
LAGOS, December 2, 2021 – ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has announced the appointment of Fathima Beckmann to Vice President of Global Inclusion for VCNI. Reporting into Marva Smalls, EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, ViacomCBS, and Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO, VCNI, Beckmann will be responsible for leading a global team in driving diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives for VCNI.
“As our business continues to expand internationally, it is important that our commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion also grows, so that we are always working toward exceeding the needs of our employees and audiences around the globe,” said Marva Smalls, EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, ViacomCBS. “I couldn’t be more pleased that Fathima, a proven leader and committed champion of our DE&I efforts, will be taking on this crucial role to complement our international team and bring a centralized inclusion focus across our global business.”
“Fathima is an experienced global leader with a proven track record in mobilising and inspiring multicultural teams to a common purpose and vision with social impact,” said Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO, VCNI. “In this important role, we are confident she will excel in advancing our diversity, equity and inclusion goals and drive meaningful change across our vast VCNI global footprint.”
Since joining the company in 2017, Beckmann has served as Communications Director for ViacomCBS Networks Africa, leading corporate, consumer and internal communications across Africa.
Beckmann has championed thought leadership and employee engagement on initiatives that drive impactful change through youth culture led edutainment on Gender Based Violence, Human Rights and Mental Health through the BET Global Good Award, Stop The Violence Campaign, MTV Generation Change and MTV Shuga.
Beckmann has collaborated with industry partners to effect positive change, mentorship, skills and development with UNICEF, World Food Program, Malaria No More and Global Citizen through initiatives from the International Day of the Girl Child, Africa Day, Youth Month and the “Draw the Line” campaign. She holds a Fostering Inclusion and Diversity Certificate from Yale University, is a WICT Rising Leaders Program 2021 graduate, and a Cum Laude BA Degree in Communications from the University of South Africa.
“I am honoured and excited to join our progressive and committed leaders Marva Smalls and Raffaele Annecchino in further strengthening our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at VCNI,” said Fathima Beckmann, VP of Global Inclusion, VCNI. “We have a critical responsibility to elevate the voices and issues that matter most to our employees, audiences and communities around the world and foster a culture of respect and belonging.”
EndSARS: I’ll join Sanwo-Olu for peace walk, says Segun Awosanya
A rights activist and member of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Consolidated Report on General Police Brutality Cases and Report of Lekki Incident Investigation, Mr. Segun Awosanya on Thursday said he will join Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the proposed Peace Walk, which is one of the steps being taken by the Governor to herald the healing of Lagos to bring closure to the last year’s EndSARS protests and the Lekki toll gate incident.
Awosanya who is currently in London, said he will join Governor Sanwo-Olu for the Peace Walk if he is Nigeria at the time of the walk because he is more concerned about a peaceful society.
“Because I am an advocate for peace, justice, equity and fairness, I will walk with anybody who wants peace,” Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink told Seun Okinbaloye during a live interview on Channels Television when he asked whether he would join the Peace Walk proposed by Governor Sanwo-Olu to kick start the healing process.
Awosanya while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Thursday, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration is doing everything possible to ensure peace in Lagos and the government should be encouraged for a peaceful society.
He said the decision of Lagos State Government based on its White Paper to accept 11 recommendations, reject one, accepted six with modifications and forwarded 14 to the Federal Government for consideration out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, is a good development that should be encouraged.
Awosanya said “injustice is what we should insist must be corrected” and going by the White Paper released by the Lagos State Government, some of the issues raised in the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry have been addressed.
He said the decision of the Lagos State Government to forward to the Federal Government, the recommendation of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry that October 20 should be made a national day is commendable.
Awosanya, who started the #EndSARS online, also advised that those who are dissatisfied with the Lagos State Government’s White Paper should approach the court to express their grievances against the government decision.
Also speaking during the programme, a Constitutional lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, said the White Paper released by Lagos State Government is commendable because it shows that the State Government only rejected only one out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry.
He said the claim by the White Paper in respect to the deceased at the tollgate as against the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry is in order because evidence can only be based on facts.