Connect with us

Featured

My Relationship with NASS under Saraki, Dogara was Bad, Says Buhari

Published

on

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reviewed the relationship between the Executive arm of the government and the outgoing 8th National Assembly and concluded that it was not the best.

Speaking at the Iftar dinner (breaking of fast) he hosted for the leadership of the National Assembly led by Senate President Bukola Saraki at the State House Tuesday evening, Mr Buhari said the nation deserved better than it got.

He said he hoped for a better working relationship between the two arms of government in the 9th National Assembly.

“Relations between the Executive and the Legislature were not the best in the 8th National Assembly. I sincerely hope each one of us will do his utmost to ensure there is a better working relationship between these two arms of government in the 9th Assembly so that we can serve the people better,” Mr Buhari said.

Mr Buhari said the the principal task of the National Assembly “is to cooperate with the Executive so that together we can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy. I appeal to the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to subordinate all personal interests and ambitions to the imperative of working for the common good of our people.”

The president in a subsequent email sent to PREMIUM TIMES by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, congratulated the members-elect on their success in winning their constituency seats.

He said, “this is a great burden and a great responsibility placed on you by your people. Our citizens are faced with challenges of poverty.

“Your principal task is to cooperate with the Executive so that together we can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy. I appeal to the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to subordinate all personal interests and ambitions to the imperative of working for the common good of our people.”

He assured the leaders that his doors remained open “to all of you who have genuine concerns or advice to improve the quality of governance and service delivery to our people.”

Mr Saraki assured the president that the National Assembly would maintain focus on national interest at all times.

In addition to Mr Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the event was attended by the Deputy Senate President, the Deputy Speaker, the majority and minority leaders, the majority and minority whips and their deputies.

Continue Reading
Advertisement


Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured

Women of Substance Hosts Maiden Sisters’ Hangout

Published

on

Women of Substance, founded by renowned media consultant Chief Ify Onyegbule (Ada Di Ora Mma), is set to host the maiden edition of the “Sisters’ Hangout”, a strategic networking and empowerment gathering for women across diverse sectors, designed to foster collaboration, visibility, personal growth, and impactful partnerships.

Scheduled as an exclusive lunch-table conversation for Women, by Women, and powered by Women, the Sisters’ Hangout brings together established and emerging voices in journalism, business, education, media, fintech, philanthropy, data science, food services, and grassroots development.

The Hangout has already confirmed an extraordinary lineup of accomplished women, each bringing unique perspectives and deep industry insights.

1. Petra Akinti Onyegbule — Corporate Communications Strategist

Petra is an authority in leadership communication, storytelling, and brand clarity. She will lead conversations on how to keep a brand alive, relevant, and competitive in a saturated marketplace.

2. Theresa Moses — Journalist, Humanitarian & Media Leader

Theresa Moses, Convener of Pad Me A Girl Initiative, Head of Gatmash Media, Chairperson of Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA), and CEO of Vita Baites Foods (makers of premium Kuli-Kuli), will share how she successfully combines media leadership with running a fast-growing FMCG brand.

3. Anthonia Ojenagbon — Founder, Silton African Kitchen

A food service expert specializing in large-scale catering, Anthonia will discuss navigating the pressures of cooking for large events and remaining excellent outside one’s comfort zone.

4. Chioma Iroabuchi — Digital Transformation Leader

Chioma, a driver of fintech-enabled process optimization, will break down the beginner steps into opportunities in the fintech sector, especially for women exploring tech.

5. Oluwatomisin Adebukola — Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist

A leadership coach and community development advocate, she will highlight realities of working in grassroots spaces, and how passion-driven initiatives bring hope to underserved communities.

6. Olayinka Mayaki-Yusuf — General Manager, Shipshape Cleaners Limited

Olayinka will share the business of professional cleaning, project management, and what it takes to thrive in a highly competitive service industry.

7. Temitayo Oluwatobi Adetoba — Data Scientist & Girls’ Education Advocate

Tayo will educate attendees on how data shapes decision-making and why women must tap into the booming data ecosystem.

8. Cordy Nachi Opara — Educator & Relationship Coach

Cordy will shed light on nurturing children with different personalities, and how mothers can be intentional leaders in the home.

9. Chief Yinka Kenny — Broadcast Journalist & Gender Champion

Yinka brings decades of media experience and will reveal the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by women in media, along with strategies for thriving in the industry.

10. Ijeoma Uzozie Mark-Abii — Estate Surveyor & Travel Expert

Ijeoma will demystify the business of tourism and hospitality, sharing what most people are never told about the travel industry.

11. Anusiem DO (Nwachukwu Delphine Onyinye) — Author & Humanitarian

The visionary behind Brisa Women Foundation will highlight stories of women impacted through empowerment programs and the importance of community-driven action.

12. Wemimo Adebiyi — Therapist & Child Mental Health Advocate

UK-trained therapist and educator, Wemimo will engage women on child mental health, school systems, and the power of effective communication at home.

Continue Reading

Featured

Celebrating Amala Day with Founder, Adeola Alamala

Published

on

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

“Our goal is to bring the experience of home-cooked Nigerian food to more people, one community at a time. By this, we are celebrating culture and culinary excellence” – Olorunsomo Smart Adeola, aka Alamalla

In a vibrant celebration of culture, food, and community spirit, Amala Spot with Adeola Alamala recently hosted the much-anticipated Amala Day 2025, followed closely by the grand opening of its brand-new AAU Campus Outlet in Ekpoma. The events, held on Friday, 31st October, and Saturday, 1st November 2025, with the outlet officially opening on Monday, 10th November 2025, marked a major milestone for the fast-growing local food brand known for its authentic Nigerian dishes and warm customer experience.

Amala Day 2025 wasn’t just another food event it was a festival of culture, taste, and togetherness. For two full days, from 12 PM to 8 PM, the atmosphere at Amala Spot on Sec School Road, Ujemen, Ekpoma, was filled with excitement, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of freshly served Amala, Ewedu, and Gbegiri.

Customers trooped in large numbers, eager to partake in the special 20% discount offered throughout the event. From students to working professionals and local food lovers, everyone came together to celebrate the timeless Nigerian delicacy that unites people across generations.

Olorunsomo Smart Adeola, popularly known as Adeola Alamala, is a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science. Long before his university days, he had already been actively involved in the food industry, where he developed a strong passion for culinary excellence and customer satisfaction.

Adeola Alamala, the passionate founder and face behind Amala Spot, described the event as “a moment to celebrate our roots, appreciate our customers, and introduce new faces to the real taste of Amala done right.”

Guests were treated to well-prepared meals featuring the perfect blend of soft Amala, rich Ewedu soup, and the flavorful Gbegiri option. Many attendees commended the brand for maintaining high food standards and consistency while creating an environment that felt like home.

Beyond the delicious food, Amala Day was also about community connection. Adeola and the team interacted directly with customers, creating a friendly, family-like atmosphere. There were light games, cheerful moments, and even spontaneous dance sessions that kept the energy alive throughout the event.

What truly stood out was the spirit of togetherness Amala Spot successfully turned an ordinary weekend into a memory-filled culinary celebration. Patrons expressed their satisfaction, with many sharing positive feedback on social media and promising to return with friends.

One student attendee commented, “Amala Spot isn’t just a food place anymore; it’s a vibe. Adeola and the team made everyone feel special.”

The two-day festival didn’t just end with satisfied customers it also built momentum for something bigger: the expansion of Amala Spot into new territory.

The Launch of Amala Spot AAU Campus Outlet

Barely a week after the successful Amala Day, Amala Spot with Adeola Alamala took another bold step by launching its AAU Campus Outlet on Monday, 10th November 2025, at 2:00 PM, located before Igbinedion Hostel, AAU Campus, Ekpoma.

This new branch, designed as a “Take-Out Only” outlet, represents the brand’s innovative approach to convenience and accessibility for students and staff within the Ambrose Alli University community. The opening day featured a 10% discount on all take-out orders, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic customers eager to be among the first to experience the new spot.

Adeola Alamala expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and explained that the AAU Campus branch was inspired by high demand from university students who wanted easier access to their favorite meals. “We realized many of our loyal customers are students who love our Amala but find it difficult to leave campus often. This new outlet brings Amala closer to them,” he said.

The new outlet is a reflection of Adeola Alamala’s long-term vision to make Amala Spot not just a local eatery, but a recognizable food brand across multiple campuses and cities in Nigeria. The Ekpoma expansion shows the brand’s commitment to growth while maintaining its strong focus on taste, quality, and customer satisfaction.

According to Adeola, the success of the Amala Day celebration reaffirmed the community’s love for authentic Nigerian meals and reinforced the need to spread that joy beyond one location. “Our goal is to bring the experience of home-cooked Nigerian food to more people, one community at a time,” he said proudly.

Both the Amala Day event and the new outlet launch demonstrate the brand’s unique philosophy combining culinary excellence with cultural pride. Amala Spot is not just about serving food; it’s about sharing a cultural experience that connects people emotionally to their roots.

By offering discounts, engaging directly with customers, and expanding thoughtfully, Adeola Alamala continues to redefine what a modern local food brand can achieve. The emphasis on trust, transparency, and consistency has earned Amala Spot a loyal following and positioned it as a leading destination for traditional meals in Edo state.

As Amala Spot with Adeola Alamala looks to the future, the brand’s mission remains clear: to celebrate Nigerian cuisine, promote food entrepreneurship, and create spaces where food, friendship, and culture meet beautifully.

The success of the 2025 Amala Day and the launch of the AAU Campus outlet are only the beginning. With the love and support of its growing community, Amala Spot is well on its way to becoming a household name one bowl of Amala at a time.

Kudos to Alamala for his patriotic efforts to bring a local delicacy, such as Amala to the global stage.

Continue Reading

Featured

IGCD: Pad Me A Girl Initiative Partners Senate, Access Bank to Celebrate Abuja IDPs

Published

on

The “Pad Me A Girl Initiative”, in partnership with the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS) and Access Bank, on Monday, October 13, 2025, hosted a powerful and transformative celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Durumi, Abuja.

An initiative of Gatmash Media that seeks to bring hope, empowerment, and essential support to hundreds of vulnerable girls and women.

The event gathered hundreds of internally displaced girls and women, alongside top government officials, lawmakers, civil society, actors, media representatives, and corporate partners — all united by a single goal: to amplify the voices of girls in crisis and champion menstrual health, dignity, and equal opportunity.

In her welcome address, Theresa Moses, Convener of “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and CEO of Gatmash Media, expressed gratitude to partners and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable action to break barriers facing young girls.

“This year’s theme: The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis reminds us that girls are not just victims of crisis, but resilient leaders, change-makers, and symbols of hope,” Moses explained.

“At Pad Me A Girl, our mission is to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period, her circumstance, or her background.”

Through its Access Pad Me A Girl Pad Bank, the initiative has reached over 5,000 girls and women with reusable pads, menstrual hygiene education, and self-esteem building sessions.

Moses shared the inspiring story of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, from Yobe State, who was crowned World’s Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, beating 20,000 contestants from 69 countries.

“Nafisa’s story is a reminder that brilliance can blossom anywhere — even in the most unlikely places,” she added. “Every girl, when supported, can transform her community and her nation.”

Represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Patricia Oyagha, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, delivered a compelling speech that cut to the heart of gender inequality and health stigma in Nigeria.

“For too long, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation,” she began. “Silence around menstruation is not neutrality — it is neglect. And neglect has consequences.”

Senator Kingibe called for a national framework that recognizes menstrual health as a matter of public health, education, and human rights. She revealed ongoing efforts by her Committee to push for:

* Integration of menstrual health education into national school curricula.

* Policy support for the affordability and availability of menstrual products for girls in rural and underserved communities.

* Increased collaboration between government, private sector, and CSOs to drive grassroots impact.

“When we break the silence, we break the stigma. When we empower girls, we uplift communities. And when we invest in menstrual health, we invest in the future of our nation,” she said, to a standing ovation.

She commended the “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and partners for their grassroots impact, describing their work as “a bridge between government policy and lived realities.”

“We cannot achieve gender equality if our girls are missing school every month because of a natural process. Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege — it’s a necessity,” she concluded.

In her goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, represented by Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu,
Deputy Director,
Child Development,
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs lauded the initiative for its bold commitment to gender empowerment and inclusion.

“Today’s celebration is not just to highlight challenges, but to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of the Nigerian girl,” she stated.

She revealed that the Ministry is actively reviewing and updating key national instruments, including: The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015; The Child Rights Act, 2003; and The National Child Policy (2009).

In addition, the Minister announced the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, aimed at normalizing menstrual conversations and ensuring nationwide access to hygiene products, facilities, and information.

“We must eliminate female genital mutilation, early child marriage, bullying, and all forms of gender-based violence. The future of Nigeria depends on how well we protect and empower our girls today,” she emphasized.

“Empowering the girl child is not charity; it is nation building.”

The day’s highlight featured an engaging health education session led by Mrs. Blessing Amos, Abuja Team Lead of Pad Me A Girl Initiative, focusing on menstrual hygiene management, body confidence, and breaking taboos around menstruation.

This was followed by the distribution of empowerment packs — including reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, corn flour (Tuwo Masara), custard, and kuli-kuli — to hundreds of girls and women.

The event which was also supported by ProStar Sports International, a renowned sports equipment and apparel company, BL Consulting and Vita Baites Foods was rounded off on a note of hope, unity, and renewed commitment to girl-child education and menstrual dignity.

About Pad Me A Girl Initiative

Pad Me A Girl Initiative is a gender advocacy project under GATMASH MEDIA, committed to promoting menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education, and girl-child empowerment. Its Access Pad Bank has reached over 5,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria, providing reusable pads, mentorship, and health awareness in schools and communities.

Continue Reading