Kate Henshaw, Tobi Bakre, Kaffy, Lala Akindoju Chef Fregz and Lamide Akintobi were some of the dignitaries that attended the opening ceremony of The Event Experience Africa (TEXA) that held today Tuesday, 15 January, 2019 at Landmark event centre, Victoria Island. Also in attendance were some of the key Speakers, International event icons, Ziad Nassar (Lebanon) and Chioma Nwogu Johnson (Houston, Texas).

Tagged, ‘Be More…Do More’ Inspiring New Frontiers, the inaugural edition of the conference is aimed at helping businesses understand and implement the right structures required to thrive in the events industry.

The conference is set to feature curated classes, network session and panel session with a diverse set of speakers and topics including business component of events management, leveraging technology in the events industry, hospitality and the art of creating memorable events experience, events marketing and more.

The opening cocktail featured several interesting activities such as performances by various prominent live bands such as Eboni Band etc, games, face painting, dance sessions and many more.

 The Event Experience Africa is a brainchild of one of Nigeria’s foremost events entrepreneur and founder of Zapphire events, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe.

Adebola Williams, the chief executive officer of RED, will join Africa’s richest woman and Chairperson, Unitel, Isabel Dos Santos; European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani; Domenico Rosa, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission; and Rt. Honourable Mark Simmons to speak at the European Conservatives and Reformists Group Africa Summit 2019 which holds today, Wednesday 9 January, 2019.

The event will provide a high-level platform for in-depth policy and political discussion on the future of the socio-economic relationship between the European Union and Africa.

Bringing together industry leaders across the world, the summit provides an opportunity to exchange best practice in key areas, such as democracy, security, economy, health related issues, emergent technologies, the use of development aid, and developing a future relationship on trade cooperation, expanding on areas of cooperation and highlighting key challenges in order to strengthen the European Union’s collaborative and effective partnership with African nations.

Adebola Williams will present a paper at the conference to highlight the impact of youth culture on socio-economic development and the work of Statecraft Inc., the nation-building company under RED, in advocating for democracy and good governance in Africa. He will later join a panel session on ‘Democracy Building and Good Governance in the 21st Century’ with Aleksandra Gadzala, senior fellow, Africa Center, Atlantic Council; Professor Nicholas Cheeseman, Democracy and International Development, University of Birmingham, and Mark Demesmaeker, Member of the European Parliament.

Founded in 2009, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group is a political group in the European Parliament, with a common cause to reform the European Union on the basis of euro-realism, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and focusing on economic recovery, growth and competitiveness. From its eight founding member-states with 54 MEPs in 2009, the group has grown to become the third largest group in the European Parliament with over 70 members from 19 EU countries hailing from 26 different political parties.

The inaugural edition of The Event Xperience Africa (TEXA) is set to hold from 15 – 17 January, 2019 in Lagos. Tagged BE MORE…DO MORE…INSPIRING NEW FRONTIERS, the conference will bring together professionals from across Africa to discuss industry imperatives, growth opportunities, and global trends.

The conference which is targeted at event and allied industry professionals and beginners, will feature curated classes, networking sessions, and panel sessions with speakers and topics which include the business components of event management (finance, legal, branding and marketing), leveraging technology, professionalism beyond craft and creativity, hospitality and creating memorable events, attaining global excellence and more.

Organized by Nigeria’s pioneer event planner and founder of Zapphaire Events, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, TEXA is designed for event planners, designers and decorators, concert and show producers, bakers/caterers, audio visual experts (lighting, cinematographers, photographers, screens etc.), entertainment specialists (musicians/bands, dancers) and other service providers in the event space. Other professionals poised to benefit from the conference are corporate stakeholders such as brand and corporate communications managers as well as experiential marketing companies.

Speakers include Ibukun Awosika, the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and international industry veterans such as Lebanese wedding planner and designer,

Ziad Nassar (Once Events); United States-based event planner, Chioma Dure (Dure Events), and Dubai-based wedding planner, Zainab Alsalih (Carousel Weddings and Events).

Also speaking are industry icons such as Yewande Zaccheus, Edi Lawani, Steve Babaeko, Jide Odukoya, Bovi, Dj Obi, DJ Spinall, Tosan Jemide (of Cakes by Tosan), and other renowned speakers.

For more information and registration details, please visit www.texaafrica.com

As of January 1st 2019, Mrs. Adenike Macaulay will be the newly appointed General Manager Sales Nigeria & Equatorial Guinea, Lufthansa Group. Mrs. Macaulay will be responsible for all the commercial and sales activities of the Lufthansa Group Airlines in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, being the first female and Nigerian to take this position.

Ms. Macaulay started her career at Lufthansa in 2009 as a business analyst for West Africa, responsible for regional results analysis, market and ad-hoc reporting, competitor monitoring and sales planning. In 2010, she took over leadership of the team as Regional Marketing Manager, directing marketing activities as well as business analysis, pricing and sales support across seven regions in West & Central Africa. Five years later, Mrs. Macaulay assumed the position of Senior Manager, Customer, Products and Marketing for Sub-Sahara Africa, directing customer relations, product management and marketing activities across Sub-Sahara Africa. In 2017, her position transitioned into Head Sales, Products and Programs, where she was responsible for the development and optimization of sales products, B2B incentive programs, sales promotions and sales service processes, across the Sub-Sahara Africa region.

“I look forward to a co-operative relationship with our trade partners and continuing the good work of my predecessor in serving our esteemed passengers” says Mrs. Macaulay, General Manager Sales, Nigeria & Equatorial Guinea, Lufthansa Group.

In her new appointment, Mrs. Macaulay will be based in Lagos, succeeding Mr. Robin Sohdi, who held this position since the beginning of January 2016. Mrs. Macaulay will report to Mr. Philippe Saeys- Desmedt, Senior Director Sales Sub-Saharan Africa, Lufthansa Group based in Brussels, the new regional Headquarters for Lufthansa Group Sub-Sahara Africa.

The Lufthansa Group offers 15 weekly flights from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt via Frankfurt to over 200 destinations in Europe, USA, Canada and beyond.

In a bid to further spread the message of hygiene and disease prevention through handwashing, Lifebuoy today visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Dauda Camp, Makurdi, Benue State.

With over 80 percent of IDPs in the camp exposed to menacing diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia – which are preventable by regular handwashing with soap – the representatives of the Lifebuoy brand brought the behavioural change message of hand-washing to the camp with the hope of reducing these health risks by two-thirds come 2020.

According to Lanre Odupe,Lifebuoy brand manager : “Nigeria has one of the largest child mortality rates in the world. We were the country with the 3rd highest number of new-born deaths in 2016 and is projected to overtake India by 2021. Such unpleasant statistics are a reminder that the local corporates have a role to play in raising awareness for interventions such as hand washing to reduce child mortality, and generally improve the health of as many families as possible.”

Benue State First Lady, Dr. Eunice Ortom, who was present at the visit further added that although the state government is doing a lot in responding to the needs of the IDPs by providing relief materials and facilities at the camps, there has also been a need for private organizations to play active roles in furthering their wellbeing through health education and the provision of materials as demonstrated by Lifebuoy and Unilever.

“The influx of persons into the camps owing to unfortunate circumstances increased the number of IDP camps and the population of these camps have continued to grow. The state government is doing all within its power to see that there is no lack in the camps. Hence, it is great to see corporates like Unilever step up and not only educate the internally displaced persons on proper hygiene practices, provide items that will go a long way in improving the standard of living in the camps,” she said.

This outreach is in keeping with Lifebuoy’s ambition reach 1 billion people with handwashing behaviour change messages by 2020.

Following the development of the Global Principles for Responsible Banking by Access Bank and 27 other global banks, other financial institutions have now become early endorsers of the Principles. The banks include Caixa Bank, Corporación Financiera de Desarrollo (Ccofide), DGB Financial Group, GLS Bank, KB Financial Group,KBC Group, Keystone Bank, Natixis, Qatar National Bank, Standard Chartered PLC, and Zenith Bank PLC.

The Global Principles for Responsible Banking was launched for public consultation in Paris three weeks ago by the Arab African International Bank (AAIB) (Egypt), Access Bank (Nigeria),Banco Pichincha (Ecuador), Banorte (Mexico), Barclays (United Kingdom), BBVA (Spain), BNP Paribas (France), Bradesco (Brazil), Caixa Bank, CIMB Bank (Malaysia), Commercial International Bank (CIB) (Egypt), Corporación Financiera de Desarrollo (Ccofide), DGB Financial Group, First Rand (South Africa), Garanti Bank (Turkey), GLS Bank, Golomt Bank (Mongolia), Hana Financial Group (South Korea), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) (China), ING (Netherlands), KB Financial Group, KBC Group,Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group (Kenya), Land Bank (South Africa),National Australia Bank (NAB) (Australia), Natixis, Nordea (Sweden), Piraeus Bank (Greece), Qatar National Bank, Santander (Spain), Shinhan Financial Group (South Korea), Societe Generale (France), Standard Bank (South Africa), Standard Chartered PLC, Triodos Bank (Netherlands), Westpac (Australia), and YES Bank (India).

The Principles will first be available for signature in September next year, but until then banks and stakeholders can signal their support for and join the initiative by becoming official endorsers of the Principles. The global principles will align the banking industry with, and scale up its contribution to society’s goals as expressed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

By adopting the Principles, Access Bank and the other institutions have signified a commitment to help promote the uptake of the Principles among their members and networks. As a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), Access Bank is a leading partner on the initiative.

Speaking after the announcement, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, explained that as a member of the United Nations

Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), sustainability is an important global platform for the bank, especially in achieving sustainable growth through socially-responsible corporate practices.

“At Access Bank, we have stayed committed to ensuring that we place priority on not just being a profitable venture but also one that is deeply concerned about the planet and the people. With specific guidelines that have been developed, applied, and with rigorous monitoring, we can all ensure that we build a sustainable and prosperous future, achieve long-term business and financial benefits while driving urgent action that reduces the risk to the environment,” he said.

Supporting the Bank’s commitment, the head of sustainability, Access Bank, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan said: “In order to continuously increase on impact through sustainability practices, we will consistently align our corporate strategies with ideas and activities that contribute to our customers’ needs, proactively engage and partner with relevant stakeholders in order to achieve Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and relevant national and regional frameworks to which the country remains committed.”

Eric Usher, head of UNEP FI said: “Today we welcome the first official endorsers of the Principles for Responsible Banking. I am delighted that the Principles are already gathering support as we know that we need to see urgent action to address climate change and the other social and environmental challenges the world faces.”

UNEP FI Banking Lead Simone Dettling added: “The Principles for Responsible Banking provide an actionable framework for banks of any size and at any starting point to align their business strategies with society’s goals. We commend the first group of endorsers for taking this important step, and call on banks around the world to endorse the Principles and help develop the sustainable banking system of the future.”

The European Banking Federation, Natural Capital Coalition, SITAWI Finance for Good, the Spanish Banking Association, the European Association of Co-operative Banks, the European Sustainable Investment Forum, the BBVA Microfinance Foundation and the Spanish Savings Banks Confederation are other institutions who have also officially endorsed the Principles.

The Principles of Responsible Banking set the global standard for what it means to be a responsible bank and will ensure that banks create value for both their shareholders and society. They provide the first global framework that guides the integration of sustainability across all business areas of a bank, from strategic to portfolio to transaction level. The transparency and accountability mechanisms in the Principles require signatories to manage what matters most, set public targets and report back on progress.

Samson Itodo, sponsor of the ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill, emerged The Young Person of the Year at the 13th edition of The Future Awards Africa held yesterday, 16 December, 2018 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The ground-breaking bill, which was finally signed in 2018, sought to advance youth participation in Nigerian politics, challenging post-Independence laws that preclude citizens under the age of 30 from participating in Federal, State and Local Government election.

Samson Itodo took the top prize in a category made up of several inspiring Nigerians including author, Tomi Adeyemi; artiste, David ‘Davido’ Adeleke; academic, Nemitari Ajienka, and scientist, Dr. Mahmoud Maina.

Receiving his award, Itodo emphasized the importance of active youth participation in the electoral process especially the upcoming elections in 2019. He advised young Nigerians to leverage on the opportunities provided by the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill to get involved and create real impact in their communities.

“The 2019 elections are very important, because we cannot create true change in Nigeria without electing leaders who intend to develop the country. So when we go out next year, I beg you to look around you and search for true leadership – those who actually have the integrity and intention to lead. It’s all in our hands,” he said after receiving his award.

Other personalities who witnessed the event include Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria; Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Holdings; Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation; Kingsley Moghalu, presidential candidate of Young Progressives Party; Obiageli Ezekwesili, presidential candidate, Allied Congress Party of Nigeria; entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jumoke Adenowo; Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde; Salawa Abeni and many more.

Simisola ‘Simi’ Ogunleye, Zainab Balogun, Chidi Ajaere, Mark Angel, Nadine Ibrahim were among the winners at The Future Awards Africa 2018 held yesterday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Youth advocate, Samson Itodo was however the biggest winner of the night as he carted away the coveted Young Person of the Year 2018 award for his work as leader of the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA), a non-governmental organization calling for youth participation in governance.

Hosted by Bolanle Olukanni and Tobi Bakre, 20 winners emerged at this year’s event, with trailblazers selected across their communities in categories ranging from social activism, business, and entertainment.

The Future Awards Africa celebrates young, diverse and innovative young Africans between the ages of 18 and 31, who are making a difference through social good, social enterprise and creativity.

The Future Awards Africa 2018 is presented by The Future Project, Guaranty Trust Bank and H20h

See the full list of winners below:

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for comedy

Winner: Mark Angel

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Photography

Winner: Emmanuel Oyeleke

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Business

Winner: Chidi Ajaere

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for New Media

Winner John Obidi

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Acting

Winner Zainab Balogun

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Advocacy

Winner: Uche Kenneth Udekwe

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Agriculture

Winner: Ayodele Sipasi Olalekan

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for screen producer

Winner: Nadine Ibrahim

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for OAP TV

Winner: Olive Emodi

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 University of Sussex Prize for Education

Winner: Itodo Anthony

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for professional Service

Winner: Temi Marcella Awogboro

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Public service

Winner: Daniel Philemon Saradau

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Fashion

Winner: Tosin Ogundadegbe

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Journalism

Winner: Linus Unah

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Creativity

Winner: Ayobola Kekere Ekun

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Technology

Winner: Odunayo Oweniyi, Joshua Chibueze and Somotochukwu Ifezue (Piggy Bank)

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Tosyn Bucknor Prize for OAP Radio

Winner: Foluwake Folustorms Ogunkeye

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for Music

Winner: Simisola ‘Simi’ Bolatito Ogunleye

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Prize for sports

Winner: Ahmed Musa

• The Future Awards Africa 2018 Young person of the year

Winner: Samson Itodo

The British Council yesterday hosted The Future Awards Africa 2018 nominees to a reception in Lagos with young change-makers including Niniola, Zainab Balogun, Emmanuel Oyeleke, Ink Eze, Folu Storms, Fisayo Fosudo and others receiving their certificates of nomination.

With 20 categories and 100 nominees selected this year, The Future Awards Africa seeks to acknowledge inspiring young Nigerians between the ages of 18-31 making a difference through social enterprise, social good, and creativity.

Osayi Alile, CEO, Act Foundation gave the welcome address while Steve Forbes, Director of Operations, British Council gave the opening speech at the reception. Music artiste and social activist, Bankole ‘Banky W’ Wellington was the guest speaker at the well-attended event.

The 13th edition of the Awards event will hold on Sunday, 16 December, 2018 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.