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Veritas Kapital invests in young talent to strengthen insurance industry’s future

Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is stepping up efforts to attract young Nigerians into the insurance profession through sustained partnerships with universities, student development programmes and financial incentives aimed at rewarding academic excellence.

The initiative reflects the growing need for fresh talent, diverse perspectives and improved professional capacity in an insurance industry undergoing significant regulatory and structural changes following the introduction of higher capital requirements and reforms.

As part of the commitment, the insurer recently rewarded Adeyemi Adeshola Kehinde, the best graduating student of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance at Lagos State University (LASU), with N500,000.

Kehinde, who graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 4.65 out of 5.00, received the award in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.

Speaking at the presentation, Adaobi Nwakuche, managing director/CEO of Veritas Kapital Assurance, said the award fulfilled a commitment she had made to support the department and its student association.

Nwakuche, who was represented by Arinze Adigwe, the company’s head of marketing and corporate communications, said the initiative was part of the insurer’s longstanding engagement with the university’s insurance community.

She explained that the company had pledged to reward the department’s best graduating student annually, describing the intervention as part of a broader strategy to promote insurance education and encourage young Nigerians to consider the profession as a viable career.

According to her, Veritas Kapital’s support for insurance education extends beyond LASU to other institutions, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the University of Lagos.

The company also organised a nationwide university competition in the 2022/2023 academic session to stimulate interest in insurance-related activities. The University of Lagos, University of Ilorin and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, produced the top three participants, respectively.

Nwakuche said the company’s engagement with educational institutions was a continuing commitment rather than a one-off corporate social responsibility activity, adding that it remained open to partnerships with universities willing to promote insurance education.

‘We will definitely partner with schools that are ready to partner with us,’ she said.

She noted that attracting young people into the profession was increasingly important as the industry navigates reforms, embraces new business models and responds to changing market expectations.

Bringing younger professionals into insurance, she said, would introduce fresh ideas and diverse perspectives capable of supporting the industry’s transformation and long-term development.

The intervention comes at a time when Nigeria’s insurance industry is seeking to strengthen its capacity, improve public confidence and expand its contribution to the economy. Beyond financial capital and regulatory compliance, the sector needs a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who can support underwriting, risk management, actuarial services, claims administration, technology and customer engagement.

The availability of such talent will be important as insurers reposition their businesses to take advantage of opportunities created by the ongoing reforms and the growing demand for more sophisticated risk management solutions.

Speaking at the event, Dansu Shewhenu Francis, acting head of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance at LASU, described the department’s annual insurance summit as an important platform for promoting professional development and student participation in the industry.

He said the department continued to encourage its student association to organise the programme, providing institutional support to ensure its success.

Francis expressed appreciation to Veritas Kapital for its consistent assistance, noting that the company had continued to respond whenever the department sought its support.

For Kehinde, the N500,000 award represents both financial encouragement and recognition of the effort invested in his academic journey.

He said the recognition would motivate him to work harder and encourage other students to pursue academic excellence, adding that its significance extended beyond the monetary value.

Dangote, Sanusi urge Lotus Capital to deepen investment in real economy

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, have urged Lotus Capital Limited to expand its investments in Nigeria’s real economy as the non-interest finance institution marked its 20th anniversary.

They made the call at the anniversary celebration of Lotus Capital in Lagos on Friday, commending the company’s pioneering role in Nigeria’s non-interest finance sector and urging greater support for productive industries.

Delivering the keynote address, Dangote, who was physically present at the event, described Lotus Capital’s growth from a modest beginning into a successful investment institution as a remarkable achievement, praising its founders, shareholders, board, management and staff for their resilience and commitment to ethical investment.

He said the company’s establishment when conventional banking and capital market instruments dominated the financial system demonstrated foresight in identifying an underserved market and creating professionally managed investment opportunities.

Dangote recalled the challenges of raising capital in Nigeria during the company’s early years, noting that limited banking capacity and high borrowing costs made its achievements particularly commendable.

He said Lotus Capital had helped develop the country’s financial ecosystem through Sharia-compliant investment funds, innovative products, Sukuk transactions and the co-development of the NGX Lotus Islamic Index. The company, he added, had raised more than ?1 trillion to finance over 4,000 businesses and groups.

Citing the growth of global Islamic finance, whose assets reached about $6 trillion in 2024, Dangote said Nigeria could mobilise more long-term capital through Sukuk and other non-interest instruments.

He identified manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, housing and small businesses as sectors requiring diversified financing, adding that asset-backed financing, leasing, equity participation and profit-sharing could help address funding gaps.

Dangote urged Lotus Capital to deepen its investment in productive sectors, strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions and expand technology-driven investment products to promote financial inclusion. He also stressed the importance of corporate governance, transparency, risk management and innovation.

He expressed confidence that the company could become a leading facilitator of non-interest finance across Africa.

Speaking via Zoom, Sanusi commended the courage and vision of Lotus Capital’s founder and leadership, urging the company to expand its market reach and provide more long-term financing for critical sectors.

‘It is time for us to innovate, it’s time for us to deepen the market, it’s time for us to increase our penetration of various sectors of the economy, providing long-term finance for development,’ he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Capital Limited, Mrs Hajara Adeola, said the company would strengthen its support for the real economy through innovative financing for agriculture, manufacturing, real estate and renewable energy.

Adeola said Lotus Capital was established to promote financial inclusion by providing Nigerians with alternative investment opportunities aligned with their values and Sharia principles.

She listed its milestones to include four Securities and Exchange Commission-registered public mutual funds, the development of the NGX Lotus Islamic Index in collaboration with the Nigerian Exchange, and the introduction of innovative investment products.

She also disclosed that the company advised the Federal Government on its first three sovereign Sukuk issuances, which financed more than 4,000 roads and nine bridges. Lotus Capital, she added, played a significant role in establishing Lotus Bank.

Adeola said Nigeria’s non-interest finance industry had grown to include five asset management companies, five Islamic banks, five Takaful insurance companies and more than 20 mutual funds.

Earlier, the Chairman of Lotus Capital Limited, Mr Fola Adeola, recounted the challenges surrounding the company’s establishment, when non-interest finance was largely unfamiliar in Nigeria.

He recalled supporting his wife’s proposal to establish the company despite his limited understanding of the financial model. Its first investment product, the Halal Fund, was oversubscribed after the company sought to raise ?1 billion, signalling strong public interest in Sharia-compliant investments.

Adeola, who expressed delight, said one of the company’s greatest achievements was demonstrating that different financial systems could coexist, allowing investors to choose products aligned with their faith and values.

The event also featured a panel discussion on ‘The Next Frontier: Innovation and Governance in Non-Interest Finance in Nigeria’ and attracted prominent figures from banking, manufacturing, government, diplomacy and business.

East African Community ministers approve AI strategy, university technology module

Arusha. East African Community (EAC) ministers responsible for education, science, technology, culture and sports have adopted regional artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation strategies, approving a special AI module for undergraduate students across the region.

The decisions were made at the 21st Sectoral Council meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the new headquarters of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in Kampala, Uganda.

An EAC statement released on Saturday, October 31, 2026, said the meeting, chaired by Uganda’s Minister of State for Education and Sports, Phyllis Chemutai, sought to establish common technological frameworks for education, health, agriculture and social services.

The AI module will be taught across disciplines to equip students with skills for the appropriate and responsible use of emerging technologies.

IUCEA, in collaboration with the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), has been tasked with overseeing the regional AI university network.

Ministers also agreed to establish criteria for recognising AI systems in Kiswahili, in line with efforts by the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) to make the language an official working language of the Community.

The statement said the Council was dissatisfied with some public and private universities that continued to charge students from EAC partner states higher tuition fees than local students, contrary to directives requiring equal treatment and payment in the host country’s currency.

‘IUCEA has been directed to conduct a regional audit of these violations, which should not continue because all partner states, through their universities, are aware that university students from EAC member states should be charged the same fees as students from the host country,’ reads part of the statement.

As preparations gather pace for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the three countries were urged to accelerate plans for a ‘Pamoja Visa’ to facilitate the movement of fans across borders.

The Secretariat will convene technical experts by November 2026 to review a proposal on the EAC’s cultural and commercial participation in the tournament.

Ministers also called for faster progress on mutual recognition agreements for professional qualifications among partner states.

The agreements would cover engineers, architects, accountants and veterinary doctors, allowing them to work across borders without unnecessary restrictions.

They also adopted the Regional Qualifications Framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, which seeks to harmonise technical certificates across the region.

Tundu Lissu’s brother’s final words: ‘Live in love and unity’

Arusha. The final message delivered by the brother of Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu, Alute Mughwai Lissu, 72, to his family was a call for maintaining love, unity and cooperation and continuing the good deeds he had initiated.

The message was reportedly delivered shortly before his death at 2 am on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in Arusha, following a prolonged illness.

Speaking to reporters at the deceased’s home in the Fire area of Arusha, where the family was receiving mourners, one of the relatives who cared for him, Mr Peter Lissu, said the deceased had not said much shortly before his death but left a brief message for the family.

‘Just before he died, he did not say many words, but he told us to live in love, cooperate as a family and continue the good things he had started,’ said Mr Peter.

He explained that their late brother had told them he first fell ill in 1999 and had battled the condition for a long time.

Earlier, the deceased’s younger brother, Dr Vincent Lissu, who spoke on behalf of the family, said Mr Alute had died after his condition deteriorated significantly in recent days.

He said Alute had become the family’s spokesperson and clan leader, adding that his death had left a huge gap.

‘We will sit as a family and provide further details on other arrangements, but for now, what we can say is that our brother Alute Lissu had become our family’s spokesperson, clan leader and, generally, the head of the family,’ he said.

According to Dr Vincent, the deceased was also an important figure in Tundu’s life.

Both were lawyers, and the family expects him to be buried in Mahambe Village, Ikungi District, Singida Region, after the judgment in Lissu’s case, scheduled for November 6, 2026.

‘We expect the burial to take place in Singida, but we will announce the date later. We want to attend the judgment in our brother Tundu’s case, which is scheduled for Friday. Following this death, we have postponed the burial arrangements slightly so that we can be in Dar es Salaam on Friday to attend the judgment,’ he said.

He said the family would provide further information on the burial arrangements and other programmes the following week, after the judgment.

He explained that some family members living in Dar es Salaam, accompanied by Chadema leaders, had gone to Ukonga Prison, where Tundu Lissu is being held, to formally inform him of his brother’s death.

‘Alute was like a father to our family. He was a role model to us, particularly Tundu. He was a lawyer, and we believe Tundu may have been inspired to pursue law by looking up to his brother,’ he said.

‘Therefore, we know this is a huge loss and a source of grief for us. But think about Tundu, who is in prison and did not have the opportunity to care for his brother. This will be particularly painful for him. That is why we felt it was necessary to send people to formally inform him, rather than have him learn about his brother’s death through reports circulating outside or in prison,’ he added.

He said Alute, who was a widower, had left behind five children.

According to Dr Vincent, their mother, who was the senior wife in their father’s family, had 10 children, of whom five were still alive.

‘We have always been united and loving towards one another. Even when Tundu was in court, our brother Alute often accompanied us. Even when he was seriously ill, he still managed to attend the court proceedings. We have therefore remained a closely united family, loving one another, and his death has left a huge gap,’ he said.

‘Alute was like our father and the head of our family. Losing him is a huge gap and a great source of grief. But matters of God are in God’s hands. Regarding his illness, he had been sick for a long time, for several years,’ he said.

Chadema Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa said the family had informed the party of the death, which had been received with deep sorrow.

He said the family was mourning while arranging to attend the judgment in Tundu Lissu’s case.

‘The family has said the burial arrangements will take place after Tundu Lissu’s judgment. If he is released, he will be able to attend his brother’s funeral. We have received that information from the family, and as a party, we will stand with them during this period of mourning,’ he said.

‘The party will issue an official statement conveying its condolences to the family, and we will fully participate in the funeral arrangements,’ he said.

Christians urged to face life’s challenges with joy, strength of God

Teenage preachers of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Ife, Agbowo, Ibadan, have urged Christians to face life’s challenges with the joy and strength of God, stressing that God’s time is always the best in every situation.

The young preachers, Peter Omotoso, who delivered the sermon in English, and Tolulope Abioye, who interpreted it in Yoruba, made the call penultimate Sunday during the church’s 31st Children’s Anniversary, themed ‘The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength,’ taken from Nehemiah 8:10.

They stressed that the joy and strength derived from knowing and trusting God not only provide comfort in times of trial but also lead to salvation and eternal life.

They added that such joy and strength were among the best antidotes to the numerous challenges facing Nigeria and its citizens, as well as the best means of managing personal difficulties, which God would address in His own time and way.

‘The joy of earthly things and possessions is nothing compared to the joy of the Lord. Hence, sinners should seek the forgiveness of God and the joy of His salvation,’ they said.

The young preachers admonished Christians not to allow their troubles to make them forsake God or the joy, strength and wisdom that come from knowing Him and committing their affairs into His hands.

The chairman of the anniversary committee, Ezekiel Afolabi, described the theme as apt, given the challenges facing many people, including Christians. He called for stronger faith in God to navigate the difficult times and experience His joy and strength.

Similarly, the chairperson of the anniversary, Madam Victoria F. Aluko, noted that those who put their trust in God during difficult times would reap joy, adding that living according to His word leads to a fulfilling life.

The Assistant General Superintendent (AGS) and Children’s Coordinator of the church, Pastor Samuel Ogungbemi, said the theme was relevant to the challenges confronting Nigeria and Nigerians, including insecurity and economic hardship. He prayed that such challenges would not rob God’s children of their joy.

Ogungbemi said the mission of the church’s Children’s Department remained to nurture children in the full knowledge of God through Christ, enabling them to grow in Christian character, righteousness, academics and leadership, and ultimately become God’s generals.

Another AGS, Pastor M. A. Ategbero, urged children to depend on God at all times, saying that doing so would strengthen them and give them everlasting joy that no one else could provide.

Relating the anniversary theme to Nigeria’s current situation, Ategbero said the country’s circumstances could not, on their own, guarantee anyone lasting joy. He maintained that personal decisions rooted in the fear of God could help people navigate life’s challenges with the assurance that God would address them at the appropriate time.

As part of the event, nine Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students of the church graduated and were charged to become God’s ambassadors wherever they found themselves and to participate actively in church activities.

The graduation session was anchored by Ogungbemi and Pastor M. O. Olowe, who was represented by Mr Femi Alabi, a children’s teacher and chairman of the anniversary committee.

Lawal presents staff of office and official vehicles to 19 Zamfara emirs

Governor Dauda Lawal has presented staff of office and official vehicles to 19 emirs in Zamfara State.

The coronation and presentation ceremony took place at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau the state capital.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto the Etsu Nupe and the Emir of Gwandu.

Following their oaths of office Governor Lawal presented staff of office to 11 first class emirs and eight second class emirs.

Each newly coronated emir also received a GAC ULTRA SUV (2025/2026 model) a MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicle and an EV ANTIQUE MODEL car (DDP). The vehicles are intended to support their travels and help them engage more closely with their communities.

In his remarks Governor Lawal said the ceremony reflected his administration’s recognition of the traditional institution as an enduring part of society and an important partner in promoting peace stability and development.

He noted that the ceremony also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to giving traditional rulers the recognition and institutional support they need to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He said ‘The staff of office being presented today signifies the authority entrusted to you by the State.’

‘It also represents a responsibility to govern your respective domains with fairness wisdom integrity and compassion.

‘I expect every emir to carry out their responsibilities without discrimination uphold justice and ensure that the traditional institution remains accessible to all members of the community.

‘Our people must find guidance fairness and reassurance in their traditional rulers.

‘Recognising the importance of royal palaces as centres of traditional authority and community engagement I reaffirm our commitment to completing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the remaining royal palaces.

‘This is part of our broader effort to strengthen these institutions and improve the conditions in which traditional rulers carry out their responsibilities.

‘We are also providing official vehicles to the 19 emirs. These include GAC ULTRA SUVs (2025/2026 models) MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicles and EV ANTIQUE MODEL cars (DDP).

‘This provision is intended to facilitate travel across your respective emirates encourage closer engagement with your communities and improve coordination with government institutions.

‘I expect these vehicles to be properly maintained and used responsibly in support of your official duties.’

The governor also urged the royal fathers to build a productive partnership between their emirates and the State Government.

Earlier the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar had urged the newly coronated emirs to remain fully loyal to the authority. He also encouraged them to respect and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution as they discharge their duties.

LASG to host economic roundtable Wednesday

The Lagos State Government has set machinery in motion to host the 4th edition of the Lagos Economic Roundtable at Protea Hotel Lagos on Wednesday.

The roundtable organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget will bring together policymakers economic experts development partners private sector representatives and other stakeholders to discuss emerging economic trends development opportunities and potential risks that could shape the State’s economic direction in the coming year.

Tagged: ‘Development Pathways Emerging Risks and Strategic Policy Priorities’ the roundtable will focus on critical areas including fiscal sustainability infrastructure development investment mobilisation employment generation economic diversification food security climate resilience and evidence-based governance.

According to a statement by the Director of Economic Intelligence Mr. Akinkunmi Alao the roundtable is designed to provide a platform for examining economic indicators assessing emerging trends and identifying policy responses that will strengthen Lagos State’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Mr. Ope George was quoted as saying that the engagement reflects the state government’s commitment to forward-looking economic planning and strategic policy decisions that support sustainable and inclusive growth.

‘The economic outlook for 2027 requires deliberate policy choices that will strengthen our resilience sustain economic growth and position Lagos for greater competitiveness.

‘Our focus must remain on fiscal sustainability infrastructure innovation employment generation and inclusive growth while ensuring that our policies are aligned with the long-term vision of the Lagos State Development Plan 2052’ the Commissioner stated.

The statement added that the roundtable would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange insights explore practical development pathways and generate policy recommendations to guide the State’s economic priorities for 2027 and beyond.

Prof. Abel Olorunnisola: Taking Bells University to the heights of technology

When Nigeria’s premier private University of Technology commenced operations on 1st July 2005 at Ota, Ogun State, with the noble, bold and brilliant Vision: ‘To be a world-renowned university that is committed to the development and transformation of society through environment-friendly technologies and other innovations’, the futuristic founders and patriotic minds behind it perhaps could only have guessed what it would achieve years later.

But hardly could they have realised that it would attain this lofty level with some of the best-performing graduates in engineering and different fields of human endeavour across the globe, and currently boasting two professors listed in the 2026 Ranking of the Top 2% Scientists in the World. Yes, you read that right. That is the power of vision acted upon with total commitment, character, creativity, and an unwavering passion for excellence sustained all through two demanding decades.

As Sam Walton, the world – renowned American business magnate (now of blessed memory), rightly noted: ‘The secret of success is constancy of purpose.’ That is it! Right from the period of the first Vice Chancellor Prof Julius Okogie through that of his highly committed and capable successors from Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, through that of Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran to the current one, Prof Abel Olorunnisola the momentum has been consistent.

Good enough, all the members of staff, including the lecturers and administrators have keyed into the vision and have been guided by that moving mantra that: ‘Only the Best is Good for Bells’

Apart from raising students who are so well heeled in academics that they practicalise their knowledge while still in school to the point of owning their businesses and graduating as solution-providers instead of being job-seekers, they have become problem solvers to all manner of society’s multifaceted challenges.

As the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olorunnisola highlighted during the recently held and well attended Press Conference ahead of the 18th Convocation the citadel of knowledge stands at the threshold of another milestone as it ‘prepares to graduate a new cohort of skilled individuals who have been found worthy in both character and learning.’

Interestingly, the past year has been a defining epoch for Bells University of Technology as it successfully celebrated its 20th anniversary, described as ‘a monumental two decades of pioneering private tertiary technological education in Nigeria. ‘

Guided by the University’s commitment to innovation and research impact it has recorded significant strides by making a historic debut in the prestigious 2026 Times Higher Education (THE). That is outstanding, is it not? Of course it is.

For instance, on the Sustainability Impact Rankings, assessing the Institutional contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), out of over 309 Universities in Nigeria, Bellstech proudly secured A place among the elite Ranked Institutions, placing 7th overall in Nigeria and 6th among Nigerian Private Universities. This is highly commendable. But there was more to come.

In strict compliance with National Universities Commission (NUC) Directives, Bells University formally established the College of Computing (COLCOMP), positioning its Curriculum right at the Cutting Edge of Information Science, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science.

Furthermore, on the provision of infrastructure and facilities, acting as catalysts to enhance the much – needed learning environment, he listed the completion and commissioning of several state-of-the-art facilities. These include a Centre for Climate Change – a Climate Monitoring Centre established in partnership with the National Meteorological Centre (NiMet); a newly established Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI); a newly renovated central laboratory, and an expanded Digital Library Facility.

To prove the delivery of academic excellence with empirical evidence on the ground through awards, recognitions and grants, he stated that: ‘The students and faculty members have distinguished themselves globally, securing competitive scholarships, fellowships and research grants.

A few examples would suffice. For instance, Miss Rosemary Funke Adekunle and Mr Olawale Joel Adeyemi, two of the recent graduates, arrived in China on September 6, 2026 to commence Postgraduate Studies (up to PhD level) in Software Engineering and Computer Science and Technology respectively on full Chinese Government Scholarship. That is at the University of Electronics Science and Technology of China (UESTC).

Worthy of note is that a student of the University, Miss Fariat Damilola Hamzat emerged as the Overall Best Female Graduate in Food Science and Technology in Nigeria, clinching the prestigious Dolapo Coker Award. Furthermore, Mrs. Bolanle Esther Daramola secured the Second Position in the Poster Presentation Category, reinforcing the institution’s dominance in Agricultural and Food Science Research.

In a similar vein, students in the Surveying and Geoinformatics programme came 2nd in the Legacy Pitch Competition organised by Young Surveyors Network, Ogun State.

Another set of students secured 2nd and 3rd positions in Architecture Design Competition organised by the NIA Ogun Assembly. Yet, that was not all to the bumper package of well – deserved academic garlands. Also, three of the students have qualified for the Finals of the Smart Challenge Competition 2026-2027, Edition.

And on the sterling achievements of the lecturers, two professors of Bells University were listed in the 2026 Ranking of the Top 2% Scientists in the World. While Prof. Sunday O. Oyedepo was ranked no. 54, Prof. O. S. I. Fayomi was ranked no. 62, both in the Engineering Discipline.

Similarly, two of the lecturers, Dr B. I. Adetunji and Dr Tunde Adeleke secured Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at INTI International University, Malaysia and Durban University of Technology, South Africa respectively. These are truly commendable and worthy of emulation across the nation’s University spectrum.

As if all these were not enough, in the field of sports and holistic development, staying true to its Ethos of Building the ‘Total Person,’ Bellstech successfully hosted the 2nd Nigerian Private University Games Association (NPUGA) Championship, where the vibrant Student Athletes delivered stellar performances, proudly capturing the coveted Football Championship Crown.

The University deserves commendation for certifying a total of one thousand and sixty-one (1,061) graduands across various programs with

114 (15.6 percent) of them smiling back home with First Class degrees. And big kudos also goes to the overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Kafayat Abisola Lawal, from the Department of Computer Science who achieved a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0/5.00 in Computer Science.

Twenty good years after, one’s standing ovation goes to all those who have breathed life into the University ‘s Mission Statement: ‘To discover, disseminate and apply the knowledge of science and engineering for human well-being and the development of the society’.

IGM scribe pledges grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

The newly appointed National General Secretary of the Iyaloja-General Movement for Renewed Hope Alliance (IGM) Obiageli Okwubanego has pledged to strengthen the group’s nationwide structures and mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Okwubanego made the commitment following her appointment by the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria Chief Dr Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo on Thursday pledging to strengthen the national secretariat improve communication across the group’s structures and enhance coordination among members at the national state and grassroots levels.

She said the mobilisation drive would involve engagement with market leaders traders women groups and community stakeholders to expand the movement’s reach and encourage participation in the democratic process.

Okwubanego also called on Nigerians particularly women and grassroots stakeholders to engage constructively with political issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Describing her appointment as a demonstration of confidence in her leadership capacity administrative experience and commitment to service the new General Secretary pledged to work with the IGM National Director-General Dr Nasiru Ladan members of the National Working Committee state coordinators and other stakeholders to build a cohesive and effective organisation.

Okwubanego is a businesswoman and real estate developer who serves as Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on Tax and Investment Mobilisation.

In that role she facilitates engagement between investors and the state government with a focus on investment promotion diaspora investment and economic development.

She has also participated in international business engagements to promote investment opportunities in Anambra State.

Reaffirming her commitment to the new role Okwubanego urged members of the movement market leaders and state coordinators to work together to strengthen its organisational capacity and grassroots presence in pursuit of its stated objective of mobilising support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Expressing gratitude to Tinubu-Ojo for the appointment she pledged to justify the confidence reposed in her and urged members of the National Working Committee state coordinators market leaders and other stakeholders to embrace unity and work collectively to build a strong well-organised national platform.

She assured that her tenure would be guided by accountability inclusiveness and effective service delivery with emphasis on expanding the movement’s grassroots presence and improving its administrative and mobilisation capacity.

Troops rescue 11 kidnap victims in Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi.

The rescue operations were disclosed in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call on October 30, 2026, following reports that suspected terrorists had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road while attempting to invade Ribah town.

It explained that the troops, upon arriving at the scene, discovered that the assailants had fled with seven persons, prompting an aggressive pursuit towards Rambo village.

The statement said the pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon the victims, who were subsequently rescued.

The rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; Nasiru Muhammad, 21; Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56.

It said all seven victims were indigenes of Ribah town and had since been reunited with their families.

Similarly, on October 31, troops of Sector 2, while conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala general area to protect residents and deny terrorists freedom of movement, came under attack from terrorists who had laid an ambush along their route.

The statement said the troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers with superior firepower and forcing them to flee.

It added that during a subsequent search of the area, the troops discovered four kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists amid the exchange of fire.

The victims were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18.

According to the statement, the four victims, who are residents of Wasagu village, were subsequently handed over to the village head.

The task force said troops had continued to dominate the general area and sustain confidence-building measures to prevent further attacks and protect residents going about their legitimate activities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and critical infrastructure within its area of responsibility, while urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.