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The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has enrolled 700 young professionals to join the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), signalling a major investment in the next generation of leaders who will continue to drive the continent’s economic and financial transformation.

At the graduation ceremony, which was held at Landmark Events Centre in Lagos on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, the bank celebrated graduates from Nigeria and across African countries where the bank operates.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Deputy Group Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, and other Board Members, Executive Management, faculty members, were on ground to receive the newly graduated professionals into the UBA Tribe.

Since the inception of the program over three years ago, the GMAP, designed to equip entrants with the necessary skills and knowledge, has graduated well over 4,000 banking and finance professionals while providing them with mentorship, training, and hands-on experience needed to boost their career.

Elumelu, who referred to the graduands as ‘lions and lionesses’, reiterated the bank’s commitment towards raising the next generation of passionate and competent leaders on the continent.

‘We are happy to have you as part of this tribe. At UBA, we strongly believe in the transformative power of young people, and that is why we designed this programme that allows us to transfer the baton of knowledge and experience onto others,’ he said. ‘A few decades ago, I started out just like you fresh out of the university, and I am glad that this organisation is providing for you that same opportunity that I got, and I look forward to seeing you guys prove your worth.’

He connected the graduates’ journey to the bank’s larger mission, emphasising that UBA’s role extends beyond profit, as it is also about being relevant to situations in the environment as well helping to catalyse economic prosperity for Africa.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, who represented the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, reiterated the bank’s belief in human capital development.

‘This ceremony is a celebration of potential, perseverance and purpose. You all are not just graduates; you are our next generation of innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of an enduring legacy. This program reflects our belief that Africa’s future will be shaped not by chance, but by capable and courageous Press leaders like you,’ he said.

Nweke elaborated on the rigorous, six-month Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), which, according to him, blended classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments, and mentorship from senior executives.

The new cohorts, who now join UBA’s family of over 25,000 employees, were charged to take ownership of their careers, show initiative, and be at the forefront of transformation in technology, customer experience, and sustainability.

Santa Barbara wine country is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of world-class vineyards, stunning scenery, and delightful culinary experiences. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, a day spent exploring this charming region is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Getting Started: Planning Your Itinerary

To make the most of your day in Santa Barbara wine country, it’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance. Research the wineries you’d like to visit, taking into account their locations, tasting room hours, and any special events or tours they may offer. Many visitors find that joining organized Santa Barbara wine tours is a convenient and informative way to experience the best of the region.

Exploring the Vineyards

As you set out on your journey, you’ll find yourself immersed in a landscape of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and picturesque estates. The Santa Barbara wine region is known for its diverse microclimates, which allow for the production of a wide variety of grape varietals, from classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to lesser-known gems like Syrah and Viognier.

Tasting Rooms and Wine Experiences

No visit to Santa Barbara wine country is complete without stopping at a few tasting rooms. These inviting spaces offer the opportunity to sample a range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and engage with knowledgeable staff. Many wineries also offer behind-the-scenes tours, providing a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of viticulture.

Savoring Local Cuisine

In between winery visits, be sure to take a break and indulge in the region’s culinary delights. Santa Barbara is home to a thriving farm-to-table movement, with numerous restaurants and cafes showcasing the bounty of local produce, meats, and cheeses. Whether you opt for a casual picnic among the vines or a gourmet meal at a renowned eatery, you’ll find that the flavors of Santa Barbara perfectly complement its wines.

Soaking in the Scenery

One of the most enchanting aspects of Santa Barbara wine country is its breathtaking scenery. As you wind your way through the hills and valleys, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. From the undulating rows of vines to the distant mountain peaks, the landscape is a feast for the senses.

Bringing Home Memories (and Wine!)

As your day in Santa Barbara wine country draws to a close, be sure to take home a few bottles of your favorite wines to share with friends and family. Many wineries offer shipping services, making it easy to have your selections delivered directly to your doorstep. In addition to the wines themselves, the memories you’ve made and the experiences you’ve shared will be a lasting reminder of your perfect day in this enchanting destination.

Conclusion: A Toast to Santa Barbara

A day spent exploring Santa Barbara wine country is an experience that will linger long after you’ve returned home. From the world-class vineyards and tasting rooms to the stunning scenery and delectable cuisine, this region offers a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, a visit to Santa Barbara is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the magic of wine and the beauty of the California coast.

Madagascar’s new head of state on Monday named a civilian prime minister, following a military takeover last week that sent ex-president Andry Rajoelina fleeing.

Army colonel Michael Randrianirina, who announced Tuesday that the military had taken power after Rajoelina was impeached for desertion of duty following weeks of protests, was sworn in as president Friday.

Randrianirina promised sweeping change and new elections in the poverty-stricken island nation, where anger over chronic power cuts sparked the demonstrations last month that swiftly escalated into a mass anti-government movement.

Following consultations with the national assembly, Randrianirina chose Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, a figure of the private sector and former chairman of the Malagasy bank BNI, as new premier Monday.

Rajaonarivelo had ‘the skills, the experience but also relations with international organisations in other countries that will collaborate with Madagascar,’ Randrianirina said.

The new president has promised a civilian government and collaboration with ‘all the driving forces of the nation’ after the military takeover, rejecting last week accusations of having led a coup.

He said Monday that the choice of premier had ‘scrupulously followed the Constitution’.

Randrianirina led the CAPSAT army unit which mutinied on October 11, condemning violence against anti-government protesters by Rajoelina’s security forces and joining the demonstrations in the capital Antananarivo.

It marked a turning point in the weeks-long uprising, leading Rajoelina to flee the country.

Media reports said the ousted ex-president was evacuated on Sunday aboard a French military plane that took him to the French island of Reunion, from where he travelled to Dubai. Supporters of Rajoelina have condemned the power grab, which was backed by the constitutional court.

A class teacher, Mr. Ishaya Ismaila, who was abducted while harvesting maize on his farm in Tungan-Maje community in Gwagwalada Area Council, has regained his freedom after a payment of N1 million to his abductors.

The abductors also collected cigarettes, Indian hemp and hard drugs.

Abuja Metro had reported that Mr. Ismaila, who teaches with the Local Education Authority (LEA) primary school, Dakwa 1, in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, was reported abducted on Thursday, around 5:23 pm. while harvesting maize on his farm in Tungan-Maje, Gwagwalada Area Council.

A member of the victim’s family, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the release of the class teacher through the telephone on Monday.

He said the teacher was released from a forest near Izom town, Niger State, after paying a ransom of N1 million to the kidnappers.

He disclosed that the ransom was raised through contributions from the school’s teachers, family, friends, and relations of the victim from Friday till Saturday evening.

‘In fact, teachers, friends, and relatives had to rally around to raise the sum of N1 million for the kidnappers before he was released at a forest which borders Izom and Suleja, Niger State,’ he said.

The source also disclosed that some items such as cigarettes, drugs, and Indian hemp were purchased for the kidnappers.

The police source at the Zuba division confirmed the release of the victim but silent on the ransom said to have been paid by the family.

It was Thomas Dye the political scientist that said public policy is simply what government chooses to do, or not to do. Nowhere is this more evident than in the state of our roads. Public policy does not just decide which roads get built, it shapes how they are maintained, funded, and protected. When those policies fail or lose consistency, the cracks show, literally. Broken highways and neglected infrastructure become daily reminders of how policy decisions, or the lack of them, directly affect our safety and mobility.

The Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, a vital economic bridge linking the North to the South was once envisioned as a symbol of progress and national integration. Today, however, it stands as a striking example of public policy failure, plagued by construction delays, insecurity, inflated costs, and growing public frustration. What was meant to connect regions and boost commerce has instead become a reminder of how policy inconsistency can stall both development and trust.

The Abuja-Kaduna Highway forms part of the A2 route linking Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano. The road was designed to improve economic growth, trade, investment, and regional integration. Yet beyond its role as a transport corridor, the highway has become the heartbeat of activity in Kaduna. Along its route lie strategic hubs like Panteka Market, one of Nigeria’s largest centers for vehicle spare parts and metal fabrication, as well as major industries such as Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) in Kakuri, the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), and Nigerian Breweries.

Over time, the expressway has also spurred urban expansion. Areas like Kakau, Gonin Gora, and Kudende have grown into thriving residential and commercial communities, while Ungwan Romi, Kakuri, and Tudun wada have continue to stretch towards the corridor. What was once a simple highway now doubles as an economic artery and a growing urban spine, linking livelihoods, industries, and entire communities across the North.

Despite lofty promises, reality paints a different picture. Years of neglect, contract mismanagement, and recurring security crises have turned the Abuja-Kaduna Highway from a symbol of progress into a source of daily anxiety. Once seen as a smooth link between the South, the nation’s capital and the North, it now stands as a cautionary tale of how weak policy execution and poor oversight can turn a vital national asset into a commuter’s nightmare.

In July 2025, the government ordered emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway near Kaduna. However, the deeper problem runs far beyond patchwork fixes. Reports show that the project’s cost has skyrocketed, from N155 billion in 2017 to an astonishing N797 billion by 2023, while completion remains at only about 60%.

The setbacks of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway project run deeper than potholes and delays, it is tangled in a web of systemic issues. Weak accountability and poor contract enforcement have allowed inefficiency to thrive, while a culture of neglect ensures that even ongoing projects quickly fall into disrepair.

Fixing the Abuja-Kaduna Highway requires more than promises. it demands discipline, transparency, and consistent follow-through. There is a need to enforce strict contract management and performance audits. Timelines should be strictly adhered to, and penalties stipulated in the event of default. The need for independent monitoring and regular performance audits, like those used on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, can not be overemphasised.