When we began the Repression of Widowhood campaign, it wasn’t about awards, it was about dignity. About restoring voices that have been silenced, about standing for widows in society, often forgotten, and left behind.

 

In Nigeria, over 15 million women are widows, with a huge proportion classified as underprivileged / disadvantaged widows. Many face abuse, exclusion, neglected or accused of killing their husbands. Some are thrown out of their homes, whereas most are left to survive alone with children to care for and no one to care for them.

 

That’s where we stepped in.

 

What started as a podcast to educate widows on their legal rights became a national movement. From online awareness to real-life action, we mobilized a Walkathon that inspired everyday Nigerians to walk in solidarity. We weren’t just raising voices—we were raising support to echo the pain of disadvantaged widows.

 

But awareness was never enough. We listened to the cries behind the silence. And we acted.

 

With the help of five FMCG brands, we delivered:

 

Food relief and healthcare to 412 widows across Lagos, Ogun, and Anambra

Seed funding and financial empowerment for over 20 women to start their own businesses

Free healthcare for 202 widows

169 children back in school

Seven impactful podcast episodes reaching over 51,000 listeners

A sustainable skill-building initiative, Art Piece of Hope, teaching widows tie & dye fabric making for long-term income

 

These are not just numbers, they are stories of resilience

 

This campaign gave them more than resources gave them back hope, dignity, and a future.

 

And then came the win.

 

At the Pitcher Awards 2025, The Repression of Widowhood was honored with:

 

🏆 Silver for Societal Impact in Effectiveness Category – This category celebrates the measurable impact of creative work. Entries in the Societal Impact subcategory demonstrate how the campaign drove tangible results, was instrumental to cultural change, social change, environmental change or was integral to achieving a brand’s purpose.

 

🏆 Bronze for Non-Profit Organizations in Pitcher for Good Category – This subcategory recognizes communication or initiative that addresses social or environmental issues created by non-profit organizations or a partnership between a for-profit organization and non-profit organization.

 

A proud moment for the CBA Foundation, digitXplus, and for every widow whose life was touched.

“This recognition is for every woman who thought her story had ended. It’s a reminder that we see you, we hear you, and we will keep fighting for you.”

Chinwe Bode Akinwande, Founder – CBA Foundation

 

“It’s not every day you get to be in the forefront of a vision that truly changes lives. We’re proud of this win, but even prouder of the impact.”

Damilola Popoola, Head of Strategy – digitXplus

This wasn’t just a campaign, it was a commitment to justice. to humanity. to lasting change. And we’re not stopping here. We’re walking for hope—until every widow stands tall again.

 

 

 

By Winifred Bosa

Seasoned marketing professional and CEO, Managing Partner, Open Squares Africa, Feyi Olubodun, will deliver the keynote address at the 3rd edition of MediaConsortium Conference (MCCA) on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The conference with the theme: “DEFINING VALUE IN THE MODERN MARKET: BEYOND PRICE, QUALITY, EXPERIENCE AND ETHICS”, will hold at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos by 10am.

Olubodun, is a sought after speaker and experienced brand builder with several years of experience of building and managing top brands. He was the former Chief Executive at InsightPublicis, and will be bringing his experience to bear in his paper on the theme.

According to the organiser, MediaConsortium Conference, the concept of “value” is no longer confined to the traditional pillars of price, quality, experience, and ethics, in the ever-evolving global marketplace. While these elements remain essential, today’s discerning consumers, investors, and stakeholders demand a more nuanced and multidimensional interpretation of value. To stay relevant and competitive, brands must redefine what value truly means in the modern age.

The event will pull industry stakeholders and allied sectors in an engaging and impactful sections with the aim to stimulate consumer/brand engagement.

A list of marketing communications experts have confirmed their participation to discuss Olubodun’s paper. Among them are Obinna Ojekwe, Marketing Lead, Hydrogen, Yinka Femi Opadere, Head, Online Media, Globacom and Samuel Akinrimisi, New Product Development Lead, EKo Supreme Resources Nig. Limited.

The MediaConsortium Conference, hosted by MediaConsortium, a leading brands, business, and marketing publication, aims to facilitate engagement among stakeholders in the IMC and related sectors to address pertinent issues.

This year’s event follows the successful maiden edition held in 2023 at the Sheraton Hotels and Suites, Ikeja and a second edition held at the LCCI, Ikeja.

 

To flag off its 20th anniversary celebrations, Nitro 121 took a creative drive outside the boardroom and into the classroom, sparking inspiration in the next generation of creators.

 

On May 29, 2025, the marketing communications company hosted a one-day creative immersion for students of Victory Grammar School and Victory High School, Ikeja, with the theme “Fuelling Future Creatives.”

 

The CSR initiative was designed to equip senior secondary students with relevant, real-world creative skills such as Graphics Designing, Video editing, as well as AI for content creation.

 

The sessions were hands-on and led by Nitro121 talents- Creative Director,

Chamberlin Ukenedo; Digital content writer, Faith Ekekwe; Copywriter, Kedonojo Williams, and Brand Strategist- Favour Alilu.

 

In his opening remarks, Managing Director/CEO of Nitro 121 Ltd., Lampe Omoyele encouraged the students to make good use of the opportunity as creativity is needed in every facet of life. He noted that every human being has the gift of creativity which is why Nitro 121, in celebration of its 20th Anniversary organized the event to fuel their creativity as future leaders.

 

Moderated by Nitro 121’s CSR Lead, Kehinde Adollo, the event excellently delivered on what it was set out to achieve- Fuelling future creatives.

 

At the end, each student received a certificate of participation, signalling the commencement of their creative journey.

 

In response, Principal of Victory Grammar School, Mrs Adeyinka Afolayan, applauded Nitro 121 for putting together such an excellent training, while emphasizing the uniqueness of the training modules as well as the stationery provided for the students and teachers.

 

‘Fuelling Future Creatives’ is one of many activities lined up to mark Nitro 121’s 20 years of igniting ideas and shaping brands.

Leading telecommunications provider, Airtel Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with a nationwide campaign to combat plastic pollution in commemoration of World Environment Day 2025. Themed “Ending Plastic Pollution”, this year’s events demonstrated the corporate mission of Airtel to champion environmental stewardship.

Tagged #UnPlasticAfrica, the company’s campaign began on June 3, mobilizing employees across six operating regions for a week of education, advocacy, and cleanup activities aimed at promoting sustainable living, in alignment with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

The activities kicked off with a Sustainability Seminar, led by Dr Hassan A. Sanuth, Director of Sanitation Services at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and focused on the role of the individual in reducing plastic waste while promoting practical recycling habits.

Following this educational session, all Airtel Nigeria employees took the “Eco Pledge” to commit to reusable containers.

In his remarks at the seminar, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, reaffirmed Airtel`s dedication to sustainability.

“As we invest in Nigeria’s digital future, we are equally committed to protecting the environment that sustains us. From AI-powered services that reduce paper use to partnerships that connect rural areas without environmental disruption, we are embedding sustainability into every layer of our operations,” he said.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Sanuth emphasized the urgency of addressing the plastic pollution crisis, particularly in urban centers like Lagos.

“Plastic waste is choking our drains, polluting our water bodies, and threatening public health. Every little action counts, from individuals making conscious choices to organizations taking bold steps and together, our collective efforts can make a significant impact in ending plastic pollution,” he noted.

He also highlighted the dangers of plastic waste, noting that microplastics have been traced in food, water, and even human blood and called for stronger policies and corporate accountability.

The highlight of the week was a market clean-up and sensitization drive held by Airtel employees in Abuja, Oyo, Benin, Enugu, and Kano. Airtel staff volunteers, in collaboration with local partners, led plastic collection efforts, conducted environmental hygiene training, and distributed over 3,000 branded reusable bags and parasols to market vendors and shoppers.

The World Environment Day campaign, nicknamed Earth Fest 2025, is part of Airtel Nigeria’s broader CSR Strategy, which continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its organizational practices.

 

 

 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited recently in Port Harcourt inaugurated 140 trainees for an intensive three-month Advanced Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC-HCD) Programme for the US$5 billion NLNG Train 7 Project on Bonny Island, Rivers State.

 

The trainees, who are graduates in different academic disciplines, had completed a 12-month Basic Training Programme in diverse oil-and-gas-industry-related skill sets and are now for the on-the-job phase which includes active hands-on participation in operational areas such as Turn Around Maintenance (TAM), Commissioning, and Desktop Programmes, among others.

In November 2024, a set of 331 trainees under Batch A of the NLNG T7 HCD Training Programme had begun capacity development in facility management, engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as well as welding and fabrication.

Another set of 77 trainees under Batch B of the same Training Programme began capacity development in data analytics and supply chain management among several other fields relevant to the operations of the oil and gas industry.

Addressing the trainees and trainers drawn from the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) as well as Management personnel of the NCDMB and NLNG, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the Advanced NC-HCD training is more than a milestone, but an expression of the collective commitment of the Board and the NLNG “to nurturing world-class Nigerian professionals who will shape the future of our oil and gas industry.”

He said the Board has remained steadfast in its conviction that Human Capital Development is “a critical investment in the sustainability and competiveness” of Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain, pointing out that over 400 Nigerians have undergone basic training in diverse technical, vocational, and specialized areas and are equipped with practical skills directly aligned with industry needs.

According to the NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Manager, Human Capital Development, Mrs. Tarilate Teide-Bribena, the Board and NLNG are “advancing even further by formally launching the on-the-job component of the NLNG Train 7 NC-HCD Programme,” which would see 140 bright and promising Nigerians gain practical exposure and real-time experience across technical domains within the NLNG operational plants in Bonny Island.

He commended the NLNG, which he described as “a trusted and forward-looking partner in the development of [Nigeria’s] human capital base,” for its unwavering partnership, noting that the company has not only complied with Nigerian Content requirements but “has consistently shown leadership in embracing the spirit of national capacity building.”

Engr. Ogbe also acknowledged the critical role of OGTAN for being instrumental in aligning training content, delivery standards, and capacity development frameworks with the actual needs of the industry. The trainers, he noted, have helped to bridge the gap between training and employability – ensuring that trainees do not just learn but are ready to add value from day one.

In her own remarks, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of the NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, expressed profound appreciation to the NCDMB for productive collaboration on the HCD Programme, which she described as “a reaffirmation of NLNG’s unwavering commitment to human capital development.”

She said the support of the NCDMB has enabled the NLNG to effectively carry out its programme for the development of a strong, skilled and highly professional workforce for the country’s oil and gas industry. The trainings, she noted, are particularly significant as the NLNG Train 7 Project, which involves very advanced technology, has reached 80 per cent completion, and highly skilled technical manpower would be required. Final Investment Decision on the project was signed in December 2019.

On what she described as “robust, advanced … on-the-job training programme,” Dr. Hosfall disclosed that the trainees would work within the facilities of the NLNG on Bonny Island.

 

In closing remarks, the Nigerian Content Manager of NLNG, Engr. Dagogo Buowari, thanked the NCDMB for the partnership between the two organisations, and expressed his belief that the industry would continue to benefit from their collective endeavours.

He advised trainees to get themselves organised for their three-month programme on Bonny Island, which begins on June 16, 2025, and to ensure they do not become distracted in the course of their training.

 

 

NLNG says it is committed to building Nigerian capacity as it launches its Train 7 Project Human Capital Development (HCD) Basic Training Supplementary Programme in Port Harcourt today.

The event, which took place in The Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, was graced by officials from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), including Mrs. Tarilate Teide-Bribena, Manager, Human Capital Development, alongside members of the NLNG Management Team, training facilitators, and the newest cohort of beneficiaries.

In his keynote speech, NLNG’s Nigerian Content Development Manager, Engr. Dagogo Buowari, (FNSE), described the programme as a milestone in NLNG’s broader commitment to achieving Nigerian Content targets and empowering the nation’s youth through skills-based development.

“This initiative further strengthens NLNG’s role in supporting Nigerian Content development, especially within the ongoing Train 7 Project. We are proud to sustain this momentum in collaboration with the NCDMB, whose visionary support continues to drive human capital development across Nigeria,” he stated.

The supplementary training is an expansion of the Train 7 HCD Basic Training Programme. It offers two distinct learning tracks designed to meet the diverse needs of participants: structured theoretical modules through classroom training, and practical, field-based experience through hands-on training. Each of these components follow a carefully developed curriculum with specific milestones to ensure that trainees graduate with both industry-relevant knowledge and applied technical competence.

“For the trainees, this is not just a learning programme—it is a launchpad for your professional journey,” Engr. Buowari noted. “I urge you to commit fully, complete all required modules, and take the certification process seriously. This experience could define your future.”

Beyond technical training, the programme is structured to holistically support the personal and professional development of each participant. Trainees will have access to healthcare services through Reliance HMO, ensuring their wellness throughout the training period.

They will also be enrolled in mentorship programmes designed to provide guidance from seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, wellness and support services, including counselling and emotional support resources, will be available to help participants maintain balance and resilience. Regular performance reviews and career counselling sessions will ensure each trainee’s progress aligns with their long-term professional aspirations.

These offerings reflect NLNG’s commitment not only to skill acquisition but also to developing well-rounded professionals capable of thriving in dynamic and demanding environments.

Engr. Buowari, during the ceremony, also recognized the dedication of NLNG staff and project teams whose tireless work behind the scenes made the programme’s expansion a reality. “Many hands within NLNG have worked tirelessly to make today a success. From those present in this room to others handling business-critical operations elsewhere, we say thank you. Your efforts are contributing to a more sustainable and empowered Nigeria,” he remarked.

The Train 7 Project, a significant expansion of NLNG’s production capacity, continues to align with Nigeria’s national vision for local content, inclusive growth, and youth empowerment. Through initiatives such as this training programme, NLNG is reaffirming its purpose-driven mission of “Inspiring a Sustainable Future.”

 

 

Every May 27, we must pause to celebrate the dreams, energy, and potential of Nigeria’s greatest resource: our children. Children’s Day is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful national reminder that the future we hope to build depends largely on the investments we make in our young people today.

 

As an organization, Airtel Nigeria believes that this future should be inclusive, innovative, and informed by the realities of a rapidly evolving world. For more than a decade, our Corporate Social Responsibility agenda has prioritised access to education and digital empowerment. We do this not just as corporate citizens, but as stewards of a future where technology and talent must work hand in hand to elevate Nigeria.

 

Reimagining Education for Every Child

 

In partnership with UNICEF, Airtel Nigeria has been a proud driver of the Reimagine Education initiative, a transformative programme that has been closing the digital divide in classrooms by ensuring Nigerian children, especially in underserved communities, can access quality digital learning through platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP). By enabling zero-rated websites and apps, digital infrastructure, and connectivity support to schools across multiple states, this partnership has already reached over 800,000 children and 17,000 teachers with practical tools for 21st-century teaching and learning.

 

Beyond infrastructure, we understand the human element of education. That is why our long-standing, and still growing, Adopt-a-School programme has not only rebuilt classroom blocks and provided teaching resources but also sponsored school fees, uniforms, and meals for students in disadvantaged communities. Rather than being seasonal, these efforts are sustained, intentional, and anchored in our belief that no child should be left behind.

 

Doubling Down on Youth Development in 2025

 

This year, Airtel Nigeria is reaffirming its commitment to the next generation in even bolder ways. In March 2025, we made a landmark donation of ₦1 billion to the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, an ambitious initiative to train Nigerian youth in digital skills that are in high demand globally, from software development and cybersecurity to AI and data science.

 

Our support for 3MTT demonstrates a future-facing vision: education must not stop in the classroom. Nigeria’s young people need not just certificates, but competencies. They deserve access to modern skills that make them employable, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive. By backing programmes like 3MTT, we are helping lay the foundation for a workforce that can build and own the digital economy of tomorrow.

 

Partnerships for Impact

 

These commitments are not made in isolation. We continue to work closely with federal and state governments, schools, education agencies, and development partners to align our CSR projects with national goals. We understand that true impact lies in synergy, in finding where our strengths as a telecommunications leader can accelerate the country’s aspirations for inclusive education and national development.

 

In the coming months, we will expand our engagement with local schools through technology hubs, career mentorships, teacher training programmes, and community-led initiatives designed to inspire curiosity and cultivate excellence among school-age children across Nigeria.

 

Children First, Always

 

At Airtel Nigeria, we carry a simple truth in all we do: the future is already right here. It is sitting in our classrooms, logging in from tablet in a remote village, asking questions in brilliant language, and dreaming boldly without limits.

 

Children’s Day 2025 is a moment for everyone to recommit. To remember that giving a child access to knowledge is giving a nation access to greatness. That a skilled, educated child today becomes the innovator, journalist, teacher, engineer, or changemaker of tomorrow.

 

As we celebrate our children today, we must also rise to our responsibility to prepare them, not just with hope, but with tools. Not just with dreams, but with opportunities.

 

Source: FEMI ADENIRAN