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Medha Elluru Emerges Best Student In Nigeria Aces 2023 IGCSE, Scores Top In Physics & Chemistry

Apart from her passion for arts, 16-year-old Medha Krishna Elluru has recorded a fresh academic feat just as she exhibited excellence winning top in Physics and Chemistry in the just concluded International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

 

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14- to 16-year-olds which has been tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide.

 

Medha’s stunning achievements in 2023 indeed proved the saying that success doesn’t come when your hands are folded in your armpits but through hard work, determination, and confidence by scoring top rank in the whole country of Nigeria in the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Physics and Chemistry examinations.

 

It would also be recalled that Medha successfully hosted a one-day solo art exhibition titled, ‘Unity in Cultural Diversity’ which held at the art gallery within the premises of National Museum, Onikan Road, a remarkable event that attracted a large crowd in June 2023.

 

Reacting to her current academic success, Medha said, “I commend my parents for their unwavering support towards my education, the moral and financial supports, the sacrifice they’ve made and still making, I will never take these for granted, neither will I stop doing my parents proud in all my life’s endeavors. I also thank my teachers for their efforts and fantastic teaching techniques which are good enough for me to fully understand each topic and to fully solve questions on my own afterwards”

On her preparedness for the examination, Medha said “I always had an aim to get such scores in my IGCSEs. Indeed, I always aimed high, set my goals accordingly, and importantly worked hard to achieve – by designing a detailed plan, and implementing it.

 

“Another factor that also helped me achieve this feat was my studying technique which mainly includes solving loads of questions, and past papers for each and every topic that is being assessed; it exposed me to the way questions are set and the way they are meant to be answered. Importantly, I was able to understand the mindset of the exam and gained lot of exam techniques, which I feel is a very important kill to acquire in order to sit for such type of exams, apart from understanding the content. My goal, which was to be the top, was a motivation for me. My studying technique helped me a lot. It exposed me to a wide spectrum of questions. It gave me an idea about how questions are meant to be solved.

 

“Additionally, you should never compromise in understanding the content/coursework completely. You need to pose lots of questions, clarify them, and learn for a purpose of satisfaction and not for the exam. As a result, indirectly, you would learn various concepts, which ultimately makes the exam feel very easy to sit for. It is very crucial to push yourself to the hardest, and never compromise on hard work. There is no shortcut to success. Follow the path of excellence wholeheartedly, the success will back you”

 

Medha’s mother, Mrs. Elluru who spoke on her child’s landmark accomplishments stated:

 

“I feel so proud to be the mother of Medha and so is her dad too, we both feel rewarded and elated and I believe her current milestone will no doubt be of immeasurable value to her education even as she grows older in age and as she moves higher academically.

 

“I appreciate the CIS school management for sustaining the congenial and conducive environment that contributed to her excellent performance. I must also appreciate them for their reflex of excellence, commitment and dedication in teaching my daughter to be globally recognized and celebrated as best IGCSE results holder in Physics and Chemistry in the country, my joy is really boundless.” She said.

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Sterling One Foundation partners Live Abundantly, British High Commission on gender based violence

Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Live Abundantly and the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has officially launched the 2023 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.

 

 

 

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, an annual United Nations initiative held annually from November 25 to December 10 (International Human Rights Day), aims to eradicate violence against women.

 

 

 

The global campaign, established in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute at Rutgers University, has expanded to include violence against both girls and boys.

 

 

 

It is used as an organisational strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

 

 

 

In support of the initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General launched in 2008 the campaign UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women, which runs parallel to the 16 Days of Activism.

 

 

Since its inception in 1991, over 6,000 organisations from approximately 187 countries have participated in the campaign.

 

 

 

The event, held at the EbonyLife Place in Lagos, featured a film screening titled “Chatroom,” produced by Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation.

 

 

 

According to Mrs. Ibekwe, statistics show that one in *three* women and one in *six* boys have experienced violations. She emphasised the urgent need to eliminate gender-based violence, calling for advocacy and action from individuals, private sector players, and development organisations to address and find solutions to the pervasive issue.

 

 

 

She added that it is important to escalate discussions on gender-based violence into the living rooms of the citizenry.

 

 

 

The Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, in his goodwill message stressed the importance of legislative measures to protect human rights and urged collaboration between the government and the public.

 

 

 

In her goodwill message, Dr. Ama Onyerinma, Founder of Live Abundantly, observed that the provided statistics may not fully capture the reality due to underreporting, adding that there is a need for people to use their voices to amplify awareness about it. She noted that when gender-based violence is not reported there can be no social justice for victims, no better awareness, no protection and no advocacy.

 

 

 

Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi affirmed Lagos State’s intolerance of gender-based violence, citing the establishment of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) as part of its commitment to tackling the issue under its THEMES Agenda.

 

 

 

Goodwill messages were also shared by Dr. Adewale Oyerinde of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association and Pearl Uzokwe of the Malala Fund in Nigeria.

 

 

 

Dr. Oyerinde highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of the issue and outlined efforts by the private sector to ensure the safety and protection of their workforce.

 

 

 

Mrs. Uzokwe commended the multi-sectoral partners gathered. She added that all citizens have a part to play and commended the sustained efforts of the Lagos State Government in prioritizing the elimination of gender-based violence.

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COWLSO Urges Women to Be Conscious Of Digital Dangers, Adopt Homestead Farming

The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has called on government at all levels and the private sector to focus more on empowerment initiatives targeted at creating an enabling environment for Nigerian youth to thrive in their chosen fields.

 

 

 

In a communique issued at the end of the three-day National Women’s Conference (NWC) of COWLSO, the Committee recommended that the youth of today should be empowered, motivated and their interests factored into the decision-making process.

 

 

 

The COWLSO NWC is an annual event organized to empower women with thought-provoking discussions, incredible stories, and the opportunity to connect with extraordinary women from all walks of life.

 

 

 

This year’s theme was: “Unleash Your Potential.”

 

 

 

According to the Communique jointly signed by the Chairman of COWLSO and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, Professor Olufunke Adeyeye, COWLSO said: “It is also important to invest in the dreams of the youths as this is the generation of skill, talent, and dreams.”

 

 

 

The Committee cautioned women to be more alert to digital dangers and be equipped with practical knowledge to navigate the online world securely.

 

 

 

The group said in view of hostile and toxic content online, it has become imperative to advise women to carefully choose what they consume on social media.

 

 

 

“It is recommended that we tell good stories about ourselves. Though controversial stories pull more crowds on social media, and you could make more money from stories like that; however, we can put out better stories.  Whoever we are, that’s our story.”

 

 

 

Besides, the Committee urged women to adopt homestead farming to enjoy some of the numerous benefits such as reduction of malnutrition, provision of employment opportunities, and improvement of the economy of the state through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

 

 

 

Homestead farming, according to COWLSO, also serves as a source of income for the household, just as women were encouraged to make eco-friendly choices that would have a positive multiplier effect on the planet.

 

 

 

“These choices include efficient use of energy, sustainable development, transportation, water conservation, and planting of trees.

 

 

 

“We should eat a proper diet (fruit/vegetables), take enough water (eight glasses per day), do frequent exercises, get enough rest, and do routine medical checkups.

 

 

 

“We should also enroll in a health insurance policy, for example, ILERA EKO. This will help to prevent out-of-pocket expenditure,” the communique read in part.

 

 

 

The Committee also emphasized the need for all stakeholders to renew their commitment to gender equality in education and skill empowerment, especially in supporting, training, attracting, and rewarding women at all levels.

 

 

 

COWLSO is a platform for wives of government officials to complement the efforts of their spouses in fast-tracking development and advancing the interest, welfare, and well-being of the people, especially women and children.

 

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There Must Be Reduction in Cases of Human Trafficking, Organ Harvesting and Baby Factory- First Lady

First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has disclosed that it is a new dawn for women especially with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as cases of human trafficking, organ harvesting and baby factory will soon reduce significantly.

She said this when the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who led senior female police officers paid her a courtesy visit. She pointed that to address societal ills plaguing the female gender, women need to also play active role.

Noting with pride, the fact that a large number of women are actively involved in policing and securing the country, the First Lady says the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has given more room to women to contribute their own quota to national development.

” It is the beginning of a new dawn for women in the country as the current administration will give women more room to contribute their quota. I am also looking for ways to contribute. We can not have a Nigeria without people doing new and great things”.

On how the senior female police officers and other women can help forge a better Nigeria, the Senator Oluremi Tinubu charged them to lead the action in addressing some of the ills, such as rape, child abuse, human trafficking and proliferation of baby factories, that affect them the most in the society.

“Women must thrive and be empowered in a safe environment. We want to see our children not abused through crimes and maltreatment, rape of minors and children. There must be reduction in cases of human trafficking, organ harvesting and baby factory.”

She added that she is looking forward to a day when a female will become the nation’s Inspector General of Police.

Applauding the steadfast advocacy by the First Lady for setting the pace and advancing the interest of women in the country, the minister of State for Police Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that gender equality, safeguarding of human rights and empowerment of women were key anchors of a just and fair society.

“We are working on a bold initiatives aimed at not only addressing existing challenges, but fundamentally reshaping the Nigeria Police into a modern, responsive, intelligence-led and technology-driven institution. We recognize the limitations of past reforms and are now taking a more proactive and holistic transformation that permeates every facet of police operations.
We are here today not just to discuss but to seek your collaboration, for we understand that the collective advancement of these crucial issues requires your esteemed support and partnership”.

Appointed by President Bola Tinubu, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is the First female Minister of State for Police Affairs in Nigeria.

 

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Union Bank Collaborate with Women’s World Banking, TGI Group to Implement ‘Digital Supplier Credit’ Solution

In line with its commitment to enabling success for its customers, Union Bank has partnered with its parent company, TGI Group and Women’s World Banking, to introduce the ‘Digital Supplier Credit’ solution under its women’s banking proposition, αlpher.

The ‘Digital Supplier Credit’ solution is designed to address the financial needs of women-led small businesses in urban centres in Nigeria centres and provide access to credit for stock sustenance, replenishment, and progressive growth, along established supply lines from Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies. Leveraging behavioural science and the Women’s Centred Design methodology and backed by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Foundation, this initiative aims to co-create a sustainable and scalable solution that will significantly enhance access to financial services for women entrepreneurs.

Women’s World Banking is a renowned global organisation specialising in designing and investing in financial solutions, institutions, and policy environments within emerging markets.

Their focus on creating economic stability and prosperity for women, their families, and communities aligns perfectly with the objectives of the ‘Digital Supplier Credit’ solution. With an extensive network spanning 34 countries, serving more than 160 million women clients through 69 financial services providers, Women’s World Banking has consistently driven impact through scalable, market-driven solutions, gender lens private equity funds, and leadership and diversity programs.

Speaking about the partnership, Vivian Imoh-Ita, Head of Retail Banking and Digital at Union Bank, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Women’s World Banking and our parent company TGI Group to launch the ‘Digital Supplier Credit’ solution. Our commitment to empowering women-led businesses remains unwavering, and we believe this initiative will have a transformative impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in urban centres. Through this collaboration, we aim to foster financial inclusion and catalyse sustainable growth for women entrepreneurs.”

Also commenting on the partnership, Ade Ashaye, Regional Head of Africa, Women’s World Banking, expressed:
We are thrilled to partner with Union Bank and the TGI Group. Globally, 38% of all MSMEs are women-owned yet, according to the SME Finance Forum, there remains a $1.7 trillion gender credit gap. Using our sophisticated market and consumer research we will develop a solution that will not only help tens of thousands of Nigeria’s women entrepreneurs overcome barriers to accessing the vital credit they need to sustain and grow their businesses, but also stand as a model for Banks and FMCGs across Africa and the world. This is an exciting time in the development of effective, women-centered, digital financial solutions.

The Digital Supplier Credit solution reflects Union Bank’s dedication to supporting its customers and creating an inclusive business environment. With its focus set on the future, Union Bank continues to lead the way in shaping a better, more sustainable future for generations to come.

 

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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON has flagged off the Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The 5 day training which is in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA is specifically designed for Women in the FCT.

The First Lady who was represented by Senior Special Adviser on Policy, Strategy and Logistics Hon Wahab Alawiye-King noted that Digital literacy is the way the world is going and the women should make good use of the opportunity of the training to improve their knowledge.
She pointed out that Information Technology can be used as a one stop shop for economic growth and emancipation.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu restated her determination and commitment to transform the lives of women in the country.

Speaking earlier, Dr Aristotle Onyemaechi Dir. corporate planning and strategy NITDA said it is the desire of his organisation to build the capacity of youth in digital literacy as to enhance economic transformation of Nigeria.
He noted that Women are pivotal to this and hope the beneficiaries would become ambassadors of RHI and digital literacy in Nigeria.

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NGGA Seeks Collaboration with UNICEF, Others to End Violence Against Women in Nigeria

The Nigeria Girl Guides Association (NGGA) has called for collaboration among stakeholders to end violence and insecurity against women and girls in Nigeria. It urged the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) to partner with it to achieve the goal.

Dr Helen Obi, National Commissioner Training, NGGA, made the call in Awka, Anambra State Capital, on Monday, during a press briefing on the activities lined up for the celebration of the association’s 100 years in existence.

She said, “The NGGA is concerned with the increasing rate of violence against women and girls in the World, particularly in Nigeria and other African Countries.

Obi said at least 300 girls and women from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones are to be trained on various skills to mark the centenary celebration of Nigeria Girl Guides in Anambra State.

She noted that the association, which began in the United Kingdom in 1909, came to Nigeria in 1919 and was established at St. Monica, Ogbunike Anambra, in 1923.

She said that the training will take place at St. Kizito Umudioka Dunukofia Local Government Area of the State from August 23 to August 27, 2023.

Mrs Obi, flanked by the State Commissioner of the association, Mrs Charity Ezeakunne, the State adviser, Mrs Uche Arakute, and other members of the three-four guides and red cap chiefs, said participants would be taught different skills.

“The participants are expected from all the states of the South-East and South-South geo-political zones, and they will camp at St. Kizito Umudioka, Dunukofia area, where they will be trained on 16 different activities”, she said.
Obi said the vision of the association is to position the girl child towards tackling challenges in society.

“We have vision 2032, and our aim is to seek opportunities for our girls to achieve their potential in life”, she said.

She said that the association has impacted the lives of girls and women, especially through education, skills, and mentorship.
Obi, who used the medium to call on parents and teachers to do more for the upbringing of the girl child, said a lot of challenges are facing the girl child.

“Girl children are still faced with problems of rape, child marriage, domestic violence, child labour, child trafficking, and other socio-cultural norms, which has moved us to seek partnership with UNICEF to end the menace.

She also commended the formal governors of Anambra State, Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, for their support of the body, saying “The duo gave us buses in addition to support from other benefactors.”

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First Lady Visits Former President Mohammadu Buhari

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON on paid a courtesy visit on the former President His Excellency Mohammadu Buhari at his Daura resident in Katsina State.

The First Lady who was accompanied on the visit by the wife of the Vice President Hajia Nana Shettima said the visit is to check on the former president and thank him for the fatherly support he gives always.

She prayed for long life, good health and more support from him not only for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but Nigeria as a whole.

.Former President of Nigeria HE Mohammadu Buhari GCFR exchanging pleasanteries with the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, wife of Vice President Hajia Nana SHettima and his son Yusuf Buhari at his Daura home when the duo of the First Lady and wife of the Vice President paid him a courtesy visit recently

In his brief remarks after the visit, the former president expressed appreciation noting that the visit which was to see how he is settling down to life after public office was remarkable.

“As you can all see, she came to check up on me and see that I am doing okay “.

Others who were there with the First Lady were the wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajia Dikko Radda and the wife of the Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly Hajia Nasir Daura among other APC women chieftains in the State.

 

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Nigeria’s First Lady Vows to Work with Women, Stakeholders to Ameliorate Effects of Govt New Policies

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has restated her commitment to work with women across the country and other stakeholders to ameliorate the effects of new policies of government, stating that women will play a pivotal role in nursing Nigeria back to health.

She was speaking after a closed door meeting with wives of former APC Governors at the State House, Abuja.

The First Lady noted that the visit was to get the support of the wives of the former Governors for the various programs of Government and the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, in particular. Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the Former First Ladies will be partnering with the various incumbent in their States in this regard.

“I will also be bringing on board wives of various religious leaders and traditional rulers, the traditional rulers have already visited The President, so we can all find ways to ameliorate the effects of the new policies of Government and make things better for all of us”

“These women are all mothers of the nation in their own spaces, states. It is familiar terrain and since I cannot be everywhere at the same time, I need them to partner with me on this and help nurse the nation back to health”.

She pointed out that this will not encroach on the Incumbent Governors wives but to glean help from the former governors wives.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu thanked them for their support during the electioneering period which culminated in the victory of the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others.

She emphasized that this is the time to work for the actualization of all that was promised during the elections and much more, hence “this Strategic meeting”.

Speaking on behalf of the Wives of the Former Governors, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Wife Of the Former Governor of Ekiti State, promised that they would all be working with the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and wives of the Governors of their various States to actualize the goals and aspirations of Government.

She expressed the appreciation of the Wives of the former Governors saying this meeting as engineered by the First Lady is recognition of the formidable role played by women during elections and the quantum of what they can contribute to nation building especially as very little would be achieved without bringing women on board.

Also at the meeting was the wife of the Vice President, her Excellency, Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Senate President, Her Excellency Ekaette Unoma Akpabio and wives of 13 former Governors.

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Sterling One Foundation Launches New Initiative to Support Women Farmers in Flood-Affected Areas 

As part of relief interventions following the devastating nationwide floods in Nigeria, the Sterling One Foundation has launched Project Ladder, in partnership with Whitefield Foundation and Sterling Bank, to provide support for victims whose farms were affected by the floods. 

The project which kicked off in Ndokwa East and Oshimili North Local Government Areas of Delta State is aimed at not only providing relief for the flood victims but providing improved farm inputs with better yield potential than the regular options.

Delta State is one of the 33 states in Nigeria that were affected by the 2022 floods, which started in May and lasted until October, claiming over 500 lives, displacing millions of people from their homes, and destroying about 110,000 hectares of farmland. Following the cholera outbreak in the country’s north-eastern region, several interventions were launched in response to the disaster, many of which focused on providing alternative shelter for the displaced, food materials, and drugs.

Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, explained why they started the project, saying that it was important to shift the focus from the immediate survival response that followed the floods to how to help the victims rebuild their lives.

“The floods affected several farming communities, and what we’ve set out to do is support them with resources to regain some self-sufficiency. Project Ladder is not just a flood relief project, but an initiative under our food security portfolio aimed at driving increased yield by supporting farmers with better inputs, and teaching them better farming practises, thus fighting the food shortages across the country,” she said.

For the project’s launch phase, about 100,000 enhanced cassava stems were distributed to women farmers, marking the start of a robust plan to support them all through the planting season in hopes of a great harvest.

Mrs. Funmi Johnson, CEO of Whitefield Foundation, spoke about the project’s impact, emphasising how important it was for the nation’s food security, as most flood victims are farmers who need to be empowered to rebuild their means of livelihood and continue to contribute their quota to supporting the nations.

The project touches on two of the Sterling One Foundation’s five focus areas: food security and gender equality, as well as women empowerment. This year, the Foundation plans to deepen the work done in these areas to cater to more communities and impact more direct beneficiaries.

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