GR Diary
Teams to represent Nigeria at global FLL, other Int’l championships emerge
By: Sandra Nnaemeka
School children drawn from across Nigeria, ages 9 to 16, numbering six hundred (600) converged in Abuja to demonstrate their robotic ideas at a two-day annual FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Nigeria National Championship hosted at Baze University, Abuja, January 18-19, 2019.
Emerging winners at the competition are:
- Champion – Team AI Squad hillside school
- Project– Kings college Lagos
- Core Values– Ikot Obio Itong, Akwa Ibom State
- Robot design– FgC Odogbolu & Team Kids Mechanics from Hide school
- Judges Award – Command School Lagos
- Robot performance– Deeper life school
- Outstanding Mentor/ coach – Coach Enoch
- While, the Federal Science and Technical College, Michika, won the “Against all odds” awards.
Those representing Nigeria at international championship are as listed:
- AI Squad – World Festival, USA
- FGC Odogbolu– International Championship, USA
- Glisten International Academy – International Tournament, Turkey
Others attending international championships include team:
FGGC – Ikot Obio Itong, Akwa Ibom State
Astro Bliss – a team of 4 neighborhood friends
Kings College Lagos
Oginigba Community Secondary School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The top teams won by embodying the program’s Core Values of teamwork and mutual respect while achieving excellence and innovation in both a robot game and innovative project.
FIRST LEGO League is an international program for 9- to 16-year-old children created in a partnership between FIRST and the LEGO Group in 1998 to get children excited about science and technology – and teach them valuable career and life skills.
Children work alongside adult Mentors to design, build, and program autonomous robots using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® and create an innovative solution to a problem as part of their research project.
This year’s Challenge – INTO ORBIT season – called for teams to research and present their own creative solutions to the real-world inspiring expanse – the space.
The competition is judged in three areas: project; robot design, and Core Values, which embody aspects of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Top robot game scores are also honored.
Speaking on the Initiative, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, saidNigeria has come of age, to participate at the world stage in any competition.
Coderina has taken the lead by partnering with the Federal Ministry of Education in contributing immensely to the development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
“The contribution is well acknowledged and the results of this effort will surely enhance the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in Nigeria”, he said.
The Minister also said that Nigerian youths have shown in many life endeavours that they have all it takes to compete at global stage.
The Progamme Coordinator, Mr. Olajide Ademola Ajayi, advised the students to embrace innovation and critical thinking while pursuing skills relevant in the future work place.
Mr. Ajayi said that the future of work has changed hence “FLL is a powerful experiential learning program through which students learn grit and perseverance in preparation for overcoming future challenges and making wise decisions in life outside robotics.
“It instills and fuels passion for learning new skills and gaining new knowledge in readiness for the future of work”.
On her part, the Director, Technology and Science Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education; Elizabeth Adedigba, said that Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) as very crucial in the development of any nation.
According to her, Capacity Building is very key in determining the way the pendulum of development of any nation will swing in the next decade. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to well-meaning Nigerian and other well-wishers of the education to support this initiative of setting the pace for our future generation”, Mrs. Adedigba.
The top three teams will represent Nigeria at various international tournaments including the World Festival at Houston, Texas and International Open Championships in Turkey, Lebanon, Australia and Uruguay.
The international competitions provide teams with an opportunity to test their mettle against other teams from around the world and also help them realize great learning outcomes
The Tournament is being supported by SAP, Irish Aid, NAPPS and was organized in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria).
The program is organized annually by Coderina; a not for profit organization that leverages technology tools and computing pedagogy to foster an ecosystem of students and teachers well-grounded in applicability of computing, coding and problem solving techniques.
Nigerian Export Promotions Council, NEPC, played a significant role at the just concluded maiden Lagos Trade Fair. NEPC, enhanced the export capabilites of entrepreneurs at the Fair.
Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, both Senior Trade Officers from NEPC, equipped the entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills necessary for international trade.
The Vendors learnt the step by step export procedures. They also gained insight to the importance of compliance with international standards.
Monalisa Abimbola Aze, a lawyer turned entrepreneur whose company Mona Matthews curated the event expressed appreciation for developing the export capabilites of entrepreneurs and providing them access to international markets.
She said the ” Vendors will be more confident and equipped to navigate the exportation process.”
“Through exportation entrepreneurs can expand their businesses and access global market.”She added.
Olori Janet Afolabi, a Publisher and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, who collaborated with Azeh on the event, commended NEPC for its effort to reduce Nigeria economic vulnerability to oil price fluctuation by promoting non oil exports.” She said through exportation there will be increased foreign exchange earnings”
Apart from NEPC, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC , officials also attended the Trade Fair to sensitise entrepreneurs on the need to register their products.
The event drew a large crowd and sparked entrepreneurial growth.
Aze, said ” I am overwhelmed by the success of the event We are grateful for the enthusiasm from Vendors who showcased their products and services with passion..
The event has shown that with determination and hard work we can create a lasting impact and provide opportunities for growth and expansion of businesses and services “
Olori Afolabi described the event as a great first attempt ” It exceeded my expectations.It was incredible to see entrepreneurs come together to celebrate enterprise and innovations. The energy was amazing. We look forward to building on this momentum.”
Vendors at the Fair expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the opportunities provided by the event.Many of them reported increased visibility, valuable connections and potential business deals.
One of them, Enobong Ezekiel, CEO / Founder Coreal8 said “l am honoured to have been a part of this experience. I was able to connect with many customers and partners.The organisers did an incredible job of creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that allowed us to showcase our services”
The event held on 6th and 7th September at Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja Lagos.
The two day event brought together about 100 versatile Vendors, showcasing a wide range of products and services in fashion, food, lifestyle, technology and beauty.The event featured food courts, entertainment and games, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Many visitors attended the Fair Prominent among them is Tope Alabi a popular gospel musician.
The Fair which showcased the entrepreneurial strength of Lagos is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy .
LifePointe and Surge, the vibrant youth expressions of The Elevation Church, will host The Hangout 2025 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, across four locations simultaneously.
This free, one-day gathering is designed for singles (20+) who desire meaningful, faith-based connections in an atmosphere of worship, fun, and intentional conversations.
In a culture dominated by fleeting trends and surface-level connections, The Hangout 2025 offers a refreshing alternative: a safe, Christ-centered space for singles to engage in authentic conversations, intentional fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Tagged “Same Energy” as it happens at 4 locations on the same day, The Hangout 2025 promises an exciting mix of music, inspiration, and community. Attendees will be inspired by Godman Akinlabi, Bola Akinlabi, Busola Wale-Siyanbola, Dave Ugbor, Phillip Olubakin, Emmanuella Mike-Bamiloye, Bowale Kotun, Seun Afolayan, and Debo Omotunde, while enjoying powerful performances from internationally acclaimed gospel artist Limoblaze, Greatman Takit, Gospel Force, DJ Horphuray, DJ Sammy, and Tkeyz.
“The Hangout is not just another singles event; it is a movement to help young people build relationships anchored on biblical principles, emotional maturity, and Godly standards,” said Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church “We believe this gathering will empower a generation of believers to form covenant marriages that reflect God’s design.”
At its core, The Hangout 2025 is designed to help singles connect with like-minded believers who share a vision for covenant marriages, while also creating opportunities to learn biblical principles for dating, courtship, and intentional relationships.
The programme will further equip attendees with wisdom, emotional maturity, and spiritual preparedness for marriage, fostering the growth of a supportive community that values accountability and upholds Godly standards.
The event will hold on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Pistis Conference Centre in Lekki, Lagos, with simultaneous gatherings at Maryland, Ibadan, and online. A subsequent edition will be hosted in Abuja on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Each event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with free admission for singles aged 20 and above. Interested participants are encouraged to register online at elevationng.org/hangout25
The stage is set, the anticipation is palpable, and the excitement is already building as SIFAX Group unveils its lineup of top gospel artists for the much-anticipated 2024 SIFAX Group Thanksgiving and Night of Praise celebration.
The event is set to hold on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The night’s lineup features an array of celebrated gospel stars, including Bidemi Olaoba, Laolu Gbenjo, Beejay Sax, Adeyinka Alaseyori and Chigozie Wisdom.
The event will also feature performances from Woli Agba, Titilayo Eyinjujesu, Abosede Akande, Nonny Chorale and Daminator Dance Group.
Themed I will Rejoice, the event, which is in its second year, promises an uplifting atmosphere filled with soulful melodies, heartfelt prayers, and vibrant expressions of gratitude for the milestones and blessings of the year.
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Chairman, SIFAX Group, said the event was an avenue to appreciate God for his faithfulness in the outgoing year:
“We are thrilled to bring together our board, management, staff, clients and other stakeholders to celebrate the goodness of God we have enjoyed in 2024.
It has been an interesting year laced with a lot of challenges and accomplishments.
This Night of Praise reflects our commitment to showing gratitude to God for His divine support for our businesses and our people.”
Attendees can expect electrifying live performances, a vibrant choir, and opportunities for communal worship, all within a beautifully curated setting designed to uplift and inspire. The event will also feature special segments for praise, worship, and words of encouragement from renowned speakers.
The event will be livestreamed on all the company’s official social media channels to extend the experience to the company’s online community.
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