Niger Delta

Bank, Others Take Financial Literacy To A’Ibom Schools

Published

11 months ago

April 5, 2024

In a thrilling display of the power of gamification in enhancing financial knowledge and wellbeing of students from across Akwa Ibom State, participants showcased their financial literacy skills at the Yellow Cowries Financial Literacy Brainee Competition, Organized by Yellow Cowries, in partnership with Junior.

Achievement Nigeria, Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom and generously sponsored by Stanbic IBTC Holdings, the competition brought together enthusiastic students from 18 secondary schools across the state to battle it out for the top prize.

Held at the Uyo Tropicana Entertainment Mall, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, Nigeria, the event buzzed with excitement as students tackled the Yellow Cowries PSI (Plan-Save-Invest) learning card game designed to test their understanding of financial planning, saving, and investment.

The Yellow Cowries PSI card game’s dynamic features and its engaging sessions kept players alert and created a stimulating, competitive learning atmosphere.

“Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that empowers individuals and guides their financial future”, Head, Sustainability, Risk and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, said.

He continued that “We at Stanbic IBTC Holdings are proud to support this initiative by Yellow Cowries, which equips young minds with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions”.

Building upon the success of the last competition held in Lagos in 2023, the 2024 edition expanded its reach to empower students in Akwa Ibom State.

“This year’s event signifies Yellow Cowries’ commitment to providing a nationwide platform for young Nigerians to learn and develop crucial financial literacy skills, using the power of gamification”, Head of Programmes, Yellow Cowries, Ibeleye Paul-Otu, explained, adding that, “We are grateful for the support from Stanbic IBTC Holdings and thrilled to partner with Junior Achievement Nigeria and Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom, whose expertise in youth empowerment complements our gamified learning approach perfectly”.

With the support of 40 facilitators, Yellow Cowries trained over 200 students from more than 20 secondary schools in Uyo for a period of 2 weeks, with financial literacy knowledge and skills, utilizing the Yellow Cowries financial wellbeing curriculum and PSI learning card games.

The Financial Literacy Brainee Competition saw the participation of top students from some of these schools; and at the conclusion of the competition, four schools emerged as the top three winners.

Topfaith International Secondary School, Mkpatak, clinched the first prize, while Uyo High School and St. Benedict High School tied for the joint-second position, and Crystal City International School secured the third position.

“This competition has been an invaluable learning experience”, remarked Iwuji Joella, a student of first-place Topfaith International School.

She said, “The card game and learning club made learning about finance fun and engaging. We are grateful for this opportunity to develop our financial literacy skills, which will undoubtedly benefit us in the future”.

Yellow Cowries, founded by Tokunboh Ishmael, envisions a state whereby all Africans are financially literate and empowered to make better informed financial decisions, with a resultant improvement in financial health and well-being.

The Yellow Cowries Financial Literacy Brainee Competition serves as a testament to the power of using non-traditional learning models in fostering financial inclusion among young Nigerians.

With continued support from sponsors like Stanbic IBTC Holdings and dedicated organizations like Yellow Cowries and Junior Achievement Nigeria, this initiative has the potential to equip countless young minds with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape; and to build a brighter future.

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.

Niger Delta

Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

In a bid to promote cancer awareness and encourage early detection, officials of Edo State Government, last Thursday held a cancer awareness walk in Benin City.

The walk, led by Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was organised in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

The event also brought other health professionals, civil society groups, and residents to emphasise the importance of regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The notable stakeholders, include the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Anani; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Marie Bisi Idaomi.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening healthcare systems and to ensure that cancer awareness reached all corners of the state.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge, but early detection can save lives.

“This walk is part of our efforts to educate residents on preventive measures and available healthcare services”, she said.

As part of the initiative, she said her office would be offering free mammograms and prostate screenings to encourage early detection.

“We are not just raising awareness; we are taking action. Early detection saves lives, and we want to ensure that more people get screened before it’s too late”, she added.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to all partners and urged continued collaboration in the fight against cancer.

“This is not just a one-day event. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need”, she said.