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With the resolution of the Olori Ebi crisis, which initially reared its head in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode, the coast appeared cleared for the selection of a worthy candidate to fill the vacant stool of Awujale of Ijebuland.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode is the biggest of the four ruling houses in Ijebu ode having produced 25 Awujale in the past, with many junior obas on the stool in many towns outside Ijebu Ode.

Expectedly, there have been many aspirants from the different royal families within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House jostling for the stool. Majorly.

Notable among the royal houses that made up the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are Bubiade, Folagbade, Tuwase, Jadiara, Fusengbuwa. But who does the cap fits.

One name keep popping up amongst the princes of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and that is that of Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, He is a personality that has cut a niche for himself in the real estate and construction sector of the country. He is also well endowed and imbued with what it takes to sit and occupy the stool of Awujale. He is humble, has respect for tradition and culture of Ijebuland, breathe Ijebu and is well loved by the young and old within his family, members of the various traditional institutions in Ijebu Ode among others.

Royal families background

The Giwa of Egbe Bobakeye Akile Ijebu is Ijebu personified and truly a blue blood based on his families pedigree.

His rich royal background could first be traced to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House through his late father, Omoba (Alhaji) Ishola Onanuga, a prince of Jadiara Royal family, through his maternal grandfather, Prince Fetuga and Olisa Olukoga of Ijebu Ode, his maternal grandmother.

His mother, late Alhaja Bisola Onanuga was the granddaughter of Omoba Alfa Kadiri of Bubiade Royal House of Ita’jana, Ijebu Ode and Obelu Lukan Royal House of Esure through her grandmother who was the first Iya Suna of Ijebu-Imushin. The late Alhaja Bisola Onanuga was also the granddaughter of Prince Talabi Awoye, son of the 20th Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife of Olufesogbade Ruling House.

His grandfather was late Omoba (Alhaji) Mustapha Onanuga a.k.a Captain Alaso Oke , who came from the Anikinaiya Ruling House. The late Captain Alaso Oke, as fondly called, was the Giwa of the Obafowora Age Grade and one of the signatories to the nomination of the immediate past Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON in 1959.

His politics

A progressive to the core, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga was active in politics and contributed to economic development of Ogun and Lagos states and at national level. He was a member of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and served as member of the Transitional Committee of then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999, member Ogun State Transitional Work Group in 2003 and Board member, Gateway Pharmaceutical between 1999 and 2003. Presently he is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on which platform his wife, Yeye Yetunde Onanuga was elected Deputy Governor alongside former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Other appointments

He was also Board Member of Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Reduction since 2002 to date; member Ijebu Ode Central Mosque Building technical Committee; Chairman Awujale Palace Extension Building Technical Committee.

Presently, he is one of the members of the Ijebu State Creation Committee and arrow head of Council of Otunbas who sponsored the construction of an office in Ijebu Ode preparatory for the location of Passport Office by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Traditional titles

In recognition of his contributions to socio- development of Ijebuland, he was honoured with chieftaincy titles by some Ijebu monarchs. Aside from being a member of Council of Otunbas, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga was conferred with the title of Otunba Tayese of Esure Ijebu by late Alaiyeluwa, Obelu of Esure Ijebu, Oba (Dr.) Kamoru Sansi in 1995. Thereafter in recognition of his social contribution to Ijebuland, he was conferred the title of Otunba Anikinaiya, reserved for blue bloods, by the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr, Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, in 2008.

These titles bestowed on him by these monarchs and his royal pedigree endeared him to other traditional rulers, a relationship he cherished, that made him to be grounded in the rich tradition and culture of Ijebu Ode and Ijebuland,

Socio cultural activities

Otunba Abiodun Onanuga is one of the arrowheads for the establishment of a socio-political group named Ijebu Congress which membership spread across Ijebuland.

As a stakeholder in the history and culture of Ijebu Ode, he joined other like minds to push for the establishment of Ijebu National Museum and contributed immensely towards the realization of the project.

He also initiated a committee of Bobakeye age group which visited the British museum in London in 2024 and which visited British National Archives in London to look for facts to clear and provide answer to certain issues and clear some ambiguities relating to the visit of Queen Elizabeth of England to Ijebu Ode in 1956 and some aspects of Ijebu history. The ‘expedition’ was rewarding as the investigation provided documentary evidence that has enriched the history of Ijebuland during colonial period.

Bobakeye age grade 1956 to 1958

As Giwa Bobakeye, he has maintained a healthy cohesion within the ranks of the members such that the membership remained united and not factionised over the last 30 years to date. He is also the Vice Chairman of Regberegbe Council of Ijebu Ode.

Working life

Otunba Abiodun Onanuga is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NUGACON, a construction and property development company established in 1982. The company was later incorporated as a limited liability in 1984 and has contributed to socio-economic development of Lagos and Ogun States in particular.

Education

For his primary education, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga attended Emmanuel Anglican Primary School, Italupe between 1963 and 1969 and the prestigious Ijebu Ode Grammar School between 1970 and 1974 where he won the award for the Best Student in Technical Drawing. He attended Federal School of Science , Victoria Island, Lagos for his’ A’ Levels between 1974 and 1975 and Yaba College of Technology in 1976 and graduated in June, 1981 with flying colours.

After serving his one year National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) at the National Housing Authority between 1981 and 1982, he wrote and passed the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) examinations and qualified as a Chartered Builder (MNIOB) and was later admitted into the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) in 1992.

He was enrolled into the College of Fellows by the Nigerian Institute of Building (FNIOB) in 2005. Earlier in 2004, he was recognized professionally for attaining Excellence by the Nigerian Institute of Building(NIOB).

He is a Member of Nigerian Institute of Management; Member Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Member Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Member Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Kingdom amongst others.

Every October the world looks forward to genius. It is because it waits on the wise men of Stockholm who announce the year’s winners of the Nobel Prizes in important areas of human endeavours and civilisation.

Nigeria has no acclaim this year. We have not had one since Professor Wole Soyinka received the prize for literature in 1986. As the world acknowledged our own preeminent man of letters, so we do every year for those who are selected by the committee each year. It is a humanist award, a validation of years of toil when ideas and empathy meet.

This year, a new list illumines the world. The first is for Physiology or Medicine. Three researchers won it ‘for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance.’ It is about how the body protects itself from diseases and has been helping in such afflictions as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The winners are Mary E. Brunkow, 64, of the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, United States; Fred Ramsdell of Sonoma Biotherapeutics in San Francisco in the United States; and Shimon Sakaguchi of Osaka University in Japan. Kudos!

For Physics, the accolades go ‘for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.’ These colourful words reflect their feat for MRI and making better cell phones and computers. The winners are John Clarke, 83, of the University of California at Berkeley, United States; Michel H. Devoret, 72, at Yale University and John M. Martin. A nod for them!

In Chemistry, it is awarded ‘for the development of metal-organic frameworks’ that lay the groundwork for paradoxically sucking greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere and harvesting moisture for desert and dry environments. It is a hit for saving the planet. The laureates are Susumu Kigawa, 74, of Kyoto University in Japan; Richard Robson, 88, of the University of Melbourne, Australia; Omar M. Yaghi, 60, of the University of California at Berkeley. The world doffs its hat!

For Literature, it goes to Hungarian novelist Laszlo Krasznahorkai, 71, ‘for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.’ The writer is one of the writers of recent times that was on the prediction list and was able to get the committee’s mind right this time. His writings are noted for their bleak air and a sense of humanity’s compulsion to injustice and disaster. His works like Satantango and the Melancholy of resistance are representative of his genius. Cheers for him.

For Peace, the committee chooses Maria Corina Machado ‘who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness’ in her country Venezuela. She has been in hiding, yet she has been the rallying point and cry for a divided opposition, and has hounded the Maduro dictatorship with her grace and vision.

The nation’s ruler Nicolas Maduro has subjected her to suppression and held the country in his iron grip. Her award was coveted by the United States President, Donald Trump, who made a drama of giving her call and almost insinuating in dubious humour that she might want to hand him the prize. A pacific applause for her!

The last prize goes for Economic Science ‘having explained innovation-driven economic growth.’ This is a paean to ideas that explicate the various ways that economies prosper.

The winners are Joel Mokyr of Northwestern University in the United States as well as Eitan Berglas School of Economics; Phillipe Aghion of the College de France and INSEAD in France as well as the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom; and Peter Howitt of Brown University, United States. Hurrahs to them.

If we must join this list, we must encourage research, and it begins with government. If one of us could get it, others also can.

More tributes have been pouring in for the late preacher and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Works Minister Dave Umahi, Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Alex Otti (Abia) yesterday mourned the eminent cleric.

In a personal tribute, Akpabio described the late Uma Ukpai as ‘God’s General’ who stayed true to his calling and impacted not only the Kingdom of God but humanity as a whole.

He added: ‘Today, we mourn the passing of God’s General, Evangelist Uma Ukpai, whose transition has left the body of Christ and indeed humanity as a whole in a profound state of sadness. He was not just an Evangelist who won many souls for God, but a beacon of light who illuminated countless souls.

‘It is remarkable that Evangelist Uma Ukpai stayed true to his calling with an unwavering commitment to preaching the word of God globally. His legacy remains one of impact, inspiration and hope for those whom he encountered.

‘He was a man of great faith. While he committed his life to God and His work, he also catered for humanity through the establishment of schools and medical facilities to provide for the educational and healthcare needs of his communities.

‘His passing has left an indellible mark on the hearts of many. Though this is a great loss not just to the body of Christ, I find solace in the fact that Heaven has gained one more Angel to watch over the flock of God. Indeed, he has joined the heavenly choir to sing praises in the presence of God.

‘His journey may have ended, but his legacies live on in the hearts of humanity. Indeed, he has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, and he has kept the faith. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord whom he served.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his entire family, and the body of Christ. May you all find solace in the remarkable and impactful life that he lived and the knowledge that he may have left us physically, but his legacies live on.’

In his condolence message, Umahi described the late evangelist as ‘a man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion’.

The minister recalled the late Ukpai’s lifelong dedication to evangelism and spiritual mentorship, saying his insightful sermons had shaped the faith of countless Christians worldwide.

‘The late Uma Ukpai was a renowned preacher and teacher of the gospel whose insightful sermons helped in shaping the spiritual journey of many Christians worldwide.

‘He was a man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion. He shall be remembered for his untiring commitment towards promoting the flourishing of the word of God.

‘He continued to preach the gospel of Christ until his last day on earth when he was ushered into the glorious presence of his heavenly Father,’ Umahi said.

Governor Uzodimma recalled that the fiery preacher, known for organising large crusades across continents, channelled his intellectual gifts into building institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and charitable centres.

He wrote: ‘I admired him for his brand of evangelism, which had no boundaries. I admired him for his faith. I also admired him for his resilience and deep intellectualism.’

The Imo State governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) also stated that the late Uma Ukpai used his evangelism to foster national unity by promoting messages of patriotism and shared identity.

According to him, although Dr. Ukpai hailed from present-day Abia State, he settled and built his ministry in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in a practical demonstration of belief in one Nigeria, united by common destiny.

‘From that base, he reached out to the world,’ the governor said.

Uzodimma added that a remarkable feature of Dr. Ukpai’s ministry was his focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than personal glorification.

‘By setting up a non-denominational ministry, the late evangelist demonstrated in practical terms that Christian unity is not only feasible but desirable. We have truly lost a great soldier of Christ,’ he said.

Also, Abia State Governor Alex Otti; former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, and eminent Abia State residents have paid tributes to the late Dr. Uma Ukpai.

Governor Otti recalled what he called the father-son relationship between him and Dr. Ukpai over the years.

The governor said Ukpai’s death has created a vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the country.

He said: ‘Our father in the Lord, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the Heavens and celebration of the Angels, gone to be with the Lord.

‘He was the father of all, a soldier of Christ and a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing of the sick, salvation for lost souls, fulfilment of the scriptures and manifestation of the prophesies of God.

‘His death is devastating because of the positive influence he wielded, the positive impacts he made, the lives he touched in very special ways, and above all, the vacuum his exit has created.’

In a condolence message he personally signed, the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described the late evangelist as one of the greatest gifts that God gave to Abia State and humanity.

Ikpeazu wrote: ‘The passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai came to me as a moment of deep personal grief and reflection.

‘Abia, Nigeria, and indeed the world, have lost a man of uncommon faith, humility, and spiritual depth. He was profoundly impactful.

‘Rev. Ukpai was one of Abia’s greatest gifts to Christianity and humanity, a man whose life radiated divine purpose and total devotion to God’s work.

‘Personally, I feel his loss very deeply. Rev. Uma Ukpai was a steadfast supporter throughout my tenure as Governor of Abia State.

‘He stood by me with prayers, words of wisdom, and unwavering encouragement.

‘He believed strongly in the vision of a peaceful and progressive Abia and constantly reminded me to govern with compassion, humility, and the fear of God.

‘Even beyond public office, Rev. Ukpai remained a source of personal strength and spiritual guidance. His kindness, simplicity, and deep love for humanity were evident in every interaction.

‘He was a man who carried God’s presence everywhere he went, bringing hope to the hopeless, healing to the afflicted, and light to those in despair.

‘Rev. Uma Ukpai’s life was a true testimony of what it means to live for God and to serve others selflessly.

‘His ministry touched countless lives across nations and generations, and his legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire us all.

‘On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ukpai family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the entire body of Christ.

‘While we mourn his passing, we take solace in knowing that he lived a fulfilled life and has now entered into the eternal rest of his Master, whom he served faithfully till the end.’

The General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, express sorrow over the passing of Dr. Ukpai.

In a heartfelt condolence message, Bishop Nwankpa described the late Rev. Ukpai as ‘a towering figure in the Christian faith, a father in the Lord, and one of the greatest evangelists Nigeria has ever produced’.

He wrote: ‘Rev. Uma Ukpai’s departure marks the end of a glorious era of uncompromising evangelism and selfless service to God and humanity.

‘He lived for the Gospel, laboured for the Kingdom, and left an indelible mark on the sands of time. His life was, indeed a sermon, one that will continue to inspire generations of believers.’

The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously conferred one of its highest international honours on the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, by inducting him into the prestigious International Hall of Fame.

A statement yesterday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col Appolonia Anele, said the late General Lagbaja was conferred with the distinguished honour on Monday, October 13, during the opening ceremony of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C.

The recognition, according to the statement, underscores the late General Lagbaja’s outstanding achievements as an alumnus of the institution who rose meritoriously to the zenith of his military career as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

‘In a solemn but yet colourful ceremony, the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in acknowledgment of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism and international peace and security,’ the statement said.

It stated that Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, received the award alongside Mrs. Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, on behalf of the late COAS.

‘Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed profound pride in this singular honour bestowed upon one of the Nigerian Army’s most illustrious and visionary leaders.

‘He affirmed that the recognition not only immortalises the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s distinguished service but also reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the universal ideals of professionalism, discipline, and dedication to global peace and security,’ the statement added.

The founder of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians to abandon their 2027 presidential ambitions and allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete his eight-year tenure.

In a statement on Wednesday, Maharaj Ji said Atiku’s persistent quest for the presidency has become excessive, describing it as ‘a car without brakes.’

He added that the former vice president’s desperation has made him deaf to the voices of reason.

He called on political leaders from the North, particularly members of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), to intervene and persuade Atiku to shelve his ambition in the interest of national peace and equity.

‘The silence of Northern leaders, especially the NEF members like Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and David Mark, as well as Northern youths and traders, amounts to encouraging political rascality,’ Maharaj Ji said.

He warned that allowing Atiku to contest in 2027 would amount to an attempt to ‘rob the South of its rightful eight-year tenure,’ which began in 2023 under President Tinubu.

‘It is either Atiku is stopped from contesting in 2027 or the 2031 presidential election should be open to all regions,’ he added.

Maharaj Ji maintained that the South must be allowed to complete its two-term cycle, just as the North did under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘What is good for the goose is good for the gander,’ he stated, urging Northern leaders to apply the same level of support they gave Buhari in ensuring Tinubu’s administration completes its tenure for the sake of peace, progress, and stability.

‘I reiterate that Atiku has no business aiming to contest the forthcoming 2027 presidential election! He does not have the love that creates intelligence, dignity, and respect for such a position.

‘And if he insists he does, he will be taught a special lesson by The Light Forces that have saved Nigeria from being set ablaze by the Atikus, Ndume Babachin, David Mark, El Rufais, Kwankwaso, Modu Sheriffs of Boko Haram, Miyetti Allah, etc., and their trainee religious sycophants and stealocrats like Aregbe, Amaechi, Tanbulwal.’

The Centre for Inclusive Development Research and Analytics (CINDRAN) has renewed its partnership with Mc Heritage Consulting Limited ahead of the 2026 Students and Graduates in Tech (SGIT) Nigeria Conference, following the success of their collaboration at the 2025 edition held at the University of Bradford.

Announcing the renewed partnership earlier this week, CINDRAN revealed plans to award over 100 premium scholarships to Nigerian participants for DataCamp’s world-class training in data science, programming, and artificial intelligence.

Through global initiatives such as Spark9ja and partnerships with platforms like DataCamp, the organization continues to equip young Africans with the digital skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

CINDRAN, a non-profit focused on digital transformation, AI governance, and inclusive human capital development across Africa, said the collaboration aligns with its mission to promote digital inclusion and empower youth across the continent.

‘CINDRAN believes that sustainable development begins with digital empowerment,’ said its Founder, Mr. Thompson Ikechukwu.

‘Our partnership with SGIT reflects a shared vision of nurturing Africa’s next generation of innovators by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a data-driven world.’

The SGIT Nigeria 2026 Conference is expected to gather students, graduates, innovators, and tech professionals from within and outside Nigeria. Global industry leaders will also be in attendance to explore emerging opportunities and trends in data, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.

CINDRAN’s renewed commitment builds on its existing collaboration with DataCamp, through which it has already trained over 2,000 African youths via Spark9ja-a platform connecting young Africans to digital learning and international internship opportunities.

Mr. Chukwuemeka Osuji, CEO of Mc Heritage Consulting and convener of the SGIT Conference, welcomed the partnership renewal, describing it as a step forward in advancing Africa’s digital future.

‘We are excited to continue our collaboration with CINDRAN,’ he said. ‘Their strategic focus on digital skills development complements SGIT’s mission to bridge the gap between African and global technology ecosystems. Together, we are shaping the future of work for Africa’s youth.’

The SGIT Conference, initiated by Mc Heritage Consulting, serves as a global platform that connects young African talent with technology opportunities, fostering innovation and cross-border collaboration.

The Nigerian edition forms part of a broader vision to close the digital skills gap between Africa and Europe.

CINDRAN’s continued support for SGIT Nigeria 2026 reaffirms its leadership role in driving inclusive innovation, quality education, and digital transformation across Africa.

The organization remains committed to building a skilled and empowered generation of African youth ready for the global digital economy.

Interested individuals or organizations seeking scholarship or partnership information can visit the official SGIT website for more details.

Recent arbitrary increases in tuition fees in our tertiary institutions, apparently due to the fact that students now have access to loans provided by the Federal Government for that purpose should be expected. We say this given our experiences with how some Nigerians make nonsense of otherwise laudable government projects and programmes.

The Bola Tinubu administration set up the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to assist indigent students financially to at least see them through higher education and later repay the loan when they start working. The essence, according to the government, is to ensure that no one is denied higher education simply because his or her parents are poor.

Many Nigerians commended the initiative which came decades after students loan and scholarships were either few and far between, or non-existent. Even bursary awards that university students used to enjoy from their state governments have vanished into thin air.

Unfortunately, the loan scheme, barely 16 months after its take-off, seems to be running into stormy waters. The latest of these are the arbitrary increases in tuition fees by several tertiary institutions, particularly for programmes such as Medicine, Nursing, and Law that have been hiked by some institutions ranging between 20 and 522 per cent.

A report titled ‘Report on Framework to Mitigate the Impact of Increased Institutional Charges on the Fund’s Operations’, lists some of the institutions where these anomalies are recorded. These include: University of Ilesha in Ilesha, Osun State, that raised its Nursing programme fee by about 55 per cent from N825,000 to N1.276 million, while its Law programme rose from N1.276 million to N1.526 million, a 20 per cent increase.

Ekiti State University in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, increased its Medicine and Surgery fee from N797,000 to N1.132 million, representing a 42 per cent hike while Edo State University, Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, raised the same programme’s fee by N1 million, from N3.250 million to N4.250 million.

These arbitrary fee hikes are placing significant financial burden on students as well as render the fund’s projections useless.

While we agree that some of these increases might be justified given the country’s economic situation; several others are just out of tune with reality. How, for instance, could a higher institution have raised its fee by about 500 per cent in so short a time?

It would seem that some of these institutions have seen in the students’ loans a new growth area from where they could make profit. This is unfortunate as it is scandalous. Universities should be solution centres and not hubs of problems. There are tidier ways by which they could grow their revenues, even if we admit that they are not equally endowed.

NELFUND should move swiftly to sift the wheat from the chaff.

Perhaps it might be necessary to have an arrangement whereby the tuition fees could be determined by a particular body that would comprise stakeholders like the institutions, parents’ bodies and others, for standardisation. We know the environments are not the same; so there would be some variations in the arrangement to take care of the schools’ local peculiarities. But this would be better than individual institutions fixing their fees arbitrarily.

We support the fund’s recommendations, including stopping disbursements to schools with extreme increases pending review, capping loans for affected institutions until a long-term solution is finalised, or temporarily halting loans to institutions where fee hikes exceed 100 per cent until a thorough review is conducted. We are also in support of the Federal Government’s decision to audit the universities over the TETFUND grants.

The 51 institutions that had been implicated in illegal deductions and exploitation of the scheme should be appropriately sanctioned without negative impact on the beneficiary students because they are not responsible for the infractions. Indeed, the officials involved must not be spared either. That is the only way the government can demonstrate its zero tolerance for corruption on the arrangement.

The scheme deserves the support and cooperation of all stakeholders. The schools must understand that the money is not freebie; it is loans that the beneficiaries would repay sometimes later. They therefore need to be sympathetic and considerate in all they do.

A Nigerian visual artist, Ajuwon Ajibola, and director of Ajuwon Art Gallery, shared a compelling experience on how the Ogun State Drum Festival-implemented under the Ibikunle Amosun-led government-inspired his distinctive artistic expression.

The Ogun Drum Festival, which garnered global attention, began in April 2016 with the unveiling of the world’s tallest drum, measuring 17 feet. Due to popular demand, it evolved into the African Drum Festival. Subsequent editions of the festival have seen drums and music from across Nigeria, Africa, and the Diaspora coming together in a vibrant celebration.

The event held different meanings for various attendees. For some, it was an opportunity for economic gain-an avenue to showcase their products, artworks, Adire fabrics, Aso Oke, and food. For others, it was a tourism-driven experience, allowing them to indulge in the festival’s lively atmosphere and to explore Ogun State’s tourism potential. Still, for many, it was a socio-cultural gathering-an occasion for connection, networking, and shared cultural expression.

While everyone viewed and interpreted the festival through their unique lens, Ajuwon saw something bold: an idea waiting to be explored. He recognized an opportunity to harness his artistic instincts and inject fresh creativity into the art world. Inspired by the rich diversity of drums at the event-representing various cultures worldwide-he sought to domesticate the festival’s spirit into a new artistic concept called Iluism. This innovative idea involves transforming drums into miniature art forms that reflect creativity, innovation, identity, and originality. Ajuwon envisions this art as a lasting testament-artworks that viewers can keep, hang on their walls, and continue to relive the festival’s multifaceted experience.

Ajuwon, an Oyo prince, began his artistic journey as an undergraduate. His passion for art was sparked during a visit to a former president of the National Association of Oyo Students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife-Mr. Tunde Bolarinwa. During his visit, he was captivated by a piece of artwork in the studio that arrested the attention of another visitor, igniting his imagination and inspiring him to pursue a career in the arts. Encouraged by Mr. Bolarinwa, he sought further mentorship from Mr. Omidiran Gbolade, where he gained foundational skills and training that laid the groundwork for his artistic ventures.

For Ajuwon, the drum transcends being merely a musical instrument; it is a symbol of cultural identity-an emblem of communal unity and historical connection. Drums are central to every aspect of Nigerian socio-cultural and religious life: when people are joyful, they beat the drums; in times of sorrow, they do the same. They serve as a unifying heartbeat, a language that transmits stories across generations.

His Oyo heritage significantly influences his cultural expression. He affirms that drums embody the very essence of Oyo identity. Believing strongly in the power of art to combat unemployment, Ajuwon hopes to partner with the Oyo Palace to promote arts awareness and foster youth engagement through strategic workshops and exhibitions.

While he admires renowned artists who have made significant marks in the field, he acknowledges that the drummers who played on streets and in communities inspire him the most-helping him connect deeply with his roots and fueling his creativity.

He expressed concern over the festival’s decline and called on the Ogun State government to revive this global event, which once showcased the state’s vibrant culture on the international stage. Beyond its tourism appeal, he sees the festival as a vital platform for revenue generation, employment, and economic stimulation. If the festival inspired him to create his unique artistic path, he believes many others are waiting for similar inspiration.

Leadway Assurance, Nigeria’s leading insurance provider, has once again reinforced its industry leadership, clinching two prestigious honours at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards Insurance, as the insurance company of the Year (for the second consecutive year) and Excellence in Claims Leadership and Digital Innovation.

These recognitions reaffirm Leadway Assurance’s position as Nigeria’s most trusted insurer, underpinned by 55 years of legacy of integrity, innovation, and customer focus. In 2024 alone, the company paid out N117 billion in claims-the highest in the industry-further strengthening its reputation as the nation’s most consistent and reliable insurer.

Commenting on the milestone, Gboyega Lesi, Managing Director of Leadway Assurance, said: Each payout reflects restored livelihoods and renewed confidence for families and businesses across the country. These double honours are a worthy recognition of the dedication of our team and our commitment to serving customers better every day. The recognition motivates us to continue building systems and teams that ensure no one faces uncertainty alone. Each innovation and every claim fulfilled reaffirms our promise to provide protection. For Leadway Assurance, these accolades celebrate our sense of purpose, reliability, and the lasting strength of an indigenous brand built to endure.

‘Winning the Insurance Company of the Year for the second consecutive year and adding Excellence in Claims Leadership and Digital Innovation awards reflects our consistent devotion to excellence, consistency, and innovation in delivering value.

”We thank the leadership of BusinessDay for celebrating our relentless pursuit of efficiency, transparency, and empathy in every customer interaction; from simplifying claims processes to leveraging technology for faster, smarter access to insurance policies, as we continue to redefine trust and innovation in the insurance industry.

‘Leadway Assurance’s transformation of claims management has set a new benchmark in the insurance industry. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the company has digitised its claims processes, enabling customers to file, track, and finalise claims seamlessly. This digital shift has significantly reduced turnaround times and elevated customer experience nationwide’, Lesi added.

The BAFI Awards, regarded as the gold standard for financial excellence, celebrate institutions that embody innovation, strong governance, and customer-centricity.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has confirmed the appointment of 5,000 contract teachers under the State’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff.

The teachers were initially engaged by the previous administration on a contract basis and received a monthly stipend of ?65,000.

Governor Okpebholo, who supervised the distribution of appointment letters at a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Government House, said the move reflects his administration’s commitment to valuing and empowering educators.

He emphasized the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to improving their welfare and working conditions.

According to him, ‘Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because, I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have traveled long distances.

‘You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.’

Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who thanked the teachers for their perseverance, said neautiful schools without teachers were useless.

‘Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.’

‘He met Ambrose Alli University with a ?41 million subvention and increased it to ?500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.’

Dr. Iyamu said the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.