General News
Nigeria ENDS Awards Winners For 2013

Every Nigerian Do Something [ENDS.ng] is proud to present the award winners for the year 2013. These people or entities represent the many Nigerians who DID SOMETHING, our mantra.
These individuals and entities stood out for patriotism, dignity, honesty, pride, revolutionary-spirit, moral superiority, bravery and the other better values of humanity.
We know that many more of us deserve this recognition. It is the good Lord that will abundantly appraise and reward you all for your efforts.
The ENDS Awards does not represent reward or compensation, it merely selects a few and presents their examples for us to associate with and feel proud of.
Valor and citizen bravery Award goes to the Civilian JTF
Otherwise known as the Borno Vigilance Youth Group (BVYG), the youth of Nigeria’s North East this year have made the nation proud beyond measure.
They have paid the ultimate sacrifice, many dying in their pursuit of Boko Haram terrorists and their sponsors. The drafting of Nigeria’s military to the region in May provided the opening for Muslim and Christian children and youth of all ages to stand-up to terror.
With raids, stop-and-search campaigns, road blocks and coordinated intelligence operations, these youth have been able to secure Maiduguri and its environs.
At last, this year, the annual Durbar (horse) festival was able to hold in Borno state thanks to these brave youth and the men and women of the Nigerian army. This award is well deserved.
May God continue to strengthen and protect them. May our Youth all over the nation, down to the creeks of the Niger Delta and across the world, likewise stand up and fight theft, terror and tyranny.
This Award also recognizes the great sacrifice and commitment of the Nigerian army who are carrying out a monumental service for a Nation whose government gives little for true patriotism and rewards only death bringing moral bankruptcy.
We share your concerns that as you make the ultimate sacrifice, till date, not a single political sponsor of Boko Haram has been arrested by the insensitive politicians in power. We the people pray for, appreciate and support you and your families. You are the last properly functioning vestiges of our nation.
Best Nigerian Documentary Award goes to Jide Olanrewaju‘s “Naij – A History of Nigeria”
Naij – A History of Nigeria; is a two and a half hour extraordinary piece of work that presents the story of Nigeria, pre-independence till current times, with chronological impartial, systematic delivery of the critical events in the nation’s history, narrated carefully and clearly by Jide Olanrewaju.
The ENDS 2013 award is granted to this documentary, which in comparison to other Nigerian film, movie and feature presentations, actually takes time, with hundreds of hours of work and research invested, to collect, compress, coalesce and process information, still and moving images and documents from Nigeria’s archives, for a perfect finish.
Nigeria is a country that has a very unique and great history, laced with challenges and turbulence, and this story is of most importance in understanding the current political dynamics of not just Nigeria, Africa’s largest nation, but the entire black and world history.
Jide presents this story in a way that is relevant and useful for Nigerians and foreigners who wish to appreciate the peculiarities, challenges, obstacles and prowesses in the building of a new nation.
An unbiased approach, devoid of criticism, the movie enables the viewer appreciate the ambitious and intelligent nature of the players and spectators in Nigeria’s history, both local and foreign. Jide Olanrewaju DID SOMETHING.
ENDS Award for Dignity Goes to Mr. Afolabi Olawole
In September this year, Mr. Afolabi Olawole (PDP) stood up and rejected a fake, rigged victory handed to him in Kwara councillorship elections conducted by KWASIEC.
Announcing his decision at an APC’s media briefing, Mr. Afolabi said he rejected such malicious cheating out of his veneration of God.
As Punch reported, KWASIEC had announced that PDP won the ward. But Mr. Olawole revealed that APC polled 1,213 to defeat PDP which he said had 568.
Regardless of party or other affiliation, the ability and decision to stand for truth and justice as against the perpetuation of fake victories with the robbing of the rights and true choices of the people is an attribute that is highly admirable.
Nigeria is proud to know of a man like Mr. Afolabi Olawole. Without reservations, he has earned the 2013 dignity Award. He DID SOMETHING!
ENDS Man against Terrorism Award goes to Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi
The war against Boko Haram terror would never be where it is today had Sheikh Gumi not given his many public vocals sermons in which he unambiguously condemned Boko Haram for subverting the message of Islam.
Propagated by SaharaReporters in a magical powerful collaboration, Sheikh Gumi was uniquely successful in spreading the message he believed as did other local scholars (like Sheikh Albani Zaria, Sheik Nasir Mohammed Nasir Kano, the Emir of Fika and Sheik Abdullahi Pakistan, Sheikh Jingir), that Boko Haram was not representative of Islam, the north or any other logical ideals.
In August of the year, there was an attempt on outspoken Sheikh Gumi’s life, but by divine intervention, it appears bees stung the bombers who accidentally blew themselves up on the cleric’s street.
The broadcast of Sheikh Gumi’s messages by SaharaReporters as well as the similar messages of other local scholars in the north and Muslim groups like Muslims Against Terror (MUSLIMAG) converted what was tending into a senseless full blown religious war into a defined battle by Nigerians of all creeds against the Boko Haram perverted terrorist miscreants.
His messages worked not only against Boko Haram, but on the entire attitude of Nigerians, Muslims and Christians, northerners and southerners to provocation, senseless riots and religious intolerance.
Sheikh Gumi DID SOMETHING and totally deserves this Award.
ENDS Award for Citizen Anti-Corruption Activism goes to Dino Melaye
In April this year, Dino Melaye reported that his car was shot at. Undeterred, Dino Melaye has been at the forefront in anti-corruption activism in Nigeria.
He has staged protests against government brazen subversion of public funds and taken these up to foreign embassies, soliciting foreign help in combating the Nigerian predicament.
In May this year, the Anti-corruption network took its protests to the US embassy, leading to its temporary shutdown, asking for visa bans on the president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, and some of his notorious ministers, Diezani Madukwe of Petroleum, Minister Of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, and Minister of the Niger Delta, Peter Godsday Orubebe, among others.
More recently, Dino Melaye led a protest against the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah over the allegation that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, purchased two BMW bulletproof cars worth N255 million for her. He was arrested and detained by the government security services.
Dino Melaye has invested and risked his life in the obligatory war against epic corruption that has brought Nigerians to their knees as the oil blessed nation withers in shameful poverty.
In 2013 Dino Melaye DID SOMETHING and he and the Anti-corruption network deserve this award and encouragement.
ENDS Award for Media Activism goes to SaharaReporters
SaharaReporters has stood out since 2006. The good governance media activism platform directed by Omoyele Sowore has been pivotal and quintessential in Nigeria’s battle against government wickedness without partiality from one regime to another.
Against all odds and denying ethnic or tribal partiality or patronage, SaharaReporters continue to fight one fight —against administration tyranny.
SaharaReporters continues to investigate and expose the most horrible diversions of national funds and practices of corruption, malgovernance, misappropriation and embezzlement within and outside Nigeria.
2013 was a year in which SaharaReporters sustained limitless attacks for its bravery and commitment to fight for the restoration of pride and progress to Nigeria.
The media battled and survived dangerous cyber attacks and threats from different participants in Nigeria’s governing regime, all the way up to the President who threatened to sue SaharaReporters.
ODUAHGATE, the scandal involving the Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, who stands accused and recommended for dismissal over her misappropriation of N255 million used In connivance with Coscharis motors in the purchase of over-priced BMW bulletproof cars, was a hallmark of this media’s commitment and service in the protection of the rights of the common Nigerian.
With citizens’ support and the sacrifice and bravery of decent whistleblowers, SaharaReporters has continued to purify the nation of corruption. SaharaReporters DID SOMETHING and earned the ENDS 2013 anti-corruption activism media award.
The 2013 Revolutionary Nigerian Award goes to Governor Rotimi Amaechi
Before a strong political block came together as the APC, there was Amaechi. Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi has broken every barrier that typically binds Nigerians. Deserting the ‘national cake’ distributing emperor, risking the venom of the serving president of the Nation, Rotimi Amaechi stood up against the president of Nigeria and contested, challenged and won the elections of the Nigerian Governors Forum.
Against punishment and against all odds, Governor Amaechi cut across typical regional, ethnic and religious boundaries to take the fight to a president from his very own region who he was disappointed in and rejected.
Risking losing all, the young Rivers state governor has since stood against tyranny and been disheveled by ethnic and tribal blackmail.
In a true revolutionary spirit, Governor Amaechi has since then told Nigerians the truth and canvassed their spirit of revolution, to all, like him, standup for their interests, stand up for what they believe, oppose those who feed them peanuts, regardless of favor, risk or affiliation and ‘stone the thieves.’
ENDS recognizes Governor Rotimi Amaechi for his honesty, his braveness, his dedication to the cause and his relentlessness in a true revolutionary spirit, leading and fighting the war against tyranny that the average Nigerian has been scared to recognize and wage.
He DID SOMETHING and fully deserves this year’s Award as Nigeria’s true revolutionary.
Every Nigerian deserves an Award this year, because we have all done our parts in words, actions, prayers and compassionate restraint in the face of abject suffering, brazen corruption, hate, robbery and reckless governance.
The year 2013 was marked with extreme bigotry and ethnocentrism in various facets of the public interactive sphere, but as the year ended, the masses came together and the Cabal, for the first time in recent history took over the battle, fighting themselves and exposing their dirty linen.
ENDS Awards recognizes every Nigerian who worked in the interest of life in 2013. This movement, otherwise known as the March 18th movement evolved after the deadly bombing of the bus stop at Sabo in Kano on March 18th of 2013. We are apolitical. Our interests in Nigeria, united, regional or disintegrated is only as concerns the preservation of Life along with its sanctity. ENDS puts the life, safety and wellbeing of the Nigerian above anything else.
We advocate, support, sponsor and promote Every Nigerian who DOES SOMETHING in the interests of Peace, Progress and Safety and Sanctity of the Life of the Nigerian.
CONGRATULATIONS NIGERIA!
HAPPY 2014!
Dr. Peregrino Brimah for
http://ENDS.ng [Every Nigerian Do Something]
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @EveryNigerian
General News
FirstCap Acts as Joint Issuing House on Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc’s ₦30 Billion Bond Programme

FirstCap Limited, a premier investment banking business and a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc, acted as Joint Issuing House and Placing Agent on the Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc’s Series 1 Bond of ₦10 billion under its ₦30 billion Bond Programme duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Bond Programme is designed to support the development of Project Oyster Towers, located within Eko Atlantic City. Proceeds from the Series 1 Bond issuance are expected to be applied towards the construction of 30 luxury residential units, forming part of an 82-unit residential development comprising one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.
Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc is an indigenous real estate development company with operations across Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and a growing track record in the delivery of residential real estate projects in Nigeria.
Commenting on the transaction, Ukandu E. Ukandu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstCap Limited, stated:
“We are proud to partner with Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc on this important transaction. The establishment of the ₦30 billion Bond Programme reflects our commitment to mobilising capital for the real estate sector, which remains a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth. Project Oyster Towers exemplifies the future of luxury and sustainable living in Nigeria, and this transaction reinforces FirstCap’s role as a trusted advisor in major corporate finance initiatives.”
FirstCap’s involvement in the Bond Programme further reinforces our dedication to supporting the growth of the Nigeria’s real estate sector. The successful execution of this transaction highlights the depth of expertise within our capital markets team and our role in supporting issuers in accessing long-term funding solutions aligned with their strategic objectives.
By continuing to connect capital providers with high-impact infrastructure projects such as Project Oyster Towers, we remain committed to driving economic development and delivering long-term value for all stakeholders, Ukandu added.
General News
NITDA DG Calls for Innovation-Led Economic Rebirth @ Kano Startup Weekend

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for a fundamental shift in Kano State’s economic strategy, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st century.

Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledge Kano’s long-standing reputation as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a solid foundation for future growth.
He emphasised that while these strengths powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers even greater opportunities through innovation and technology.
He described innovation as the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialization, stressing that when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth. He noted that Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.
According to him, “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”
He noted that the state hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.
He explained that innovation does not happen in silos and stressed the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
According to him, universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that can grow beyond local markets, explaining that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels. According to him, digital platforms and emerging technologies now make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.
“You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he noted.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, the Director General outlined the Agency’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes. He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
He said, “Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment.”
He explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity. According to him, empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians,” he said.
Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that can unlock the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano can reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.
General News
Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Urges Stakeholders to Unlock Nigeria’s Clean Energy Potential

Sterling Bank Limited on Monday convened stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore strategies for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and boosting economic growth.

L-R: Mr. Ayo Ademilua, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria; Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive, The Alternative Bank; Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, The Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Coprporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank; Engr. Bem Samuel Anyangeuor, Representative, Honorable Minister of Power and Mr. Oluwaseyi Okunnuga, Group Head, Renewable Energy & Sustainability Finance, Sterling Bank at the just concluded Renewable Energy Colloquium held in Lagos recently.
The colloquium, themed “Beyond the Grid: Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy”, was held in Lagos and brought together policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to deliberate on priority areas for action.
In his opening address, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, represented by Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, said the bank would focus on regulation and financing to expand access to energy.
He noted that energy access remained critical to supporting economic growth and achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one trillion-dollar economy.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Scaling Electrification in Nigeria: The REA Impact”, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, represented by Mr. Abba Hayatudden, said Nigeria required about 26 billion dollars to bridge its energy deficit.
Aliyu explained that the energy transition strategy integrates grid, mini-grid and off-grid technologies to achieve universal, reliable and sustainable energy access while aligning with national development and climate goals.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeaor, commended Sterling Bank for convening the dialogue.
He said renewable energy and rural electrification were central to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Ministry of Power has continued to expand electricity access to underserved communities to drive economic growth, foster industrial activity and create jobs across the nation,” Adelabu said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted the state’s efforts in renewable energy, including the ongoing two-gigawatt grid-scale solar project.
He described it as the most ambitious energy transformation ever undertaken by the state.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, urged participants to move beyond communiqués and act with intention to deliver meaningful impact.
The colloquium featured panel sessions on financing and scaling green energy solutions in Africa, among other discussions.
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