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Osita Chidoka … The Midas Touch

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“Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders say, if a child washes his hands he could eat with kings” – Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart Emeka Anyaoko, former Sec Gen of the Commonwealth was on the front row of reserved seats for title holders of Obosi, clad in full colourful regalia.

On the same platform with the octogenarian, attired in similar royal regalia, was Osita Chidoka , Ike Obosi.

This scenario at the New Yam festival (3rd Iwa-ji & Obiora Festival of Eze Iweka III) at Obosi, gave life to Chinua Achebe’s classic, quoted above.

He had been invested with the traditional title of Ike Obosi (Strength of Obosi) and a member of Ndi-Ichie, the highest decision making body of Obosi Traditional Council of Anambra State, following  recognition of his contributions to national and community development five years ago.

Even though there was no Amalenze the cat to defeat, to earn him a place of honour, Osita wrestled and overcame societal limitations and inhibitions by dint of hardwork, determination and an unquenchable vision to succeed.

His outstanding rendition at the FRSC where he held sway as a corp marshal for seven years was outstanding.

He earned the respect and admiration of fellow Nigerians through his out-of-the-box strategy for achieving set objectives.

Many a time, he came to the highways himself to enforce traffic rules, sometimes at great risk to his life.

Nigerians were bewildered as they watched on national television, a uniformed officer  threatening him when stopped from driving on the opposite lane.

He led bicycle rides and jogging exercises to reinforce his advocacy for alternative transport and physical fitness, respectively.

He transformed the FRSC to a functional Lead Agency in Road Traffic Administration and Safety Management driven by information and communication technology.

It, therefore, did not come as a suprise when, shortly on assumption of office as  Minister of Aviation, he received the National Productivity Order of Merit Award (NPOM) for his accomplishments at FRSC, by President Goodluck Jonathan. Chidoka is no stranger to awards.

During his NYSC, he served at the FCT where he became an Award Winner and subsequently secured automatic employment into the FCDA Abuja.

He received Papal commendation in 1998 when after a stint as Secretary, National Committee for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Nigeria.

He was a Senior Adviser on Government and Business Relations, Mobil Producing Nigeria.

He had earlier served as Personal Assistant to the Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Personal Assistant to the Minister of Transport as well as Special Assistant to the Senior Adviser to the President on Legal matters.

On assumption of office, there were fears that he had little or no time to make any meaningful impact with barely few months to the end of the tenure.

He allayed these fears with the analogy that General Murtala Mohummed, Nigeria’s late Head of State, in just six months created twelve states, made Abuja Federal Capital and recorded several milestones that have endeared him to many Nigerians. Same cannot be said of some leaders who spent more time with little impact.

Chidoka’s interaction with aviation agencies, airline operators, workers union, the media and other key stakeholders secured their buy-in.

His interaction with Airport Managers and consultants birthed his operational template anchored on the Aviation Master-plan.

His shared vision for the sector was unambiguous. The aviation sector must fulfil its potential.

He shared a vision, his vision of the future, a vivid image of the compelling future that can only be realised through dedicated commitment.

Within the short period of his resumption as Minister of Aviation, the aviation industry received the confirmation of the substantive DG of NCAA, Capt Muktar Usman.

Fate also bestowed on him the fortune to receive the golden fleece of the aviation industry …the Category 1 status of the FAA for the second time, a feat most armchair critics in the industry had thought was far-fetched.

Like someone noted “Chidoka has Goodluck!”

Yakubu dati is the general manager, Corporate Communications of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.


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Nedjip Tozun, CEO d.light Named in 2024 TIME100 Climate List for Transformative Impact on Clean Energy Access

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Nedjip Tozun, Co-founder and CEO at d.light, has been named one of the world’s most influential leaders driving business to real climate action in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list.

TIME’s annual climate list recognizes the world’s most innovative and impactful business leaders championing climate action and working toward a sustainable future. This honor celebrates Tozun’s visionary leadership and commitment to transforming energy access for underserved communities across Africa and Asia.

Since co-founding d.light in 2007 at Stanford University, Tozun has led the company’s mission to empower lives through sustainable, affordable, off-grid clean energy solutions. Under his leadership, d.light has reached over 180 million people, providing transformative products such as solar home systems, lanterns, and appliances, and connecting households and businesses to life-enhancing solar energy.

With a growing footprint across some of the world’s most energy-challenged regions, d.light’s innovative pay-as-you-go platform, Atlas, enables over 6 million transactions monthly, making clean energy accessible and affordable for millions.

“We are honored to see Nedjip’s dedication recognized by TIME as part of this esteemed Climate list,” said Wayne Keast, d.light board member and Managing Partner of Inspired Evolution. “His passion for bringing clean energy to the most remote communities is reshaping the future of energy, health, and opportunity in regions where the climate crisis hits hardest.”

As a pioneer in clean, off-grid energy solutions, Tozun has not only driven unprecedented growth for d.light but has also challenged and changed the industry landscape.

His work has made d.light a trusted partner in the global climate effort, positioning the company as a model for sustainable development and scalable solutions in emerging markets.

With a goal of impacting 1 billion people by 2030, d.light continues to scale operations and forge partnerships to meet growing demand while addressing critical climate issues head-on.

“I’m truly grateful to be recognized by TIME for our work in advancing clean energy access”, said Tozun. “This acknowledgment underscores the urgent need to prioritize equitable access to clean energy as we tackle climate change.

d.light’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to energy, and I am proud of what we have achieved together with our team, partners, and the communities we serve.”

Tozun’s inclusion in the TIME100 Climate list highlights the impact of d.light’s work across Africa and elsewhere. It follows d.light’s recent recognition as a finalist in the 2024 Earthshot Prize, the international environmental award founded by the UK’s Prince William that recognises groundbreaking sustainable solutions for repairing and regenerating the planet.

 


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Cloud Energy Solar Shines Bright with 200 Watts Street Lighting Bulb

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Nigeria’s foremost indigenous Renewable Energy Company, decorated by industry partners as the most Outstanding Energy Provider, Cloud Energy Solar, living true to its appellations, is focusing its renewable energy competencies beyond the home and office.

Cloud Energy has increased its impact in street lighting with the design and production of the 200 Watts street lighting bulb.

The 200 Watts bulb consolidates the reputation of brightness and long lasting for the Cloud Energy range of energy saving bulbs, in the homes and offices.

Spurred by the abundance of the sun, the Cloud Energy Solar Company seems challenged to never let the sun set. The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, launching the 200 Watts bulb observed that the times are dangerous in terms of security.

Therefore, the brilliance of the street lighting will eliminate all lurking shadows from the streets and security posts. It is an answer to a call to duty for all patriots to deploy their competencies to enhance national security.

The renewable energy boss said that citizens must be prepared to make sacrifice to give Nigeria its deserved place as the giant of Africa. These sacrifices can come from the kind of opportunities that OEMs give to Nigerians. For example, Cloud Energy, a leading solar practitioner is currently offering rooftop solar panels with a flexible payment plan up to two years or more.

Property owners can now design their buildings with solar panels on the roof and keep paying long after they have completed and moved into the houses.

This flexible payment consideration, the Cloud Energy Boss explains, extends to the entire range of Cloud Energy Solar products – Energy storage products, Inverters, Batteries; Lifestyle products, Fridges, Freezers, Fans Television sets, and solar accessories.

These offers are conveyed in a campaign entitled Bridge the Energy Gap, a clear departure from the traditional way of presenting offers in the market.

The bridge has been used as a symbol to convey a sense of professional support, assistance, and partnership.

The bridge beyond meaning a make-up for a shortfall also provides a thorough fare to the energy transition, without bottlenecks. It deletes all doubts and gives a sense of certainty for a transition.to Solar.

The bridge is the fact that Cloud Energy in partnership with its finance partners offers different kinds of payment plan to ensure a done deal, in electricity, without tears.

Cloud Energy, founded in 2015 has earned respect by installing Solar and Inverter systems for discerning clients, mainly academic, research institutions and multi-nationals across the nation.

In less than a decade Cloud Energy has foot prints in the Banking and Finance sector with ATM installations; Homes and Public buildings with Solar Systems; and is a viable partner to governments through the Rural Electrification Project.


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Airtel HR Director, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias Honoured as HR Leader of the Year

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The Director of Human Resources and Administration at Airtel Nigeria, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, has been awarded as HR Leader of the Year at the 2024 HR People Magazine Awards, organized by Mapelwood Global Resource.

The award ceremony, held recently at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, celebrated the achievements of outstanding HR professionals across Nigeria who have contributed significantly to organizational success and workplace culture.

Speaking on the recognition, Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, expressed immense pride in Ayo-Elias’s achievement, describing it as a milestone not only for her but also for the company.

“Adebimpe’s impact, dedication, and leadership extend well beyond Airtel, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her influence in the HR field. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her continued contributions to the industry,” he said.

Receiving the award, Adebimpe expressed gratitude for the honour, reiterating her commitment to advancing world-class HR practices within her organisation.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of those we serve within and beyond the organization. Airtel Nigeria creates an environment that nurtures growth, encourages innovation, and prioritizes the well-being of every employee and as such, this award motivates me to continue championing these values,” she said.

This award reaffirms Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to developing and empowering talent, further establishing the company as a leading force in creating an impactful, forward-thinking workplace.


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