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Lufthansa Help Alliance Partners with Chess in Slum Africa to Launch Chess Innovation Hub in Lagos

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The Chess Innovation Hub, a center for the intellectual and social development of underprivileged children through chess education, and an initiative of Chess in Slum Africa (CISA), has been commissioned in Lagos, Nigeria. Help Alliance, the Lufthansa Group Airline’s aid organization, is pleased to have partnered with CISA in bringing this project to life. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to transforming education and the aim to foster cognitive development in children from marginalized communities.

 

At the launch event, Tunde Onakoya, the founder of CISA and a Guinness World Record holder, passionately recounted the organization’s journey and achievements. CISA’s efforts have reached over 10,000 children through chess training and life skills, providing more than 200 scholarships and vocational opportunities. He highlighted the Chess Innovation Hub’s role in advancing CISA’s vision, with an ambitious target of empowering 100,000 children by 2030 through innovative education and leadership development.

 

“The Chess Innovation Hub will serve as a space for kids from the slums and streets to learn new skills and unlock their potential. Chess is just the beginning—it’s a pathway, not the final destination. Our aim is to equip children with essential skills like robotics, coding, and mathematics, helping them envision a bright future and recognize their potential, instead of letting poverty and lack define their lives,” said Tunde.

 

Representing Lufthansa Group at the event were René Koinzack, Senior Director Sales for Southern & East Africa, Nigeria & Equatorial Guinea; Zied Gueblaoui, former General Manager, Sales Nigeria & Help Alliance Project Coordinator; Tolulope Aminu, Marketing Manager & Help Alliance Project Coordinator, Nigeria and John Opara, the New General Manager for Lufthnasa Nigeria and Niger.

 

“We are very proud to support the Chess in Slum Africa initiative via Help Alliance. Help Alliance celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and we remain dedicated to advancing education and alleviating poverty, as key focus areas in our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. The launch of the Chess Innovation Hub represents a significant step toward achieving these goals in Nigeria. The CISA team created a remarkable space for education, and I am very thankful to Tunde and his team as well our help Alliance coordinators for their vision and strong commitment. I am looking forward seeing the initiative to grow further,” said René Koinzack.

 

Zied Gueblaoui shared his excitement, saying, “Seeing the Chess Innovation Hub become a reality is a proud moment for me. It’s incredible to think back to three years ago when this was just an idea, fueled by Tunde Onakoya’s passion. Today, we stand here to witness the opening of this state-of-the-art facility, which will play a crucial role in uplifting children from the streets and slums of Lagos. It has been a true honor to contribute to this journey.”

 

Tolulope Aminu added, “Partnering with CISA was an easy choice. We recognized their authenticity and deep passion for their mission, which aligns closely with our goals at Help Alliance. Most importantly, CISA treats the communities they support with dignity, focusing on their potential rather than their struggles.”

 

Help Alliance was founded in 1999 by 13 Lufthansa Airline employees, it bundles the commitment of many employees and has developed into the central pillar of social commitment of the entire Lufthansa Group. With aprimary focus on promoting access to education, employment, and income; help alliance is currently in over 60 projects across 29 countries working together with competent local partners and using the strengths of the Lufthansa Group to create prospects for children, young people and young adults. True to her motto “Closer to the world, Closer to its people”.

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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