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RHF Sponsors 729 out-of-school Children Back to School – Founder

A Pan-Nigeria Non-Profit Organisation, Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF) says it has sponsored about 729 out-of-school children across 20 states in Nigeria back to school.
Chinenye Onuorah, Founder, RHF, made this known at the Edustake Conference 2025 it organised in Lagos on Friday in commemoration of the 2025 International Day for Education.
The conference had the theme: “Transforming Education Through Technology.
”Onuorah said that the Foundation sponsored these children as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and to complement government’s efforts aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in the country.
She said the foundation had been supporting schools through various programmes including quiz competitions.
The RHF founder added that it had plans to adopt more children but was faced with the challenge of funding, saying, “we cannot adopt as much at the same time.”
She said that the project required governments’ support to reduce the trend of out-of-school children in the country.
Onuorah said that, according to UNESCO, Nigeria had one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world -approximately 10.5 million children remain outside of formal education.
She, however, urged all the three tiers of government to do more, to adopt as many children as possible and re-enroll them back to government institutions.
“So for out-of-school children, government has a huge part to play and needs to support private entities like the NGOs, those who are into CSR projects and adopting children back to school.
“I believe all the three tiers of governments, especially the state governments, have the capacity to adopt children back to school, especially to government institutions.
“This is also a call to the government to embrace awarding of scholarships as much as possible to out-of-school children so that they can adopt them into government institutions.
“It is also a call to private entities who have the resources to also join in that cause, to adopt lots of children back to school.
“That way, we can reduce the number. Some years ago, the number dropped but suddenly, there was a surge again in out-of-school children,” she said.
Speaking on technology, Onuorah noted technology was very important in advancing learning in the education system.
She said that part of what the foundation does was to support educators, learners with technology tools to be able to improve learning in the classroom and beyond.
Onuorah explained that to prepare the youths for the future, the country must embrace a new educational paradigm that equipped these youths with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever- changing world.
According to her, part of what the foundation has talked about is the launch of the Teachers Leadership Academy web-based platform for learning.
“I think two years ago at the Edustake conference, we made a call to the government to embrace technology in the classroom and we are glad that it was recognised.
“So it is a call to teachers, to schools to embrace technology in training their teachers. You know that these days, training teachers can come with a lot of costs, sending them to school of education.
“However, we are offering leadership training to these teachers because we need to mold the people who instill knowledge in our children.
In his keynote address, Dr Nnamdi Ozobia, a Technology Expert, said that Nigeria needed a multi-faceted approach that focused on Public-Private Partnerships, Policy and Regulatory Frameworks.
He added that the country also needed to improve teachers’ training to transform education through technology.
Ozobia said Nigeria was still confronted with a multitude of challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of qualified teachers.
He added that there was also a lack of basic educational resources in many rural and underserved areas.
According to him, if Nigeria can embrace technology, it can create a dynamic education system – one that empowers students to reach their full potential and equips them with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
He said: “This future will not happen overnight. It will require the collective effort of every stakeholder -governments, educators, technologists, parents, and students – working together.
Ozobia, who is the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Cyka Petroleum Nigeria, said that Nigeria was a nation of over 200 million people, with a youthful population eager for knowledge and opportunities like the rest of the world.
“Approximately 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population are youths between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five. This demographic characteristic makes Nigeria one of the countries with a significant youth population.
“This has implications for its economic, social policies and development strategies and while we have made significant strides in improving access to education, we are still confronted with a multitude of challenges,” he said.
Ozonia added that, for context, Lagos as an example had an area of 1,171 square kilometers; about 452 square miles and had 1000 primary schools, 800 secondary schools and 10 universities with a population of over 14 million.
He said by harnessing technology as a transformative tool, Nigeria could empower her youths to not only meet the challenges of today but to shape a brighter future for tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the event featured playlets, dances, the final stage of a Spelling Bee and current affairs for schools.
Grimes International College came Ist position with N500,000 star prize in the competition with Egan Senior Grammar School occupying the 2nd position and winning N300,000.
Stadem College came 3rd position and won N200,000.
Other awardees are Mr Arum Joe, who won the RHF Legend’s Award and a cash prize of N500,000; while Mr Moses Ogundeji got the award for RHF’s Award for Impact with N300,000.
Mr Najeem Tijesu carted away N200,000 in the 2nd position and Mr Arinola Abiodun in the 3rd position got N100,000 respectively. (NAN)
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Coca-Cola Announces Sale of Chivita|Hollandia to UAC

The Coca-Cola Company has announced sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.) to UAC of Nigeria Plc.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chivita|Hollandia
Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Zainab Obagun, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Chivita|Hollandia is a leading food and beverage player in Nigeria with portfolios across value-added dairy products, juices, nectars, still drinks and snacks.
The Hollandia brand is a market leader in evaporated milk and drinking yoghurt, while the Chivita brand is a market leader in fruit juice.
UAC is a holding company focused on domestic manufacturing, marketing and distribution of leading consumer brands in Africa.
According to the statement, the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, supports Coca-Cola Company’s strategy to operate a flexible and asset-light model and focus on brands that have the greatest potential to scale.
The Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, said: “As a company with a strong presence in Africa, we are deeply committed to the continent’s growth.”
He said the acquisition presented significant potential to build on Chivita|Hollandia legacy of excellence and innovation.
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.), a leading dairy and juice business in the region.
“I would like to thank the management and staff of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.) and look forward to working with the team to support the next phase of growth,” Aiyesimoju said.
The Managing Director of CHI Ltd., Eelco Weber, also noted that Chivita and Hollandia brands had become clear leaders in their categories.
“I would like to thank our over 5,000 employees for their hard work and dedication in bringing our business forward and earning us recognition as a Gold-rated Great Place to Work.
“We see a bright future for Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.).
”With the strength of our team, coupled with the dedication of UAC, there will be exciting opportunities for further growth,” Weber said.
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Edo PDP Demands Redeployment of INEC REC

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Ahead of local government council election in Edo State, the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, for his role in the last governorship election.
According to the PDP, the actions of the REC during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and “we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee,
stated this in Benin City while briefing journalists on the preparation of the party for the fourth coming by- election.
“We however want to express displeasure that some electoral officers whom we are aware of, from their antecedent, have been compromised”.
“His actions during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.
The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, a matter of urgency meets this demand and boosts voters confidence and assures the credibility of the process.
They also demanded that the Electoral Officers (EOs) during the 2024 gubenaotiral who were in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo steer clear of the bye-elections. Their involvement in the alleged irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable.
According to Aziegbemi, “Having completed this pre election process, our party in Edo State is highly prepared for the polls and are confident that we will emerge victorious. The areas in the contest are traditional strongholds of the PDP and with the quality and credential of our candidates and the support of the people, including our party supporters and members, we are sure of victory at the polls”. He stated.
The mantra, “One Man, One Vote”, remains our slogan and this we will uphold during the forthcoming bye-elections. As a party, we will not tolerate any form of electoral manipulation. We insist on a fair, credible, and transparent election and urge INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to ensure that every citizen’s vote counts and is protected.
“To those who have chosen to defect from our great party, we wish them the best in their future endeavors.However, we remind them that the natural laws of nature also apply to politics.
“As we go into the elections, we remain focused on winning the National Assembly seats and as a formidable political party that enjoys the love and support of the people especially at the grassroots, we are confident of coming out victorious.
“We urge voters in the various constituencies to remain vigilant, participate actively by coming out enmasse to vote the PDP and its candidates who have the capacity and ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, he said.
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Prof Rufa’i Alkali Congratulates New National Chairman of APC

Prof Rufa’i Alkali Congratulates New National Chairman of APC
…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition
Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.
According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.
”He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.
Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.
“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.
“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.
“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”
…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition
Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.
According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.”
He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.
Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.
“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.
“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.
“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”