PatMen embraces sacrifices, silences doubters after GE’s VCT Pacific Stage 2 triumph

For Filipino Valorant veteran Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza, Global Esports’ VCT Pacific Stage 2 championship was more than just another trophy.

It was validation for the sacrifices, the struggles and the belief that success in esports is often built on countless setbacks.

As Global Esports closed out its title-winning run, Mendoza admitted he was already confident that teammate Xavier “Xavi8k” Juan would deliver in a crucial late-round situation.

‘Noong time na yun, I know Xavi gonna win. Because sobrang galing din mag-close ng rounds ni Xavi. And then noong nanalo, like, grabe yung feeling. Like, parang yung pagod. Yung sacrifices. Lahat, everything. Parang worth it siya. Maski yung back pain ko parang nawala,’ Mendoza said in an interview with Filipino media.

The victory marked one of the biggest accomplishments in Mendoza’s career, especially after a whirlwind year that saw him join Global Esports under unusual circumstances.

According to Mendoza, the move happened at the last minute while he was still waiting for clearance following his stint with Paper Rex.

‘Sobrang bilis ng mga ganap. Nakasali ako ng Global Esports last minute. Kasi magkakaroon na ng roster lock. And naghihintay lang ako ng go-signal from Paper Rex kung pwede na ako mag-join ng other team,’ shared Mendoza.

A key factor behind his decision was familiarity. Mendoza already had existing relationships with several players on the roster, particularly Juan and Go “UdoTan” Kyung-won.

‘Si Xavi is pasok na sa GE. So, that time nag-uusap kami din ni Xavi. And he wants me to join Global Esports as well. May mga other opportunities rin pero mas gusto ko piliin yung may kakilala akong players. Dahil naging kakampi ko na si Xavi sa NAOS before. And also, naging kakampi ko din si Udotan for a short time in Talon Esports. Yun yung naging decision ko. Kaya ako nag-Global Esports.’ recalled Mendoza.

The championship also carried personal significance for Mendoza, who acknowledged the criticism he had received after he left Paper Rex, with many saying he only won a trophy because he was part as what was dubbed “super star team.”

‘Ang dami ko ring doubters. I mean, hindi man may iwasan yun. Kahit si Lebron James may doubters. Kahit si Michael Jordan may doubters,’ said Mendoza.

He stressed that winning in esports is rarely straightforward and often requires enduring repeated failures before finally reaching the top.

‘Marami rin akong ginawa, actually. Para makamit tong trophy again. Kasi sobrang hirap sa esports. Matatalo ka ng 100 times bago ka manalo. And sa larangan namin, laging isa lang ang team na nanalo. Which is sobrang hirap. And minsan kailangan mo lang na magkaroon ng magandang mindset,’ said Mendoza.

With the Pacific title secured, Mendoza and Global Esports are now turning their attention to Valorant Champions, where the world’s best teams will compete for the game’s most prestigious trophy.

For Mendoza, maintaining confidence and mental strength will be among the team’s biggest priorities.

‘For Champions, I think tatrabahuhin namin yung mind-set. Yung mga strengths namin. Mahirap din sa champs kasi halos lahat ng team talaga magagaling. Kaya sila nandun dahil deserve nila yung spots din at the same time. Isa sa pinaka kailangan naming imaintain is yung confidence and yung form namin as players. Dahil saesports, sobrang hirap kapag dumating sa point na meron ka lang isang bad game. Parang nakalimutan mo na lahat yung magandang games mo. Ang isa pa sa pinaka mahirap is if naging kalaban mo yung sarili mo,’ said Mendoza.

As Global Esports prepares to represent the region on the world stage, Mendoza also hopes their success can inspire aspiring Filipino players. Drawing from his own experiences, the now two-time VCT Pacific champion encouraged young players to learn from the journeys of others as they pursue their goals.

“Sobrang saya na we’re able to represent the Philippines in Valorant. hope we become inspiration for some aspiring youths na gustong maging athletes din at the same time. I mean, hindi siyang madali. Ako na nagsasabi, but. I hope they can learn from our experiences.”

Global Esports will open the Valorant Champions group stages against EMEA’s Team Vitality on Saturday, September 26, at 7 p.m. (Manila time).

Australia picks Ruby Ruiz film ‘First Light’ as Oscars 2027 entry

Australia has selected “First Light” starring Ruby Ruiz as its entry for the 2027 Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category.

The film is the feature debut of Filipino-Australian James J. Robinson having previously done editorial photography, two short films, and several music videos.

Robinson premiered the movie at last year’s Melbourne International Film Festival, competing in the Bright Horizons section where he won Best Australian Director and AUD$50,000 (P2.24 million).

“First Light” is the first-ever Filipino-Australian co-production and first Tagalog-language film ever submitted by Australia for Oscars contention.

Filmed mainly in Baras, Rizal, it follows Ruiz’s Sister Yolanda, middle-aged Catholic nun whose faith is shaken after a construction worker dies from suspect circumstances.

“As pressure mounts from the Church and state to suppress the truth, she finds herself questioning the institution she has devoted her life to,” goes a synopsis.

Co-starring with Ruiz are Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez, Soliman Cruz, Emmanuel Santos, Lui Manansala, Kara Adea, and Kidlat Tahimik.

Australia’s selection committee described “First Light” as “a meditative work about an aging woman who questions her faith as her world begins to crumble around her, leaving an indelible mark” and hailed Robinson’s impressing debut as “a shining example of Australian filmmaking.” The film premiered in the Philippines last June through Clou Media Productions via Cebuana producer Christelle Lou Dychangco.

“Our relationship with whatever is bigger out there than us is really not between institutions but a personal one at that,” Dychangco had said in a statement. “Ultimately, I think the moral of the whole story also comes around to death and our fear of dying and I think that’s a very human and very relatable lesson and feeling that we all have.”

Ruiz is having a monumental year having just won another Best Actress award at the most recent Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, making her the most-awarded actor at the festival ahead of the late Eddie Garcia.

Australia has submitted 18 films, including “First Light,” to the Academy Awards in its history but only one has ever been nominated – “Tanna” in 2017; the International Feature Film winner that year was Iran’s “The Salesman” by Asghar Farhadi, his second Oscar.

The Philippines was initially going to announce its own 2027 Oscars entry last September 4 but the Film Academy of the Philippines said the country’s assembled selection committee needed more time for deliberation.

To date, no Filipino film has been nominated or even shortlisted for the International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce on December 15 which 15 films will make the category’s shortlist, to be trimmed down to five nominees on January 21 next year, and finally the 2027 Oscars on March 14.

Tinio on Dole’s proposed 2027 budget: ‘Ayuda agency’

Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio criticized the gradual budget increase of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (Dole) assistance programs, saying it is becoming an ‘ayuda agency.’

During the House of Representatives’ committee of appropriations’ hearing of the Dole’s budget for 2027, Tinio raised concern over the additional P10.25 billion budget request of the agency for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program.

‘Why did Dole become an aid-distributing agency? Is that Dole’s function now – to be just another agency that hands out aid?’ he raised during the budget interpellation.

Under the 2027 National Expenditure Program, Tupad’s initial fund amounted to P14.25 billion.

According to the solon, if the additional requested budget for the program is approved, it would stagger to P24.5 billion, which is significantly higher compared to its allocation to other projects.

‘Tesda lacks the funds for long-term skills development. Instead of expanding Tupad, programs that provide workers with decent jobs should be strengthened, rather than temporary handouts,’ he expressed, referring to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

He noted that the fund allocated for Tupad only represents 36 percent, or P3.2 billion, of the agency’s total budget in 2016.

However, in 2026, it increased by 588% or P22.44 billion under the General Appropriations Act, he emphasized.

‘Year after year, we have been expanding Tupad. So, we must ask ourselves: Where is Dole headed? Is it an agency for labor, or an agency for aid? It is time to stop bloating Tupad and return Dole to its true mandate – as a defender of the Filipino worker, not a distributor of relief,’ he stressed.

He then called on the Congress to redirect the resources to genuine programs for the workers’ benefit instead of ‘inflating Tupad insertions during budget deliberations.’

GWR: Why I am attempting 150 hours drawing record in Ibadan -Mystro Artz

Segun Ajao, better known as Mystro Artz, is a visual artist based in Ibadan and a student at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, who is attempting the Guinness Book of Records for the longest marathon drawing portraits. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, he talks about his art, background, and his upcoming Guinness World Record attempt.

How would you describe your style of art?

I create art to tell real African stories and show deep human emotions. My work combines portrait drawing and abstract art, deeply influenced by Yoruba culture. A special detail in my portraits is the sculpted shape of the eyebrows, which stands for oju inu (inner vision), seeing people for who they really are inside, not just on the outside.

How does your culture affect your work?

Yoruba heritage and traditional proverbs form the heart of my work. Sayings like oju inu la fi n gbe tita help me build my themes. I use art to celebrate African identity and pass down meaningful cultural values.

What main topics do you paint or draw about?

I focus on human relationships, family roots, and inner growth. For example, my series BOND looks at the special connection between twins, while artworks like ?m? Y? mi and Iriri L’agba focus on identity and wisdom passed down through generations.

What materials do you use in your studio?

I use oil, acrylic paints, charcoal and mixed media. I also like adding texture to my work using modeling paste of paint to make the surface feel alive.

Which Guinness World Record are you trying to break?

I am preparing for the Longest marathon drawing portraits (individual). The goal is to draw continuously for 150 hours in Ibadan under the title The Unbroken Line.

Why do you want to do a 150-hour drawing marathon?

I want to push my strength to the limit, showcase Ibadan’s creative talent to the world, and show that young African artists can break big global records through hard work.

How are you getting ready for this challenge?

A 150-hour marathon takes a lot of energy. I am preparing through long drawing practice sessions, physical workouts, good food, and spiritual focus to keep my strength up.

What do you want young artists in Nigeria to learn from this?

I want them to know that their talent is valuable, their dreams are valid, and they can achieve great things no matter where they start from.

How can people support your journey?

Everyone can follow my progress on Instagram and all social media @mystro artz. We are also open to media partnerships, sponsorships, and support from the community.

Airlines groan as operators expose over 54 aviation taxes, charges

NIGERIAN airlines are groaning under the weight of more than 54 taxes, fees and regulatory charges imposed by government agencies, with industry operators warning that the multiple levies are driving up airfares, squeezing profit margins and threatening the survival of domestic carriers.

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, disclosed this in his keynote address at the 30th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), in Lagos, on Thursday, where he called for urgent harmonisation and reduction of aviation taxes and charges to create a more sustainable operating environment for airlines.

He said the aviation industry, which contributes about $2.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports more than 217,000 jobs, should be treated as a catalyst for economic growth rather than primarily as a source of government revenue.

According to him, aviation generates substantial indirect economic benefits through tourism, hospitality, cargo, trade, employment and national connectivity, making the survival of airlines critical to the wider economy.

Onyema argued that while government taxation and regulatory charges are necessary to fund public infrastructure, safety systems and regulatory institutions, excessive and overlapping charges could ultimately become counterproductive by weakening the airlines that sustain the aviation ecosystem.

‘You don’t use airlines per se to raise revenue for the nation. Airlines are not used to raise revenue directly, but indirectly. They energise the ecosystem for government to make money through tourism, economic integration and so many other things,’ he said.

The Air Peace chairman disclosed that Nigerian airlines currently contend with about 54 different taxes, fees and charges imposed across major government institutions, including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

He said FAAN alone collects about 18 different payments from airlines, covering services ranging from electricity, counter usage and boarding bridges to office rent, parking, landing, cargo and terminal-related charges.

NAMA, he added, collects five major charges, including en-route, terminal navigation, overflight, clearance and extension charges, while airlines also pay corporate income tax to the NRS.

For the NCAA, Onyema listed the five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), five percent Cargo Sales Charge (CSC), five percent Excess Baggage Charge (EBC), licensing and medical certification fees, aircraft certification charges, Air Operator Certificate (AOC) fees, maintenance organisation charges and other regulatory payments.

He said only about six of the numerous charges are directly incorporated into every flight ticket sold in Nigeria.

These include Passenger Service Charge (PSC), Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) charges, Passenger Terminal Facility Charge, five per cent TSC, five per cent EBC and the $20 NCAA security levy.

He further cited the $11.50 Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) levy, introduced by the NCAA in December 2025, as another charge affecting the cost of air travel.

According to him, the cumulative effect of the charges could add approximately N25,000 to domestic tickets, depending on the route and airline, while taxes and statutory charges on international journeys could reach $150-$180.

High costs threaten airline survival

Onyema said the cost burden had contributed to the high mortality rate among Nigerian airlines, noting that more than 60 carriers had shut down or become defunct over the years.

He said African airlines already operate at a significant cost disadvantage compared with carriers in other regions, while high taxes, aviation fuel prices, insurance and aircraft leasing costs further erode their margins.

Also speaking at the event, the executive chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, on dismissed allegations that domestic operators failed to remit the five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), insisting instead that Nigerian airlines had maintained full compliance with the regulatory agency before recent labour disputes.

In his presentation, Prof. Okonkwo said that prior to February this year, all airlines were meeting their financial obligations to the government without issue.

According to Okonkwo, payment difficulties emerged only when airlines began to have issues with the cost of aviation fuel which had increased to N3,300 as a result of the US-Iran crisis. He said the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) was the first to raise concerns about the financial burden of regulatory charges during the downturn.

‘Before February this year, there were no payment problems. All airlines were paying. The AON issue only became a problem because of the Gulf crisis. AON was the first to cry out. We wrote to the President, explaining that we could no longer pay these charges. We requested either a complete suspension of charges or temporary relief during the aviation crisis, and the request was granted. The President agreed and waived 30%,’ Okonkwo disclosed.

Following the presidential waiver, Okonkwo said airlines had a meeting with the NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation to establish a structured repayment framework. ‘We met with NCAA and the Minister. We held several meetings. In one decisive meeting, NCAA requested that airline operators pay 10% of the legacy debts within a specified period, and then pay the rest in instalments over a period of time and each airline was to meet with NCAA’s director of finance.

‘The airlines complied with this directive. The airlines did this. The director met with operators in Lagos and Abuja, and we developed a payment plan. This plan was in place. When you have a payment plan in place, it does not mean you will default. We were making regular payments according to the agreement we had with the NCAA until we heard about the labour union, problem,’ he said.

To demonstrate commitment, he revealed that United Nigeria Airlines established a proactive payment mechanism with NCAA. ‘At United Nigeria, to ensure no issues, we opened joint accounts with NCAA at Nigerian banks. The account was structured so NCAA could withdraw funds directly without asking us,’ he explained.

Prof. Okonkwo who is the spokesperson of the AON disputed characterisations that operators were non-compliant. He said: ‘When people discuss money not remitted or paid by operators, they fail to mention how much operators do pay. When they talk about unpaid money, I ask: what have you done with all that we have already paid? That is the proof, and that is my concern.

‘Beyond what we pay, we do not receive adequate value. When different stakeholders and agencies are asked to explain this, they simply say the government takes a large chunk of this money. The question is: for what?

‘Most of you here know that money charged is supposed to provide recovery. When we request NCAA to inspect our aircraft in London or America, they come, and we pay them. We do all this 100% in advance. But when you speak of a 5% charge, it remains unclear.

‘When you take 5% of any business, a business I borrowed money to run, a business that costs me sleepless nights, that is too much for anyone to extract from it. And this is on top of taxes we already pay. The call for removal of this 5% must not stop. It must continue until we remove it. We would not be able to have smooth operations until this is resolved.’

Okonkwo went further to state that the unions desire to advocate for airline worker welfare is understandable. He however said that airlines are among Nigeria’s best-paying sectors.

He said: ‘That shameful display at the airport by unions would have brought us to our lowest point if not for the reactions and condemnation from so many gathered here.

‘I especially commend the Aviation Roundtable President whose loud voice was heard worldwide. I also commend aviation reporters who reported fairly but we expected condemnation from quarters that should have known better but that did not come and we remain concerned.’

UNIDO, EPRON, E-Terra explore collaboration on renewable energy e-waste

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), E-waste Producers Responsibility Organisation Nigeria (EPRON), and E-Terra Technologies Limited have begun discussions on a possible collaboration to address the growing e-waste challenge associated with Nigeria’s expanding renewable-energy sector.

The engagement followed a facility tour of E-Terra’s Materials Recovery and Recycling Facility (MRRF), Abule-Ado, Lagos, by UNIDO and EPRON representatives, followed by a cross-sector meeting on the responsible management of solar panels, inverters, batteries and other renewable-energy equipment at end-of-life.

Technical Advisor, Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry, UNIDO, Satoko Takenoshita, stressed the importance of responsible resource management alongside the transition to renewable energy.

‘Developing appropriate systems for recovering and recycling end-of-life solar equipment, batteries and related technologies will be critical to ensuring a truly sustainable energy future.’

Executive Director of EPRON, Mrs Ibukun Faluyi, said stakeholders must prepare for the waste streams that will arise from increasing renewable-energy adoption.

‘Collaboration is essential to building an effective Extended Producer Responsibility and circular-economy framework around these materials.’

Technical Director, E-Terra, Mr. Patrick Inoh, who conducted the facility tour on behalf of CEO, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwutem Ochonogor, welcomed the initiative, noting that strategic partnerships are vital to tackling Africa’s e-waste challenge.

The stakeholders emphasised the need for effective collection, take-back, material recovery, recycling and environmentally sound treatment to prevent improper disposal, burning and informal dismantling.

The engagement marks an important step towards ensuring that Africa’s clean-energy transition is matched by responsible and sustainable e-waste management.

Also at the event were Nahomi Nishio, Industrial Development Expert, Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry at UNIDO; Charles Uzoma, Project Coordinator; and Satoko Takenoshita, Technical Advisor.

Council chair opens 110-unit plaza

The Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Usman Hamzat, has inaugurated the newly completed 110-unit Goldrim Plaza in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State.

He described the project as a landmark investment, which aligns with his administration’s goal of making Ifako-Ijaiye a hub for commerce in the state.

He commended the Managing Director/CEO of Goldrim Construction Company, Mr. Gbenga Edeyokun, as well as other investors, for their commitment to enterprise development.

Hon. Hamzat urged traders to make good use of the facility while maintaining a clean and secure environment.

The commissioning ceremony also featured the symbolic presentation of keys to entrepreneurs who have secured spaces at the state-of-the-art Goldrim Plaza, situated in Ojodu-Berger, opposite the Lagos State Public Works Corporation.

Also speaking, Goldrim Construction Company CEO and developer, Edeyokun, assured customers that the company would continue to provide affordable, durable and world-class properties that justify their hard-earned funds.

He said the establishment was through God’s guidance. He said several milestone construction projectsn have been acrtualised, some of which commissioned by the then Governor of Lagos State and current President, Bola Tinubu.

Edeyokun said that Goldrim visions are built around providing conducive environment for businesses, strong regard for the environment and principle of integrity in its operations.

‘We have provided well-finished office and shop units that are of world standard. Each unit comes with private conveniences and showers, as well as well-lit interior and exterior corridors. The generous car park is a hallmark of Goldrim Plazas. CCTV and human security personnel are also provided to make our occupiers and visitors very comfortable,’ he said.

‘At Goldrim Plaza, the business environment is also worthy of note. Various needs of different people, regardless of social status, are met under the same roof in a one-stop plaza,’ he said.

He enumerated some of the businesses operating at Goldrim Plaza, Ojodu-Berger, including financial institutions, medical suppliers, boutiques, salons, IT firms, logistics organisations, foodstuff suppliers and many more, concentrated under one roof to cater to the diverse needs of the community.

He said Goldrim Construction Company is expanding its network of infrastructure projects to include housing schemes for Lagosians. He revealed that the first set of housing projects would soon be unveiled in the Grammar School area of Ojodu-Berger.

Goodwill messages were received from distinguished guests, including the State Assembly member representing Epe Constituency 1, Honourable Tobun Abiodun, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who praised Mr. Edeyokun for his doggedness and industrious spirit.

ATUNDA Turns Textile Waste Into Functional Art

A new Nigerian art and design studio, ATUNDA, is turning discarded textile materials into furniture, lighting, home décor and sculptural objects as it seeks to demonstrate the creative and economic value of materials often regarded as waste.

Founded by creative professional Mabayomije Akinyemi-Ekong, ATUNDA was inspired by an encounter with discarded fabric pieces while walking through Yaba. Mountains of tiny textile offcuts scattered along the road prompted Akinyemi-Ekong to consider whether the materials could be repurposed into useful and desirable products.

That idea has evolved into a design venture focused on transforming recovered textiles into functional art while promoting a more circular approach to material use.

The studio’s first body of work, The Yaba Collection, is made from textile materials recovered from Yaba Textile Market. The collection features furniture and statement art pieces designed for contemporary homes, offices and public spaces.

Its first completed artwork, AKOBI, is a chair and represents ATUNDA’s initial experiment with using recovered textile materials as upholstery.

‘AKOBI was where the idea became real,’ Akinyemi said, adding, ‘We had an idea that these discarded fabrics could become something beautiful and valuable, but we didn’t know if it would work. We experimented, and AKOBI became the first proof that it could.’

ATUNDA’s approach sits at the intersection of design, art and circularity, with each piece created to remain functional while preserving the colours, textures and imperfections of the recovered materials.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over textile waste in Nigeria. Fabric offcuts from markets, tailoring businesses, fashion production and other parts of the textile industry are frequently discarded, burned or left in public spaces.

For Akinyemi-Ekong, however, the challenge presents an opportunity to rethink how such materials are perceived.

‘We are not interested in simply making things from waste,’ she said. ‘We want to change the way people see these materials. The goal is to create work that people desire first, and then discover that the material has been given another life.’

Beyond its collections, ATUNDA plans to organise creative workshops where participants can learn to produce small furniture pieces from recovered textiles. The studio also intends to collaborate with local artisans and explore partnerships that could extend its circular design model into social-impact initiatives.

Akinyemi-Ekong said the long-term goal is to build a Nigerian design practice that demonstrates the creative and economic potential of materials commonly considered worthless.

Ondo Trains 150 Women, Others In Leadership

No fewer than 150 women in leadership positions across Ondo State have participated in a capacity-building and leadership empowerment retreat aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and enhancing women’s contributions to public administration.

The retreat, organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at Nibanola Motherland Resorts and Golf, Ondo Town, brought together female permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and parastatals, women political leaders and board chairpersons.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Oluwaseun Osamaye, said the programme was designed to equip women leaders with the skills, knowledge and renewed commitment needed to drive development and support the state’s governance agenda.

According to her, the retreat focused on reviewing the impact of women in leadership, fostering collaboration among female leaders and building their capacity for greater effectiveness in their respective organisations.

‘This capacity-building workshop is to harness and reassess our shared commitments and unity of purpose, especially towards actualising the agenda of the Governor,’ Osamaye said.

She disclosed that 150 participants attended the retreat, describing it as a platform for leadership development, networking and strategic engagement among women occupying key decision-making positions.

A major highlight of the event was the revelation that Ondo State currently has 16 female permanent secretaries, the highest number recorded under any administration in the state.

‘Today we have 16 female permanent secretaries seated in this auditorium. That’s the highest number of female permanent secretaries under any administration,’ she said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Foluke Daramola, noted that the gathering offered opportunities for professional networking, mentorship and knowledge sharing among women leaders from different sectors.

‘It is a gathering of female leadership in Ondo State-top government bureaucrats, NGOs, local government representatives and even women from the political terrain,’ Daramola said.

She added that participants were expected to return to their various organisations better equipped to mentor emerging female leaders and improve performance in their workplaces.

‘We are also taking away from here lessons on how we can go back to our various duty posts to mentor and coach those coming after us, so that when we leave the stage, they too can step in with minimal stress,’ she stated.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Bridget Awoshika of Adeyemi Federal University of Education assessed the state performance for over the past 18 months, awarding the administration 18 points out of a possible 20.

Awoshika pointed to investments in healthcare, education, employment generation and women’s empowerment as evidence of progress, while also praising the government’s approach to gender inclusion.

She encouraged women to continue investing in personal development, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship to enhance their economic independence and contribute to poverty reduction.

I have found my purpose in serving Bamutakude – Serwanjja

How much money have you ‘eaten’ in stamps since you took office?

Hahaha! ‘Eaten?’ When I came into leadership, I told people I would not eat their money. So, we opened a bank account for the village and we have a village finance manager who manages the accounts and we audit them every quarter.

I only sign requisitions and approve expenditure. Sinalya ku sente ye kyalo, but I get a chairman’s allowance.

How do people in Bamutakude greet you now that you have made them famous?

Hahaha! They even did a song for me. Waking up and having Mzee Lwanga give you lumonde and ka chai is amazing.

Seriously though, wewumuzako di?

Omanyi, when I came into power, I thought that if we brought corporate governance systems to village level, we could achieve the vision we have for the community. My committee developed a five-year strategic plan with annual work plans, and every month we assess whether we are meeting our targets and where we are falling short. We also have five eminent elders who keep us accountable. My job as CEO is to mobilise resources and create partnerships. I have pressure to deliver because I promised the people, so I have to move fast because ka pressure kanji!

At this rate, can we say you are about to give every villager a uniform?

Hahaha! No, no, no. The uniforms are for some of the entities we are setting up, for example we are establishing Bamutakude Catering Services, which will create jobs for women in the community.

Bamutakude. Let’s unpack that. Who kutakulad who to inspire this village’s name?

According to the elders, there was an elder in this village who was attacked and badly scratched by a leopard. When people were asked about his condition, they would say, ‘Omutaka gyali eyo, bamutakuude, naye teyafuude.’ Plot 1 of Bamutakude is where that elder lived.

How much is a 50×100 if we want to secure a future in your ka village? Oba you are not taking in fresh villagers?

Etaaka lyalinye since I took office. A 50×100 plot of titled land used to cost around Shs18m, but it is now about Shs25m because so many property masters have descended on the village. And prices are still going up.

Have you started receiving offers to go and run other villages?

Yes, from neighbouring villages. But what I do is invite my fellow chairmen because we are separated only by invisible borders. We are not islands. We meet, strategise and plan together because we are one people and should work together.

From your career experience now, who is easier to manage: an angry source or an angry villager?

Muganda wange, a source is easier. Villagers balalamu ko because you live on the same village. I have dealt with sources who have walked off sets and even threatened to kill me, but those are usually empty threats. If I have the evidence, you just need to calm down and answer my questions.

With villagers, it is different because you live with them. Someone can stand outside your house and yell at you every morning. You need patience with villagers.

Be honest, how much do you secretly enjoy being called Chayimani?

I am so happy and I believe I have found my purpose. I did journalism for about 15 years and I think I was one of the most decorated journalists of our time. Then I started the institute, which also did well, and I got some satisfaction from that. But I have never experienced the kind of satisfaction I get from serving the community. It is different. It is heartwarming to impact people’s lives firsthand. I made one call and NIRA came to register people for IDs. You should have seen the smiles on their faces. Another call and UEDCL came to work on electricity connectivity. Now I am getting sponsorships and people giving back to the community. Journalism gives you satisfaction when you do a story and things change. But this is really heartwarming because you get to see the impact firsthand.

What village rumour about yourself have you started hearing ku kyalo?

‘Ssentebe atutwala speed.’ I take the community cleaning drives very seriously. Every Saturday, I wake up at 6am, sound the drum and everyone has to get up and participate. At the end of the day, they appreciate it because we are keeping the community clean together.

We heard mbu you guys are planning to bring 50 Cent, or was it Beyoncé, to launch some village project. Bitufu?

Naye mukama! We have not got there yet. Hahaha!

Which celebrity would match Bamutakude energy and instantly get you a free pass in the next election?

I have someone in mind, but he is not your usual celebrity. Prof. Moses Mulumba. He has anchored his celebrity in community service. He has built a community school where parents can pay school fees with food. A parent can bring, say 100kg of maize as their ‘school fees.’ He has also set up a hospital where mothers can give birth for just Shs10,000. If I told the community that we would implement his blueprint and work with him to support the village, I would certainly get another term.

Who would cause the most chaos as a Bamutakude resident: Bobi Wine, Gravity, Alien Skin or Betty Nambooze?

Definitely the Ghetto President, Bobi Wine. He resonates very well with the youth.

Have you ever interviewed someone and thought, ‘This person is absolutely finished,’ before the interview even began?

I do a show called The Hard Questions. There have been times when I have done my research beforehand, gathered all my evidence and thought, ‘Haa, ono tampoona!’

Which person have you met and they completely intimidated you?

Two. Every time I am going to interview Andrew Mwenda, I have sleepless nights because I have to research deeply, get my facts right and anchor myself in history. I go into night prep mode. The other is former Foreign Affairs Minister Okello Oryem. He is a good guy, but he can beat you at your own game if you are not careful.

What is one thing about being chairman that makes you feel important?

The fact that you have a direct impact on people.

Are you better at borrowing money or paying back debts?

Sometimes, newola ne ku MTN muganda wange. You can wake up without that ka fuel money and need a bailout. But I am also good at paying back. These people who say, ‘Toteeka ku MTN, bammanja,’ I deposit on that exact line so you can learn to pay your debts.

Which version of you brings you more joy lately: Journalist Solomon or Chairman Solomon?

That is a hard one. I love journalism. I have done it for the last 15 years, so that speaks to my love affair with it. The chairman role is not a job, it is service. I still practice journalism. But lately, the pendulum is heavily swinging towards Chairman Solomon.

Which is more dangerous: a microphone in the hands of a journalist or a WhatsApp group in the hands of villagers?

A microphone in the hands of a journalist. With a WhatsApp group, you can diffuse things to some extent or even shut the group down. But a microphone in the hands of an unresearched journalist can set a country ablaze. We have a responsibility to speak truth without fear or favour, but that truth must be anchored in research.

What is your end goal in all this? Obaza ka ki, Solomon?

Silina kyembaza, nvaako. I get asked this question a lot lately naye nkolela kyaalo. I am just an LC1 chairman.

What is one question you were hoping I would not ask during this interview?

‘How has this new role affected your family?’ Of course, it has had an impact. I am busier because I now have to divide time between my family and the village. So, yeah!