Business
Senator Tasks Companies On Corporate Responsibility
Sen Olugbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, last Friday, urged companies in Nigeria to be more proactive in carrying out corporate social responsibility.
Ashafa made the call at the launching of a computer laboratory donated by EMC corporation to Iwerekun Community Senior Secondary School, Lakowe, Ibeju Lekki.
The company donated a total of 15 computers and furniture to the school.
Ashafa said companies should assist in nation building.
“The school lab project supported by EMC is a cost effective access to knowledge for youths in the area,” he said.
Ashafa described the project as local capacity building at its best, adding: “We are excited about the future of our youths in this nation.”
In his speech, Mr Rasheed Jimoh, the EMC West Africa District Manager, said that the school Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project represented an important catalyst for the development of young Nigerians.
“ICT skills are essential to their professional advancement and success.
“Young Nigerians starting from secondary school are leveraging social media to connect, communicate, develop and innovate,” he said.
He said the company was pleased to be associated with such projects in Nigeria and looked forward to extending the initiative in the near future.
“In the future, EMC will focus not only on adding more institutions for similar projects but also on driving long term sustainability of the school lab it supports,” he said.
In a brief remark, the Principal of the school, Mrs Ebun Otemuyiwa, expressed gratitude to the corporation for the gesture.
“We are very grateful for your gesture in ensuring that the students here become ICT compliant,” she said.
Business
Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.