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Media firm felicitates Ajayi on appointment as UI Marketing Dept acting HOD

Ibadan-based media, public relations and advertising agency, Cred 360 Media Limited, has congratulated Dr Oluseyi Ajayi on his appointment as Acting Head of the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI).

In a congratulatory message contained in a statement signed by the Project and Corporate Communication Manager of the organisation, Rosiji Adeyemi, Cred 360 Media described the appointment as recognition of Ajayi’s academic contributions, professional expertise and commitment to the advancement of marketing education and research.

The organisation said Ajayi’s expertise and experience would further strengthen the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies and contribute to its continued development.

It wished him a successful tenure, expressing confidence that his leadership would promote growth and innovation in the department.

Cred 360 Media also congratulated the University of Ibadan and the department on the appointment, describing Ajayi as a thought leader whose experience would contribute to the advancement of marketing scholarship and practice.

Ajayi, a member of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (MNIMN), joined the University of Ibadan in 2019 and has contributed to teaching, research and academic administration.

He previously served as Sub-Dean (Postgraduate) in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences.

His areas of specialisation include services marketing, general management and consumer studies, while his research interests cover consumer behaviour, service quality and strategic marketing practices in Nigerian and African business environments.

Oyo govt releases 2026 BECE, School of science results

The Oyo State Government has announced the release of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results and the Entrance Examination results for the Oyo State Schools of Science.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, said the results are now available to candidates and other relevant stakeholders through the channels provided by the Ministry.

He said the examinations assessed students’ academic performance and provided a basis for progression to the next stage of their education. He congratulated candidates who performed well and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies.

He also encouraged successful candidates admitted to the Schools of Science to make good use of the opportunities provided by the specialised institutions.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to teachers’ welfare, safer schools, and quality education, and charged principals of public secondary schools to prioritise students’ safety and wellbeing.

He spoke at a resumption meeting held at Lagelu Grammar School, Agugu, Ibadan, where he said the government would continue to support teachers through training and retraining, timely promotion, and prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that school gates and other entrances were properly manned, perimeter fences regularly monitored, and overgrown bushes within and around school premises cleared.

He also directed schools to establish functional Guidance and Counselling Units and Anti-Bullying Clubs, organise sensitisation programmes on drug and sexual abuse, and provide safe channels for students to report concerns.

He reiterated the government’s position on free and accessible basic education, warning against the collection of unauthorised levies in public schools, and directed schools to organise regular Open Day programmes to strengthen parental participation in students’ academic development.

On Continuous Assessment, the Commissioner explained that the grading system should cover attendance, notebooks, participation in Open Day, textbooks, school-based tests and teacher-based tests, with each component carrying 10 marks.

He said the 60 marks obtained should be divided by two to arrive at the 30 marks obtainable for Continuous Assessment.

He further advised principals to use the approved National Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum and disregard unauthorised versions circulating on social media.

He encouraged schools to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into teaching and learning where facilities were available, and urged stakeholders to encourage students to use the recently launched Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP).

The Commissioner reiterated the prohibition on mobile phones and other mobile devices during school hours, directing that any device found with a student be released only to the parent or guardian.

He also warned that supervisors, invigilators and school heads found aiding or abetting examination malpractice would be appropriately sanctioned.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Bamidele Oyinloye, urged principals to lead by example through punctuality, discipline, integrity and professionalism, while ensuring the effective administration of their schools.

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Sherifat Abimbola, also stressed the need to prioritise students’ welfare, maintain discipline and properly manage government properties entrusted to schools.

In separate goodwill messages, the President of the Association of Nigerian Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS), Comrade Babatunde Fasasi, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Hassan Fatai, commended the Ministry for the engagement and reaffirmed their support for the government’s efforts to improve education in the State.

They also appealed for sustained attention to teachers’ welfare, promotion and career progression.

Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi advance implementation of soil health scheme

Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi states have established state-level coordination mechanisms to accelerate the implementation of the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) and promote evidence-based soil management across the three states.

The initiative is aimed at translating Nigeria’s national soil health agenda into locally driven action to improve soil fertility, boost agricultural productivity and strengthen long-term food security.

The NFSHS is being led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), through its Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS), in partnership with the Soil Values Programme.

According to a statement issued by the Communication Team of the Soil Values Project, the first round of state domestication workshops held in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi brought together government institutions, researchers, farmer organisations, private-sector actors and development partners.

The workshops focused on adapting the scheme to the agricultural realities of each state while establishing structures to guide implementation and strengthen state ownership.

Stakeholders at the workshops called for a shift from blanket fertiliser recommendations to site-specific soil management based on soil data and local conditions.

They also highlighted the role of the NFSHS in providing farmers with tailored recommendations through Soil Health Cards, while supporting the expansion of the Nigeria Soil Information System (NiSIS), a national database designed to facilitate evidence-based agricultural decision-making.

In Kano, participants identified synergies between the NFSHS and existing state initiatives, including the planting of nearly 20 million trees since 2023 and efforts to develop local compost as an alternative to dependence on chemical fertilisers.

In Jigawa, the workshop featured the release of NFSHS educational materials in Hausa and the integration of women farmers’ organisations into the State Technical Executive Committee (STEC).

The workshop also heard that NiSIS currently contains nearly 8,000 recorded soil data points, with efforts underway to reach the target of 100,000 data points by the end of 2026.

In Bauchi, the state Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing the national policy and working closely with the Soil Values Programme to restore soil fertility.

A major outcome of the workshops was the formation of STECs in the three states, each chaired by the respective State Commissioner of Agriculture, as well as Coalitions of the Willing (CoW).

The mechanisms are expected to provide the governance, coordination and multi-stakeholder collaboration required to drive the rollout of the NFSHS at state level and sustain implementation beyond the workshops.

National Coordinator of the Soil Values Programme in Nigeria, Ms Medinah Ayuba Fagbemi, said the alignment between the NFSHS and Soil Values Programme would help drive efforts to restore degraded land, particularly in northern Nigeria.

‘The Federal Ministry and the Soil Values Programme are honoured to provide the technical and financial support to facilitate the domestication of the NFSHS,’ she said.

Managing Director of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Dr Faruk Kurawa, said the state had been following the Soil Values Programme since its inception and pledged to provide the necessary support for its implementation.

The Director of ALCCMS, represented by Mrs Afolabi Idowu Fatima, urged stakeholders to ensure that the workshops resulted in concrete implementation measures rather than awareness alone.

The Soil Values Programme is funded by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation of the Netherlands (DGIS) and implemented by a consortium led by the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC), in partnership with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and Wageningen University and Research (WUR).

The programme is also supported by knowledge and technical partners including AGRA, the Landscape Alliance (CIFOR-ICRAF), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), ISRIC-World Soil Information and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The programme works to promote sustainable agricultural systems and improve soil fertility and soil health in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and northern Nigeria.

Kudiwave protests at Police HQ over N750m removed from its PalmPay account

Staff and supporters of Kudiwave Technologies Nigeria Limited yesterday protested at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja over a dispute involving about N750.3 million allegedly moved from the company’s PalmPay account illegally.

The protesters, dressed in solemn attire and carrying placards, submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, seeking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the restriction and subsequent movement of funds from the account.

They urged IG to probe the role played by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos.

PalmPay argued that it only complied with a valid court order, that the funds were thereafter in the custody of the police, and that it did no wrong.

The protesters bore placards with inscriptions, including: ‘IGP save our business,’ ‘PalmPay and PSFU return our N750m,’ ‘Kudiwave is not a fraudulent organisation,’ and ‘Stop extortion of fintech companies.’

Addressing reporters, Company Secretary of Kudiwave Technologies, Prince Oko Kalu, said the company’s account had been placed on a Post-No-Debit (PND) restriction since April, preventing it from accessing its funds.

He said the company filed a stay of execution on July 3 challenging the initial order Palmpay claimed to have relied on, and that a judge subsequently set aside the order on July 22.

Kudiwave contends that the money should be returned following the setting aside of the order, which itclaims PalmPay and PSFU were yet to comply with.

Kalu said the company traced the restriction on its account to the PSFU and approached the unit for clarification.

According to Kalu, the account remained restricted despite making a certain payment as allegedly demanded.

He said the company subsequently learnt that an order had been obtained on July 1 directing that funds in the account be moved to a police exhibit account.

He said the company encountered another problem when it approached PalmPay with the court ruling.

‘We came with the order to ask PalmPay to release our account so that we’ll resume our business, only to realise that the entire fund in our account up to N750,339,399.99 was moved,’ he said.

Kalu said the company’s records showed that the money had been transferred to another bank’s business account, rather than the police exhibit account stated in the earlier order.

He questioned the timing and narration of the transaction and urged the IG to investigate the circumstances surrounding the movement of the funds.

Kalu also rejected claims that the company did not have a verifiable business address.

He said PalmPay representatives had previously visited the company’s office and held meetings there.

‘How will you open an account to a customer that you have no KYC of the customer?’ he asked, referring to the Know Your Customer requirements for account holders.

Kalu said Kudiwave had submitted four petitions to the current IGP over the matter and appealed for an independent investigation.

‘We are here to create awareness. Let the public hear us. Let the IGP come out from his seat. Let him come and look into our matter, appoint independent investigation over this matter,’ he said.

Responding to the protesters, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, Wilson Akpan, assured them that their petition would be considered.

Akpan, who addressed the demonstrators outside the Force Headquarters, said the matter would be examined by the police authorities.

‘This matter you have brought before the head of the force will be critically looked into and solved,’ he said.

He added: ‘The IGP, Olatunji Disu, is a well-vested police investigator. Don’t panic and don’t be afraid. Whatever is due to you, you will get it. Just have that at the back of your mind.’

The protesters later proceeded to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where they submitted a copy of the petition and sought the regulator’s intervention in the dispute.

In a response signed by its Legal Counsel, Caleb Aluya, Palmpay said the transfer was made solely in obedience to the Federal High Court’s June 29 order, which it said remained valid, binding and enforceable on July 15.

PalmPay also disputed Kudiwave’s reliance on an earlier letter in which it had indicated that it considered it appropriate to await the determination of the pending motion before taking further steps.

According to Palmpay, that communication was intended to mitigate the consequences of non-compliance with the court order and to give Kudiwave an opportunity to obtain a valid order staying or varying the substantive order.

PalmPay said its position was not an admission that its obligation to comply with the existing order had been suspended.

It further stated that Kudiwave was covered by an earlier ex-parte order and that PalmPay was expressly listed as a respondent in that order.

‘PalmPay therefore acted strictly in compliance with the express terms of the Court’s Order and not on its own initiative,’ the company said.

On the N750.36 million debit, PalmPay said it had ‘consistently’ complied with valid court orders served on it and would continue to do so.

The company added that following the ruling delivered on July 22, it had formally engaged the Nigeria Police Force and requested compliance with the court’s decision.

PalmPay maintained that because the funds were transferred to the designated Police Recovery Account pursuant to the June 29 order, any further steps towards implementing the July 22 ruling should be directed to the police, which it described as the current custodian of the funds.

The dispute took another turn on July 22, when, according to documents supplied by Kudiwave, the Federal High Court set aside, vacated and discharged the June 29 order.

The ruling also directed the removal of restrictions placed on Kudiwave’s account number 8889232516.

PalmPay subsequently acknowledged the court’s decision in a July 22 letter to Kudiwave’s solicitors, stating that the restriction on the account had been lifted.

However, the company did not immediately regain access to the N750.36 million transferred seven days earlier.

This has become the central point of the current dispute.

Monarchs demand equal opportunities for girls, women, urge fathers to lead

Traditional rulers have called on fathers across Nigeria to champion equal treatment for boys and girls and to help dismantle cultural practices that marginalise women.

The call was made at thus year’s Fathers4Equality Recognition Awards and Traditional Leaders Conference, organised by the Male Feminist Network, an initiative of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, under the theme ‘Redefining Fatherhood for Equality and Justice.’

The Mai of Machina and 77th Emir of Machina, Dr Bashir Albishir Bukar, described the theme as apt, expressing concern over the discrimination women face in various societies. He said human dignity and rights were universal and urged participants to translate the conference’s lessons into concrete action.

‘All human beings were created equal and should enjoy equal rights irrespective of religious or other differences,’ Bukar said, adding that fathers should play an active role in promoting equality between sexes.

The monarch called for equal access to education for daughters and sons, noting that his emirate supports qualified young men and women to pursue university degrees without gender bias.

He urged traditional rulers to lead by example in shifting community attitudes toward gender justice.

The Paramount Ruler, Rumuevuorlu Community in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Prof. Chris Akani, commended the centre for honouring traditional rulers who advance gender equity. He said his late mother’s forced withdrawal from school inspired his commitment to female education, adding that his two daughters were completing doctoral studies in statistics, French and African literature.

Akani urged parents and traditional leaders to promote positive family values, protect girls from early marriage and prioritise education as an equaliser.

The centre’s Executive Director, Monday Osasah, said fatherhood should be rooted in partnership and shared responsibility not domination, describing the initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation, as an effort to build a national movement of accountable male allies alongside women-led gender advocacy.

45,000-litre petrol tanker overturns in Epe, no casualty

A 45,000-litre tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has overturned at Isimi, inward Itokin, Epe, Lagos State, with no casualty recorded.

The incident occurred when the tanker, with registration number T-18212LA, was attempting to manoeuvre past a Ford Pickup van, KJA-13FJ, which had developed a fault and was stationary on the carriageway.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said one of the tanker’s rear tyres slipped into a pit during the manoeuvre, causing the tanker to overturn and fall on the van.

The accident resulted in the spillage of the highly inflammable product on the roadway.

LASEMA said it received a distress call about the incident at 10:19 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of its LRT Beta Whales Team stationed in Epe to the scene.

The agency said it activated its multi-agency emergency response protocol in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Police Force.

The emergency responders secured the scene, controlled traffic and diverted vehicles to prevent a secondary incident.

To reduce the risk of fire, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service applied chemical foam around the overturned tanker and its immediate surroundings.

The affected section of the road was also temporarily closed to traffic while emergency operations were carried out.

LASEMA said the remaining PMS in the damaged tanker was successfully transferred into an empty tanker without incident.

The overturned tanker and the affected pickup van were subsequently removed from the road with the aid of a private tow truck and taken to Ketu Police Station.

Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, commended the emergency responders for their swift response and coordination, saying their professionalism helped to avert a potentially major disaster.

He urged motorists, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles and tankers conveying combustible products, to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition and comply with traffic regulations.

Asia Asset Finance Rights Issue oversubscribed, strengthening capital position and investor confidence

Asia Asset Finance PLC (AAF) has further strengthened its capital position following the successful oversubscription of its Rights Issue, reinforcing the company’s financial resilience and providing a stronger platform for its next phase of sustainable growth.

The Rights Issue comprised 45,162,012 Ordinary Voting Shares at Rs. 33.30 per share, offered on the basis of four shares for every 11 shares held, with the objective of raising approximately Rs. 1.504 billion.

Investor response exceeded the amount sought. Applications totalling approximately Rs. 1.937 billion were received, resulting in the issue being oversubscribed by approximately Rs. 432.49 million. AAF received 1,264 applications for 44,582,154 shares under shareholder entitlements, together with 247 applications for a further 13,597,662 additional shares.

The newly infused capital further enhances AAF’s capital base and supports the company’s continued focus on maintaining a strong Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). The strengthened position provides additional capacity to support business expansion, reinforce operational resilience and pursue sustainable growth while maintaining prudent financial discipline.

Asia Asset Finance Chief Executive Officer Rajiv Gunawardane said, ‘The successful oversubscription of our Rights Issue is a strong vote of confidence in Asia Asset Finance and our growth journey. The new capital infusion further strengthens our capital adequacy and supports sustainable, responsible expansion. Backed by the strength of the Muthoot Group, we remain focused on advancing financial inclusion, supporting women’s financial empowerment, and expanding access to responsible financial solutions across underserved communities, while creating long-term value for all stakeholders.’

The successful capital raising adds further strength to an institution with over 55 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s financial services sector. AAF is the Sri Lankan subsidiary of Muthoot Finance, giving the company the backing, expertise and financial heritage of one of India’s leading financial services institutions.

Supported by a strengthened capital base, international parentage, an extensive distribution network and decades of local experience, Asia Asset Finance enters its next phase from a position of strength – focused on financial resilience, responsible growth, customer-centric innovation and creating sustainable value for Sri Lanka.

44th NITC to focus on putting people at centre of Sri Lanka’s digital future

As the Computer Society of Sri Lanka marks 50 years of leadership, the 44th National IT Conference (NITC) calls for a new focus on people, digital competency and human-centric adaptation as Sri Lanka moves towards a digitally driven economy and Society 5.0.

Sri Lanka stands at a critical point in its digital journey. Artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, data, digital platforms and emerging technologies are rapidly changing the way governments deliver services, businesses operate and people live and work. The pace of this change is unprecedented, creating both significant opportunities and equally significant challenges for the country.

The question before Sri Lanka is no longer whether digital transformation is necessary. It is whether the country can ensure that its people, workforce, businesses and institutions are ready to adapt to that transformation and convert technology into real economic and social value.This is where human-centric digital adaptation becomes critical.

The 44th National IT Conference (NITC) 2026, organised by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), will place this issue at the centre of the national conversation. Held from 14 to 16 October 2026 at Shangri-La Colombo under the theme ‘Human Centric Skills Towards Society 5.0,’ NITC 2026 is positioned as more than a technology conference. It is an opportunity to examine how Sri Lanka can build the capabilities, policies and mindset required to move confidently into its next digital chapter.

For CSSL, the conference comes at a particularly significant moment. The organisation is celebrating 50 years of service to Sri Lanka’s computing and technology profession. Five decades represent an important legacy, but they also create a responsibility to look beyond the achievements of the past and help shape the future.

CSSL President Heshan Karunaratne has emphasised the importance of using this milestone not simply to celebrate the organisation’s journey, but to strengthen its contribution to the country in the decades ahead. The next 50 years must be about expanding the role of the professional technology community, developing future-ready talent and ensuring that technology continues to serve people and national development.

That responsibility has never been greater.

Digital transformation is no longer confined to the ICT industry. Every sector of the economy is becoming a digital sector. Government, banking, tourism, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare and SMEs are increasingly dependent on digital technologies.

As a result, digital competency can no longer be treated as a specialist skill reserved for IT professionals. It must become a core capability across the workforce.

A finance professional needs to understand digital financial systems and data. A tourism professional must be able to work with digital platforms and increasingly technology-driven customers. Government officials need the capability to deliver and manage digital public services. Manufacturers need to understand automation and connected technologies. Entrepreneurs and SMEs need digital tools to improve productivity, reach customers and compete in global markets.

The same transformation is taking place in education and among the wider population.

Sri Lanka therefore needs to build a workforce that is not only digitally skilled today, but capable of continuously adapting as technology evolves. Reskilling and upskilling must become an integral part of the way people learn and work.

This becomes even more important in the context of Sri Lanka’s ambition to build a $ 15 billion digital economy by 2030.

The target cannot be achieved through technology infrastructure, investment and digital platforms alone. It will ultimately depend on the ability of Sri Lankan people and organisations to use those technologies effectively and create economic value from them.

NITC Conference Chairman Indika De Zoysa said: ‘Sri Lanka’s $ 15 billion digital economy ambition will ultimately depend on the readiness of our people. We cannot build a $ 15 billion digital economy with technology alone. We need a digitally competent workforce that can adopt, apply and create value from technology across every sector of the economy. Workforce readiness is therefore not a supporting element of the digital economy; it is one of its most critical foundations.’

That message goes to the heart of Sri Lanka’s digital challenge. The country’s digital ambition must be matched by an equally ambitious investment in people. Technology can provide the tools, platforms and infrastructure, but it is people who will determine whether those investments translate into productivity, innovation, competitiveness and inclusive growth.

This is particularly important as artificial intelligence begins to reshape almost every industry. AI will not only create new technology-related opportunities; it will fundamentally change the way many existing jobs are performed. The competitive advantage of countries will increasingly depend on how effectively their people can work with AI and other emerging technologies.

Sri Lanka must therefore move from a mindset of simply deploying technology to developing the human capability to use it.

That is the essence of human-centric digital adaptation.

The six tracks of NITC 2026 e-Government; Digital Tourism and Logistics; E-Finance and FinTech; Cybersecurity and Privacy; Digital Sustainability and Digital Public Infrastructure; and Ethical AI and Society 5.0 reflect the breadth of this transformation. They demonstrate that digital development is now closely connected with almost every aspect of economic and social progress.

A successful digital economy must also be an inclusive economy. Digital transformation cannot benefit only those who are already technologically confident. Students, teachers, workers, entrepreneurs, SMEs and citizens across the country must have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence required to participate.

This is where the concept of Society 5.0 becomes particularly relevant. Technology should not become an end in itself. It must be used to address human challenges, improve quality of life, create new opportunities and build a more inclusive, sustainable and productive society.

Sri Lanka has the opportunity to develop a digital economy that is not simply technology-led, but people-led and enabled by technology.

NITC 2026 will bring together local and international experts, industry leaders, professionals and policymakers to explore these opportunities and challenges. It will also provide a platform for important discussions and announcements that can contribute to shaping the country’s future digital direction.

The CSSL National ICT Awards will further recognise the people behind Sri Lanka’s digital progress from ICT leaders and researchers to educators, students and entrepreneurs. Their achievements demonstrate that technology ultimately creates value through human capability, creativity and leadership.

For CSSL, however, the larger objective goes beyond a three-day conference.

As the professional apex body representing Sri Lanka’s computing and digital technology profession, CSSL has a responsibility to provide leadership at a time when technology is becoming central to the country’s economic future. Its role must extend beyond professional development to strengthening digital skills, promoting professional standards, encouraging responsible technology adoption, supporting innovation and contributing to the national dialogue on digital transformation.

The journey towards a $ 15 billion digital economy by 2030 will require the commitment of Government, industry, academia and society. But at its heart will be the readiness of Sri Lanka’s people.

The country cannot afford to have a digital economy moving at one speed while its workforce is prepared for another. Our ambition for the digital economy must therefore be matched by an equally ambitious program for workforce readiness.

CSSL is ready to take the lead in that journey.

As it marks 50 years, the organisation can look back with pride at the foundations it helped build for Sri Lanka’s computing profession. But the more important opportunity is ahead: to make an even greater contribution to the next 50 years by helping build a digitally competent workforce, strengthening the profession and ensuring that technology remains human-centred.

The first 50 years established CSSL as a trusted professional institution. The next 50 must see it take an even stronger leadership role as Sri Lanka’s professional apex body for the digital industry, helping connect technology, people, skills and national economic ambition.

The 44th NITC is therefore not simply about discussing the technologies that will shape tomorrow.

It is about preparing the people who will shape tomorrow.

Sri Lanka’s digital future will not be determined by technology alone. It will be determined by the ability of its people to adapt, innovate and create value from technology.

That is why putting people at the centre of digital transformation is not merely a choice. It is the pathway to a digitally capable workforce, a stronger $ 15 billion digital economy and a more inclusive, competitive and human-centric Society 5.0.

Nawaloka Hospitals Colombo secures multiple awards at National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo has further cemented its position as one of South Asia’s leading private healthcare institutions by securing a range of prestigious accolades at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026.

Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo received the coveted Gold Award Winner for Excellence in Business and Financial Results (Large Category) in recognition of its outstanding financial performance, strategic vision, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. The hospital was also recognised as Joint Winner in the Healthcare Hospital Sector, recognising its excellence in clinical outcomes, patient-centred care, healthcare innovation, and leadership in Sri Lanka’s healthcare industry. In addition, the hospital secured the Joint Second Runner-up Award in the Large Category, recognising its overall organisational excellence, sustainable growth, and strong leadership.

The multiple recognition reflects Nawaloka Hospitals Colombo’ continued evolution as a globally focused medical institution that combines internationally benchmarked clinical practices with sound corporate governance, financial resilience, and operational excellence. As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional destination for medical tourism, these prestigious accolades further reinforce Nawaloka Hospitals Colombo’ reputation as a trusted medical partner for international patients seeking world-class treatment and the Sri Lankan diaspora, positioning itself as a preferred destination for quality, accessible, and patient-centred medical services in the region.

With a legacy of pioneering private medical services in Sri Lanka, Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo continues to invest in advanced medical technologies, internationally aligned clinical protocols, digital health technologies, and the continuous development of its multidisciplinary medical teams. These investments ensure that patients receive world-class treatment delivered to international standards while supporting the hospital’s long-term vision of becoming a preferred destination for medical excellence in the region.

The awards also recognise the collective dedication and expertise of the hospital’s specialist consultants, medical officers, nursing teams, and employees, whose commitment to quality, patient safety, innovation, and compassionate service continues to strengthen the institution’s reputation both locally and internationally.

As the global medical sector becomes increasingly interconnected, Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo remains focused on expanding strategic partnerships, embracing international best practices, and creating long-term value for patients, investors, and global medical collaborators. These latest accolades reaffirm the hospital’s commitment to sustainable growth, clinical excellence, and its vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a recognised destination for high-quality medical service across regional and global markets.

Oyebanji pledges better welfare for retired public servants

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has assured retired senior public servants of his administration’s commitment to improving their welfare and ensuring that they enjoy better conditions in retirement.

Oyebanji stated this on Thursday while speaking at the 12th Quarterly Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ARHOSPS), South-West, held in Ado-Ekiti.

The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Dr Foluke Olomojobi, said his administration had prioritised the regular payment of pensions and the settlement of inherited gratuity and pension arrears.

He disclosed that the government had paid N30.7bn in pensions and N7.7bn in gratuities at the local government level, while N25.6bn had been paid in state-level pensions and N11.7bn in gratuity arrears.

Oyebanji added that pension payments had been increased across the board following the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.

He said the government was also setting aside N250m monthly to settle gratuity arrears, adding that N2.6bn in inherited pension arrears had been cleared since his administration assumed office in October 2022.

The governor commended retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries for their contributions to the development of the public service, describing their experience, wisdom and institutional knowledge as valuable to serving officers.

He said the meeting provided an opportunity for retired senior public servants to renew relationships, exchange ideas and mentor serving officials.

He said that his administration had also prioritised human capital development, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation, education, women and youth development, job creation, arts, culture and tourism in its efforts to transform Ekiti into a viable economic hub.

The Regional President of ARHOSPS, South-West, Mr Demola Badejo, said the meeting marked one year since the current executive assumed office.

Badejo said that the executive had pursued a seven-point agenda covering media presence, the proposed O’Dua House initiative, strategic partnerships, mobilisation and inclusion, relationship-building, patronage and funding, as well as advocacy and government engagement.

He explained that the proposed O’Dua House would provide a platform for aspiring political leaders to publicly present and defend their manifestoes before informed audiences.

He said that the association had commenced discussions with organisations including the South-West Development Commission, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, O’Dua Group and Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria.

He urged members across the six South-West states to support the association’s regional activities and make greater use of its communication platforms.

The President of the Ekiti State chapter, Chief Oluwole Ariyo, said the choice of Ekiti as the venue was deliberate, as it would draw attention to the association’s efforts to complete its building project in Ado-Ekiti.

Ariyo commended the Oyebanji administration for supporting the meeting and appealed to the state government and public-spirited individuals to assist in completing the project.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and former Head of Service, Mrs Pelu Babafemi, described the meeting as an avenue for mentorship and knowledge-sharing between serving and retired public servants.

Babafemi, the first female Head of Service in Ekiti State, said that the presence of the Head of Service and seven Permanent Secretaries provided serving officers with an opportunity to learn from retired officials who had attained the highest levels of the public service.

She urged serving officers to give their best and leave positive legacies, noting that public service had an expiry date. She also encouraged retired public servants to continue contributing their experience to governance and public administration.