page 24

page 24

Konga appoints new CEO

By Zakariyya Adaramola

Nigeria’s online mall, Konga Online Shopping Limited, has announced the appointment of Mr. Shola Adekoya, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He takes over from the founder and former CEO, Sim Shagaya, who now serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr Adekoya is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of business and management experience in finance, telecom, logistics retail and transportation across Europe and Africa.

As the new CEO, Mr. Adekoya will manage the day-to-day affairs at konga.com and will work with the company’s board of directors to further solidify the company’s leadership position in Nigeria’s e-commerce industry, as well as identify new business opportunities and prepare Konga.com for the emerging 4th Industrial Revolution..

Mr. Adekoya joined Konga Online Shopping Limited in 2013, as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and later moved to become the Chief Operating Officer at the company. He has played critical roles behind the scene in bringing Konga.com to the forefront of e-commerce and retail trade in Nigeria, with innovative online retail programs and sales strategies, all of which are improving the overall customer satisfaction levels with regards the online shopping experience in Nigeria.

Prior to joining Konga.com, Mr. Adekoya was in charge of financial planning and budgeting at Etisalat Nigeria; a dynamic Nigerian telecom operator. Mr. Adekoya also worked as a business integrator in with several other international organizations including; Ciena UK, UK-Home Office, Transport for London, Orion Media Marketing, London River service and many others. He also worked with Vodafone Group across 8 European countries in developing Internet and data driven revenue streams, as well as cross-country consolidation of technology platforms to optimize operations and improve business economics.

“I look forward to our continued efforts at advancing the development of new and innovative consumer solutions in Konga,” said Shola.

PETAN elects new chairman

From Mohammed Shosanya, Lagos

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has elected Mr Bank-Anthony Okoroafor as its new Chairman.

A statement from the association said Okoroafor was elected at the just-concluded annual general meeting of the association held at its headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It said that Okoroafor succeeded Mr Emeka Ene, who steered the affairs of PETAN, the Nigerian oil industry’s oldest association, in the last four years.

Okoroafor was elected alongside other new board members including Mr Geoff Onuoha as Vice Chairman, Mr Lawal Gbolahan as Secretary, Mr Wole Ogunsanya, Assistant Secretary and Mr Nik Odinuwe, Publicity Secretary.

Others are Mr Sheba Palama, Financial Secretary, Mrs Edith Akwaeke, Treasurer, Mr Ranti Omole,Conference Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Onyekwena,Ex-Officio and Mr Chubby Ibe, Ex-officio.

PETAN was formed to bring together Nigerian oil and gas entrepreneurs to create a forum for the exchange of ideas with the major operators and policy makers.

Gambari chairs liberation of Western Sahara c’itee

By Mustapha Suleiman

Founder of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy and Development and former United Nations Under Secretary-General, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari has been nominated as the president of the National Movement for the Liberation of Western Sahara.

Professor Adele Jinadu is to serve as the deputy president of the liberation movement.

The 12-man committee is expected to champion the Abuja declaration on the solidarity with the struggle of the people of Western Sahara to get librated from Morocco.

Other members of the committee are: Ayuba Wabba, NLC president; Nasir Isa Fagge ASUU president as Trustees.

Comrade Oladipo Fashina and Dr. Basirat Nahibi; coordinators while Chidi Nwadiaro and Abiodu Aremu are secretaries amongst others.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, professor Gambari said that Nigeria is in solidarity with Saharawi people in line with its stance to expand the scope of resistance against colonialism on the continent.

Ali re-elected COREN president

By Usman A. Bello

Engr. Kashim A. Ali has been re-elected President, Council for the Regulations of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

He was re-elected at the 149th Ordinary Council Meeting of COREN held recently in Abuja.

Engr. Ali emerged victorious after a keenly contested election and will be serving for three years tenure.

He said his re-election is a manifestation of the confidence the Council has in him to take it to the desire destination.

Engr Ali was first elected president of the council in 2013.

Also, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Atoo Ajav was elected as the Council`s Vice President.

Niger gov bags honourary degree

By Mustapha Suleiman

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has been conferred with honorary doctorate degree of business administration by the Imo State University, Owerri.

The Vice Chancellor Imo State University, Owerri, Professor (Mrs.) Victoria Adaoni Obasi said the nationalism and patriotism spirit of the governor earned him the award of institution’s Honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

Prof. Obasi noted that the decision of the Senate of the university to honour the Niger State governor came after rigorous search and assessment of his antecedents, which placed him far above his peers.

According to the Vice Chancellor, “The selection by the Senate of this University and the award of Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) on Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the governor of Niger State was in recognition of his zeal for a united Nigeria and patriotism. He is a nationalist who strongly believe in the Nigerian Project.

“As a reputable businessman, investor and employer of labour, our awardee has given employment to many Nigerian youth. He has through this singular act help to reduce unemployment and curtail youth restiveness. This act placed him ahead of his peers.”

Justifying the award, the Visitor of the institution and governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha said Governor Sani Bello is an highly detribalised leader and bridge builder.

Responding, the governor said the award will spur him into committing more into the Nigerian project. He said the unity of the country is a project that all – both the leaders and the led must enlist into.

Akhigbe elected President of Uneme Nations

By Yunus Abdulhamid

A former Political Correspondent with the Champion Newspaper and businessman Mr. Bayo Akhigbe has been elected as the new President of Uneme National Development Association (UNDA), the umbrella body of Uneme communities in Edo state.

The election, which took place in Lagos during the 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of UNDA, followed the expiration of the 2- year tenure of the former President of the body, Mr. Ernest Adeji .

Akhigbe, who until his election was the Vice President of UNDA and also the Lagos state Chairman of Imiava Anegbette Development Association (IADA), emerged unopposed after his nomination at the AGM.

Akhigbe assured that his administration will rally Uneme sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora together for peaceful co-existence and socio-political and economic development in Uneme communities.

Other elected officials include Fred Iyogun as Vice President, Shaba Austin emerged as General Secretary while Clement Olatunji was elected Assistant Secretary.

The rest are Joseph Oboh as Financial Secretary, Samuel Ojo, Treasurer, Austin Tobi, Publicity Secretary, Sunday Daodu, Provost while the former General Secretary Mr. Ralph Seriki returns as Ex officio.