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AS+A Celebrates 24 Years with Thanksgiving, Awards and Recognition of Stakeholders, partners

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

A distinguished public relations outfit, AS+A COMMUNICATIONS, has rolled out the drums to celebrate 24 years of unbroken business, where it specialised in image branding, event management and product marketing among others.

The 24th anniversary was characterized by presentation of awards and honours to deserving corporate organisations and distinguished individuals, rendition of speeches and cultural displays as well as product exhibition.

Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, and tagged 2024 PR/Forum/CSR Exhibition and Awards, with the theme, “BOOSTING SUSTAINABILITY, SOCIAL IMPACT AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT”, the event, which was anchored by a notable PR personality, began officially with the singing of the freshly reintroduced nation’s anthem, and opening prayer before the Chief Host, and Managing Director, AS+A Communications, Yeye Adenike Agnes Shobajo, took the stage to deliver her welcome address.

Acknowledging that the company has come a long way in 24 years, she returned all the glory to Almighty God, and at the same time gave kudos to brands that have flowed with them in thick and thin.

“Our story is a long one, but sweet to tell. We started in the year 2000. Our first awards were held in the premises of Philip Consulting, in UBA House, Marina, in 2001. We are the pioneers of CSR in Nigeria. We understand that there are people who have the wherewithal, those who can add value to people’s lives from what they do, without realizing. When we came to the knowledge of this, we took it upon ourselves to reach out to high networth individuals, corporate organisations as well as government institutions; departments and parastatals, to bring them out. These people go out of their way to do things that today, are referred to as sustainability. We call it social responsibility.

“So we can them out individually and corporately, to recognize their efforts to the society. And that explains the birth of this awards event.

“It is worthy of note that this event has been invited to showcase and hold in London for the 2025 edition. That’s how much we have made ourselves visible and responsible in the last 24 years.

“We recognize the efforts of past influential personalities, who have done so much to the society like the former Interim President, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Chief Molade Okoya Thomas (may their souls rest in peace). There are also the likes of Chief Dele Momodu, who have done, and are still doing things for the society. We do our to honour them, so that others can be encouraged to look for areas in the society, where they can give back, and affe t positively.

“And for every awarded today; it is a clarion call to do more. We are also partnering with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, led by Mrs Tarela Aghanti, who surprised us with her presence today, having selflessness flown from her base in England, to Lagos, Nigeria. We appreciate her believe in us.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate every brand that has identified with us, especially Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government that has been with us in the last four years. We also call on other state governors and governments to join us in this task of affecting the society.

“We also thank Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who has invited to the state in September. We are exploring the states of Nigeria, and from.there, we will go into other African countries, and continue internationally.

“Our special appreciation to everyone, and may God bless us all,” Yeye Shobajo declared.

The event was spiced up with performances from students of Lady Bird Top Flight College and inmates of Mercy and Love Orphanage Home, who thrilled the audience spectacular dance steps, cultural displays.

In his address, the representative of the Lagos State Governor, who is the Director of Strategy in the Information Ministry, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi, who delivered the keynote message, said that the government is solidly behind the efforts to boost sustainability, social impact and return on investment in the state, noting that it would provide enabling environment for individuals and corporate entities, who are will to affect the society with their positive impact.

“Lagos State under Governor Sanwo-Olu is ever ready to support any venture that is targeted at boosting sustainability, social impact and return on investments across board,” Mr. Oyekanmi said.

With speeches from Engr. (Mrs) Olu Maduka, Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, who representated the President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations; President/Chairman of Council, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Mr. Gabriel Idahosa and Yeye Tobalase Aderonke Elegushi, the mother of the day, among others, the guests were thrilled and encouraged to begin and continue the act of corporate social responsibility and sustainability from their own little corners.

Also present at the event was veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede and Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo, president of NIPR.

A major highlight of the event was a slide presentation by the Founder, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation UK and Nigeria, Mrs Terela Aghanti, who used the opportunity to recreate awareness the Osteogenesis Imperfecta disease, which causes paralysis and disability, calling on well meaning Nigerians and all and sundry to identify with the Founder towards helping the victims of the scourge.

She praised Yeye Shobajo for her amazing work, and professed her followership of her trajectory.

“The AS+A has been a solid partner of our foundation, and I have a personal interest in Yeye Adenike Shobajo for the amazing work she does, and the fact that she has a grandson that has Osteogenesis Imperfecta makes it phenomenal for me to associate with her.

“We held an eye opening event in March/April this year, and it went viral. We found more children that needed our assistance. Remember, we gave out a total of 300 walking aids to diverse persons suffering from the disease, according to the stage and medication required.

“And that brings me further reveal that come 2025, this event will be held in London, in association with our parent body, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Network.

“Again, I’m using this opportunity to reach out to the stakeholders, politicians, government departments, agencies and parastatals to partner with us, because with us, there is possibility of reaching to everyone at the grassroots,” Aghanti said.

Collaborating her stand, Mr. Adeoye Tolulope Emmanuel, a career therapist, working on the project, said the build up to further affect those suffering from Osteogenesis Imperfecta is being sustained for the food if the society.

Among organizations that awarded for their efforts in sustaining Corporate Social Responsibility, making social impact and creating avenues for return on investments were NIMASA, NTA, Toyota, Ovation Media Group, Nestle Nigeria Plc and LCCI.

On the individual category, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwooolu, Rev. Gbenga Oshokoya, Mr Reuben Muoka among others were recognised and awarded.

The programme was rounded up with the cutting of the anniversary cake, which was followed by a vote of thanks by the daughter of the host.

Featured

Court Reserves Ruling in Times Multimedia Suit Against Afreximbank Over CAX IP Dispute

Published

15 hours ago

July 5, 2026

Eric

By Andrew Orolua

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has reserved ruling in the intellectual property suit between Times Multimedia Ltd. and the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, and others, following arguments on a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The matter came up on Thursday, July 2, 2026, before Honourable Justice Osiagor.

Times Multimedia Ltd., a Nigerian media and events company, is the originator and registered proprietor of “CAX” – the Creative Africa Exchange.

Court documents state that Times Multimedia conceived CAX in 2017/2018 as a continental trade and investment platform designed to finance, market, and monetize Africa’s creative and cultural industries. In 2018, the company formally presented the CAX concept, framework, and business model to Afreximbank for partnership and institutional backing.

Following engagements with Times Multimedia on the CAX proposal, Afreximbank in 2020 launched its own initiative known as the Creative Africa Nexus, CANEX. Times Multimedia alleges that CANEX substantially adopted the core concept, objectives, and structure of CAX without license, attribution, or contractual agreement, leading to the present suit for intellectual property infringement.

Afreximbank and other defendants filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, contending that the bank enjoys immunity from judicial proceedings in Nigeria under the _Afreximbank Establishment Agreement, 1993_, Section 9 of the _Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act_, Cap D1, LFN 2004, and the _African Export-Import Bank (Privileges and Immunities) Order, 2014_.

Afreximbank was established in October 1993 by African governments and investors to promote intra-African trade. Nigeria is a founding signatory. Article 50 of the Establishment Agreement provides that the Bank enjoys immunity from legal process except to the extent that it expressly waives such immunity.

Counsel to Times Multimedia Ltd. opposed the objection. Counsel argued that the immunity claimed by Afreximbank is not absolute, and that the same Establishment Agreement contains provisions contemplating circumstances where the bank may be sued or subjected to judicial proceedings, particularly in respect of commercial transactions.

The claimant’s legal team further urged the court to interpret the relevant instruments holistically and to avoid any construction that would unjustifiably deny an aggrieved Nigerian entity access to court in the absence of a clear and express exclusion of the court’s jurisdiction, as guaranteed under Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

Counsel for both sides argued extensively for over one hour. At the end of proceedings, Justice Osiagor reserved the matter for ruling and adjourned the case to Monday, 29 September 2026.

The ruling will determine whether the suit can proceed against Afreximbank before the Federal High Court.

Featured

Fake Agency Scandal: NDC Demands Gbajabiamila’s Sack

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged multi-billion-naira corruption scandal involving a purported non-existent government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party described the allegations as grave and said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could compromise any credible investigation into the matter.

The NDC’s demand follows allegations made by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, an agency the Presidency has publicly denied exists.

According to the party, the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability and integrity within the Tinubu administration.

The NDC alleged that despite the Presidency’s denial of the agency’s existence, the PFIPC purportedly secured budgetary allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act and opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account and a Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The party questioned how an agency described as non-existent could allegedly establish multiple high-level government financial accounts without official approval or the required documentation.

It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to explain whether forged documents were used in processing the accounts.

The statement further alleged that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for the purported agency, describing the development as another issue requiring urgent explanation.

According to the NDC, the allegations also include claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at N27.39 billion, a request Adeyemi allegedly rejected.

The party also cited Adeyemi’s claim that he secured his appointment through the Chief of Staff after allegedly paying N600 million, of which N400 million was allegedly paid through proxies, while N200 million remained outstanding.

It said the alleged unpaid balance reportedly contributed to the Presidency’s subsequent denial of the agency’s existence.

The NDC further alleged that the claims point to a wider pattern of institutional corruption, including the alleged sale of public appointments.

The party also linked the controversy to the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom it described as an intermediary between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.

According to the statement, Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, a day after the police reportedly received a petition from the Chief of Staff.

The NDC also referenced Adeyemi’s claims that he survived multiple assassination attempts, including an attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on September 7, 2025, and alleged that certain individuals within government are plotting to eliminate him.

Against the backdrop of the allegations, the party demanded the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila to allow what it described as a full and impartial investigation.

It also called on President Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including its budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and staff recruitment.

The NDC further urged investigators to probe the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death and the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi, while recommending that Adeyemi be granted witness protection.

The party also demanded that the Chief of Staff produce all official documents signed since assuming office for forensic examination.

In addition, it called for the questioning of officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation over their alleged roles in the matter.

The opposition party also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to commence what it described as a thorough investigation without fear or favour.

“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing a mere defensive press release from the Presidency as a deflective ploy. Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness and justice,” the statement said.

The Presidency has previously maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had responded to the fresh allegations contained in the NDC statement.

Featured

Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Former CNN Anchor, Isha Sesay

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

Accomplished journalist and former Cable News Network (CNN) International anchor, Isha Sesay, will this week return to the studios of the global news network, not as an interviewer, but as the subject of its celebrated 30-minute magazine programme, African Voices, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The episode will shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of the distinguished broadcaster whose career has traversed some of the most influential corridors of international journalism.

The 50-year-old British-Sierra Leonean media personality, born on January 6, 1976, rose to prominence through an illustrious career at CNN, which she joined as a news anchor in 2005 after distinguished stints with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News. Over the years, Sesay became one of the most recognisable and respected faces in global television news, bringing clarity and composure to some of the world’s most consequential stories.

An alumna of Trinity College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sesay steadily carved a distinctive niche for herself in broadcast journalism. In 2009, she became the host of the inaugural edition of International Desk, CNN’s weekly news programme, further cementing her reputation as a journalist of substance and international standing.

Her career afforded her the opportunity to engage with numerous eminent personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, among other notable global figures.

Sesay also contributed to Anderson Cooper 360° as presenter of the 360 Bulletin, a role she assumed on January 17, 2011. Subsequently, she was reassigned as anchor of another flagship news programme, CNN NewsCenter, continuing a professional trajectory that reflected both versatility and excellence.

Beyond the newsroom, Sesay has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact. In 2014, she launched her educational and humanitarian non-profit advocacy initiative for the African girl-child. The organisation, aptly named Women Everywhere Can Lead, has since provided educational support and empowerment opportunities aimed at nurturing a new generation of female leaders across the continent.

More recently, Sesay captured public attention with her personal journey into motherhood, welcoming her first child through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a single mother. Her experience has resonated with many women around the world, adding another compelling chapter to a life story already rich in courage, resilience and inspiration.

On this edition of African Voices, Sesay will share insights into her distinguished career, her enduring advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment, as well as her new and deeply personal adventure into motherhood. The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30am.

Repeat broadcasts will follow at 11.00am on the same day, while additional screenings are scheduled for Sunday at 3.30am and 6.00pm. Further rebroadcasts will air on Monday at 3.00am and 5.45pm, and on Tuesday at 5.45 pm, with the same time belt continuing into the following week until Monday at 3.00am