Home Blog Page 132

MORCASS Graduates Future Trailblazers at 2025 Valedictory Ceremony

By
blacktalker
-
0
MORCASS Graduates Future Trailblazers at 2025 Valedictory Ceremony

Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Secondary School, MORCASS has graduated its Class of 2025 in a colourful ceremony that underscored the institution’s commitment to nurturing excellence and leadership.

Held in the presence of proud parents, teachers, and alumni, the event reflected the school’s ethos of instilling knowledge, faith, and strong moral values in its students.

Delivering the opening address, Principal Rev. Fr. Harrison Egwunu urged the graduates to carry their values into the wider world.

MORCASS Graduates Future Trailblazers at 2025 Valedictory Ceremony

“You are not merely leaving this school; you are entering a world that desperately needs your values,” he said. “Go forth with courage, integrity, and faith. The world awaits the light you’ve been trained to shine.”

Chairperson of the Parent-Student Association (PSA), Mrs. Ochei, praised the graduates and their families for their resilience.

“The future is in good hands because you, our children, have been equipped for greatness. Stay grounded and keep aiming higher,” she said.

Representing the alumni body, Mr. Uzum Emmanuel, President of the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Old Students Association (MORCOSA), officially inducted the graduating class into the alumni community.

“You’re no longer just students — you’re stewards of the MORCASS legacy. Wear it with pride, carry it with honour,” he declared.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of academic awards sponsored by the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), led by founder and CEO, Dr. Lawson Obazenu. Mr. Uzum presented the prizes on his behalf, celebrating academic distinction among the students.

Sakpaide Akpevweoghene emerged as the Best Graduating Student and also received the award for Best Science Student, while Ughe Esther Oseluesmhen was honoured as Best Art Student.

Seven other outstanding students who scored over 300 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) each received ₦70,000 in cash prizes.

In his message, Dr. Obazenu urged the students to continue striving for greatness. “These awards are not the end of your journey, but a challenge to rise even higher,” he noted.

The event also featured lively performances and exhibitions that demonstrated the school’s emphasis on holistic education. Students dazzled the audience with music, dance, cultural displays, and showcases in tailoring, makeup, and other vocational skills.

As the ceremony concluded with prayers and blessings from Rev. Fr. Egwunu, the Class of 2025 was celebrated not just as graduates, but as future leaders and changemakers.

Paschal Dike Speaking Competition Becomes Flagship Platform For Grooming Future Changemakers

By
blacktalker
-
0
Paschal Dike Speaking Competition Becomes Flagship Platform For Grooming Future Changemakers

The Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition, PDSPC has firmly established itself as a flagship platform for grooming articulate, confident, and socially conscious young leaders in Nigeria.

Now in its ninth edition, the 2025 competition once again showcased the transformative power of youth expression, drawing top-performing students from government senior secondary schools across Lagos State.

Held on July 26, 2025, at the Watercrest Hotel in Ikeja, this year’s edition gathered finalists from five districts, each representing the finest minds from public schools. The theme, “From Protest to Produce: How Youth Can Drive Effective Change in Nigeria,” challenged participants to go beyond rhetoric and explore tangible solutions for national transformation.

Jakande Estate Comprehensive Senior College, representing District 2, emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 195 points scored over two rounds of passionate, insightful presentations.

The school walked away with the grand prize of ₦300,000 and two reading tablets. Oregun Senior High School, Oshodi (District 6), secured second place with 175 points, earning ₦100,000, while Ajegunle Senior High School, Maryland (District 2), clinched third place and received ₦50,000.

The remaining finalists, Tomia Community Senior Secondary School, Agege (District 1), and Eletu-Odibo Senior High School, Yaba (District 4) were also recognized for their effort and participation.

Paschal Dike Speaking Competition Becomes Flagship Platform For Grooming Future Changemakers

The competition drew a vibrant audience of educators, advocates, and past winners. Notable attendees included past presidents of JCI Lagos City from 2021 and 2022, the current 2025 President, JCIN Ambassador Omolola Ayeni, who delivered the welcome address members of other JCI chapters, and district education officers from the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

The presence of former PDSPC champions such as Rasaq Iyiola (2021), Adekoya Ogooluwa (2023), and Olutoki Oyinkansola (2024) added to the event’s legacy and prestige.

Beyond being a contest of eloquence, the PDSPC is a platform for advocacy, thought leadership, and civic education. The event underscored the idea that change in Nigeria does not require permission it demands bold ideas, strategic action, and youth-driven solutions. The students’ speeches reflected a deep understanding of national challenges and the role of young people in shaping a better future.

In his closing remarks, the convener, Mr. Paschal Dike, 2016 JCI World President and CEO of Excel 360 Plus Ltd and Dega Multi Concept Ltd reiterated the importance of investing in Nigeria’s future through platforms like PDSPC.

“It is our responsibility to invest in the next generation. As a public speaker, I chose this competition to build the confidence of young Nigerians who will one day be the changemakers this country needs,” he said.

Dike emphasized that for the past nine years, the competition has consistently offered students in public schools a stage to amplify their voices, nurture leadership, and engage meaningfully with national issues. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiative in years to come.

CONMMEP Forum: AREFFN BoT Chairman, Urges Government Agencies to Emulate Customs Leadership

By
blacktalker
-
0
CONMMEP Forum: AREFFN BoT Chairman, Urges Government Agencies to Emulate Customs Leadership

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, AREFFN, Chief Augustine Ejike Metu, has called on regulatory agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector to take a cue from the exemplary leadership style of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He made the statement during the roundtable conference organized by the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP.

Chief Metu, a seasoned professional with extensive experience across multiple sectors, delivered a compelling address on national development, trade facilitation, and governance. He commended the Customs Area Controller at the Seme Area Command, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, for his leadership in driving trade facilitation and boosting revenue generation.

According to Chief Metu, such purposeful leadership is essential for national progress and should be replicated across all government agencies.

Highlighting his concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit and adulterated goods in Nigerian markets, Chief Metu urged relevant regulatory bodies to intensify efforts to curb the importation and distribution of such harmful products.

He also charged journalists and media practitioners to remain vigilant and expose corruption and inefficiencies within the system, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.

On international recognition, Chief Metu welcomed the election of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as the chairman of the World Customs Organization Council. He suggested that the CG’s tenure be extended to maintain continuity and consolidate the achievements already recorded.

Touching on recent policy decisions, he offered his perspective on the suspension of the use of customs code 846. Chief Metu advocated for a review of the suspension, suggesting that a reconsideration would support trade facilitation and ease of doing business in the maritime sector.

Throughout his presentation, Chief Metu reiterated his dedication to national development and urged Nigerians to remain resilient, embrace technology, and continue pushing for positive societal transformation. He encouraged citizens to stay focused on building a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

Chief Metu’s contributions at the forum reflected his reputation as an influential thought leader in the maritime sector. His strengths, insightful analysis, a passion for development, commitment to accountability, and pragmatic solutions, were on full display during the discussion.

He concluded by expressing his willingness to remain actively engaged with government agencies, industry professionals, and young stakeholders. He emphasized the need for sustained collaboration to promote revenue generation, uphold good governance, and ensure Nigeria’s continued advancement on the global stage.

Clearing Agents Allege Systematic Exploitation by International Shipping Lines in Nigeria

By
blacktalker
-
0
Clearing Agents Allege Systematic Exploitation by International Shipping Lines in Nigeria

The National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents, NCJTFLCA has alleged that several international shipping lines operating in Nigeria are engaging in systemic extortion and administrative sabotage that continues to frustrate clearing agents and importers across the country.

In a strongly worded statement delivered to journalists in Lagos, the National President of NCJTFLCA, High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, alleged that major shipping companies, including Maersk Line, Pacific International Lines (PIL), Elder Dempster, and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), have deliberately created operational bottlenecks to delay refunds, withhold payment confirmations, and obstruct the release of cleared containers, all while profiting from the resultant chaos.

“They are running their businesses with our money,” Dr. Nwolisa stated. “When you apply for a refund, it can take one or two months. Meanwhile, they’re using that deposit to run their own operations.”

He described the refund delays as part of a broader scheme in which shipping firms exploit deposit funds advanced by agents and importers, leaving critical business transactions suspended for weeks.

According to him, some of these shipping firms operate with fewer than ten physical staff in the country, rendering timely customer service nearly impossible. Clients are left to rely exclusively on email correspondence, which, he said, is frequently ignored or significantly delayed.

“You send an email, and if it doesn’t go through, you’re ignored. If it does and others flood in, you’re not attended to in real time,” he lamented. “You’ll have 600 people calling just two or three lines.”

Payment confirmations, he noted, often take between two to three days to process, during which time demurrage charges continue to accrue, costs that are ultimately borne by importers. In some instances, clearing agents who cover costs on behalf of their clients are told that only importers are eligible to receive refunds, unless unofficial fees are paid.

“You pay from your own account, and when it’s time for a refund, they’ll say you didn’t pay it, that only the importer can collect,” he said. “But if you give them ₦20,000 or ₦30,000, the refund is magically processed. So who is really collecting?”

Dr. Nwolisa described the practices as deliberate economic sabotage, warning that the resulting financial strain is not limited to agents but extends to the broader Nigerian economy.

He further criticized what he called a “digital blackout” strategy, where companies allegedly cite technical failures, particularly network outages as excuses to delay transactions and increase storage fees.

“They will tell you there is no network after payment,” he said. “That network failure could last for five days, five days of demurrage multiplied by thousands of containers. That is billions of naira lost.”

He also pointed to the frequent rejection of documentation over minor typographical errors, such as misplaced commas or full stops, which forces clients to resubmit documents and endure further delays.

“If you make one mistake—a comma or a period—they’ll reject the letter. You’ll have to resend and wait again. It’s intentional,” he alleged.

In another startling example, Dr. Nwolisa recounted a case in which an importer was allegedly charged an ₦8 million deposit for a single container, a tactic he said is used to frustrate clients into abandoning their goods after which the container is quickly auctioned off.

“It is a racket,” he declared. “Once you can’t meet the outrageous deposit, they move to auction your container. We have seen it happen more than once.”

The group announced that it would be pursuing legal action against the concerned shipping lines. Dr. Nwolisa confirmed that petitions were already being prepared by the group’s legal team and would soon be submitted to the National Assembly and relevant regulatory agencies.

“We will no longer tolerate these anomalies,” he said. “If the shipping lines refuse to change, we have no option but to take legal action. This is not aggression, it is about getting justice.”

He also questioned whether some of the exploitation is being enabled by Nigerians with vested interests in foreign shipping firms, asking if the nation’s own elites were complicit in suppressing Nigerian businesses.

Dr. Nwolisa concluded by calling on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and the Ports Economic Regulator to urgently intervene and restore transparency, fairness, and efficiency to Nigeria’s import-export system.

“Nigeria is not a banana republic,” he said firmly. “We want fair business. Not harassment, not extortion. Let shipping companies be audited and made to adhere to standard practices.”

LASU Don Calls for Stronger Nigeria-Brazil Cultural Ties at 109th Inaugural Lecture

By
blacktalker
-
0
LASU Don Calls for Stronger Nigeria-Brazil Cultural Ties at 109th Inaugural Lecture

A linguist and expert in Portuguese and Translation Studies from the Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Tayo Julius Ajayi has called for a renewed cultural and academic partnership between Nigeria and Brazil, with a special focus on the Yoruba language.

He made this call while delivering the 109th inaugural lecture took place at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo with the title: “Interlinguistic Interactions and Resultant Phenomena: Agglutinative and Inflectional Languages”.

To maintain the legacy of Yoruba contributions to Afro-Brazilian culture and language, Prof. Ajayi proposed a number of actionable initiatives. He urged the Brazilian federal government to introduce African languages, especially Yoruba, into its overseas postgraduate scholarship programmes.

This, he said, would allow Brazilian students to explore and master African languages abroad, particularly in Nigeria, where such languages are natively spoken.

He further advocated for Yoruba to be formally introduced as a course of study in Brazilian colleges, initially as a specialization and eventually as a full undergraduate programme. This academic inclusion, he noted, would acknowledge the language’s historical and cultural relevance in Brazil, especially in regions with a strong Yoruba ancestral presence.

Turning to Nigeria, Prof. Ajayi called on the Federal Government to establish scholarship opportunities for Brazilian students interested in studying Yoruba in Nigeria. Such scholarships, he argued, would foster mutual understanding and allow Brazil’s Afro-descendant population to connect more intimately with their linguistic roots.

Another significant recommendation was for the deployment of Nigerian Yoruba language instructors to Brazil. Prof. Ajayi proposed a cultural and technical exchange model in which the Nigerian government would be responsible for the instructors’ remuneration, while the Brazilian government would handle in-country logistics. He emphasized that such a programme could significantly deepen the teaching and understanding of Yoruba across Brazilian institutions and cultural centres.

In his broader vision for cross-continental collaboration, Prof. Ajayi called for stronger ties between African and Brazilian linguists and anthropologists. He argued that only through such collaborations can the full depth of African heritage in Brazil be studied, preserved, and appreciated.

To complement these academic efforts, he encouraged practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions and other cultural advocates to travel to Nigeria to experience the Yoruba language, traditions, and people firsthand.

“These efforts,” he said, “will ensure that African languages like Yoruba take their rightful place in Brazilian consciousness and cultural expression.”

Earlier in the lecture, Prof. Ajayi provided a scholarly analysis of how interlinguistic interactions particularly between agglutinative and inflectional language give rise to unique linguistic outcomes. Drawing on examples from Portuguese and Yoruba, he explained how language contact results in what he described as “linguistic decals” or semantic borrowings. These are instances where words are translated into the receiving language based on concept equivalence, often carrying the cultural weight of the source language.

He pointed out that in Brazil, especially among Afro-Brazilian communities, Yoruba has significantly influenced Afro-Brazilian Portuguese not only lexically but also morphosyntactically. He noted that during the colonial era in Bahia, Yoruba-speaking enslaved people formed the majority of the black population and their language became a lingua franca. As a result, many Afro-Brazilians became bilingual in Yoruba and Portuguese, creating fertile ground for deep and lasting linguistic fusion.

“Portuguese is an inflectional language,” Prof. Ajayi explained, “while Yoruba is agglutinative. Despite this fundamental difference, the two languages share important syntactic similarities, which allows for a mutual influence.” These similarities include syllabic structure, word order, and grammatical constructions that facilitate borrowing and integration.

He also highlighted that Yoruba loanwords in Brazilian Portuguese are particularly prevalent in religion and cookery, areas where Yoruba cultural practices were strongly preserved through oral tradition and daily use. The significant presence of Yoruba in these domains, he said, is due to both cultural reverence and the historic role played by Yoruba women in colonial Brazilian households.

While acknowledging that lexical interference is a natural outcome of language contact, Prof. Ajayi emphasized the need to protect the original character of the Yoruba language, especially in traditional songs, chants, and oríkì (praise poetry). Without deliberate efforts, he warned, this rich cultural heritage risks dilution over time.

In closing, he called for more proactive cultural exchange programmes and a shared sense of responsibility between Nigeria and Brazil to preserve their linguistic and historical ties. “Let us revalue the Yoruba contribution to Brazilian language and culture,” he said, to resounding applause.

The lecture was chaired by LASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, and attended by members of the university’s management, academic colleagues, students, friends, and family members of the lecturer.

LASU Don Calls for Stronger Nigeria-Brazil Cultural Ties at 109th Inaugural Lecture

Governor Soludo Marks 65th Birthday with Visits to Hospitals and Correctional Centres

By
blacktalker
-
0
Anambra Government Sets Up Committee to Recover Encroached Lands

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo marked his 65th birthday in a unique and compassionate manner, dedicating the day to humanitarian outreach across Anambra State.

Eschewing elaborate celebrations, the Governor instead visited patients and inmates, emphasizing empathy, service, and a commitment to social welfare.

The series of visits, which included the Psychiatric Hospital in Nawfia, the Onitsha Correctional Centre, St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, and Iyienu Hospital in Ogidi, reflected the Governor’s focus on inclusive leadership and care for the vulnerable.

According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the day’s activities began at midday with a stop at the psychiatric facility in Nawfia.

Governor Soludo was warmly received by staff and patients, with many expressing appreciation for his visit. Engaging directly with patients, he highlighted the need to prioritize mental health and end the stigma surrounding mental illness.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health. We must work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that those who need help receive it,” the Governor stated. He also advised young people to be mindful of what they consume for the sake of their mental well-being.

During the visit, Governor Soludo announced the ongoing construction of a mental rehabilitation facility in Nibo and pledged further support for the Nawfia hospital.

At the Onitsha Correctional Centre, Governor Soludo addressed the inmates, offering a message of hope and transformation. “Every one of us deserves a second chance. Our facilities should not only serve as centers of confinement but as places of transformation,” he said.

He urged inmates to embrace the vocational training programmes available to them, stressing their importance for reintegration into society. “We want our youth to find purpose and opportunity without having to turn to crime,” the Governor added.

The Governor’s next stop was St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, where he interacted with patients and healthcare workers. He was met with the realities of overcrowded wards and strained resources.

“Healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be provided by the government, and we must ensure that every citizen has access to quality care,” Governor Soludo said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to healthcare improvement.

The day concluded at Iyienu Hospital, Ogidi, where the Governor was welcomed with a birthday cake courtesy of the students. His engagement with patients and staff reflected a sincere concern for their welfare and a message of hope.

Reflecting on the day’s activities, Governor Soludo remarked, “This is just the beginning. My 65th year will be driven by a renewed sense of purpose to uplift the underserved, empower the vulnerable, and promote healing in every corner of Anambra.”

Governor Soludo was accompanied during the visits by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; Chief of Protocol; and Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, among others.

GRAMMY Acknowledges Dagrin’s Legacy, Names ‘Pon Pon Pon’ Among Top 10 Songs Shaping Afrobeats

By
blacktalker
-
0
GRAMMY Acknowledges Dagrin’s Legacy, Names ‘Pon Pon Pon’ Among Top 10 Songs Shaping Afrobeats

The Recording Academy, organisers of the GRAMMY Awards, has officially recognized the late Nigerian rapper, Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, popularly known as Dagrin and his seminal track “Pon Pon Pon”, naming it among the top 10 songs shaping the evolution of Afrobeats.

This historic acknowledgment is a long-awaited validation of a truth the streets have held for over a decade: “Pon Pon Pon” is not just a song, it is an anthem. It is the undisputed cornerstone of Afro-Street Rap and the moment Nigeria’s indigenous rap found its loudest, proudest voice.

Originally released in 2009, “Pon Pon Pon” captured the raw spirit of the streets, blending gritty realism with lyrical dexterity. Delivered in a seamless mix of Yoruba and street English, the track provided an unfiltered lens into life in Lagos.

Dagrin didn’t just introduce Yoruba rap to mainstream audiences—he forced it into the spotlight and demanded respect for the voice of the underrepresented.

Behind this global recognition lies a crucial effort to preserve and protect Dagrin’s musical heritage. Spearheading this mission is Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited (DMCE), a full-service rights management company offering catalog administration, IP valuation, acquisition, and copyright clearance services.

Under the leadership of General Manager Ezekiel Olayinka, DMCE intervened after years of unchecked exploitation of Dagrin’s music. Following the rapper’s untimely death, his catalog became fragmented and was often used without authorization or compensation to the Estate.

DMCE took up the challenge of restoring dignity and order to Dagrin’s legacy. By securing a letter of administration from the Lagos State Probate Registry, the company ensured the Estate was legally involved. Within a year, DMCE successfully reclaimed rights from illegal users and consolidated Dagrin’s musical assets.

DMCE’s efforts have not stopped at preservation. The company recently brokered a landmark deal with Sony Music Publishing Nigeria on behalf of Dagrin’s Estate. This move has elevated Dagrin’s catalog to a global platform and introduced new generations to his influential sound.

The partnership culminated in the launch of the “Legend Sampling Camp” by Sony Music Publishing Nigeria in August 2024. The event saw contemporary artists reinterpret works by Nigerian music legends including Dagrin, K1 De Ultimate, King Dr. Saheed Osupa, and the late Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, all represented by DMCE.

The initiative demonstrated that Dagrin’s music remains a wellspring of inspiration within the evolving Afrobeats soundscape.

The Recording Academy’s recognition may be global, but it echoes what fans, critics, and artists across Nigeria have always known: Dagrin is immortal. His music reshaped an industry, inspired a generation, and opened doors for indigenous rap to thrive.

The continued efforts of his family and partners like DMCE ensure that the King of Afro-Street Rap is not just remembered, but revered. His voice still echoes in the beats of today’s stars, his truth still lives in the hearts of the streets, and his legacy is louder than ever.

“Feel the Pain, but Never Stop” —Dr. Bisi Oni Speaks on Purpose, Persistence, Earning a PhD at 61

By
blacktalker
-
0
"Feel the Pain, but Never Stop" — Dr. Bisi Oni Speaks on Purpose, Persistence, and Earning a PhD at 61

July 24, 2025 was a day of triumph, gratitude, and deep reflection as Dr. Bisi Oni walked across the stage to receive his doctoral hood during the 14th Doctoral Hooding Ceremony at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. his was more than a personal milestone, it was the celebration of perseverance, purpose, and the power of vision.

At 61, many slow down. But for Dr. Oni, highly respected finance executive, motivational voice, and leader at FrontQuest opens up on purpose, pain, and pressing forward

In this exclusive interview with THERESA MOSES , he unpacks key issues in Nigeria’s economic development and the psychology behind market behaviour, his motivation for returning to academia, and the powerful role of resilience and faith in pushing through life’s toughest moments.

QUE: Dr. Oni, congratulations on this outstanding academic achievement. What motivated you to pursue a PhD at this stage of your life and career?

Dr. Bisi Oni: Thank you so much. For me, this was a long-held dream — one I carried since my undergraduate days back in the 1980s. But life happened. I had to prioritize family responsibilities and career progression first. Over the years, the hunger never left. I always told myself that when the time and space came, I’d return to fulfill that academic dream. And I did — not just for me, but to set an example for my children, mentees, and anyone who believes it’s too late to begin again.

QUE: Your thesis topic — “Global Shocks, Investor Sentiment and the Nigerian Stock Market” — seems timely and complex. What were your key findings?

Dr. Oni: One major revelation was the gap between theoretical assumptions and real-world behavior in the financial market. Theory teaches that investors should buy low and sell high. But in practice, what we observe is quite the opposite — investors often act based on sentiment, not logic. My research revealed the impact of herd mentality, where people buy into market rallies and panic-sell during downturns. This behavioural pattern leads to avoidable losses, and understanding it is key for market efficiency, investor education, and regulatory policy.

QUE: Given your vast industry experience, how has academia helped you understand Nigeria’s economic challenges differently?

Dr. Oni: Industry teaches action. Academia explains why. I call it bridging the gap between “town and gown.” Nigeria’s economy is plagued by structural issues — overreliance on oil, fiscal indiscipline, and weak productivity. What academia helped me see is that the solution isn’t rocket science. It’s rooted in creating real value. Nations that thrive do so by producing, not extracting. Agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing can transform Nigeria, but we must fix insecurity first and ensure continuity in economic policy beyond political cycles.

QUE: Security remains a major barrier to agricultural development. How should Nigeria tackle this?

Dr. Oni: The government has superior intelligence and resources. If we’re truly committed, we must act decisively. Take the politics out of economics. No ragtag militia should overpower a sovereign state. If agriculture is our priority, then we must secure farmland and protect farmers. We must invest where it matters — in human lives and food security. Countries like Israel and Turkey achieved agri-revolutions with less fertile land than Nigeria. What’s stopping us? Willpower and governance.

QUE: What’s your advice for financial institutions and organizations trying to drive innovation and risk management?

Dr. Oni: Change your mindset. In Nigeria, we default to excuses. We ask, “Why it won’t work,” before “How can we make it work?” That mindset kills innovation. I’m already planning my next learning phase — blockchain technology or artificial intelligence. Someone asked, “At your age?” I replied, “What has age got to do with learning?” If your mind stays open, possibilities are endless. Innovation, risk management, and growth begin with mindset reorientation. Above all, continuous learning keeps your brain sharp and improves your productivity.

QUE: You mentioned there were times you wanted to quit. What pulled you through?

Dr. Oni: Oh, many times! But my wife was my greatest encourager. She’d say, “You told us you were starting a PhD — what will you tell your children if you give up?” That stuck with me. I also remembered my “why.” For me, it wasn’t just about the degree. It was about the example I was setting. If at 58 I could start a PhD and graduate at 61, then nobody — not my kids, not my mentees — has an excuse not to grow.

QUE: You’re a natural motivator and teacher. Do you see yourself stepping into academia full-time?

Dr. Oni: (Smiles) Teaching flows through me — in church, at work, with mentees. I take pride not just in revenue targets, but in the number of professionals who’ve grown under my leadership. Academia is definitely on the table. If I can inspire the next generation and bridge the gap between theory and industry, then I’ll consider that a worthy second career.

QUE: You spoke of loss — your pastor, and even your beloved dog, Krypto. How did these moments shape this journey?

Dr. Oni: Deeply. Krypto, my daughter’s dog, would sit quietly with me during long study nights. She was a silent companion. Losing her during my PhD program was tough. My pastor also passed away shortly before this day. He believed in me. Their memory drives me. This journey is also for them.

QUE: Finally, what advice do you have for those balancing career, family, and education, and are on the verge of giving up?

Dr. Oni: Feel the pain, but never stop. Remember your why. Push through the darkness — that’s usually when the dawn is closest. Failure is just a number. Fall, but rise again. Don’t let the book remain unwritten, the exam left unpassed, or the dream die. There’s no vacuum in destiny. What you don’t do, someone else will. So get your hands dirty, and leave a mark. Let your story become a reference for others.

Integrity, Truth, Civic Duty Take Centre Stage at 7.0 CPS in LASU

By
blacktalker
-
0
Integrity, Truth, Civic Duty Take Centre Stage at 7.0 CPS in LASU

The 7th edition of the Communication Parliamentary Summit, hosted by the Communication Students’ Representative Council, COSA of Lagos State University, LASU, has highlighted the crucial role of integrity, truth, and professionalism in journalism, particularly in today’s fast-paced digital age.

Held under the theme: “Media’s Impact on Politics in the Digital Age: Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions”, the summit gathered students, media professionals, and civic advocates to examine how journalism can responsibly navigate political discourse while upholding the public good.

The summit, held at the university’s main campus, was also marked by the historic launch of the first printed Constitution of the Communication Students’ Association (COSA-LASU).

Ghanaian-born broadcaster and journalist, Riyah Abdul, who delivered the keynote address, emphasized the uncompromising responsibility of journalists to uphold truth in the face of political pressure.

“We spoke about the challenges journalists face,” she said, “and how politicians may attempt to compromise the media, but they can’t be compromised because, at the end of the day, journalists stand for truth and justice.”

Addressing the dangers of sensationalism and inducement, Abdul charged students to pursue factual storytelling. “Don’t rush to break the news, rush to break the truth,” she urged. “No matter what, do not bend.”

Also speaking at the event, veteran journalist, communication researcher, and team lead of Platforms Africa, Dr. Adiola Yusuf, underlined the strategic importance of mass communication to national development, warning of the destructive impact of misinformation.

“If a doctor makes a mistake, one person may suffer. But if a journalist spreads falsehood, the nation could burn,” he said.

He encouraged students to embrace their training and leverage it to drive narratives. Using global influencers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Davido as examples, Dr. Yusuf noted that communication students are uniquely equipped with both knowledge and tools to go even further, if they take initiative.

“Go after the untold angles,” he advised. “That’s how to gain relevance, power, money, and influence in this profession.”

Another Speaker and CEO of BudgIT, Olusegun Onigbinde, warned about the double-edged nature of digital media. “Breaking news travels fast, but how fast it travels is not how factual it travels,” he said.

Onigbinde, who was represented by the Senior Communications Associate at BudgIT Foundation, Nancy Odimegu, encouraged the students to uphold verification, truth-seeking, and public service.

“If your thirst is not to say the truth, investigate wrongdoing, and speak authentically, you’re in the wrong profession,” he cautioned.

Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Fatonji Stephen, hailed the summit as a training ground for global relevance. “We don’t want graduates who only have certificates. We want thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers,” he said.

Commenting on the newly launched COSA constitution, Dr. Fatonji described it as a critical foundation for democratic leadership. “The constitution is not a mere document; it is power. Teaching students to govern by the rule of law is our way of planting the seed of true democracy early,” he said.

COSA-LASU President, Comrade Noble Obaze, expressed pride in the achievements of the 19th Assembly. “We’ve always had a soft copy of the constitution, but launching this physical document gives us structure and accountability,” he said.

“Where there’s no law, there’s no sin. This document will guide future administrations and strengthen our union.”

On media and politics, Obaze reinforced the value of impartial reporting: “We’re trained to report facts without bias. Future journalists must uphold integrity. If something is black, say it’s black.”

On his part, speaker of the 19th COSA Assembly, Chidera Okafor, described the launch of the printed constitution as a long-awaited reform.

“Before now, we had to search through our phones during plenary. But having a physical constitution gives us something to reference and hold on to,” he said.

Okafor noted that future updates would be printed as new amendments are made by succeeding assemblies. Going forward, all student leaders contesting for office in the department will be required to own a physical copy of the constitution, ensuring they understand the rules guiding their roles.

“After every amendment, print a new edition. Keep the permanent form of the constitution going,” Okafor concluded.

The event featured a panel discussion with panelists dissecting various angles of the theme, while awards of recognition and achievement were given to major stakeholders.

New Mushin Chairman, Hon. Aruwe, Assumes Office, Vows to Deliver Grassroots Governance

By
blacktalker
-
0
New Mushin Chairman, Hon. Aruwe, Assumes Office, Vows to Deliver Grassroots Governance

The newly sworn-in Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olatunbosun Haruna Aruwe, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to political leaders, community stakeholders, and residents of Mushin for their support as he begins his tenure.

In a statement released on his first day in office, Hon. Aruwe described the moment as “historic,” attributing his emergence to the will of God and the overwhelming support of the people.

“This is more than a position, it is a solemn call to serve, to uphold the principles of grassroots governance, and to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach our people,” he said.

Referencing Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the existence of democratically elected local government councils, Aruwe reaffirmed his commitment to accountable and inclusive leadership.

He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and several party leaders and elected officials for their guidance and support. Among those acknowledged were Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, Hon. Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamigboye, Hon. Moses Oluwatoyin Fayinka (MHR), Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Hon. Yinka Esho, and Hon. Iyabode Ayoola.

Also recognized were party chieftains, traditional rulers, market and community leaders, religious institutions, artisans, youths, and non-governmental organizations.

“I am particularly grateful to the people of Mushin for standing firmly with me and making history with your massive votes,” he said. “The trust you have placed in me will never be taken for granted.”

Pledging to serve with integrity, humility, and fairness, the new chairman promised to deliver impactful governance that meets the needs of residents at every level.

“Together, we shall build a greater, stronger, and more prosperous Mushin,” Aruwe declared.

1...131132133...271Page 132 of 271