By Abigael Joshua

TEXEM UK, a leadership development organisation based in the United Kingdom, says that transformative leadership is critical to addressing headwinds caused by global and local challenges Nigerian organisations face.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website, www.texem.co.uk,

by the Director of Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, said Nigeria is in a volatile era like most countries.

Lucas said that in such a period of unprecedented challenges, leaders across the globe face multiple dilemmas characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

“Nigerian leaders in the government and private sectors are not exempt from these challenges.

“They grapple with issues such as a highly geared government, high inflation, dwindling disposable income, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity threats, low national cohesion, mediocre individual and organisational performance and more.

“The need for transformative leadership has never been more critical,” the Director said.

Lucas says TEXEM is poised to address these challenges through its upcoming programme, “Leading Transformation for Strategic Outcomes.”

The Director said the programme will be held from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30, at Hilton, London in the United Kingdom.

Describing it as an innovative learning experience, she said

TEXEM’s programme is an interactive and tailored learning experience designed for senior executives.

Lucas said it will equip participants with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and valuable insights through professional exchange.

She said the programme’s primary goal is to enhance leadership capabilities, ultimately leading to the realisation of strategic outcomes.

According to her, TEXEM’s unique methodology is grounded in diverse learning tools, including discussions, role plays, company visits, videos, and games.

“This multifaceted approach enhances interpersonal skills, stakeholder engagement, decision-making, communication, leadership, and teamwork.

“The programme’s methodology, which includes case studies, sharpens cognitive skills, analytical rigour, and the ability to manage ambiguity effectively and efficiently,” Lucas said.

She said the programme will benefit leaders in several ways, including guidance in challenging times,

effective decision-making, inspiring strategic leadership, crisis management, and leadership adaptability.

Among topics to be discussed during the programme are Influencing and Negotiating for Sustainable Success,

Building Agility and Responding to Shifting Priorities, and

Inspiring Teams in Uncertain Times.

Others are Fostering Innovation and Change in Various Work Environments,

Developing Organisational Capabilities for Ambitious Goals, Leadership in Crisis Management,

Leadership for Impact

and, Leadership for Efficient Goal Achievement.

Speaking more on benefits, Lucas said Nigerian Leaders will acquire the ability to successfully navigate their organisations through adversity and lead them to success even in the most challenging circumstances.

“Leaders will develop the ability to lead better during crises, safeguarding organisational resilience and profitability.

“Leaders will learn to better adjust and change strategies swiftly during emergencies, optimising the value they unlock and prosperity of their organisations,” she said.

The statement included testimonials from Nigerian delegates who had attended a similar TEXEM programme.

“…The program has been very interesting, exciting, facilitated knowledge sharing, and it has actually brought about a greater insight into what leadership is…,” Akinwunmi Lawal, MD/CEO of NPF Microfinance Bank PLC. said.

“I found that it’s quite a new approach to workshops than I’m used to because I’ve attended so many workshops organised by other organisations.

“But I found that the approach made by TEXEM is quite different,” Ambassador Mustafa Sam, Non-Executive Director, Jaiz Bank, stated.

“I’ve enjoyed the orderliness of the organisers. I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants.

“They bring in life examples in all their presentations, then with that one, the participants could be carried along. It’s not theoretical.

“You know, you can see they also practicalise by bringing in life events, even using themselves as examples. So that sends the message deep into our hearts. And that’s wonderful…,” Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and former Special Assistant to the President, said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Rukayat Adeyemi

Sanlam  Group on Sunday said that it had trained no fewer than 600 financial journalists across the African continent through the Sanlam Summer School which began 20 years ago.

Ms Pearl Majola, Head, Group Communications of Sanlam announced this at the opening dinner for 2023 Sanlam Summer School For Financial Journalists across Africa held in Pecan Manon, Hartbeespoort in South Africa.

The theme of this year’s training is: “Fintech And Mobile Money In Africa.”

Majola said that the company started the programme in response to South Africa’s governance initiative for its indigenous corporates to support media development.

She noted that the training is organised yearly for public good and to improve the skills of journalists, while Sanlam expects nothing in return from the beneficiaries, except that they should become more valuable.

“I hope that the participants finds this programme valuable, because the aim is to develop the capacities of journalists across Africa to contribute truthful, sensitive and value information that helps people’s lives.

“Sanlam has put in lots of effort to sustain the investment and have also seen value for it over the years,” she said.

Majola commended Sanlam subsidiaries across the African nation such as : Nigeria, Namibian, Rwanda, Botswana, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya, among others for supporting the programme, by making it accessible to young journalists in the financial services sector.

In his keynote address, Mr Karl Socikwa, Group Executive, Market Development And Sustainability of Sanlam said that the 2023 Summer School is a milestone for the programme which had been organised for 20 years.

Socikwa stated that the summer school had contributed meaningfully to media houses across Africa, promoted excellence in journalism and media development in Africa.

He explained that the financial sector is so critical to economic development, hence Sanlam is committed to advancing financial journalism in Africa for effective and professional coverage of the sector.

According to him, the theme of the 2023 is apt, as fintech and mobile money had revolutionised financial services in Africa and contributed significantly to financial inclusion and economic development.

The group executive noted that Sanlam is committed to shaping the future of fintech in Africa to make it more accessible, secured and beneficial to its people.

“Sanlam has recently launched a fintech platform to demonstrate its commitment to the fintech space for economic development and financial inclusion.

” Your work as journalists is to cover the sector and provide reports that give access to financial services and inclusion that can change people’s lives ,” he said.

Socikwa wished the participants a successful training and charged them to take advantage of the opportunity and renowned facilitators at their disposal to improve their capacities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 22 journalists selected from different Africa countries are participating in the 2023 Sanlam Summer School which will run from Oct. 22 to Oct. 27 in South Africa.

The beneficiaries of the training are young journalists covering various financial sectors of their country and not more than 35 years old.

Among the expected facilitators and speakers are : Mr Chris Kabwato, Convener, Sanlam Summer School, Ms Paula Fray, Lead Trainer, Fray College, Mr Segun Aina,President Africa Fintech Network and Mr Tsakani Maluleke, Auditor-General of South Africa.

Sanlam Group is a Pan-African brand, founded in 1918 as a life insurance company, with its headquarters in South Africa.

The brand has grown to become Africa’s largest non-banking financial services group, with a strong presence in 33 countries on the African continent, including Nigeria.

The group operates in eight out of the 10 largest economies in Africa, with over 154,000 employees globally and has a niche presence in India, Malaysia, United Kingdom and Australia.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the African Union (AU) High Representative for Silencing the Guns, on Thursday urged African states to learn from the Chinese experience if the continent is to achieve its dream of development.

Chambas gave the advice when he delivered a webinar keynote address to participants at the 2023 Abuja Forum, a conference organised by the Gusau Institute in collaboration with the Zhejiang Normal University of China.

The forum which was held in Abuja, had the theme: “Promoting Africa-China Belt and Road Cooperation for a New Era of Common Development.”

Speaking further in his address, Chambas said, “there are a few lessons that I see we can learn from the Chinese experience.

“Many commentators see China’s rapid development as a miracle but it is obvious to me that this was no miracle.

“No, it was not a miracle. It came about as a result of careful and meticulous planning directed by a national vision.

“The saying that ‘failure to plan is planning to fail’ is a truism.

“The Chinese were able to correctly analyse and understand their situation and decide where they wanted to go, and set out to plan the exact steps to be taken to get there.

“But we all know that planning alone isn’t enough.

“Therefore, the second important lesson we can learn from the Chinese experience is the discipline of policy implementation.

“No matter how well one plans, without proper execution everything will come to naught. Admittedly, we have a serious problem with following through with our plans in Africa.

“I have seen a fair share of good policy documents prepared by experts at the country, regional, and continental levels which have remained on the shelves while the problems that they were designed to solve linger on.

”I am curious to see how Africa-China partnerships could help us develop this discipline of implementation and delivery.”

He said China’s goal of achieving full integration into the global economy over the longer term, currently manifests through two separate but interconnected global initiatives, namely – the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the “International Capacity Cooperation” initiative.

According to him, BRI projects China’s global economic connectivity and influence along two major axes (the on-land Eurasian bridge referred to as the “Silk Road and Economic Belt” – and the maritime route which connects seaports in China to those in Asia, Pacific, and Africa – referred to as the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road) whereas the “International Capacity Cooperation” initiative aims primarily to move offshore, in the form of project-specific investments.

“China has also set up a variety of special purpose infrastructure investment funds, such as China-Arab Investment funds; China-South America Fund; China-Africa Development Fund, and the China-Africa Fund for Industrial Cooperation aimed at bolstering support for China-Africa industrial capacity cooperation, toward Africa’s industrialisation drive, the former ECOWAS president said.

“Thirdly, the Chinese have been able to develop without compromising their culture, history, and way of life.

“It is remarkable that they have been able to weather all global pressures including ideological, philosophical, cultural, moral, economic, and political pressures to keep their culture.

“From my perspective, it is this ability to maintain and improve upon their way of life that has helped the Chinese to come this far.

“What this teaches us is that we cannot develop by seeking to copy everything from other places.

“Development after all is a positive evolution of culture.

“So how do we take stock of our history and culture, improve upon the positive aspects, and resolve the negative aspects such that we can take full advantage of our enormous resources to build the prosperity that we so desire as Africans.

“This is a question that should continually agitate our minds as we engage our partners,” Chambas said.

He noted that as the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, he is “particularly optimistic about what the China-Africa relationship means for peace and security.

“The Africa-China cooperation equally aims at building a safer, stable, and more peaceful Africa by upholding the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concepts.

“China and Africa have continued to pursue peace through cooperation and resolving differences through dialogue and consultations.

“China supports African countries in seeking African solutions to African problems,” he added.

He stated that the two parties are jointly promoting the timely accomplishment of “silencing guns in Africa”.

Chambas, therefore, urged all sides in the Africa-China partnership to make the collaboration durable and a win-win for both sides.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would help Africa realise its vision captured in Agenda 2063.

Speaking earlier, Founder of Gusau Institute, retired Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau said that the yearly conference “is billed to advance dialogue and foster more understanding between African nations and the People’s Republic of China.

”It also provides the opportunity for critical discussion of issues that mutually affect China and Africa.”

Gusau said that coming against the backdrop of wide-ranging interactions between “our regions”, there was no doubt that the forum could promote closer friendship, greater economic engagement, and other mutually beneficial activities.

According to him, it has become imperative that in the fast-changing political, economic, and other global ecosystems, more attention should be focused on the importance of effective collaboration, in this case, between Africa and China.

“This is not only appropriate but timely if we are to develop a new and workable strategic framework for tackling the increasingly intricate challenges of this era.

“We are convinced, following recent events, that any effort to shape a new international order that is stable, inclusive, and beneficial to all regions of the world, should be a collaborative effort,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the conference would witness very engaging and productive interactions.

“At the Gusau Institute, we believe that what Africa needs most now is an entity that will generate new ideas for dealing with old and emerging challenges facing the continent.

“Such a body should comprehend how global issues affect Africa. It should also articulate the course of actions needed to effectively address the numerous security problems that plague both the continent and the rest of the international community.

“A core value of our Institute is to develop long-term working relationships and partnerships with similar organisations around the globe, as we have with Zhejiang Normal University.

“We believe that fostering strong international relationships is paramount in ensuring the world’s sustainability and future growth,” the former National Security Adviser to former Nigerian presidents Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan said.

Highlight of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the institute and the Zhejiang Normal University.

The MoU is aimed at promoting academic collaboration, conference hosting, book-writing, student exchange, and information sharing on how to secure funding for academic purposes. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Sarafina Christopher

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja has pledged more support to promote cultural exchange and cooperation in Education and tourism with Nigeria to strengthen the two countries’ friendship.

The Embassy made the pledge during the World Day for Cultural Diversity Road walk in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cultural day with the theme “Embracing Cultural Diversity: Building Bridges for a Harmonious World”, depicted the role of culture in promoting people to people relationship.

According to Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, the embassy would further promote cultural educational exchange and cooperation, and embrace a better future full of hope for Nigerians.

He added that Nigeria and China share rich and similar cultural heritage, noting that the 2023 theme was apt.

“I believe with our joint efforts we can build a cultural bridge which will promote cultural understanding between the two countries and deepen our people to people relationship.

“On the other hand, we can build friendship through this cultural bridge in the area of Education, politics and every field including the film industry and exchange programmes as well as through a solid win-win cooperation for both countries.”

Xuda also said that Nigeria had lots of rich culture, adding that he had visited several Museums and tourism sites in Nigeria.

“I have seen that there is huge potential for the two countries to push forward their culture, education and tourism cooperation and exchange, and through this we can build a bridge for the harmony of the world.

He also said that 2023 marked the 10 years Anniversary of the Belt and Road initiative adding that it had really promoted a people-to-people bond between China, Nigeria and several countries.

“The 2023 edition of the BRI will mark the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) championed by the President of China, Xi Jinping, as an initiative for global infrastructure development strategy.

“Adopted and launched by the government of the People’s Republic of China in 2013, the initiative seeks international action to enhance cooperation and promote infrastructure investment in nearly 70 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe through land and maritime routes.

“The Belt and Road Initiative will continue to strengthen the China-Nigeria bond,” he said.

Mr Abiola Abdulkareem, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Cultural Centre for its efforts and support especially in the areas of promoting cultural exchanges and education, among others.

Abdulkareem said that the event was very special for China and Nigeria because it would be the first official one of the ministry since it was carved out to stand alone.

“We also look forward to more collaboration with China to make sure that the Art and Culture sector is enriched like never before.

“We believe that Art, Culture and creative Economy is the new oil and we look forward to deepening our friendship with China and more partnerships.

“Nigeria has benefited a lot from the Belt and Road initiative in all sectors and we must appreciate the Chinese government for this effort,”Abdulkareem said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Maureen Okon

The Palestinian Ambassador in Nigeria, Abu Shawesh, has called on the United Nations and African Union to set up an independent commission of inquiry on Tuesday’s attack on a hospital in Gaza.

The Envoy made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing newsmen on the attack.

He said that women and children were mostly killed when Israeli Air Force jets allegedly struck the Baptist Hospital in Gaza.

Shawesh said that the hospital, which was located side by side with the Baptist Church, had served as a safe haven for families displaced by the ongoing war.

He also said that calls by the Israeli authorities for people to evacuate the hospital was rejected by medical personnel of the hospital, who said doing so would amount to slow killing of sick and injured patients receiving health services.

He allegedly said that “before the end of Tuesday at 5:30 pm (Jerusalem time), Israeli occupation war aircrafts bombed the Baptist Hospital in Gaza.

“The displaced families believed that this hospital was completely immune from military attacks, in accordance with international law.

“The death toll of the Palestinians in this massacre has so far reached about 900 people; the majority of them are women and children, in addition to several hundreds wounded.

“Since Oct. 7, the death toll on the Palestinian side is more than 3000, of which two to three are children and women and more than a thousand are still missing under the rubbles.

“I call for a humanitarian court to be set up by an independent body such as the United Nations and African Union aside from the west.

“Many Western media outlets are waging a dirty war against the Palestinian people by broadcasting and distributing dozens of false and fake news,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Fortune Abang

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday said Nigeria would continue to support China towards ensuring sustainable digital economy.

Shettima made this known while addressing a two-day third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation summit, holding on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, in Beijing.

The vice president commended China on the occasion of the country’s 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

He said that the initiative had impacted positively on infrastructure development, not only in China but globally.

” The BRI has achieved ground-breaking interventions and made monumental achievements especially in terms of infrastructure.

“ The Belt and Road achievements reflect China’s commitment to leverage on cooperation and the UN’s efforts towards achieving economic development.

“ Specifically, for the prosperity of the people in every economy, BRI has been a major contributor to the implementation of the UN 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goal.”

Speaking on the digital economy, Shettima said that the world had been experiencing new approaches and global dimensions to governance through digital technology.

According to Shettima, the digital economy has played major role towards acceleration of global economic growth and recovery as replacement mechanism through process of trans border trade.

“As the world emerges from the economic downturn, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is crucial need for developing economies to employ digital transformation practices.

“Especially, in the aspects of manufacturing, agriculture, retail and human capacity building, as well as medical and health care, in order to achieve any meaningful and sustainable development.”

He commended China for introducing digital seed growth as vehicle for achieving international economic cooperation beyond geographical spheres.

” Nigeria is no exception in global shift in digital economy being the largest economy in Africa, and as the most populous country in the continent.

” We intend to remain top of the ladder through formulation and implementation of digital oriented policies.”

Shettima said although Nigeria started by establishing digital strategy policy in November 2019, government would do all within its ambit to transform and reposition the nation’s digital economy to become a leading one.

He identified strategic pillars of the policy to include digital literacy, skills development, solid infrastructure, sub-infrastructure, service infrastructure, digital society, emerging technologies and indigenous economy.

” These are part of the Federal Government’s initiative to accelerate the diversification of Nigerian economy and enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.

“ Through this strategic blueprint, the Federal Government aims to accelerate the growth of Nigeria as global technical tele-hub and exporter of talents.

“ One of the goals of this tele-hub is to train three million early to meet career technical talents from 2023 to 2027; Nigeria stands at unique opportunity to tap into the hub.

” Our proximity to Europe and proficiency in English are added advantages towards repositioning our economy,” the vice-president added.

He said Nigeria, being a trading partner to most BRI countries, would continue to collaborate with the group to bring positive shift to advance growth of global economy, in terms cooperation with global South.

Shettima, who expressed appreciation to China for the partnership extended to Nigeria, commended Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China for the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and China.

The vice president was accompanied to the event by Amb. Baba Jidda, Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and others. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vincent Obi

By Folasade Akpan

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reiterated calls by the United Nations

Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to rescind the evacuation order from northern Gaza, which is making a dire humanitarian situation even worse.

The Fund’s Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem, made the call in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

by UNFPA Nigeria’s Media Associate, Hajiya Kori Habib in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to her, UNFPA deplores the loss of lives in Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and deeply concerned about

the safety and wellbeing of all civilians caught up in the crisis, especially women and girls.

She stated that the evacuation order from Northern Gaza is making a dire humanitarian situation even worse.

She added that “for the thousands of women about to give birth, and those who are sick and critically injured, being forced from

their homes with nowhere safe to go and no food or water, it is extremely dangerous.

“Gaza is home to 50,000 pregnant women who are struggling to access essential health services, as hospitals teeter on the brink of collapse,

with no electricity and few if any vital supplies or medicines.

“UNFPA supports pregnant women and newborns by providing essential medicines and deploying midwives. This can only continue if lifesaving aid can reach them.

“We call for immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access so that food, medicines, water and fuel can reach everyone in need.”

Kanem also called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, and for the immediate release of all hostages, adding that

attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must cease, and healthcare facilities must never be a target.

NAN reports that Isreal started launching attacks on Gaza after a major assault on Isreal by the Palestinian organisation Hamas on

Oct. 7.

Several hospitals in Gaza City, therefore, became refugee centres for hundreds of people, hoping they would be spared the bombardment

after Israel ordered all residents of the city and surrounding areas to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip.

Thereafter, an Israeli air force bombed the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza strip on Tuesday, where at least 500 people were reportedly

killed, the deadliest Israeli airstrike in five wars fought since 2008.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Prof. Rodria Laline, one of TEXEM’s faculties

By Abigael Joshua

TEXEM UK, a United Kingdom-based leadership development organisation, says the unabated exodus of talents from Nigeria to the UK primarily, constitutes a major but surmountable hurdle for the country’s leaders.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website (www.texem.co.uk), its Director of Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, said the challenge affects leaders in the country’s private and public sectors.

Lucas added that currency risks, high inflation, regulatory hurdles, failing business models, and the weighty cost of capital are among other challenges Nigerian leaders face today.

“These hurdles may appear insurmountable, but there is a beacon of hope on the horizon: the Customised Executive Development Programme titled “Leading Transformation for Strategic Outcomes,” organised by TEXEM, UK.

“The programme will be held from November 27 – 30, 2023, at Hilton, London in the United Kingdom.

“This programme, led by an esteemed faculty, promises to deliver actionable solutions and insights to these pressing issues through proven, engaging methodologies that make learning fun, memorable and actionable,” she explained.

According to the Director, the programme is the missing piece of the puzzle that can supercharge organisations and leaders in Nigeria.

Lucas said that in a world marked by swift change, the coming programme empowers leaders to adapt and guide their organisations through transitions.

She said distinguished and eminent thought leaders, including Prof. John Peters, Prof. Rodria Laline, and Prof. Paul Griffith, would lead the programme.

Peters, a former Prisoner of War and, Royal Airforce Fighter Pilot and past Chair of the Association of MBAs, accredits London Business School, Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD.

He brings invaluable lessons on successful leadership in turbulent times, providing the skills needed to navigate with confidence.

“Attendees will refine their strategy under the guidance of Professor Rodria Laline in “Building Governance for Digital Transformation.”

“Digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity. Prof. Laline, an accomplished CEO and founding Director of Harvard Maiximise Your Board Programme, brings an enormous wealth of experience in global research and development.

“She will inspire participants on how to align governance with innovation, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience within their organisations – a crucial strategic advantage in today’s world,” Lucas said.

She said the programme’s itinerary, which includes company visits, group discussions, assessments, and role plays, ensures that participants gain practical, hands-on knowledge.

Lucas added that this translates to an enhanced ability to learn and adapt rapidly, a vital aspect of sustainable success.

She disclosed that the “Change Management and Organisational Culture” session will be delivered by Prof. Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to launch a rocket into space fifteen years ago successfully.

Lucas said that Griffith will inspire executives and challenge assumptions about winning strategies that drive lasting transformation.

“Change is constant, and effective change management is an art. 70 percent of change initiatives fail. Hence, leaders must be deliberate and strategic to inspire successful change management.

“A seasoned thought leader, Prof. Griffith, will guide participants on better decision-making for enduring success.

“By attending the “Leading Transformation for Strategic Outcomes” programme, Nigerian leaders can unlock a wealth of benefits for their organisations,” she said.

According to Lucas, the event is not just a programme; it’s an exceptional opportunity to drive organisations towards enduring success.

The director also shared testimonials from previous TEXEM delegates from Nigeria, which she said speaks volumes about the value-added executives will derive from participating in its programmes.

“I’ve enjoyed the orderliness of the organisers. I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants.

“They bring in life examples in all their presentation, then with that one, the participants could be carried along. It’s not theoretical.

“You know, you can see they also practicalise by bringing in life events, even using themselves as examples. So that really sends the message deep into our hearts. And that’s wonderful…” says Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and Former Special Assistant to the President.

“The program has been very interesting, exciting, knowledge sharing, and it has actually brought about a greater insight into what leadership is,” Akinwunmi Lawal, MD/CEO of NPF Microfinance Bank PLC. said.

Ifeanyi Ani, CEO of Total Pension CPFA, said, “I regard the These Executive Minds Executive Education programme as the best I have attended in recent times. Not one of them, but the very best as it was humanly perfect.

“My favourite thing about the programme would be…drawing our attention again to… change, which has been a constant in life experiences, you know, change in our lives, change, you know, in businesses…

“The evolution of businesses and the way we do things…discussions, for example, on cyber security and mental health, which is not just equipping us to know what is happening around us.

“Even equipping us personally, our mental health, paying attention to also the ever-evolving cyber security… Those are things I would say that made it very, very interesting”.

Also, Ambassador Mustafa Sam, Non-Executive Director, Jaiz Bank, had this to say, “I found that it’s quite a new approach to workshop than I’m used to because I’ve attended so many workshops organised by other organisations.

“But I found that the approach made by TEXEM is quite different. First of all, when I found that the first day of the programme would be visits to Shakespeare’s birthplace and also to visit a chocolate factory, I was sceptical.

“So I said, I’m in love with Shakespeare, but I just said, what is it to do with business or whatever it is?

“But then after the visit and then to the two places and coming back and then I could see the collaboration between what I’m supposed to know, and I really could understand the issues there.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), has deployed two Justices of the Federatiom to The Gambia to assist the West African nation’s quest for effective judicial service delivery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two officers were formally briefed on their new task at the directorate’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General of the corps, in a brief remark, said that the two Justices – Ruqayat Ayoola and Muhammad Owolabi – were nominated by the Chief Justice of the Federation.

He described the Judges as “some of our best from the Judiciary”.

Yakub reminded the duo that DTAC was established in 1987 to serve as an instrument for soft power diplomacy in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific nations.

“It has, since then, been deploying volunteers to 35 countries.

“We have covered up to 35 countries from inception; currently, we have volunteers in 10 countries and have extended our mandate beyond bilateral relationships.

“We have also gone triangular; we have partnerships with other international organisations and have volunteers with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) serving in New York.

“Also, as part of our repositioning drive to meet up with the 4-D Foreign Policy initiatives of President Bola Tinubu, we have extended our tentacles to others countries outside Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific,” he added.

He urged the Judges to serve with dignity when they get to Gambia.

Responding, Justice Owolabi thanked the directorate for the opportunity and promised to make Nigeria proud in Gambia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ETIM/HS/ETS

By Maureen Okon

The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC) said it will train 30 youth corps members, staff of ICT, Media Departments on the use of Social Media Tools in the Workplace.

Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General (DG) of DTAC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of a three-month training workshop for corps members and staff of the directorate in Abuja.

The DG said that, the training is to align with President Bola Tinubu’s 4-D Renewed Hope Agenda for the country, which is meant to build up their capacity to contribute to the agenda.

“We all know that the president came up with several agendas; which we have the eight point agenda and the 4-D foreign policy initiative, which comprises of, Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora.

“I want to thank God Almighty, for taking us to yet another milestone in our quest to reposition, re-energise and re-organised the directorate so that we will make the 4-D agenda a reality.

“These 4-D initiative is meant to take Nigerian’s foreign policy to the next level, and DTAC, is one of the instruments that will be used to achieve that, so we deem it necessary to utilise all the man power available to us.

“I want to thank members of the managing team of DTAC and all other staffs for putting all hands on deck to make this day a reality,’’ he said.

He also, urged corps members to be serious and dedicated to their service to the nation, adding that it was no more business as usual.

“You must make sure you come to work whenever you are assigned to do, and for our corps member I want to call on you to be more serious and dedicated to your service to the nation, he added.

Speaking earlier, Amb. Shehu Mohamed, the Ag. Director of Admin of DTAC, said that the gathering was first of its kind, because it was the first time they were undergoing such training for their corps members, and this was possible with the initiative of the DG.

He added that the initiative was welcoming and that they would try to derive value from the training.

NAN reports that some of the corps members applauded the DG’s initiatives and promise to be dedicated and serious with the training. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji