In the spirit of nurturing young minds and empowering the next generation, itel Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), hosted a memorable Children’s Day celebration themed “Bold Dreams, Bright Futures.” The event, which held on May 27th at the NTA grounds on Tejuosho Avenue, Yaba, Lagos, was part of itel’s Love Always On corporate social responsibility initiative – reaffirming the brand’s commitment

The day was filled with excitement, fun, and most importantly, impact, as over 51 schools across Lagos were beneficiaries of educational and creative items valued at over ₦4 million. Donations included library bookshelves, school bags, lunch packs, stationery boxes, coloring books, reading materials and colored pencils — all aimed at equipping children with the tools they need to dream boldly and achieve brighter futures.

In a significant gesture of empowerment, itel Energy also donated solar power equipment worth over ₦2 million to the winner of the day’sSpelling Bee Competition. The solar system will be installed at the pupil’s parent’s home, enhancing their access to clean and sustainable energy.

Speaking on the gesture, Olaotan Fawehinmi, Public Relations Manager at itel Energy, stated:

“At itel Energy, our mission is to light up communities and ensure everyone – regardless of where they live – has access to the power they need to live better. This donation is more than electricity; it’s an opportunity. By bringing light into this child’s family’s home, we’re supporting education, security, and a more dignified lifestyle for all who live there”

Also speaking at the event, Terngu Simeon Shagba, Public Relations Supervisor at itel Mobile Nigeria, shared the brand’s motivation behind the initiative:

“At itel, we believe that every child deserves a chance to dream and to thrive. Our ‘Love Always On’ CSR initiative is not just about gifts – it’s about creating opportunities and nurturing potential. By supporting education and sustainable living, we are helping build a generation that will shape a brighter future for Nigeria.”

The event wasn’t just about donations. A line-up of entertaining and educational activities kept the children engaged, including dancing competitions, a colorful March Past parade, a Miss Children’s Day Pageant, musical performances, quiz sessions, puzzles, painting activities, and more – all with exciting prizes to reward participation and excellence.

Dolapo Samuel Olorun-nimbe, ATL Marketing Manager at itel Mobile Nigeria, emphasized the importance of celebrating children holistically:

“Children’s Day is an opportunity to inspire, educate, and uplift. We wanted to create a platform where children could not only receive support but also express themselves, compete, and have fun. This is part of itel’s ongoing mission to stand with families and communities at every step of their journey.”

With smiling faces, laughter in the air, and dreams ignited, the 2025 edition of itel’s Children’s Day CSR initiativesuccessfully combined education, entertainment, and empowerment – staying true to the brand’s promise that all and sundry should Enjoy Better Life.

*Allege abuse of office, misuse of public funds for children’s education abroad

A group of lawyers and civil society organisations (CSOs) protested in Abuja today, demanding the immediate resignation of Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The group known as Concerned Lawyers and Civil Society in Defence of Public Trust alleged that Ahmed had abused his office by using public funds to educate his children in expensive schools abroad, including European University in Montreux, Switzerland, Aiglon College Boarding School in Switzerland, Institut Le Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland, and La Garenne International School in the Swiss Alps.

The protesters, who gathered at the NMDPRA headquarters, claimed that Ahmed’s actions were a clear case of corruption and abuse of power. They alleged that the funds used to pay for the children’s education were diverted from public coffers and that Ahmed’s actions were a betrayal of the public trust.

According to Barr. Martins Adaji, Faisal Ahmed, Farouk’s son, was sponsored with public funds to study at European University in Montreux, Switzerland, and later secured a lucrative position in sales at Oando, a company with ties to the oil and gas sector.

Another son, Farouk Ahmed Farouk (Jr.), it claimed, was sent to Aiglon College Boarding School in Switzerland, where the annual tuition and board fees are estimated to be over N300 million.

The protesters demanded Ahmed’s immediate resignation, a full-scale investigation into the NMDPRA’s financial records, and the recovery of any public funds used to educate his children.

They also called for Ahmed’s prosecution under the Public Procurement Act and the Code of Conduct Bureau guidelines.

The protesters further demanded that any recovered funds be channelled to rehabilitate schools in Nigeria’s most disadvantaged oil-producing communities.

They warned that if their demands are ignored, they will return stronger, louder, and more resolute, occupying every relevant space to demand justice and accountability.

“This protest is about justice. It is about drawing the line in the sand and saying, ‘NO MORE!,” Adaji said. “NO MORE abuse of public trust.

“NO MORE luxury for the few while the many wallow in deprivation. NO MORE wasting of public funds while Nigerian university students are stuck at home due to strikes, poor infrastructure, and lack of funding.

“To the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we ask you: will you watch this continue under your administration? Or will you act, and show that your government is serious about transparency and equity?

“Today’s protest is not the end. If these demands are ignored, we will return stronger, louder, and more resolute. Nigerian youths, mothers, and civil society will occupy every relevant space to say: enough is enough.

“We are done clapping for thieves. We are done bowing to men who see Nigeria as their inheritance. Let it be known: Engr. Farouk Ahmed must step down NOW. Not tomorrow. Not next week.

“Not after consultations. He must resign TODAY. He must return every kobo spent on his children’s foreign education. And he must face the full weight of the law. That is the only way the Nigerian people will believe that justice still lives in this land.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

The appointment was formally conveyed in a letter dated May 22, 2025, and signed by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

According to the letter, Danfulani’s appointment takes effect from May 21, 2025, for an initial term of four years, in accordance with Section 15(a) of the NAIC Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Danfulani, the Turakin Zamfara, is expected to bring new vigour and strategic direction to NAIC, a critical institution responsible for providing insurance cover to Nigeria’s agricultural sector against risks such as drought, pests, diseases, and other natural disasters.

A seasoned administrator and banker, Danfulani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. He has held notable roles at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and previously served as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.

In the appointment letter, Akume noted that Danfulani’s emoluments and conditions of service would be guided by the provisions of the “Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2008”.

The appointment has been widely applauded as a recognition of Danfulani’s leadership qualities, technical expertise, and commitment to national development.

Danfulani is expected to focus on strengthening the insurance framework for Nigerian farmers, expanding access to agricultural insurance, and ensuring NAIC plays a key role in the country’s food security strategy.