Timi Dakolo, Iyin Aboyeji, Adaora Mbelu, Bolanle Olukanni, others turn up for official opening of The Joy Hub
Timi Dakolo, Iyin Aboyeji, Adebola Williams, Adaora Mbelu, and Bolanle Olukanni were among the personalities present yesterday in Surulere, Lagos at the launch of the pilot location of The Joy Hub.
Initiated by Joy, Inc. in partnership with Mentally Aware Nigeria and Olamma Cares, the hub is a non-clinical, non-judgmental, non-discriminatory emotional and mental health walk-in centre where young people dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts can access help.
Speaking at the event, the founder of Joy Inc., Chude Jideonwo expressed excitement at the launch while stating that the vision is to build at least 20 more centres across West Africa by the end of 2020, with a hub set up in every community across the continent by 2035.
He explained that depression and anxiety have become a global public health crisis, and with Joy, Inc.’s research in partnership with NOI Polls revealing that 60 million Nigerians are at risk of depression, it has become urgent to marshal the public imagination and resources across Africa to tackle the issue and build more healing communities.
“Leveraging on the 353 million mobile phone subscribers on the continent, these mental and emotional health resource centres will be supported by an integrated tech platform and community. We will work with funders and investors across the world to achieve our ambitious but achievable goal of transforming Africa into a mental, emotional, and spiritual safe space,” Jideonwo added.
In his remarks, Dr. Kitan Jinadu, the representative of the Lagos State Mental Health Desk and Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Health, commended the team on the brilliant initiative, stating that such initiatives are needed to address the mental health epidemic.
Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, a psychiatrist and member of Joy, Inc.’s Global Advisory Council said, “The Joy Hub is very important because young people need safe spaces where they can go to let out their emotions and speak to people that they feel are safe and can pour out their hearts to. The Joy Hub has come to stay for this purpose and the partnering organizations will work on ensuring that the work continues to progress.”
Led by the Ag. Chief Operating Officer of Joy, Inc., Damola Morenikeji, the guests were taken on a tour of the Hub, with workspaces for the partnering organizations, lounge, counseling rooms, meeting rooms, The Affirmation Wall and the ‘screaming room’ – for those who need space to let out their emotions (loudly).
The launch of the Hub was commemorated by the official opening of the helpline 0700-THE-JOY-HUB [0700-843-569-482], which people can call for necessary mental and emotional help or just someone to talk to.
For support, partnerships, and investment in rapidly expanding our impact, you can reach The Joy Hub via phone or email on [email protected], and donate using the link, donate.joyinc.xyz.
SEC approves Access Bank’s Book Build for proposed Green Bond subscription
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the institution in charge of regulating the Nigerian Capital Market has approved the book build in respect of the proposed Green Bond, issued by Access Bank Plc.
Following the approval, the book build commenced on Thursday, February 21, 2019and will be concluded in exactly one week, after which the funding of commitment will begin on Friday, March 1, 2019.
The Bond, a 5-year Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Green Bond of up to N15 Billion is the first ever Climate Bonds Standard Certified Corporate Green Bond to be issued in Africa. It has been awarded a B2 rating by Moody’s and verified by PwC (UK) following certification by the Climate Bond Initiative as having met the Climate Bond Standards.
The Bank’s management had in anticipation of the approval, launched the Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Programme in June 2018, in partnership with FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange and the Securities Exchange Commission.
While reacting to the approval, the Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe described it as a step in the right direction adding that it lends credence to the process and gives hope of a favourable outcome. According to Wigwe, the final approval of the Green Bond will mean another feat that is commendable and speaks to the vision of being a key player in the country’s finance sector. In his words, ‘With over a decade’s experience leading Sustainability in the Nigerian financial sector, we believe that the issuance of this bond will create a path to financing Nigeria’s climate change objectives and also unlock the country’s economic growth potential’.
He continued, citing the Bank’s rich experience in the area of sustainability as a factor that will guarantee its success, ‘With our pace-setting experience in the mainstreaming of sustainability in our business operations, we are confident that this Issue will further help in supporting environmentally friendly investors to meet their investment objectives whilst simultaneously supporting the Bank’s customers towards realizing growth opportunities in the fast-developing low carbon economy’, he said.
The Issue proceeds will be used to finance eligible green projects that meet the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) standards. The Issue will serve as a turning point for Nigeria, attracting both domestic and international investors and will set the pace for other Nigerian corporates to raise green capital.
The Youth Debate is back! Watch TeamPMB and TeamAtiku face off on Rubbin’ Minds tomorrow
Rubbin’ Minds will tomorrow, 10 February, 2019 hold its widely anticipated Youth Debate, with young party representatives defending their party manifestos and explaining policies bordering on the economy, security, healthcare, infrastructure development, and more.
Anchored by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, this edition is aimed at spotlighting the policy direction of Nigeria’s two major political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) – as we inch closer to the general elections.
The debate builds on the show’s ‘Election Series’ where presidential candidates such as Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Young Progressives Party (YPP); Obiageli Ezekwesili, Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), and Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress (AAC) discussed topics ranging from citizen participation in elections to underage voting among others.
TeamAtiku will be represented by Demola Rewaju, Ndi Kato, and Ilemona Onoja while TeamPMB will be represented by Ikem Isiekwena, Lola Essien and Myani Bukar .
The debate is powered by Rubbin’ Minds, a YTV and ChannelsTV production, and supported by Enough is Enough Nigeria and The Future Project.
Chude Jideonwo speaks on finding happiness amidst chaos at the 2019 Social Media Week Lagos
Participants at the 2019 Social Media Week Lagos joined Chude Jideonwo, the founder of Joy Inc. for a session focused on how young Nigerians can truly flourish and find fulfillment in chaos – especially in the age of social media.
Tagged ‘Stop Hustling; Signal in the Midst of the Social Media Storm’, the event which took place in 6 February, 2019 engaged the audience on the fundamentals of achieving happiness and building resilience, while leveraging on latest research and evidence on decision making processes integrated with personal stories and experiences on how humans can truly experience joy.
Jideonwo shared passages from the bestseller ‘21 Lessons for the 21st Century’ by Yuval Noah Harari, a book that explains how social and existential questions can impact humans worldwide.
He also shared principles based on how participants can live a life determined by their own choices, follow their path, and enjoy their journey by leveraging positive emotions, healthier habits, and powerful self-awareness practices.
“You are supposed to find where you thrive the most, how you thrive the most — how you learn, how you love, what you love, who you need, what makes your heart sing, and to do your best to stay true to that unique mix,” Jideonwo emphasized at the event.
The 1-hour class also featured a question-and-answer session where participants engaged the host on best ways to curate one’s experiences for joy, happiness, and positivity.
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is rapidly making its way to a Silver Label Road Race
If you needed proof that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is the biggest singular sporting event in West Africa you need not look any further than the recently concluded fourth installment which happened on February 2, 2019.
100,000 runners. 4,000 international runners. 20 elite runners. The athletes: 42km runners; 10km runners; wheelchair racers; first timers; veterans, runners who came from far and wide. Then there were those who came to watch just to be a part of something incredible. There were sponsors. There were vendors. There were artistes. There was the GMD of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe and the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode.
It’s not often that a single event touches so many in so many different ways.
There are many reasons to celebrate this year’s marathon. In the four years Access Bank has partnered with the Lagos State Government to organize the marathon, we’ve seen the attitude of Nigerians change towards sports, personal health, green initiatives, and even national pride.
This year’s edition brought the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon closer to its short term goal of becoming a Silver Label Road Race. Suntayahu Legese of Ethiopia won the competition overall, after a dramatic finish that saw him overtake Joshua Kipkorir of Kenya, the front-runner for most of the race, in the final leg.
William Yegon who is also Kenyan completed the trifecta of male winners for the main event. Ethiopian, Dinke Meseret dominated the women’s race getting to the finish line before Almnesh Herepa and Kabena Chala. Nigerian winners, Sunday Manasa and Deborah Badung both came in at 6th in the overall rankings, with better times than Iliya Pam from the first Marathon who came in 17th overall, and Olude Fadekemi who came 12th overall in the women’s category during the 2017 race.
With a total cash prize of up to $400,000, and prize categories that rewarded not just the male and female winners of the marathon, the Access Lagos City Marathon is one of the most inclusive marathons on the continent.
A major event like the Marathon has attracted interest in long distance running as a preferred form of exercise. Even as a Bronze category race, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has put the world on notice of the amazing athletics spectacle coming out of Nigeria. With each edition, lessons are learned and improvements are made, and there is no doubt that soon enough the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will achieve the Silver Label status it deserves.
Isime Esene appointed Chairman Policy Think-Tank of boys to MEN Foundation
Isime Esene has been appointed Chairman Policy Think-Tank of boys to MEN Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to developing boys and men into responsible, ethical gentlemen with integrity through a range of programs, initiatives, and activities.
The Think-Tank is set up to periodically review the Foundation’s programmes and activities, leading the consideration on new lines of thought to birth initiatives that will keep the Foundation relevant to citizens.
Founded by finance and business advisor/analyst and immediate past chairman of WimBiz Board of Trustees, Ifeoma I. Idigbe, the organization aims at increasing knowledge, and developing skills and character with the intent to address the social consequences of value systems decline in male youth.
A thoroughbred professional with special interest in harnessing the power of media for holistic development, Mr. Esene is experienced in leadership and team management garnered from years working as managing editor of leading online news and pop-culture platform, Y!/YNaija.com; quality control lead of Red MediaAfrica, and member of the management board of the media group, RED.
Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Esene expressed gratitude to the Foundation while stating his dedication and commitment to achieving its ultimate goal of developing boys and young men into global leaders of integrity in all spheres of life and endeavour.
First photos: Ethopian national, Sintayehu Legese wins 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
Ethopian National, Sintayehu Legese is the winner of the 2019 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which held today, 10 February.
Legese completed the 42km race in a record time of 2hours 17mins making him the winner of the $50,000 prize money.
Joshua Kipkoror came second by completing the 42km race in 2hours 18mins while Wilson Yegon came third in a record time of 2hours 19minutes.
Kenyan-born Hepta young emerged the first female athlete to finish the 42km race winning the $50,000 prize for the first female. She completed the race in a record time of 2hours 37minutes.
Gideon Goyet is the first Nigerian to finish the race at 3hours 20minutes making him the winner of N3million and a brand new Kia Rio.
Other exciting highlights of the event was musical performances by some of Nigeria’s A-list artistes including 2face, Dbanj, Teni Entertainer, and Slim Case.
Lagos City Marathon is a Bronze IAAF League marathon race organised annually by Nigeria’s leadjbgy financial institution, Access Bank in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
Access Bank has been the major sponsor of the Lagos City Marathon since its inception in 2015 and has continued to show even greater support to athletes and fitness enthusiasts all around Africa through this platform.
Find photo highlights of the event above.
Ghana’s New Tribe: The Future Awards Africa unveils 50 outstanding young Ghanaians
Ghana’s New Tribe: The Future Awards Africa unveils 50 outstanding young Ghanaians
Africa’s biggest youth awards, The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) has unveiled the coveted list of young Ghanaians with outstanding achievements in 2018.
The Future Awards Africa seeks to acknowledge inspiring young people aged 18 to 31 making a difference through social enterprise, social good, and innovation.
The recognition of Ghana’s New Tribe is part of the country by country awards series which focuses on finding bright spots across the continent and identifying the innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who have built, or extended models of growth and change regardless.
Over the years, inspiring young Ghanaians such as Regina Agyare, Anne Amuzu, Sarkodie, Sangu Delle, Lily Kudzro, Rasheeda Mandeeya Yehuza, David Asiamah, and others have been nominated for the Awards. These are exceptional young people who understand that the future can only be shaped by ideas and secured by action.
The categories and nominees are:
LIST OF TFAA 2018 GHANA HONOUREES
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Acting
- Helen Asante
- Joseph, Otsiman
- Kofi Siriboe
- Naa Ashorkor
- Maame Serwaah
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Advocacy
- Ametepey Emmanuel
- Elijah Amoo Adoo
- Jamal Musah
- Sara Nana Yeboah
- Alfred Nyasem
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Agriculture
- Ababio Kwame
- Adowarim, Lugu
- Awim Peter
- Abraham Nii Omani Quaye
- Shadrack Frimpong
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Business
- Adu Amani Vera
- Emmanuel Nyame
- Fatima N. Adamu
- Yasmin Kumi
- John Armah
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Community Action
- Alhassan Ziblin
- Deborah Ahenkorah
- Edmund Duodu Atweri
- Seth Kwame Boateng
- Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Education
- Freda Nyame
- Divine Komla Kpe
- Josephine, Marie Godwyll
- Sylvanus Bedzrah
- Tom Chris
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Fashion and Design
- Papa Oppong
- Akosua Afriyie-Kumi
- Jermaine Asiedu
- Steve French
- ELISHA BOIE
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Music
- Dennis “Kidi” Dwamena
- Richard “Fuse ODG” Abiona
- Gregory “King Promise” Bortey
- Kwame Eugene
- Michael “Sarkodie” Addo
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Technology
- Kofi Genfi and Nii Osae Dade
- Prince Boadu
- Raindolf Owusu
- Isaac Sesi
- Derick Omar
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Young Person of the Year
- Bernice Dapaah
- Eric Vondee
- Sean Drake
- Audrey Esi Swatson
- Alloysius Attah
Africa needs more active citizens making a marked difference for the development of the continent. We look forward to highlighting their achievements and measurable impact to serve as inspiration to others.
For more information, visit awards.thefutureafrica.com. Follow @TFAAfrica to keep up with the latest news on TFAA. The official hashtags are #GhanasNewTribe #TFAA.
RED CEO, Adebola Williams joins Africa’s richest woman, Isabel Dos Santos; European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani; Zimbabwean minister, Mthuli Ncube, others to speak at the European Parliament
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.