The Inspiring Journey of Chidi Ajaere, CEO of GIG Group.

The Inspiring Journey of Chidi Ajaere, CEO of GIG Group.                                                                      By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Founded in 1998 by Mr. Edwin Ajaere, God is Good Motors (now GIG Group) had a humble beginning with a vision to revolutionize bus services across Nigerian cities. Tragically, in 2009, Edwin Ajaere was kidnapped and killed. His son, Chidi Ajaere, then 21 years old, returned from the US to take charge of the company.

Under Chidi's leadership, GIG Group has evolved into a leading, technology-driven logistics company, making significant contributions across various sectors of the Nigerian economy. The transformation led by Chidi has made GIG a household name in Nigeria.

Despite the challenges, Chidi Ajaere has emerged as a visionary leader, successfully steering GIG Group to new heights. His parents, including the late Edwin Ajaere, would undoubtedly be proud of his accomplishments.

Chidi's aspirations for GIG Group include becoming one of Nigeria's top-ranked conglomerates within a decade. The company aims to be a catalyst for progress in all aspects of life.

Chidi Ajaere's strategic vision has resulted in the establishment of several subsidiaries under GIG Group, including GIG Logistics (offering delivery services to the US, UK, China, and West Africa), GIG Motors, Stellas Banking and Finance, Richmondhill Real Estate and Property, Ziuss Energy (in the oil & gas sector), and GIG Aviation, the latest addition following the acquisition of two Atr72 cargo aircraft for logistics services.

The GIG Group, now a conglomerate with over 5000 employees, stands as a testament to Chidi Ajaere's dedication and business acumen. His story underscores the importance of nurturing and educating the next generation for a prosperous future.

Invest in the education and training of your children; it is crucial for future success. 🙏👌.

Ekiti State Students Shine in MTN Spelling Bee Competition.

Ekiti State Students Shine in MTN Spelling Bee Competition.

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a significant achievement, students from Ekiti State secured the first and second runner-up positions in the MTN Spelling Bee Competition, hosted at the MTN Plaza in Falomo, Ikoyi, on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition, designed to enhance English language and spelling skills, targeted Nigerian Primary and Secondary school students aged 9 to 15.

Representing Ekiti, Ajibola Flourish and Oluwadamilola Adeolu, both from St Metropolitan College, emerged as the 2nd and 1st Runners-up, respectively. Aged 13 and 11, they each received over four million naira, a laptop, laptops for their schools, and 10 MIFI 5G routers for their schools.

Nkanu Victor, a 13-year-old student from I.W.C.S, Nasarawa state, clinched the top prize, winning 2.5 million naira, a laptop, and the honorary title of CEO of MTN for 24 hours. His school also received 20 laptops, 10 5G MIFI routers, and various other benefits.

Commendations poured in for Ekiti state, underscoring the success of the competition in promoting academic growth and self-improvement among primary and secondary school students aged 9 to 15. Over 30,000 students from across the country participated in the event, which began in August 2023.

In her statement, Obiageli Ugboma, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of MTN Nigeria, congratulated the finalists for their stellar performances.

Though Flourish Ajibola is out of the country, in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, representing Nigeria, the journey graciously sponsored by Ekiti State Governor, H.E Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

This accomplishment mirrors the dedication of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whose focus on education has led to initiatives such as the renovation of schools, recruiting and training standard qualified teachers, the distribution of educational materials, and innovative programs to financially support education.

The state government's recent announcement of ongoing renovations in 203 public secondary schools, under the World Bank-assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program, further demonstrates Ekiti's commitment to providing quality education. This initiative aims to enhance secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20.

Governor Oyebanji's approval of ₦158.15 million for Bursary and scholarship awards solidifies the state's dedication to accessible and quality education, supporting students at various academic levels.

Education remains a focal point in the agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi, and Ekiti State stands proud in academic excellence.

Man Utd suffer embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth.

Man Utd suffer embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth.

Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday as the pressure mounted on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag.

United, languishing in sixth place, have already endured several painful moments in a troubled season but this was their lowest ebb as lowly Bournemouth ran riot.

Goals from Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi gave Bournemouth their first ever win at Old Trafford.

AFP

Bayern Munich thrashed by Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich thrashed by Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich suffered a jolt to their title defence, losing their first league game of the season 5-1 in Frankfurt and handing Bayer Leverkusen the chance to open a six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

In a wet and wild contest in Frankfurt, the hosts raced into an extraordinary 3-0 first-half lead, with Omar Marmoush, Junior Dina Ebimbe, and Hugo Larsson scoring the goals as Dino Toppmoeller’s side outmuscled a timid Bayern.

Joshua Kimmich dragged Bayern back into the match just before half-time but French midfielder Ebimbe had other ideas, capping a scintillating counter-attack after a mistake by Dayot Upamecano to make it four.

Ansgar Knauff added a fifth to put the game out of reach for Thomas Tuchel’s side to complete a memorable performance for Frankfurt, who become the first team to score five goals against Bayern in the first 60 minutes of a league game since Frankfurt themselves, in 1975.

Leaders Bayer Leverkusen travel to third-place Stuttgart on Sunday on a weekend when six of the Bundesliga’s top seven face each other.

Union Berlin won their first game since August 26 with a 3-1 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach ensuring a winning start in the Bundesliga under new coach Nenad Bjelica.

The Croatian coach ran down the touchline to join the celebrations with his players as the team climbed to 15th.

Elsewhere, Werder Bremen arrested a four-game winless slump with a 2-0 win over Augsburg, secured by Niklas Stark’s first-half strike and Marvin Ducksch’s, midway through the second.

Heidenheim edged out Darmstadt with a 3-2 win in a meeting of two of the newly-promoted strugglers. Jan Schoeppner scored twice for Heidenheim, which leaves Darmstadt winless in seven Bundesliga games.

Freiburg sneaked a 1-0 win in Wolfsburg ahead of the day’s headline clash between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

AFP

Three die, 11 injured in Zamfara mining pit collapse.

Three die, 11 injured in Zamfara mining pit collapse.

No fewer than three small-scale miners have died while 11 others were injured when a mining pit collapsed in Dan Kamfani, Anka Local Government of Zamfara State.

An eyewitness who works around the area and craved anonymity told Channels Television on Saturday that the incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday.

He stated that the number of casualties can’t be confirmed due to the death of the mining pi which is 275 metres deep.

The eyewitness added that the deceased are all from the Yar Tsabaya district in Anka LGA.

“The mining collapsed a few minutes to 4 p.m. on Thursday, we don’t know the exact number of people inside the mining pit, but three dead bodies were recovered, and 11 others are seriously wounded.

“The three people who died are from the Yar Tsabaya district of Anka Local Government. Up till now, we don’t have the actual figure of the people inside, and we cannot confirm the number of people because the mining pit is about 275 metres deep,

He said the injured are currently receiving treatment at the Anka General Hospital

Zamfara is rich in solid minerals which include gold, iron ore, limestone, and granite, among others.

Over the years, illegal mining in Zamfara State has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities.

The state governor, Dauda Lawal, on September 23, issued a ban on illegal mining activities and ordered law enforcement officials to take stringent action against violators, The PUNCH reports.

Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince killed in jet crash.

Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince killed in jet crash.

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, commiserated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal House of Saudi on the passing of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz bin Bandar Al Saud who died in jet crash Thursday.

The Saudi Royal Court announced that Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz died when the Saudi Arabian Air Force’s F-15SA fighter plane crashed in Dhahran on December 7.

However, it did not disclose the injuries that led to the prince’s death.

Talal, 62, who was on a training mission died alongside one other pilot.

The last rituals for Talal will be carried out at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, said the monarchy.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President

Tinubu expressed grief at the loss, acknowledging the departed Prince’s excellent and dedicated service to his country throughout his outstanding career in the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Intelligence Agency.

According to the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Bandar Al Saud,’ the President prayed God Almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed, and comfort for the Royal House of Saud, the Kingdom, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.

Prince Talal joins a list of Saudi Royals who were either involved in or lost their lives in aviation accidents dating back to a 2017 helicopter crash that killed Prince Mansour bin Muqrin and seven others near the Saudi-Yemeni border.

Oyebanji Hails Senate President Akpabio At 61.

Oyebanji Hails Senate President Akpabio At 61.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has felicitated the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio on his 61st birthday, describing him as a man of uncommon grace. 

Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said Senator Akpabio has led an exemplary lifestyle that inspires many political leaders in serving the people as well as the younger generation.

The Governor who hailed Akpabio for being a detribalised Nigerian, noted that the contributions of the President of the Senate to the peace and unity of the nation are responsible for the overwhelming support he received while vying for the post of Senate president months ago.

He added that Akpabio had exuded a leadership style which has transformed the nation's Red chamber by shunning partisanship and embracing all lawmakers regardless of their party affiliations.

Oyebanji who described Akpabio as a visionary leader, a colourful politician and a patriotic Nigerian, noted that the President of the Senate continues to win trust by pushing agenda that are in the interest of the people.

The Governor prayed that God would give Senator Akpabio long life and good health to continue to serve the country and humanity. 

"Senator Godwill Akpabio has been a very passionate and patriotic Nigerian. He is a man who strongly believes in the unity and progress of Nigeria. Today, our prayer is that the good Lord will give him many more years in good health so that he can continue to serve the good people of Nigeria. 

“On behalf of my wife, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish the Senate President a happy birthday and many more years of uncommon blessings", Oyebanji said.