Metro
NIJ Student Emerges First Future Brand Idol
By: Ajibade Morakinyo
The maiden Idol of Future Brand Idol (FBI), a creativity contest for students studying communication, advertising, and other related courses in Integrated Marketing Communication, has emerged from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
With Amisu Damilola, a student of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, emerging winner of the contest and first Future Brand Idol; Popoola Tobi, student of University of Ibadan, came first runner-up; students of University of Ilorin, Macaulay Tolulope & Alilu Favour, came second and third runner-up respectively; and another NIJ student, Owodunni Mosopefoluwa emerged fourth runner-up among over 80 students across 11 tertiary institutions that participated in the contest.
NIJ Advertising and Public Relations lecturer, Mr. Amaso Jack; the winner, Amisu Damilola; Founder Noah’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa, & NIJ Marketing Lecturer, Mr. Akin Ojo
The award’s pitch and ceremony which recently held in Lagos is an initiative that affords students of mass communication and other marketing communication related courses across Nigeria opportunity and experience of practical advertising.
According to the Head of FBI organizers, Ahmed Abdullahi, the initiative is set to bring professionals in the advertising industry closer to students towards providing a viable platform for Nigerian students who are interested in Advertising and Public Relations to be exposed and well-bred while on campus.
“The initiative does not only have focus in creativity contest, it also aimed at facilitating students’ interactive session with experts, workshop and seminar for students, providing mentorship opportunity for students, and getting them quality information in their field of study.
“By doing so, we will attract scholarships, internship, mentorship opportunity, and open them to greater opportunities which will help nurture them and make them useful for the society and the industry they found themselves,” he said.
The Future Brand Idol team head, Ahmed Abdullahi, winner 2019 Future Brand Idol, Amisu Damilola, and Noah’s Ark Founder, Mr. Lanre Adisa, presenting the contest award to the winner
Speaking about how the winners were chosen, he made it known that the organizers are not in support of favoritism which made them have an experienced jury members like Noah’s Ark CEO, Mr. Lanre Adisa; O2 Academy Provost, Mr. Ozoemena ‘Ozone’ Mbanefo; ID8 Academy MD, Kehinde Salami; Seyi Owolawi; Bisi Aweda; Jumoke Akinyele; and Suziette Ukey-Agazie, which are independent of any institution that participated in the competition.
He thereby urged the winners to maximize the opportunities made available to them and that this will help the organisers to record success stories.
Also, the Founder of Noah’s Ark and a Grand Jury member of the competition, Mr. Lanre Adisa, who described the initiative as ‘a good one’ encouraged the winners to ‘try harder’ because this is just the beginning of their career in advertising.
“This is not a guarantee that the winners would get a job in advertising because it is what they do with themselves that will definitely make them relevant in the industry,” he said.
Group session of NIJ students and lecturers with the winner, Amisu Damilola
The overall winner, Amisu Damilola, disclosed that the competition has definitely encouraged her to pursue more in advertising – an industry she had loved since her year two in NIJ.
“The competition boosted my zeal for advertising to another level and with the scholarships it has afforded me, I will ensure I harness the opportunities towards building my potential in advertising,” she said.
The overall winner and the first runner-up were awarded scholarship from O2 and ID8 Academy; the second and third runner-up also got scholarship from ID8 Academy; and the fourth runner-up secured an internship slot at Withoutabox PR.
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have debunked reported assassination attempt on the life of Naval Lt MA Yerima, the soldier, who stood to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land.
In a statement by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command insisted that no such incident happened or was reported anywhere around Abuja, asking residents to ignore the reports as fake.
The statement further advised the public to ‘disregard the false information, and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic’.
Recall that it was reported on Sunday night that Lt. Yerima escaped assassination after black hilux trucks trailed him. This reported escaped is coming on the heels of a heated altercation the Naval officer had with Wike over a parcel of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Presidency has since welded into the matter, ordering a stay on the demolition plans.
The statement in full:
The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response.
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
