ExperTrait Consulting Launches Pro Bono Initiative to Support SMEs and Non-Profits, Strengthening Its Legacy of Impact

Lagos, Nigeria – 24th March 2025

In a significant move to foster business development and economic growth, ExperTrait Consulting and Management Ltd has announced the launch of its Pro Bono Consulting Initiative. This initiative, which coincides with the company’s 7th anniversary, reaffirms ExperTrait’s commitment to empowering mission-driven organizations and strengthening the economic fabric of Nigeria and beyond.

With a well-earned reputation for excellence in strategic consulting, ExperTrait will provide free expert advisory services to selected non-profits, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and government-led initiatives that require professional support but lack the financial resources to access high-level consulting services.

According to Olatunbosun Onaopemipo Olalekan, the Principal Consultant of ExperTrait Consulting and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria, the initiative is a reflection of the company’s long-standing dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business growth.

“At ExperTrait, we recognize the challenges faced by mission-driven organizations and emerging businesses. Over the years, we have built a track record of transforming businesses and shaping leaders. This initiative is our way of giving back, ensuring that more organizations have access to the strategic insights, governance frameworks, and financial planning tools necessary for long-term success,” Olalekan stated.

The company has been a key player in driving innovation and business sustainability, working across various industries to provide cutting-edge solutions in business development, corporate governance, marketing, financial planning, and digital transformation. Through this initiative, ExperTrait continues to extend its impact, reinforcing its status as a trailblazer in the consulting space.

To ensure effective resource allocation, ExperTrait will select a maximum of five (5) beneficiaries per quarter, prioritizing organizations with high-impact potential and a strong commitment to social and economic development.

As ExperTrait Consulting marks seven years of excellence, innovation, and transformative impact, this initiative further cements its legacy as a consulting firm dedicated not just to profit, but to purpose-driven growth.

Interested organizations can apply by reaching out via the company’s official communication channels or email csr@expertraitconsulting.com.

Rotary Club Honours Chief (Mrs.) Amina Bolupe as “Icon of Humanity Service,” Inducts Abolore Muideen Yusuf

The Rotary Club International has conferred its prestigious “Icon of Humanity Service” Award on Chief (Mrs.) Amina Bolupe in recognition of her remarkable contributions to humanity, unwavering dedication to service, and lifelong commitment to making a positive impact in society. The award was presented as part of the 120th-anniversary celebrations of Rotary International.

Speaking at the event, Rotarian Musa Busari, Chairman of the Planning Committee, described Chief (Mrs.) Bolupe as a beacon of hope and a symbol of selflessness, whose relentless efforts to uplift lives resonate with the core values of Rotary International—service, integrity, diversity, and leadership.

“Chief (Mrs.) Amina Bolupe has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to humanitarian service. Through her tireless dedication, she has touched countless lives, fostering positive change in communities. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her invaluable impact,”
Rotarian Musa Busari stated.

In addition to the award presentation, the event also witnessed the induction of new members into the Ibadan Rotary Club, with Abolore Muideen Yusuf, an Oyo-born, London-based philanthropist, officially joining the prestigious humanitarian organization.

The ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board; Hon. Modiu Opeyemi Akande; Hon. Olayinka Omikunle, lawmakers representing Ibadan South East Constituencies 1 & 2; and Hon. Bamitale Ibrahim, Personal Assistant to the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP.

Rotn. Musa Akere further stated that the event reinforced Rotary International’s commitment to recognizing outstanding individuals who exemplify humanitarian service while continuing its mission of promoting charity, community development, and global goodwill.

VerionX, the Platform to Learn, Connect and Earn Officially Launches, Empowering Africa and Africans

On December 7th, 2024, VerionX held its highly anticipated launch event at 362 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria, introducing its innovative career platform to the public.

The event hosted VerionX’s Founder Elijah Moses, COO Mr. Boluwatife Awofadeju, CEO Miss Daniella Eze, and key figures from Dhavelles’s Academy, AXO Genesis, Parallex Media,Jordan 105.5 FM Entrepreneurship Radio, Lagos, DAVisuals, and Unicorn Group. Around 70-80 attendees, including investors and potential users, witnessed the milestone.

VerionX aims to bridge gaps in education and employment across Africa. Guided by its mission to empower professionals, the platform provides tools to enhance skills, access jobs, and advance careers. It caters to students, job seekers, and career switchers, offering personality-based tests, AI-driven CV creation tools, and tailored career solutions. VerionX’s commitment to impact is already evident, with robust onboarding systems and ambitious plans to onboard 500,000 users in six months and 1,000,000 users in a year.

Attendees experienced insightful speeches, team introductions by the Founder Elijah Moses, and a live demo presentation by the COO, showcasing the platform’s user-friendly features and seamless onboarding process via www.verionx.com.

A lively Q&A addressed platform benefits, reasonable service pricing, and plans to reach a million users annually. Attendees left inspired by VerionX’s transformative vision of equipping Africans to learn, work, and earn.

Potential subscribers, investors, and partners can reach out via the website www.verionx.com, email verionxtechnology@gmail.com, or VerionX’s social media platforms:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiBtAF9RZAUMJ1tV21F
https://twitter.com/verion_x?t=8LOMz0LUzSaglqNfWdFtdA&s=09
https://www.instagram.com/verionx_?igsh=MWRidGwxM211aW8wdg==
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xrion
https://www.facebook.com/verionx?mibextid=ZbWKwL

The Exploitative Nature of Nigeria’s Electricity Tariff Bands: Economic Implications for Citizens and the Nation ~ Dr. Olaleke Alao

The driving force behind any modern economy is electricity. It promotes growth, innovation, and production while providing energy to homes, small businesses, and industries. However, Nigeria’s problems with electricity delivery and tariff costs extend far beyond mere convenience; they financially burden the public and substantially limit the country’s capacity to develop economically. Consumers are separated into various rate-based categories under the present band system, which stifles economic growth and fosters inequality.
Nigeria’s economy is heavily based on businesses such as telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing, all of which require a consistent, reliable electrical supply. The expensive and unpredictable electricity costs that businesses around the country must pay impede productivity. The most badly hit are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 90% of all businesses in Nigeria and are critical to the country’s economic progress. Because of the high electricity expenses associated with the band system, many SMEs are obliged to allocate a greater portion of their operational budget to power, money that could be better spent growing their businesses and creating jobs. Large-scale businesses are disproportionately affected since they are typically put in higher tariff bands, which result in higher electricity bills. This leads to higher manufacturing costs, which consumers eventually pay for when purchasing goods and services. The significant knock-on effects on inflation and consumer purchasing power have harmed the economy. The country’s overall productivity suffers when businesses are unable to operate profitably due to high energy costs. Growth is hampered, Nigeria’s global competitiveness suffers, and as a result, both domestic and foreign investment are discouraged. In general, investors are hesitant to enter the market when operational costs are consistently high, especially when it comes to energy.
It is impossible to exaggerate the electrical band system’s long-term economic impact on Nigeria. If a country lacks affordable, reliable electricity, it cannot expect to see significant industrial expansion. Reduced economic output, slower GDP growth, and fewer job prospects follow. Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and transition away from an oil-based economy would continue to lag behind other countries in the lack of a modern, functional electricity distribution infrastructure. The high cost of power hinders foreign investors, who would prefer invest in areas with dependable infrastructure. Nigeria’s irregular power supply and discriminatory pricing structure have prompted many multinational enterprises to seek chances elsewhere.
When seen independently, the ramifications of Nigeria’s electrical band plan are considerably more disturbing. Many Nigerians’ home budgets are beginning to suffer as a result of rising power bills. Families, already plagued by rising unemployment, inflation, and uncertain economies, must now pay significantly more for power without receiving better services. Take the example of a Nigerian who earns N70,000 each month. It is economically absurd if they are placed in Band A and forced to pay N10,000 (44.44 kilowatt at N225 unit as against the old tariff of 147 kilowatt at N68) per week for power. Their energy expenses would have depleted their entire wage, leaving little money for food, shelter, healthcare, or education. The current condition of affairs is extending the wealth gap and increasing the country’s poverty rates. People in the lower bands have an unpredictable power supply, which limits their work opportunities, whereas those in the higher bands live in an environment where electricity is considered a luxury for those who can afford it.
The system for dividing power prices into bands is unfair. Even though everyone uses the same basic service (electricity) those in Band A pay significantly more per unit of power than those in Bands B and C. The main issue with the band system is that it penalizes some users while ignoring the egalitarian and open ideals of consumption-based billing. It is time to eliminate the unfair practice of taxing citizens to pay for infrastructure improvements and transition to a single tariff system that costs based on usage. To see why the current band system is unfair, consider this simple analogy in greater detail. Assume that two people buy N1,000 worth of mobile phone airtime each, which they can use anyway they choose. For the sake of argument, assume that a resident of an area with better network coverage pays a higher rate per minute for calls made, whereas a resident of a poorer service region pays a lower rate per minute. Does this make sense? Should the local state of network decide their rate per minute? Naturally, no. The concept should be simple, each person should pay the same amount every minute, and their total payment should be determined by the number of minute(s).
Electricity should be subject to the same logic. If someone consumes 500 kWh of power, they should pay the same price per unit whether they live in a rural area or urban area. It makes no difference where they reside or how many hours a day they have access to energy; what matters is the amount consumed. People in Band A pay much more per unit (300%) under the current band arrangement because they expect greater service. It is unfair and impossible to charge someone extra for airtime simply because their phone has a better signal.
In Nigeria’s power industry, the practice of holding residents financially liable for infrastructure maintenance and repair, notably cables and transformers, is a major cause of concern. Furthermore, this is a severe injustice. Power Distribution Companies (DisCos), are thriving enterprises. One of its primary responsibilities is to invest in and maintain the infrastructure that provides electricity to homes and businesses. So, why are the general public’s costs involved with these necessary replacements and repairs? What if phone companies requested their customers to fix their failing network towers? These are the properties of the power companies, and their operating budgets must cover the costs of maintaining them. They have a responsibility to ensure the proper operation of the electrical infrastructure and should not shift that burden onto customers who have already paid for the service. By charging consumers to rectify these problems, DisCos are effectively charging them twice for the same service. This exploitative behavior must end.
The band system and unequal power supply allocation increase the public’s impression of injustice. Many people in Band A are obliged to find other methods to make ends meet because the power supply is more reliable but also more expensive. This encourages corrupt behaviour. In order to pay for basics, persons in desperate situations may resort to unscrupulous activities such as paying officials or taking shortcuts. Furthermore, the structure limits persons in B and C’s ability to improve their financial situation. When electricity is inconsistent, they are unable to run small enterprises, conduct entrepreneurial ventures, or even use basic household appliances. The poor are trapped in an endless circle of economic stagnation because they lack the authority to modify their financial status.
Nigeria’s economic potential can only be achieved by breaking the cycle and enacting energy sector reforms immediately. The most egalitarian course of action is to establish a unified pricing system for all citizens, with tariffs based on actual electricity consumption rather than location or arbitrary bands. A system like this would help bridge the economic gap and ensure that consumers only pay for what they use. It would also encourage fairness. Furthermore, the government should prioritize improving the electrical industry’s poor infrastructure, which includes things like damaged transformers and faulty lines that typically require private investment to repair. Distribution businesses (DisCos), which benefit from the current system but do not invest in modernizing and maintaining its infrastructure, should shoulder the majority of the burden.
In addition to being unpleasant, Nigeria’s current energy pricing system endangers both the stability of the national economy and the well-being of its people. The growing cost of electricity is exacerbating poverty, limiting corporate expansion, and fostering corruption. The Nigerian government must take action to build a more equitable and transparent energy delivery system that bases pricing on actual consumption rather than bogus classifications. Nigeria may be able to reduce household debt, support small and medium-sized businesses, and stimulate economic growth by reforming its electrical sector. Eventually, this would result in greater living standards and a more robust and resilient economy for all Nigerians.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission should quickly amend its regulations to allow many DISCOs to operate in the same area. Those that can be reached within a geopolitical zone must at the very least cross it. For example, the six states of the Southwest should have access to EKEDC, IKEDC, and IBEDC. Customers would have more freedom and choice, much like in the GSM market. Models like retail choice model (as seen in Texas, the United States, and Australia), an open access approach, and a competitive franchise model similar to those seen in the United Kingdom, can be adopted. This will boost competition, reduce monopolies, and encourage innovation in electricity distribution.

Dr. Olaleke Alao
Secretary,
Center for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI) Inc, Maryland, USA & CCDI Ltd/Gte, Nigeria

Encomium As USPF Board Appoints Communications Minister, Patanmi, NCC Boss, Adeolu Akande As Chairman, Vice Chairman

Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has announced the appointment of Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy and Professor Adeolu Akande, the Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission as its Board Chairman, and Vice Chairman respectively.

The appointment was made known during the Governing Board meeting of USPF held on Friday 24th January 2023 at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Abuja.

Professor Isa Pantami as the Chairman of the board presided over the meeting that was well attended by institutional members.

Receiving his appointment letter as Vice Chairman of the Board, Professor Adeolu Akande appreciated Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Ministry & Federal Government for their trust in him and further reiterated his commitment towards the course of Universal Service Provision Fund, as well as serving the nation better for the advancement of technology in the country.

Oduduwa News@2: Management Set To Organize Public Lecture

In commemoration of OduduwaNews anniversary, the management team has revealed its plan to host the 2nd Oduduwanews online webinar on Journalism.

According to the Managing Editor, Mr. Taiwo Ismael, he appreciated clients, fans and partners of OduduwaNews for the journey so far and their trust in the news outlets, and promised that Oduduwanews will continue to serve them better.

Speaking as regards the webinar, he made it known that this year’s own will take a new dimension as the focus of discussion will be on on-site hazard and harm that reporters are exposed to on daily basis in the quest of getting news and stories.

Waterfield Luxury Hotel Akobo, Ibadan

He further stated that veterans in the field of Journalism have been invited to be the resource persons while date and time will be communicated soon.

Apple iMac M1 Review: the All-In-One for Almost Everyone

Good web design has visual weight, is optimized for various devices, and has content that is prioritized for the medium. The most important elements of a web page should have more visual weight to “naturally attract” a visitor’s attention.

Good design is making something intelligible and memorable. Great design is making something memorable and meaningful.

Dieter Rams

Most users search for something interesting (or useful) and clickable; as soon as some promising candidates are found, users click. If the new page doesn’t meet users’ expectations, the back button is clicked and the search process is continued.

A good website should be easy to navigate

Not all websites are made equal. Some websites are simple, logical, and easy to use. Others are a messy hodgepodge of pages and links.

How are innovations in robotics changing the way we perceive the world?

Without website navigation, your visitors can’t figure out how to find your blog, your email signup page, your product listings, pricing, contact information, or help docs.

Quick and easy access to the content they’re after is more important for your website users than a… visually-stunning design.

Creating visual rhythms in your layouts

In design, rhythm is created by simply repeating elements in predictable patterns. This repetition is a natural thing that occurs everywhere in our world. As people, we are driven everyday by predictable, timed events.

Why does Bluetooth use lossy rather than lossless compression

One of the best ways to use repetition and rhythm in web design is in the site’s navigation menu. A consistent, easy-to-follow pattern—in color, layout, etc. Gives users an intuitive roadmap to everything you want to share on your site.

  • Direct the Eye With Leading Lines
  • Balance Out Your Elements
  • Use Elements That Complement Each Other
  • Be clear about your “focal points” and where you place them

Diving into UX and UI design

UX and UI: Two terms that are often used interchangeably, but actually mean very different things. So what exactly is the difference?

Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style.

Massimo Vignelli

UX design refers to the term “user experience design”, while UI stands for “user interface design. Both elements are crucial to a product and work closely together. But despite their relationship, the roles themselves are quite different.

Breaking down the barriers

Design is not the end-all solution to all of the worlds problems — but with the right thinking and application, it can definitely be a good beginning to start tackling them.

Apex Legends is Throwing a Two-Week Fancy Party

This week, the Louvre Museum in Paris was even forced to close for a day because of its overcrowding problem. (Some union representations for the museum said tourists have stifled  renovation work on the Mona Lisa, crowding them into tight, unworkable spaces.) If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, or the Statue of Liberty, you should know now: You’ll likely run into hordes of slow-moving, selfie-stick-carrying tourists at any popular tourist attraction.

While not foolproof, there are a few effective strategies in avoiding tourists while visiting popular travel hotspots; just be sure to reserve tickets early and make use of your destination’s city-pass option. If you’re planning ahead, the easiest way to avoid the hordes of tourists is to visit during the off-season, which will vary depending on your destination.

Book During Shoulder or Off-season

In Europe, peak season is summer and off-season generally spans the months of November to March. (“Shoulder season” occurs during the transition months from peak to off-season and back). Meanwhile, Australia’s peak season happens between December and February, when weather conditions are at their best, and low-season takes place from May to August.

If you’re headed on a trip to visit the Statue of Liberty, USA Today recommends visiting during fall or winter when lines are expected to be shorter. Visiting the Eiffel Tower? You should expect wait times as long as two hours during the summer and less than 30 minutes on weekdays during shoulder and off-season, SmarterTravel writes.

Before you even book a flight, you might want to take a look at popular attractions’ availability; as the New York Times writes, tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty—which require a ticket to visit—can book out months in advance. For this reason, you’ll want to buy a ticket as early as possible, which can usually be done online for major attractions.

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. – Paul Tournier

You might find that some cities offer city-wide passes to visit a number of attractions, as well. Purchasing a Madrid Card, for example, will let you into a number of attractions in the city, and allow you to skip any lines. (Some cities may offer museum combination-tickets which work similarly, too.) You should research any ticketing options by doing an online search for your destination’s tourism board, for example.

Disintegration Beta Testing Begins Later This Month

This week, the Louvre Museum in Paris was even forced to close for a day because of its overcrowding problem. (Some union representations for the museum said tourists have stifled  renovation work on the Mona Lisa, crowding them into tight, unworkable spaces.) If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, or the Statue of Liberty, you should know now: You’ll likely run into hordes of slow-moving, selfie-stick-carrying tourists at any popular tourist attraction.

While not foolproof, there are a few effective strategies in avoiding tourists while visiting popular travel hotspots; just be sure to reserve tickets early and make use of your destination’s city-pass option. If you’re planning ahead, the easiest way to avoid the hordes of tourists is to visit during the off-season, which will vary depending on your destination.

Book During Shoulder or Off-season

In Europe, peak season is summer and off-season generally spans the months of November to March. (“Shoulder season” occurs during the transition months from peak to off-season and back). Meanwhile, Australia’s peak season happens between December and February, when weather conditions are at their best, and low-season takes place from May to August.

If you’re headed on a trip to visit the Statue of Liberty, USA Today recommends visiting during fall or winter when lines are expected to be shorter. Visiting the Eiffel Tower? You should expect wait times as long as two hours during the summer and less than 30 minutes on weekdays during shoulder and off-season, SmarterTravel writes.

Before you even book a flight, you might want to take a look at popular attractions’ availability; as the New York Times writes, tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty—which require a ticket to visit—can book out months in advance. For this reason, you’ll want to buy a ticket as early as possible, which can usually be done online for major attractions.

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. – Paul Tournier

You might find that some cities offer city-wide passes to visit a number of attractions, as well. Purchasing a Madrid Card, for example, will let you into a number of attractions in the city, and allow you to skip any lines. (Some cities may offer museum combination-tickets which work similarly, too.) You should research any ticketing options by doing an online search for your destination’s tourism board, for example.

2020 Game Developers Choice Award Nominations

This week, the Louvre Museum in Paris was even forced to close for a day because of its overcrowding problem. (Some union representations for the museum said tourists have stifled  renovation work on the Mona Lisa, crowding them into tight, unworkable spaces.) If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, or the Statue of Liberty, you should know now: You’ll likely run into hordes of slow-moving, selfie-stick-carrying tourists at any popular tourist attraction.

While not foolproof, there are a few effective strategies in avoiding tourists while visiting popular travel hotspots; just be sure to reserve tickets early and make use of your destination’s city-pass option. If you’re planning ahead, the easiest way to avoid the hordes of tourists is to visit during the off-season, which will vary depending on your destination.

Book During Shoulder or Off-season

In Europe, peak season is summer and off-season generally spans the months of November to March. (“Shoulder season” occurs during the transition months from peak to off-season and back). Meanwhile, Australia’s peak season happens between December and February, when weather conditions are at their best, and low-season takes place from May to August.

If you’re headed on a trip to visit the Statue of Liberty, USA Today recommends visiting during fall or winter when lines are expected to be shorter. Visiting the Eiffel Tower? You should expect wait times as long as two hours during the summer and less than 30 minutes on weekdays during shoulder and off-season, SmarterTravel writes.

Before you even book a flight, you might want to take a look at popular attractions’ availability; as the New York Times writes, tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty—which require a ticket to visit—can book out months in advance. For this reason, you’ll want to buy a ticket as early as possible, which can usually be done online for major attractions.

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. – Paul Tournier

You might find that some cities offer city-wide passes to visit a number of attractions, as well. Purchasing a Madrid Card, for example, will let you into a number of attractions in the city, and allow you to skip any lines. (Some cities may offer museum combination-tickets which work similarly, too.) You should research any ticketing options by doing an online search for your destination’s tourism board, for example.

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