vvcwatch

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Champions: MTN Star’s Mother Wants Parental Support for Young Athletes   Abasiama Onyeama, mother of 17-year-old Alvin Onyeama, one of the breakout stars of the MTN Champs athletics talent discovery initiative has made a heartfelt appeal to parents to support their children’s sporting ambitions, saying the family plays a crucial role in nurturing young athletes.   Alvin, representing host state Akwa Ibom, impressed spectators during the 100-metre dash heats at the MTN Champs Season 3 Grand Finale, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. He clocked a personal best of 10.89 seconds, finishing second behind Rivers State’s Williams Stanley, who blazed through in 10.77 seconds.   Reflecting on her son’s journey, Mrs Onyeama spoke candidly about the emotional and financial investment required to support a child with athletic aspirations.   “It takes a lot of time, money, and commitment to support a child’s sporting dream. We’ve made sacrifices—daily training, gear, nutrition, it all adds up. Many parents may struggle to sustain that kind of support, especially when balancing academics.” She said   She recounted the early tensions with school authorities over Alvin’s dedication to sports, even as he continued to perform well academically.   “Alvin is passionate about athletics. There were times I had to stand my ground with school authorities who believed sports would distract him. But he continued to excel in his studies, which gave us the confidence to support him further.”   Mrs Onyeama also shared the emotional challenges of watching her son grow into his role as a national contender.   “Letting him travel alone, staying away from home for extended periods—it wasn’t easy. As a mother, I always want to be there. But I had to step back so he could pursue his dream. And it’s paying off.”   Following his strong showing in Uyo and Abuja, Alvin is now one of 20 standout athletes selected by MTN Champs for advanced training at a Lagos-based sports academy, where he continues to hone his craft post-secondary school.   The MTN Champs Season 3 finale continues with finals and medal presentations across various track and field events.

Media Group Demands Urgent Security Reforms After Kidnap of Professor Batta   A leading advocacy media group, Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals has issued a strong call to the Federal Government to urgently overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture following the abduction of renowned communication scholar, Professor Herbert Batta, along the Owerri axis in Imo State on Tuesday, May 6.   Professor Batta, a respected academic from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Uyo, was kidnapped while returning from an academic engagement. Though he regained his freedom early Wednesday, May 7, reports suggest that other victims were not as fortunate.   Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the group, Elder Edet Okpo, described the situation as a “painful reflection” of the nation’s growing insecurity, adding that freedom of movement guaranteed by the Constitution is increasingly being denied due to unchecked criminality.   “We are only relatively relieved that Professor Batta came out alive and unhurt,” Okpo said. “But this is not just about one person. Nigerians are being kidnapped on highways, in their homes, and even on waterways. This must stop.”   The group also condemned what it called the government’s “condonable laxity” in tackling insecurity. Citing the recent abduction of over 20 passengers on a boat from Oron to Calabar during Easter—who remain missing—a statement from the group warned that no part of the country is safe.   “Whereas the authorities often dismiss these acts as the handiwork of ‘unknown gunmen,’ we challenge the government to unmask these criminals and restore public confidence. The Constitution is clear the protection of lives and property rests squarely on the government.” Okpo said   Calling for sustainable solutions rather than rhetoric, the group urged all levels of government to take decisive action against kidnapping and banditry. “A stitch in time saves nine. Enough of belated apologies and sensational commentaries. Nigerians deserve real security.” He cautioned

Smallholder Farmers Demand Fair Share in Palm Oil Industry as Solidaridad Report Exposes inequities Smallholder farmers across West Africa, who produce the bulk of the region’s palm oil, are calling for urgent reforms to the global value chain that continues to exclude them from fair profits and investment. Despite contributing up to 80% of palm oil production in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone, these farmers remain trapped in poverty and face mounting challenges. A new report released by Solidaridad West Africa, Palm Oil Barometer 2025: Procurement for Prosperity, highlights how low incomes, poor access to tools, and limited infrastructure are preventing smallholders from improving yields or adopting sustainable practices. The report urges governments and companies to adopt a new model that ensures fair value distribution and farmer inclusion. “Oil palm production in our communities faces serious challenges,” said Michael Opong, a smallholder farmer from Ghana’s Eastern Region. “Most farmers lack access to proper tools, equipment, and infrastructure. Even with training, our incomes are too low to invest in improvements.” The report acknowledges that while smallholders produce the majority of palm oil, they receive the smallest share of its economic value. Many also face the effects of climate change, insecure land tenure, and price volatility that further weaken their position in the market. Solidaridad West Africa is advocating for a shift to a “Procurement for Prosperity” model that prioritizes four key areas: inclusive policy, fair pricing, equitable partnerships, and targeted support programmes. The aim is to make it possible for smallholders to earn a living income and participate meaningfully in the supply chain. “Simply demanding sustainable production is insufficient. Companies need to commit to an inclusive value chain that integrates smallholder voices and rewards sustainable practices fairly.” Marieke Leegwater, Senior Policy Advisor at Solidaridad Europe. “ said As global sustainability regulations like the EU’s deforestation rule tighten, Solidaridad warns that excluding smallholders will increase risks across the palm oil industry. The report calls on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a more equitable and resilient future for the farmers who form the backbone of the sector.

Digital Literacy: Senate Moves to Amend UBEC Act Nigeria is set to overhaul its foundational education laws to reflect a new digital reality, as the Senate embarks on a review of the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) Act to integrate smart learning into classrooms nationwide. This legislative move was made public by Senator Ekong Sampson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary), at the International Conference on Smart Education and Digital Literacy held Tuesday in Abuja. Speaking at the opening of the high-level conference, Senator Sampson said that digital literacy had become a developmental necessity. In his words “This is no longer optional, It is central to Nigeria’s educational transformation agenda and must be firmly embedded in the legal framework.” The event, hosted at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre and themed “Empowering African Smart Education through Emerging Technologies,” was co-organized by UBEC and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and featured wide participation from stakeholders in education and technology. Describing the conference as “timely and strategic,” Sampson revealed that the Senate’s proposed amendments to the UBEC Act are aimed at strengthening the institutional foundation for inclusive, equitable, and technology-driven education. “Our goal is to reposition the basic education sector to produce a generation that is future-ready, one that can innovate, not just consume technology,” he said. He further stressed the need to rethink traditional classrooms and adopt digital tools that align with 21st-century realities. “Every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a smart learning environment. We must act now to ensure no child is left behind in this digital revolution,” Sampson stated. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, corroborated this position as he called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national curriculum. “AI can help personalize learning, close systemic gaps, and prepare our students for a tech centric global economy,” he said. UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, assured participants of the Commission’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s digital education agenda. “UBEC is committed to ensuring that every child regardless of location, has access to digital tools and platforms that enhance learning,” she said.

Grassroots Glory: MTN Champs Finale Kicks Off in Uyo   No fewer than 2,400 athletes from 418 secondary schools across Nigeria on Tuesday converged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, for the grand finale of MTN Champs Season 3, Nigeria’s premier grassroots athletics competition.   Organized to discover and groom the country’s next generation of Olympic stars, MTN Champs has toured major cities including Benin and Lagos culminating in the ongoing grand finale in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.   Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ibe Etea, General Manager, Internal Audit & Forensic Services at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the scale and vision of the project.   “With over 2,400 athletes and 418 schools, the stakes are higher, the lights are brighter, and the talent on display is nothing short of world-class. MTN Champs is more than a competition; it’s a movement.” He said   Representing the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey applauded MTN’s investment in youth development and affirmed the state’s alignment with the competition’s goals.   “In Akwa Ibom, sports is a vital part of our Arise Agenda. We are mandated to go to the grassroots, and MTN’s objective aligns perfectly with ours.” He said   He urged athletes to compete clean and enjoy the rich hospitality of the host state.   Modeled after Jamaica’s famed high school CHAMPS, MTN Champs has fast become a national platform for uncovering Nigeria’s next athletic icons.

“We Proved Them Wrong”, Says Top Graduate As 30 More Women Complete Lafarge Africa’s Heavy Duty Truck Driving Training Nzom Gertrude stood proudly before a cheering audience in Calabar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as she was named best graduating student from Lafarge Africa’s “Women on Wheels” (WoW) initiative – an intensive training programme for female drivers of heavy-duty trucks. “Many people said we couldn’t do it, but today, we’ve proved them wrong—with courage, hard work, and the support of our instructors and families.” Gertrude said She is one of 30 women who successfully completed training at the Lafarge Driving Institute, earning certification to operate industrial-grade, heavy-duty trucks used in logistics and cement transportation, roles traditionally reserved for men in Nigeria’s haulage sector. Their graduation marks another milestone in Lafarge Africa Plc’s commitment to gender inclusion and workforce diversification in the country’s logistics industry. Since its inception in 2019, “Women on Wheels” has produced 103 certified female truck drivers across Nigeria. The initiative is not only bridging gender gaps but also addressing the industry’s driver shortage, enhancing safety, and setting new standards for inclusion and sustainability. Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, hailed the courage and determination of the new graduates: “You are not only making history, you are building the future of logistics in Nigeria. “Women on Wheels” is a bold step toward a more inclusive and efficient transportation sector.” He noted that 56 women graduated from the Mfamosing plant in 2021, followed by 17 from the Ewekoro plant, before the latest cohort in Calabar. Logistics Director, Mr. Osazemen Aghatise, emphasized that the performance of previous graduates has continued to justify the company’s investment in the programme. “These women are not just competent, they’re excellent. Their success in operating heavy-duty trucks safely and efficiently is driving us to expand this programme further,” he said. Hon. Edema Irom, Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, urged the new drivers to remain ambassadors of possibility and perseverance. “You are pioneers and a source of inspiration to girls across Nigeria. You’ve shown that with the right support, women can thrive in any profession.”

Fens CEO Insists on Ethical Procurement Process to Unlock National Value The Managing Director/CEO of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Udofia, has called for a national reawakening to the transformative power of ethical and efficient procurement systems, describing procurement as the “frontline battlefield for national development and integrity.” Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the International Procurement Day 2025, organized by the University of Port Harcourt over the weekend, Udofia emphasized that procurement is not merely an administrative process but a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, and public trust. “A well-designed procurement process is a nation’s engine for development, innovation, and integrity,” he declared. Speaking on “Unlocking National Value: The Power of a Good Procurement System,” Udofia cited global examples to underscore his point. He referenced the London 2012 Olympics and Estonia’s revolutionary e-Procurement system as evidence that transparency and professionalism in procurement directly correlate with national prosperity. He further noted that “Nigeria’s own Due Process Mechanism, when enforced, has saved billions by eliminating inflated contracts and ghost projects,” stressing that the gains of a strong procurement system include building trust, enhancing efficiency, ensuring cost-effectiveness, promoting fair competition, mitigating risks, and strengthening legal compliance. Reflecting on the event’s official theme, “Flowchart of Procurement Processes: Unlawful Interference, Consequences and Punishment in the Eyes of the Nigerian Procurement Law,” Udofia warned against tampering with procurement standards. “Compliance with the Public Procurement Act is not optional. It is the shield against systemic chaos and a safeguard for national stability,” he maintained. He further stressed that effective procurement is critical to public service delivery, maintaining that when procurement is swift and ethical, hospitals receive life-saving equipment, schools are supplied with necessary learning materials, and roads are fixed faster. “Procurement is not just paperwork; it is the heartbeat of governance,” he asserted. Addressing broader industry challenges, Mr. Udofia highlighted that globalization and digitalization have reshaped procurement landscapes, requiring greater agility, technological competence, and resilience. He urged procurement professionals to embrace continuous upskilling, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance sector-wide efficiency and accountability. “Procurement professionals are not just administrators; we are architects of national destiny. Through strategic sourcing, ethical conduct, and sustainable practices, we build the economic backbone of nations,” he charged. Udofia challenged the procurement community to uphold excellence, drive innovation, and enforce transparency at every level. “Let’s be the professionals who demand and deliver the highest standards every day, every contract, every nation,”* he declared. Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, lamented the current difficulties Nigerians face in accessing contractual opportunities. “Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities. You must clearly define the basis upon which you judge bids before you commence. Every bidder must meet minimum eligibility standards,” he advised. Dr. Adedokun also commended the University of Port Harcourt for leading the South-South region in hosting an International Procurement Day and encouraged other institutions to embrace ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the procurement sector.

Clement Isong Foundation, ActionAid Push for Youth Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management The Clement Isong Foundation, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement II Project (SPA II), has made a strong case for the inclusion of youths in disaster risk management. The advocacy was made in Uyo at the weekend during a one-day forum themed “Youth-Led Enhancing Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Mechanisms,” designed to develop solutions for building community resilience and improving emergency response systems. The event, which drew participants from government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and grassroots groups, shared insights on the urgent need to refine the state’s emergency frameworks to ensure better coordination and faster responses during crises. Speaking on behalf of the Clement Isong Foundation, Mr. Utibe Ekanem highlighted the foundation’s commitment to inclusive resilience-building and stressed the importance of community-driven efforts in disaster management. In his words, “Women and young people are not just beneficiaries but frontline actors in shaping sustainable emergency response systems.” Young representatives from Oron and Ibeno Local Government Areas shared real-world success stories of youth-led interventions. These stories ranged from community-led sanitation campaigns to advocacy efforts that triggered local government action on erosion control, and other environmental and disaster-related challenges. Highlighting the gaps, participants noted the absence of a formal state emergency response strategy, which the lamented has limited community-level coordination, and the need for greater inclusion of youth and women in planning and execution. “There is an urgent need for a structured framework that can guide response efforts and ensure no community is left behind, * one participant said during the session. Stakeholders from institutions such as the National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment, Fire Service Commission, and various media organizations corroborated the calls for youth involvement in disaster risk management. In her closing remarks, Wonderfullove Pius, the media contact for the Clement Isong Foundation, expressed optimism about the future. “We are building a future where communities in Akwa Ibom are not only prepared for disasters but are also resilient and empowered to recover stronger,” she said. Highpoint of the forum was the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Disaster Management Technical Working Committee. This committee was tasked with refining a draft disaster management framework based on national best practices and adapting it to local contexts to ensure effective and inclusive implementation.