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Ruben Amorim’s under-fire Manchester United side will aim to bounce back to winning ways when they host newly-promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford in Saturday’s Premier League clash.

This will be the clubs’ first meeting since April 2017, when Man United cruised to a 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.

The stakes are higher now, with Amorim clinging to his job amid mounting pressure following last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, which cancelled out any momentum gained from their hard-fought win over Chelsea.

United remain without back-to-back league victories under Amorim, but could register a third straight home win if they overcome a confident Sunderland side.

The Black Cats, enjoying life back in the top flight, have picked up 11 points from their first six games, sitting sixth in the table after three wins and two draws.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, are languishing in 14th after losing three of their opening six matches, conceding 11 goals in the process.

Amorim also approaches his 50th match in charge, but history is against him; none of United’s last five permanent managers won their 50th game at the helm, with Sir Alex Ferguson the last to do so in November 1987.

However, United can draw confidence from their remarkable record against promoted teams, having gone 24 Premier League matches unbeaten against newcomers since losing 4-1 to Watford in 2021, the game that ended Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s reign.

Key Stats

Manchester United have lost 3 of their opening 6 league games, conceding 11 goals.

United are unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League games against newly-promoted clubs.

Amorim takes charge of his 50th United game, with history stacked against him.

Prediction

Sunderland’s strong start and fearless approach could trouble a fragile United side, but Old Trafford form and their record against promoted clubs may tip the balance.

The federal government has approved an additional 100 kilometres to the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, so it can pass through Edo State, South-South Nigeria. This brings the total length of the highway to 800km, and the number of states covered to nine.

David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister for Works, disclosed this at an Independence Gala night hosted by the Edo State government at the State Villa, Benin City, on October 1, 2025.

The minister quoted President Tinubu as saying, ‘This project must pass from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and to Cross River. And that is why we are here. Your Excellency, the President has given you 100 kilometres of the coastal road.’

He recalled that when the idea of the coastal road was conceived 47 years ago, Tinubu contacted the governors who were in office along with him then, but unfortunately, the project could not take off.

According to him, the route was made known, but unfortunately, it did not pass through Edo State. ‘So, when you heard 700 kilometres, and today you hear 750 kilometres, you may ask yourself where the difference is coming from; the difference is coming from here,’ he explained.

He commended the government and people of the state for their tremendous support for the federal government and also for their steadfastness to the values of the government’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Umahi assured them of the government’s commitment to quality and timely delivery of inherited ongoing projects in the State, despite frightening infrastructural and funding deficits inherited from previous administrations.

He also commended the state governor for agreeing to intervene on some critical sections of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, which had been a death-trap to motorists, commending the level of work so far done by CBC, the contractor handling one of the sections.

‘So I want to thank you, Your Excellency, for this intervention, and I want to thank CBC for the very good quality work we have seen. But, re-mobilise to this place, and the controller must be giving me photographs of work done every day, and we have to do more work at night,’ he directed.

Monday Okpebholo, the state governor, thanked the federal government for including his state in the coastal highway project and for all the improvements on the federal roads in the state since the present administration came on board.

He noted the gesture as a manifestation of the interest of the President in the people of the state and also thanked the minister for the innovation in road construction, which he said would guarantee quality and value for money.

The governor equally commended Umahi for his commitment and for always responding any time his attention is called to the infrastructural needs of Edo, stressing the desire of his administration to change the narrative in infrastructural development in the state.

‘A few days ago, I came to this axis on my way back, and what I saw almost made me weep. Seeing the number of vehicles that were on this road, and the trailers that fell, I felt it shouldn’t be so. The government is trying, and whoever is criticizing it doesn’t know what he is doing. However, criticism is also good because it serves as a wake-up call for all of us,’ the governor noted.

‘I invited you because of this road; it’s terribly bad. If I do my part and you do your part, no one will criticize the government. That’s the main reason I called you here. Our people are crying out for this road to be fixed. We need to do something about this place, whether it’s the federal or state government,’ he added

The governor said that Benin people use the road the most, and they can’t come out and go to work or come back from work without struggling, which is why the governments need to fix the road and make it motorable.

The opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) offer African teachers and students are immense; the AI education market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to hit $1.7 billion by 2030. Yet in Sub-Saharan Africa, where student-teacher ratios can reach 50:1 and many children still lack access to quality learning resources, the need for innovative solutions is urgent. What excites me most about AI in African education is the potential to address persistent inequalities in ways that haven’t been possible before.

For too long, students in under-resourced schools have had fewer opportunities simply because their teachers lacked access to support, materials, or professional development. AI can change this dynamic fundamentally, making world-class support accessible even in the most remote classrooms.

Across Africa, AI has the potential to drive change in schools, but only if it is shaped to fit the realities of African classrooms, rather than forcing classrooms to adapt to the technology. The real promise lies in AI’s power to personalise learning at scale, helping teachers meet the needs of every student in classes that are often large and diverse. When AI is guided by local priorities, cultural context and teacher expertise, it stops being a futuristic add-on and becomes a practical ally.

The challenges

Three obstacles stand out most clearly from our work across the continent.

Connectivity remains a major challenge across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Teachers want to use AI tools but can’t always access them when they need them most. That means that classroom tools need to have offline capabilities, such as pre-generated material, and tools need to work effectively with intermittent internet connections.

Language barriers present another complexity. While many teachers are comfortable teaching in English, this is not their students mother tongue and they often need to explain concepts in local languages. We’re working on multilingual capabilities through researching the African language capabilities of leading AI chatbots, but this remains an ongoing challenge that requires careful cultural and linguistic adaptation.

Perhaps most importantly, we’re hearing that teachers want more time to explore and experiment with AI tools. The demanding nature of teaching, particularly in resource-constrained environments, means that many educators struggle to find space for learning new technologies. If adoption is to succeed, professional development and time allowances must be built into the process from the start.

Making AI familiar

The beauty of AI integration in education lies not in expensive hardware or complex software, but in leveraging the tools teachers already have access to. Through our work across Sub-Saharan Africa, we’ve discovered that the most practical entry point is often the smartphone in a teacher’s pocket.

Our WhatsApp teacher support AI chatbot project in South Africa demonstrates this perfectly. Teachers are already comfortable with WhatsApp; they understand how to send messages, and they can access support instantly without needing new apps or training on unfamiliar platforms. When a teacher in a rural classroom needs help differentiating a lesson for mixed-ability learners or wants quick feedback on a lesson plan, they can simply message our AI assistant and receive immediate, contextualised support.

This approach works because it builds on existing digital behaviours rather than requiring teachers to learn entirely new systems. We’ve found that teachers who start with familiar interfaces, such as WhatsApp, develop confidence that naturally extends to other AI tools over time.

Empowering educators as architects of learning

At Cambridge, we believe the power of AI in education lies in a human-centred approach that starts ‘where teachers are,’ respecting their agency and empowering them as architects of learning, not just consumers of technology.

It is this human-centred approach that is key to helping students navigate change and use technology effectively. A recent Cambridge report, ‘Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world’, which captures the views of nearly 7,000 teachers and students across 150 countries, shows that while technology is widely embraced to support teaching and learning, over a third of teachers surveyed (34 percent) selected over-reliance on technology as the greatest challenge that technology might pose in preparing students for the future. In this age of AI, we believe that it is essential for students to develop a solid foundation of subject knowledge to help them interpret information critically and effectively.

This insight is one reason we are especially focused on helping African education systems avoid the challenges other regions have faced with technology adoption. Our approach emphasises teacher training, infrastructure readiness, and gradual implementation, rather than rapid, large-scale deployments that too often fail to deliver their intended outcomes.

We’ve structured our Getting Started with AI in the Classroom guide around practical scenarios that teachers encounter daily and our professional development programme for STEM teachers exemplifies this philosophy too.

Rather than starting with ‘here’s how to use this AI tool’, we begin with ‘here’s how AI can solve real problems you face in your classroom’. Teachers learn to evaluate AI outputs critically, asking questions like: Does this explanation match my students’ cultural context? Are there biases in the examples provided? How can I adapt this suggestion to fit my teaching style?

A future built for teachers

Teachers in Africa are incredibly creative and adaptable, and we’re starting to see them use AI in ways that we never anticipated. They’re adapting tools to local languages, incorporating traditional knowledge systems, and developing approaches that reflect their deep understanding of their communities. This innovation from the ground up suggests that AI integration in African classrooms will look quite different from implementations in other parts of the world, and that’s exactly as it should be.

Our vision is AI that helps preserve what’s best about African education while addressing its most persistent challenges. This means supporting the strong relationships between teachers and students, the collaborative learning approaches, and the community connections that characterise many African classrooms, while using AI to reduce administrative burden, enhance personalisation and provide teachers with better support.

To make this vision real, three things are essential: deeper investment in teacher training, stronger collaboration with ministries and local tech innovators, and sustained infrastructure development to bridge connectivity gaps.

Ultimately, I’m excited about a future where every African student has access to excellent education, supported by teachers who feel confident, well-resourced and professionally fulfilled. AI won’t create this future by itself, but it can be a powerful tool in the hands of dedicated educators working toward that goal.

Lagos came alive on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary, as the continent’s biggest boxing spectacle – ‘Chaos in the Ring’ – lit up the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in grand style.

The historic Independence Day boxing night, organised by Balmoral Group Promotions in partnership with Amir Khan’s AK Promotions, delivered world-class action and positioned Nigeria as a rising hub for elite boxing.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led a star-studded list of dignitaries that included Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; and Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the NSC, among others.

In the main event, American cruiserweight Brandon Glanton delivered a stunning sixth-round knockout of 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne, sealing victory in one of the night’s most gripping contests.

There was also a homecoming moment for Nigerian-born British boxer and former Commonwealth champion Dan Azeez, who thrilled fans with a fourth-round TKO win over Sulaimon Adeosun in his first-ever fight on Nigerian soil.

Speaking after the event, Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, hailed the success and hinted at even bigger plans – including the staging of a major heavyweight title fight in Lagos.

‘Nigeria is the home of heavyweights. I know they say Queensbury is the home of heavyweights, but really, Nigeria is the true home,’ said an elated Adamu.

‘Think about it – we’ve got Moses Itauma, David Adeleye, Lawrence Okolie. Anthony Joshua is Nigerian, and Deontay Wilder has Nigerian roots. The list goes on. You’ve just seen what Taiwo Agbaje has achieved. It shows we have another champion ready to rise, and we are going to make it happen.’

Adamu challenged Nigerian-bred heavyweights to headline a historic fight on home soil and confirmed that Balmoral’s next show will hold on December 19, with the fight card to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Stakeholders hailed ‘Chaos in the Ring’ as a defining moment for Nigerian sport, showcasing the country’s expanding reputation beyond football.

Bukola Olopade, DG of the NSC, said the event reflected Nigeria’s excellence on the global stage:

‘This symbolises the excellence that Nigeria is known for. We had attendance from different continents, and tonight proves we are more than a football nation. This year alone, we have hosted international events in athletics, karate, arm wrestling, and more, and it has been magnificent.’

The night drew an illustrious audience, including Minister of State for Finance Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Lagos State Sports Commission DG Lekan Fatodun, SSA to the President on Grassroots Sports Chief Adeboyega Adeyinka Anthony, veteran journalist Chief Dele Momodu, and Nigerian football legend Victor Ikpeba.

Adding further glamour, music superstars Naira Marley, D’banj, and other top artistes lit up the arena with electrifying performances, making the Independence Day spectacle a seamless fusion of world-class boxing and entertainment.

At least two persons have been confirmed dead while others sustained various degrees of injuries following a fatal road crashed when a truck had head collision with another car in the Maiduguri Metropolis, the Borno State capital on Friday evening, eyewitness sources said.

The incident occurred at about 7:45pm at the Commissioner of Police junction traffic light in Maiduguri on Friday night.

According to eyewitnesses accounts, the accident involved a truck and Mazda car alongside with a tricycle (Keke Napep), claiming the lives of two persons instantly and unspecified numbers were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Shettima Dogo, an eyewitness said, ‘I have always wanted to write on the issue of these heavy truck drivers, especially the government owned truck drivers.

‘The recent killings by heavy trucks are getting out of hand, the public have been so patient about it. Especially at the Police Commissioner traffic light junction, they don’t wait for the red light whenever it comes on.

‘The traffic officials, BOTMA and other policemen at the junction are busy collecting money from Keke Napep riders and drivers of saloon cars who followed the heavy trucks in violating the traffic rules and leaving the heavy duty trucks to go free.

‘I believe this accident this evening will bring a lot of changes otherwise one day people will protest and things may get out of hand,’ Dogo warned.

Abba Saleh, another resident also added: ‘I witnessed a terrible accident in Damboa road junction yesterday and wondered how a fatal accident will happen in a busy junction that has a traffic light. The level of our impatience and traffic offence in this town is unbecoming.’

The residents has urged Governor Babagana Zulum to checkmate the notorious activities of police and BOTMA personnel in the area to forestall future occurrences.

Efforts to obtain official comments from Kenneth Daso, the State Police Public Relations Officer, proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has insisted he will not resign despite mounting pressure over the club’s poor start to the season.

The Portuguese coach faces a crucial test on Saturday when Man United host Sunderland at Old Trafford, following a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Brentford in their last Premier League outing.

Amorim’s side have collected just seven points from six matches this season and sit 14th in the table.

Since replacing Erik ten Hag last November, he has overseen only 34 points in 33 league games, persisting with a 3-4-3 system that has so far failed to deliver results.

Although reports have suggested Amorim has considered quitting in the past, the 39-year-old made it clear this time that stepping down is not on the table.

‘That is a decision of the board. I cannot do that,’ Amorim told reporters. ‘Sometimes I have that feeling – losing is hard. It’s so frustrating when you create momentum, go to the next game, and something happens. That feeling hurts me, the players, and especially the staff.

‘But that is not my decision. And I think it would be really hard to leave if I don’t do everything to follow my career here.’

United’s clash with Sunderland is being billed as a potential turning point for Amorim, with pressure intensifying on the manager to deliver results and halt the club’s slide.

History museums preserve the stories of civilisations, leaders, and cultural shifts that shaped the modern world.

From Europe to Asia, Africa to Latin America, several museums stand out for their scale, unique collections, and historical importance. Each holds artefacts that continue to connect people to the past in ways no textbook can.

Here are seven history museums recognised for their global significance according to the collector.

1. British Museum – London, United Kingdom

Founded in 1753, the British Museum became the first national public museum in the world. Today, its collection contains more than eight million objects drawn from all continents. The museum attracts over six million visitors annually.

Its holdings include artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Anglo-Saxon England. Among its most notable items are the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and early Mesopotamian artefacts that provide insight into the origins of writing, law, and governance.

2. Pergamon Museum – Berlin, Germany

Opened in 1930, the Pergamon Museum is renowned for its full-scale reconstructions of ancient monuments. Located on Berlin’s Museum Island, it houses the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Pergamon Altar.

The museum is undergoing major renovations expected to continue until 2027. Once complete, it will reopen with expanded galleries and updated presentations of ancient Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern architecture.

3. Grand Egyptian Museum – Cairo, Egypt

The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza pyramids, is set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world. Its official opening is scheduled for late 2025.

The museum will display the entire collection from the tomb of Tutankhamun for the first time. More than 5,000 items belonging to the young pharaoh will be exhibited, alongside thousands of other artefacts spanning Egypt’s dynastic periods. Its scale positions it as a central hub for research and education on ancient Egypt.

4. Topkapi Palace Museum – Istanbul, Trkiye

For nearly four centuries, Topkapi Palace served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Converted into a museum in 1924, it presents court life, political history, and religious heritage through its extensive collections.

Highlights include imperial costumes, weapons, manuscripts, and sacred relics. Visitors can also explore sections of the Harem, once home to the sultan’s family and a key centre of political influence.

5. National Museum of Anthropology – Mexico City, Mexico

Established in 1964, the National Museum of Anthropology remains Mexico’s most visited museum. Its modernist design houses significant artefacts from pre-Columbian civilisations.

The museum’s galleries feature Aztec, Maya, and other Mesoamerican cultures. The iconic Aztec Sun Stone, giant Olmec heads, and full-scale reconstructions of ceremonial temples are among its main attractions. The institution plays a key role in preserving Mexico’s indigenous history and cultural identity.

6. Acropolis Museum – Athens, Greece

Opened in 2009, the Acropolis Museum was built at the foot of the Acropolis hill to display artefacts from the site. Its design allows direct visual connection to the Parthenon above.

The museum’s Parthenon Gallery replicates the temple’s original layout, allowing sculptures to be viewed in context. Glass floors in parts of the building reveal excavated ruins, linking visitors to Athens’ layered history.

7. Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses – Xi’an, China

Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. The museum preserves the thousands of life-sized warriors and horses created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor.

Each figure is unique, reflecting individual characteristics believed to represent real soldiers of the Qin dynasty. The museum continues to be a major site of excavation and study.

In an industry as dynamic as Nollywood, where hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of films are produced annually, one brand is emerging as a game-changer in the industry. Boxonia Blueprint, a Nigerian film production company led by Wingonia Ikpi – a seasoned film producer and director, is not only reshaping how African stories are told in cinema but also setting new standards for what the world can expect from Nollywood.

Son of the Soil: Nollywood’s Next Landmark Achievement

With Son of the Soil (SOTS), one of Boxonia Blueprint’s most ambitious and groundbreaking production projects yet, set for release this year, 2025, the company led the production of the film in Nigeria, working with UK-based stunt and action powerhouse Action Xtreme to execute large-scale action sequences and world-class stunt choreography. Once completed, the project was handed over to Nile Entertainment for distribution in Africa.

Recently, at the prestigious Black Star International Film Festival in Ghana, Son of the Soil (SOTS) earned major recognition, winning the award for Best International Showcase, Best Director, and Best Overall Film.

With its ambitious storytelling, global execution, and commitment to the company’s mission – ‘to tell audacious, authentic, and exportable African stories to local and international audiences’- Son of the Soil is positioned to become a defining milestone for Nollywood, showcasing Boxonia Blueprint’s vision to revolutionise African film production.

At the heart of this global action is Taye Arimoro, Nollywood’s rising leading man and one of Boxonia Blueprint’s six signed talents. His performance embodies the company’s dual strategy of crafting compelling stories while building African stars with undeniable global potential.

The Lost Days: A Foundation of Global Resonance

Before Son of the Soil, the founder of Boxonia Blueprint, Wingonia Ikpi, gained major recognition through her directorial debut with The Lost Days – a gripping drama that stars Boxonia Blueprint’s own talents, Durotimi Okutagidi and Cynthia Clarke, and was produced by veteran filmmakers Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri. The gripping drama swiftly climbed to the #1 spot on Prime Video in Nigeria within four days of its release. For Ikpi, the milestone serves as more than just a chart-topping success; it is proof that when authentic African narratives are delivered with world-class execution, they resonate deeply with both Nigerian audiences and viewers worldwide.

This milestone proved that African narratives, when executed with excellence, not only resonate with Nigerian audiences but also command global attention. The Lost Days further underscores Wingonia Ikpi’s commitment to delivering authentic African storytelling with global resonance through Boxonia Blueprint.

Nolly Babes: Honouring Nollywood’s Golden Era

Following the founder’s directorial debut with The Lost Days, and ahead of the October release for Son of the Soil (SOTS), Boxonia Blueprint is also set to unveil Nolly Babes – a daring ode to Nollywood’s golden era. Produced by Wingonia Ikpi and directed by Anu Bamidele, the film blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling, celebrating the roots of Nollywood while reimagining its future for audiences across Africa and the world.

The Blueprint for the Future of African Storytelling

‘At Boxonia Blueprint, the success of our projects is rooted in a structure built on transparency, global resonance, and global impact, guided by a simple truth – African stories deserve to travel the world. Every film we make is a bridge – exporting African stories, nurturing exceptional talent, and pushing Nollywood to the global stage, proving that Nollywood is not only prolific, but truly premium’, said Wingonia Ikpi, Founder of Boxonia Blueprint.’

Shaping Stars, Exporting Culture

Beyond film production, Boxonia Blueprint is cultivating a roster of distinctive talents who represent the diversity and ambition of modern Nollywood: Taye Arimoro – Nollywood’s quintessential leading man in the making, Cynthia Clarke – The IT Girl redefining screen presence with elegance and ambition, Durotimi Okutagidi – ‘Your friendly neighborhood villain ‘ whose layered performances set him apart, Miss Ezeani – The Chameleon of Characters, Chuks Joseph – The Action Romeo, balancing soft romance with adrenaline-fueled roles, blending humor with elegance and depth, and Victory Eyong – The Spark, Gen Z’s rising starlet poised for global recognition.

This dual strategy – merging boundary-pushing storytelling with carefully curated star power, captures Boxonia Blueprint’s mission to export African culture and cinematic excellence worldwide.

A Cultural Force in Nollywood

More than a production house, Boxonia Blueprint is emerging as a cultural force, a standard-bearer for a Nollywood that is not only prolific but indisputably premium, reshaping the industry one groundbreaking project at a time.

Samuel Maduka Onyishi was born in November 1963 in Nsukka, Enugu State, into modest beginnings. He is ethnically Igbo and the first of many children. His father worked as a bricklayer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but passed away early in Samuel’s life, forcing him into responsibility at a young age.

School was never easy. After his father’s death, financial hardship disrupted his education. He once had just a single pair of uniforms and would wash it midweek, wear it until it faded, and skip assembly when it was too dirty. He did odd jobs, including labouring on construction sites, painting, carpentry, and working as a bus conductor, just to make ends meet.

In one turning moment, the family received a token payment of ?1,200 as part of a community share when the University of Nigeria compensated host communities. His mother handed it over to Samuel, trusting him with this seed capital. With that, he ventured into trading, buying secondhand clothes from markets in Onitsha and Aba, and traveling overnight by buses to move stocks. He eventually saved about ?12,000 to move to Kano, where he expanded his trading.

Despite ongoing challenges, Samuel clung to schooling. In 1993, he enrolled in a Diploma program at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. By 1996 he proceeded to complete a degree in Social Work and Community Development, graduating with Second Class Upper. He later earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship through the Institute for Transformative Thought and Learning, affiliated with the University of Arizona, Phoenix.

While still a student in 1994, Samuel launched Peace Mass Transit (PMT) with just two buses. He built steadily, reinvesting profits, stretching resources, and navigating Nigeria’s difficult transport ecosystem. Over time, PMT scaled to a fleet of thousands of buses, serving numerous routes across the country.

His vision did not stop at transport. Several subsidiaries now form part of the Peace Group of Companies, including Peace Petroleum, insurance, microfinance, printing, and logistics. In 2021, PMT acquired a controlling stake of 55.82 percent in CandI Leasing, adding financial services to his portfolio.

In 2020, he embarked on another dream by establishing Maduka University in Agu Ekwegbe, Enugu State. The foundation was laid in early 2020, and by June 2023, the university had secured NUC licensing and opened its doors to students. His aim is to make the institution not just about academics but entrepreneurship, teaching every student to be self-reliant. ‘Every graduate of Maduka University must leave with both a degree and a skill,’ he said at the launch, underlining his vision for a practical education system.

His reputation is tied to integrity. In one widely reported episode, he returned ?2.2 billion mistakenly credited to his First Bank account. Explaining why, he said, ‘I was not sure the money was meant for me. Keeping it would have been stealing.’

Among his staff, faith is visible. At PMT headquarters, a daily noon prayer session is observed, with all staff expected to gather. He believes that businesses grounded in integrity and spirituality can withstand storms.

Samuel also holds board positions beyond his businesses. He is a Non-Executive Director at May and Baker Nigeria PLC and has been honoured with national awards, including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), recognising his business achievements and service.

Samuel moved from carrying fares as a bus conductor, painting and trading secondhand clothes, to building a transport empire and a university.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) held its 66th Specialised Induction Ceremony, inducting administrators and HR staff of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) into the Institute.

Themed ‘Raising the Bar of Professional Standards: HR as a Steward of Transformation’, the event highlighted the pivotal role of Human Resource (HR) professionals in driving excellence and sustainable transformation within organisations and society. The ceremony formally inducted six Full Members and seventy-seven Associate Members into the Institute.

In his welcome address, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, charged the new inductees to embrace their roles not just as HR practitioners but as ‘stewards of transformation.’

He stressed that the lapel pins and certificates received symbolised a professional and moral responsibility to remain committed to the highest standards of HR practice.

‘Today, you are crossing from potential to professional,’ Gobir said. ‘HR is not about pushing files; it is about stewarding destinies, igniting purpose, and transforming organisations. The true measure of HR is not in the policies you write, but in the lives you transform.’

He further urged the inductees to prepare for the future of work, citing World Economic Forum projections that 92 million jobs may be displaced by automation by 2030, while 170 million new roles will be created. According to him, HR professionals must take the lead in preparing people and organisations for such transitions.

Delivering the keynote address, Sabastine Okeke, FCIPM, Coordinator of Personnel Affairs at RCCG, spoke extensively on the historical evolution of professional bodies and the critical importance of professional standards. He noted that professional standards serve as the foundation of credibility, quality, and trust, and that higher standards lead to better performance, greater team motivation, and stronger results.

Okeke emphasised that HR professionals are no longer mere custodians of employment but must evolve into ‘stewards of the entire work experience’.

He outlined the essential capabilities of HR leaders in today’s rapidly changing world: business acumen, data literacy, effective communication, and change management expertise, emphasising that only by mastering these can HR professionals truly lead transformation.

‘Raising the bar is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of reflection, recalibration, and re-creation,’ he said. ‘The HR professional of today must not only align organisational culture with business goals but also ensure that technology, ethics, and humanity work together for sustainable impact.’

Also speaking, Vincent Adegborioye, the Chairman of the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Committee, FCIPM, who reechoed the President’s message, stating: ‘When spirituality merges with structure, the result will be outstanding.’

He encouraged inductees to leverage RCCG’s structure while upholding CIPM’s standards to elevate their HR careers.

The new inductees were urged to actively participate in RCCG Chapter and Ogun State Branch activities of the Institute, and to take advantage of the newly launched CIPM HR Leadership Academy to hone their skills.

The President also encouraged them to register and attend the 57th International Conference and Exhibition of the Institute, scheduled for October 27-30, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

With this induction, CIPM reaffirmed its commitment to raising the bar of HR practice in all sectors of the economy. By embedding global best practices, strengthening ethics, and equipping HR professionals with strategic leadership skills, the Institute continues to drive its mandate of professionalising human resource management as a cornerstone for national development.