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Alex Okosi Named One Of UK’s Most Influential Black Persons For Second Year Running 

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Alex Okosi, one of Africa’s tech leaders, has been honoured as a member of the UK Powerlist 2023. Okosi, who is Managing Director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, received the honour for the second year running at the Black Excellence Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London on 28 October 2022.

Alex Okosi,

Awarded annually since 2007, The Powerlist, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, honours incredible men and women across a wide range of industries including business, science, technology and the arts.  Each year it recognises and celebrates 100 of Britain’s most influential black people and showcases black role models to young people.

Open to Black Britons wherever they live in the world and to anyone in the UK who is black, The Powerlist is regarded as the leading authority on issues of black influence in the UK.

Commenting on The Powerlist Okosi said, “Growing up first in Nigeria and later in the USA in the mid-1980s, I found black role models were few and far between; I chose my role models from sportspeople and entertainers because those were the only black faces I saw in the media, in films, and on TV.

Fast forward to now, and I am beyond thrilled to see the incredible range of representation and diversity highlighted by the UK Powerlist 2023.

Recognising extraordinary leaders of African, Afro-Caribbean and African-American heritage, the list goes beyond sports and entertainment to encompass Management, Retail, the Arts, Finance, Tech, History, Academia, Fashion, Design, Politics, Law, Entrepreneurship, Social Investment and much more.

While the goal of equal representation is still a way off, I am thankful that my kids and your kids and their kids after them will have these shining role models and many more to inspire and lead them. Kudos to Michael Eboda, the Powerful Media team, J.P. Morgan and judges Dame Linda Dobbs, Tim Campbell, Dr Heather Melville, Ijeoma Okoli, Cecil Peters, Nicola Rollock, Matthew Ryder, Alwin Swales and Daniel Taylor for their involvement in this important initiative and for considering me worthy to be on the Powerlist for the second year running.”

Okosi is one of multiple black tech leaders making the Powerlist 2023, including Apple’s Ije Nwokorie, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE (CEO & Co-Founder, STEMettes), Nneka Abulokwe OBE, Founder and CEO, MicroMax Consulting, Rob Pierre (CEO, Jellyfish), Simon Hepburn (CEO, UK Cyber Security Council), Dr Claudia Natanson MBE (Chair, UK Cyber Security Council), Linda Morant (Chief Digital Officer, The Crown Estate).

Nigerian-born Okosi was first selected for the Powerlist in October 2021 after joining YouTube in 2020, following a long and illustrious career at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (now Paramount International Networks), where he introduced powerhouse entertainment brands like MTV Base, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and BET to the African continent.

A staunch champion of African creativity, culture and empowerment, Okosi was instrumental in persuading Viacom to introduce localised channel brands in Africa, starting with MTV Base in 2005.  After moving to YouTube, he has continued to support initiatives that empower African creators and businesses via initiatives such as the Black Voices Fund.

He is a regular speaker on diversity and inclusion, and is an Executive member of the Google and YouTube committees that drive and deliver the brands’ racial equity commitments across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

This year’s Powerlist was headed by Dame Sharon White, Chair, John Lewis Partnership.  Other well-known names on the list include actors Idris Elba (OBE), and David Kaluuya, grime artist and philanthropist Stormzy, politician and activist Lord Simon Wooley, and Royal ballet soloist Precious Adams.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony

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Aero Contractors recently hosted its Long Service Award Ceremony, a momentous event dedicated to honoring distinguished retirees for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the organization.

Aero 737.jpg

The ceremony, which celebrated loyalty and excellence, featured the presentation of recognition plaques and the disbursement of retirement benefits to the honorees. Among those celebrated were:

•Capt. Gerald Nmoka

•Stephen Kukoyi

•Promise Amadi

•Victor Aitanun

•Nwankwo Stephen N.

The management of Aero Contractors expressed profound gratitude to these outstanding individuals, whose dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the airline’s growth and success over the years.

Speaking at the event, Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, underscored the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of recognition within the organization. “Our retirees have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. Their legacy will continue to inspire our team as we build a brighter future for Aero Contractors,” he stated.

As a leading airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors remains committed to supporting its employees and creating an environment that values their contributions. This commitment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to uphold its reputation as a trusted, value driven airline”


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NAFDAC Dismisses False Claims of Approving ‘Lung-Cleansing Tea’

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National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved a herbal product marketed as “lung-cleansing tea” for smokers.

Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, in a statement on Saturday, December 14, clarified that the product, identified as Lungitox (Smokers Pride), was never approved and had its registration application rejected due to its unsubstantiated health claims.

“The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product,” the statement read.

“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.

“The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.

The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made ‘healthy’ by consuming the product.”

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe and scientifically validated products are approved.

“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.

“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.

“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.”

Adeyeye provided contact information for reporting such claims, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.

“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email [email protected], or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng.

NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.”

The agency reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all products in the Nigerian market meet the required safety and efficacy standards.


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Coalition Drags Reuben Abati, Arise TV to NBC over Anti-Igbo Remarks

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A coalition of media organisations, comprising the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network, has called for disciplinary action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati, show host, over alleged inciting remarks against the Igbos.

Coalition Drags Reuben Abati, Arise TV to NBC over Anti-Igbo Remarks

This was contained in a formal petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), signed by Ambrose Igboke.

According to the group, Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati allegedly made a divisive comment against the South East and Igbos during a TV Breakfast Show on November 21, 2024.

Recall that during the November 21 Breakfast Show, Abati had said on Arise TV, “It is a shame that the same Igbos who are so industrious that they’re all over and they do well in other parts of Nigeria.

“You go there as a non-Igbo man to go and buy land, you’ll be told that you don’t belong, even as an in-law. These are the issues in my view.”

The journalist and former Presidential aid referred to an incident reportedly involving the former Minister of Information, T.O.S Benson, who sought to purchase land in Igbo land for his wife.

The anti-Igbo comment has resulted in criticism and outburst from different groups.

They argued in the petition that there are “concerns about remarks made by Dr. Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo community.

“These statements have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio political climate.”

The media professionals said, “Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalizations. This kind of action was what ignited the Rwandan genocide where the Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination. It all started with a radio

“His comments were quickly weaponized by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.

“Dr. Abati’s hostile response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast, demonstrated a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.

” The remarks and behavior constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.”

The petitioners called for a thorough review of Abati’s remarks and the editorial lapses that allowed such conduct to air.


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