Category: PM News

The representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, were on the delegation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who were currently in Brazil to discuss the efficacy of Yoruba traditional medicine with the government of Brazil represented by Fiocruz a South America leading Medical research institute.

The delegation therein called for global recognition and scientific validation of African traditional medicine, advocating a strategic partnership between Nigeria and Brazil that will combine indigenous knowledge with scientific research to improve healthcare and sustainable development.

The delegation made the call during the Brazil-Nigeria High-Level Bilateral Meeting on Traditional Medicine and Scientific Cooperation held at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer to the Ooni, Sodiq Lawal, said the meeting ended with the adoption of a comprehensive implementation roadmap that will guide cooperation between the two countries on traditional medicine, medicinal plant research, technology transfer, academic exchange and public health innovation.

Representing the Ooni at the summit were the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, and the President of Oduduwa Heritage Home in Brazil and International Consultant to the World Orisa Congress (WOOCON), Ajoyemi Olabisi Osunleye.

The meeting brought together representatives of Fiocruz, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Harvard University, Brazil’s Ministry of Racial Equality and the African Pride delegation to deepen South-South cooperation in traditional medicine, medicinal plant research, human milk banking and academic training.

The meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment of both countries to scientifically validate traditional medicine practices and integrate evidence-based indigenous healthcare into formal health systems.

Participants also reviewed the ongoing Harvard-Brazil-Nigeria metabolomics research involving 68 medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes, with discussions on expanding the study to other therapeutic products of medical value.

The summit further recognised a collection of about 500 medicinal plants already studied and scientifically validated in Brazil as a solid foundation for future collaborative research between Nigerian and Brazilian institutions.

Another major outcome of the meeting was the agreement to support the establishment of a Human Milk Bank in Nigeria, leveraging the technical expertise of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre and Fiocruz’s experience in the field.

The participants also linked the Brazil-Nigeria partnership to global climate initiatives through the International Savanna Forum and COP31 scheduled for September in GoiSnia, Brazil, identifying biodiversity conservation, health innovation and social technology as critical areas of future collaboration.

The meeting equally acknowledged Brazil’s ongoing efforts to secure institutional recognition for the healthcare practices of traditional terreiro communities, while noting that Nigeria’s experience in preserving indigenous medicine offers valuable lessons for international policy development.

Speaking during the opening session, the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the proposed partnership must be built on three inseparable pillars-indigenous wisdom, traditional medicinal plants and scientific research.

According to him, Africa’s traditional knowledge should not merely be preserved but scientifically validated, refined and responsibly deployed for the benefit of humanity.

‘The foundation of this partnership should rest on three inseparable pillars: indigenous wisdom, traditional medicinal plants and scientific research. Our purpose is not merely to preserve traditional knowledge, but to combine the wisdom safeguarded by our communities over generations with rigorous scientific research capable of validating, improving and responsibly applying that knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

‘Through this approach, we can transform our shared biodiversity and ancestral knowledge into safe, effective and evidence-based health innovations that contribute to public health, scientific advancement and sustainable development. These principles should form the cornerstone of the Memorandum of Understanding and all future cooperative initiatives arising from this historic meeting.’

Presenting the Ooni’s position, the Ooni’s delegation explained that African traditional medicine transcends the physical use of herbs, roots and medicinal plants.

He maintained that indigenous healthcare embodies generations of ancestral wisdom, oral traditions, spirituality and sacred knowledge that have been preserved across centuries.

He stressed that within Yoruba civilisation, prayers, incantations and other intangible cultural practices remain integral components of healing and should be recognised alongside scientific validation in any global framework for traditional medicine.

Representing the Federal Government of Nigeria, and leader of the delegation, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge systems through research, documentation and international collaboration, describing the partnership as a major step towards repositioning Africa’s cultural and scientific heritage on the global stage.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Prof. Smaranda Olarinde who led the University team highlighted the institution’s research capacity in traditional medicine, noting that the university had advanced beyond laboratory investigations, with several medicinal products already developed and manufactured.

According to her, the achievement demonstrates ABUAD’s ability to translate scientific research into practical healthcare solutions capable of benefiting society.

The meeting also adopted a detailed implementation calendar to ensure that the resolutions are translated into concrete actions.

Under the roadmap, participating institutions will immediately validate the meeting resolutions and formalise the existing Letter of Intent before constituting a Joint Working Group in August 2026 to coordinate all aspects of the partnership.

The Working Group will supervise the drafting of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding involving Fiocruz, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife and Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, with participation of Brazil’s Ministries of Health and Racial Equality.

The proposed agreement will cover traditional medicine research, medicinal plant development, human milk banking, postgraduate training, technology transfer, joint scientific publications and institutional cooperation.

According to the implementation schedule, the partnership will be presented at the International Savanna Forum and COP31 in GoiSnia in September 2026 as a Global South model for addressing climate, health and sustainable development challenges.

The roadmap further provides for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding in October, its formal signing in November 2026, and the commencement of pilot medicinal plant projects, academic exchange programmes, postgraduate collaborations and certification courses in traditional medicine between December 2026 and January 2027.

The implementation plan also recommends that the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife continue playing a central coordinating role alongside Nigerian institutions in driving the partnership, while both countries pursue long-term collaboration in biodiversity conservation, indigenous healthcare innovation and scientific research.

The resolutions, if fully implemented, are expected to significantly strengthen Nigeria-Brazil relations and position African traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge systems as globally recognised contributors to modern healthcare through evidence-based scientific collaboration.

The delegation from Nigeria to the meeting led by by the Executive Secretary, National Institute of Cultural Orientation – NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare supported by Princess Kemi Fadojutimi who flew to join from the USA, Dr Kunle Jayesimi from Harvard University, USA, trado Medical practioners, Chief Olokooba Atinuke Fagoroye and High Chief Olokooba Adekunle Sunbo, Ooni’s Ambassadors to South America; Ajoyemi Osunleye and Carolina Maria Moiras Osunleye, the Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Elisabeth Smaranda Olarinde accompanied by the University Head of ICT, Professor Tunbosun Ogundipe and Dr Akawa Oluwole while the Brazilian side was led by President of FIOCRUZ, Mario Santos Moreira accompanied by Vice president,Valcler Rangel who gave the opening remarks and presented the FIOCRUZ Institutional video, Felix Rosenberg, Science, Culture and international dialogue, Deniz Oliveira, Territorial health, GEREB and Community Strategies, Luzi Miranda Borges from Ministry of Racial Equality handled policies for traditional peoples and communities of African descent, Valber Frutuoso; Health Promotion, Equity and Traditional Knowledge, Emmanuel Campus; Traditional practices and Community Technologies while the duo of João Aprigio Almeida from World Health Organisation and Danielle Aparecida Da Silver of the IFF/Fiocruz both spoke on the Human Milk Bank Network and Experience. Other members of the Brazilian delegation includes Erica Kastrup; South South Cooperation, Nathalia Lima Dos Santos; international Education and Ines Reiz; integrative and complementary health practices.

Fiocruz is the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a Brazilian public health and science institution linked to the Ministry of Health. It is based in Rio de Janeiro and Latin America’s leading health research and technology organizations. Fiocruz works on health research, disease control, vaccine and medicine production, diagnostic tools, training, and public health services. Its mission is to promote health and social development.

73 Public Relations Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service have been inducted into the professional ranks of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations following their successful completion of the Institute’s Training and Certification Programme at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.

In a post on X on Saturday, Service Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Immigration Service, Service Headquarters, Abuja, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, said the induction is part of the service’s ongoing efforts to institutionalise strategic communication and professionalise its Public Relations cadre in line with its broader reform agenda.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, at the ceremony, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Visa and Residency, FU Nwanneka, charged the newly inducted officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

She urged them to ‘proactively manage public perception, counter misinfo bymation, respond effectively to crises, and strengthen public trust’ as the Service continues to implement technology-driven reforms in migration management and border governance.

Nwanneka also commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for partnering with the Nigeria Immigration Service to deepen professionalism and strengthen the practice of Public Relations within the Service.

Speaking at the event, the President and Chairman of the Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, formally inducted the participants into the Institute and reminded them of the ethical demands of the profession.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office has announced Saturday, August 1, 2026 for the conduct of a mock accreditation exercise ahead of the August 15 Governorship election.

INEC said the exercise was designed to test the functionality and efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under conditions similar to Election Day.

The body made this known in a public announcement signed by the Head of Department, Voter Education, INEC, Osun State and forwarded to the Press on Sunday.

‘The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office, wishes to inform all registered voters, political parties, the media and civil society organisations that as part of the activities towards assessing the commission’s readiness for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, a mock accreditation exercise will be conducted on Saturday 1st August 2026,’ the electoral body said.

According to INEC, the exercise will take place in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state as follows:

In Osogbo LGA, it will take place in four polling units: 29/30/04/002; 29/30/05/005; 29/30/04/001, and 29/30/05/019.

In Olorunda LGA, it’s billed to take place in four polling units: 29/27/01/001; 29/27/01/005; 29/27/01/004, and 29/27/01/006.

In Ifelodun LGA, it will take place in four polling units: 29/14/04/003; 29/14/06/005; 29/14/03/003, and 29/14/07/003.

In Boripe, it will take place in four polling units: 29/06/01/001; 29/06/02/003; 29/06/05/005, and 29/06/03/015, etc.

The NBM of Africa Worldwide, has announced a ?20 million education fund for the son of its late Italy Zonal President, Jeffrey Osas Iyen.

To be known as Jeffrey Osas Iyen Legacy Education Fund, the initiative is to secure the future of the son of the deceased from nursery school through university.

President of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Dr Charles Chimezie, announced this during the presentation of a ?20 million cheque to the family of the deceased.

Chimezie who paid glowing tribute to the late Jeffrey Osas Iyen, described the initiative as a touching demonstration of brotherhood, compassion and enduring love.

The gesture, which has transformed the mourning of a grieving family into a message of hope for the future, is dedicated to ensuring that the deceased’s son receives uninterrupted education and is given the opportunity to pursue his dreams, even in the absence of his father.

In a moving funeral oration, the NBM of Africa Worldwide described the late Iyen as a remarkable leader, devoted husband, loving father and compassionate brother whose humility, integrity and selfless service touched the lives of countless people.

While expressing its deepest condolences to the deceased’s wife, son and other members of the family, the organisation assured them that they would not walk alone in their moment of grief, as the NBM of Africa Worldwide stood firmly with them in love, support and solidarity.

It said the establishment of the education fund was more than a financial gesture, but a lasting tribute to the life and values of the late Iyen, adding that his memory would continue to live through the education, growth and future accomplishments of his son.

According to the organisation, the legacy reflected its belief that true compassion must be demonstrated through meaningful action, noting that the ?20 million endowment would preserve the name of the late Italy South Zonal President through hope, education and service to humanity.

They pledged to ensure that although he may no longer be physically present to guide his son, his legacy would continue to light the path of the child he left behind.

ISWAP’s funding and logistics network in Borno could face serious disruption following the surrender of a senior finance operative who allegedly managed the terrorist group’s money and supplies.

The Nigerian Army said the operative, now undergoing interrogation for actionable intelligence, surrendered to troops on July 25 alongside two male children and could provide information useful in targeting other members of the group.

He reportedly surrendered along the Ladari-Jegarawa-Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru-Wulgo Main Supply Route.

Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement released on Saturday night.

Preliminary profiling identified the surrendered man as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram.

According to Goni, he was responsible for managing the terrorist group’s finances and coordinating its logistics.

Items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and ?40,000.

The Army linked the surrender to recent coordinated land and air operations conducted against terrorist hideouts across the North-East.

Goni said the development came amid an increase in voluntary surrenders, with about 46 suspected terrorists and their family members reportedly turning themselves in to troops in recent days.

‘Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province finance operative,’ he said.

The surrendered operative is undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation as troops seek information that could assist ongoing operations against other terrorist elements.

The Army described his surrender as a significant setback for ISWAP’s financial and logistical network.

It said the increasing number of defections indicated growing disillusionment within terrorist camps and weakening command structures following sustained military pressure.

Operation Hadin Kai urged other terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives and surrender their weapons.

The Theatre Command also appealed to members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could support counterterrorism operations across the region.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that he would divide Nigeria if elected president, insisting that his leadership would foster national unity and heal longstanding divisions across the country.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Obi rejected comments by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff questioning his ability to unite Nigeria, saying his record of humanitarian interventions and inclusive leadership spoke louder than political rhetoric.

‘I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,’ the former Anambra State governor declared.

Obi said his commitment to national cohesion had been demonstrated through years of engagement with communities across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he said he had visited states affected by insurgency, flooding and communal crises.

He recalled travelling to Borno State during the early years of the Boko Haram insurgency to condole with Sheriff following the killing of his brother, describing the visit as evidence of his willingness to stand with Nigerians in difficult times.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate also cited visits to internally displaced persons’ camps, donations to victims of disasters and support for education, healthcare and agricultural projects in states including Borno, Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto and Benue.

According to Obi, he has funded boreholes in several northern communities, supported the Faculty of Agriculture at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto and continued to assist Almajiri schools and a School of Nursing in Bauchi.

He maintained that no contemporary Nigerian politician had travelled as extensively across the country by road, arguing that such interactions had deepened his understanding of the nation’s diverse peoples and challenges.

Obi said an administration under his leadership would focus on healing divisions rooted in Nigeria’s past while building an inclusive future where citizens are judged not by ethnicity or religion but by their shared identity as Nigerians.

‘A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that is required to stabilise and build a better Nigeria,’ he said.

Responding to allegations that he had made anti-North remarks, Obi described the claims as false, noting that many of his closest associates, including his aide-de-camp during his tenure as governor, were northerners and Muslims.

He added that his administration in Anambra sponsored Muslim pilgrims to Hajj annually and that all his cooks throughout his eight years in office were from northern Nigeria.

Obi urged political leaders to shift attention from personality-driven attacks to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including poverty, insecurity, education and healthcare.

‘I will never divide Nigeria. I will unite Nigeria. I will show love to every part of Nigeria and make sure things are done differently because I’m going to involve everybody,’ he said.

Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, a former Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs in Kwara, has charged diasporans to support government’s security initiatives.

Adedoyin made the call in Baltimore, United States, while delivering the guest lecture at the 10th Convention of Kwara State Association of Nigeria (KSANG), North America.

A copy of the lecture was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday.

Adedoyin, who decried the security challenges in the country, said Kwara South and Kwara North Senatorial Districts were among the hardest-hit areas.

He challenged KSANG members to support the government in tackling insecurity in the state.

‘KSANG has a role to play in securing our state.

‘Local policing has evolved as different communities take measures to secure their communities.

‘Your responsibilities are twofold. Each community is adopting self-defence strategies; as individuals, you should key into the communal efforts.

‘Donate money, equipment and give logistics support,’ he said.

He also urged diasporans to begin their support from their homes and families, extending it to their estates and community level at large.

Adedoyin, a member of the Global Executive Board of the International Press Institute representing Nigeria and Africa, also urged KSANG as a corporate body to embrace and support the initiatives of traditional rulers

‘In Kwara South, a security fund has been set up under the auspices of the Kwara South Traditional Rulers Council and supported by the Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI) led by Dr Johnson Adewumi,’ he said.

He expressed optimism of an end to the insecurity in the state, saying military onslaught against criminals had intensified.

‘More lethal weaponry has been deployed, and the recently recruited and trained forest guards are now in active service in their various local governments.

‘Just last week, the Federal Government established a new battalion of the Nigerian Army in Omuaran, Kwara State, as part of its renewed security architecture,’ he said.

He said that the state had more than 1,000 forest guards, while another 1,000 were at various stages of processing, noting that no other state government had that number.

‘In addition to this, I am aware that the government works with community bodies to build local resilience.

‘The Omo Ibile Igbomina and LADDU of Lafiagi can testify to these efforts which are sometimes played down because of the sensitivity of the issue.

‘There is also an appreciable deployment of security gadgets, especially at the level of state security service,’ he added.

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has said its efforts to build a broad political alliance ahead of the 2027 general election are beginning to produce results, expressing confidence that its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, can defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The party pointed to recent developments in Ekiti State, where a group of Peoples Democratic Party members publicly declared support for Makinde while remaining within the PDP, as evidence that its strategy of engaging like-minded political groups is gaining traction.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM described the Ekiti endorsement as an early sign that its outreach to opposition forces is attracting positive responses across party lines.

Yusuf said those backing Makinde had chosen to retain their membership and organisational structure within the PDP while supporting the Oyo governor’s presidential ambition.

‘That is why we have been galvanizing cross-party support for our presidential candidate, and I can confirm to you that our alliance talks with such like-minded political parties are yielding the desired results. We welcome the reaffirmation of support by the Ekiti Chapter of the PDP to our presidential candidate, and I can tell you that you will hear more of such solidarity in the coming days.’

According to the APM spokesman, thousands of PDP members and residents gathered in Ado Ekiti on Friday to publicly reaffirm Makinde as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The party believes the endorsement has strengthened its campaign, insisting it is fully focused on winning the next presidential contest.

‘We are working very hard and putting all our energy into this election because we are running to win. We have a good presidential candidate in Governor Makinde, who has already become the rallying point for Nigerians, especially the youth.’

Yusuf argued that Makinde’s record as governor has made him an attractive option for Nigerians seeking a change in leadership.

‘Giving Governor Makinde’s sterling performance, especially as Governor of Oyo State, Nigerians have accepted him as the credible alternative to President Tinubu, who has failed the nation in every ramification. So, we are in this election to win, and there is no going back.’

He added that support for both Makinde and the APM has continued to expand nationwide since the governor emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

The spokesman credited the growing interest to Makinde’s performance in areas including infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic management and civil service welfare. He also said the party is strengthening its grassroots presence while preparing what it described as a policy-driven campaign for the 2027 election.

Yusuf maintained that many Nigerians are embracing the APM because of its commitment to democratic governance, accountability, transparency, improved security, economic recovery and sustainable development.

He said the party would prioritise the welfare, safety and prosperity of Nigerians if elected into office.

‘We are building the numbers, we are strengthening the structure, and we will run one of the most robust, issue-based, and winning campaigns in the history of Nigeria. We welcome all Nigerians who share this vision to join the APM and be part of the movement for national renewal.’

The University of Ibadan has expressed deep sorrow over the death of foremost African Linguist, Emeritus Prof. Ayo Bamgbose, who died at the age of 94.

The university in a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations, Mrs Joke Akinpelu, on Saturday, described Bamgbose as an eminent scholar and trail blazer.

The university noted that Bamgbose who was the founding President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) made immense contributions to the growth of linguistics.

‘Bamgbose also made contributions to the growth of higher education and intellectual development in Nigeria and beyond.

‘The late professor served the institution meritoriously and was Dean of the Faculty of Arts between 1971 and 1973.

‘Bamgbose was a distinguished contributor to the country’s academic and intellectual life and remained one of Africa’s most celebrated linguists,’ the statement read.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Kayode Adebowale, according to the statement, commiserated with the deceased family, friends and the wider intellectual community over the loss.

‘Adebowale described Bamgbose’s death as a great loss to scholarship, as his legacy in linguistics and education would continue inspiring generations of academics and researchers,’ the statement read.

‘The deceased was a recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (FNAL).

‘He was awarded the honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by the university in 2017,’ the statement read.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been honoured with the Leadership and Service Award by Babcock University in recognition of what the institution described as his outstanding performance and excellence in governance.

This is even as he challenged graduates to embrace innovation, resilience and lifelong learning while rejecting the growing culture of glorifying ignorance.

The award was presented on Sunday during the university’s 2026 undergraduate convocation ceremony in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, where Sanwo-Olu delivered the convocation lecture titled, ‘Breaking New Ground: Faith, Grit and the Work of New Beginnings,’ before more than 3,400 graduating students, academics, parents and other distinguished guests.

Receiving the honour, the governor described leadership as a sacred responsibility rooted in integrity, accountability and service.

‘It is a humbling experience and another call for us to continue to serve. We must lead with the fear of God, understanding that people are watching us and that we are expected to provide good examples for younger generations,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu said his presence at the convocation was not only to celebrate the graduates but also to inspire them as they prepared to begin a new phase of their lives.

‘I am not a graduand. I am here because, as a leader, we need to continue to encourage young people, share our experiences with them and let them know that life is waiting for them out there,’ he said.

He congratulated the graduating NOVA Class of 2026, describing their transition from university as one of life’s defining moments and urging them to confront uncertainty with courage and faith.

‘You do not need absolute clarity or certainty to take the next step. More important is faith,’ he said, encouraging the graduates to embrace new opportunities rather than fear the unknown.

Reflecting on his personal journey, the governor recounted how several business ventures failed after graduating from the University of Lagos nearly four decades ago, noting that failure often provides valuable lessons for future success.

According to him, life rewards those who recover quickly from setbacks, adapt to changing realities and remain focused on their goals.

He urged the graduates to believe in Nigeria and take advantage of the vast opportunities available to them through technology, innovation and globalisation.

‘Nearly 40 years ago when we graduated, the world was completely different. We had very little compared to what is available today. They need to understand the world they live in. They should not give excuses or reasons why they cannot succeed. They should embrace the opportunities before them and run with them,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu also reflected on the defining moments of his administration, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS crisis as leadership tests that underscored the importance of resilience, expert advice and evidence-based decision-making.

Highlighting Lagos’ development over the past seven years, he said the state’s annual budget had grown from less than ?900 billion in 2019 to ?4.44 trillion in 2026, while the government had expanded rail infrastructure, strengthened public transportation, established two new state universities, delivered thousands of housing units and consolidated Lagos’ position as a global technology hub.

The governor advised young innovators to build practical solutions to public problems, urging them to pilot their ideas, generate measurable results and engage government through structured partnerships and innovation frameworks.

He also defended ongoing economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu, describing them as necessary measures aimed at laying the foundation for sustainable national growth despite the temporary hardships they impose.

In one of the highlights of his lecture, Sanwo-Olu cautioned against the growing tendency to celebrate ignorance and social media virality over knowledge and competence, referencing the recent debate surrounding the so-called ‘Olodo Uprising.’

‘There is nothing wrong with building an audience-but let what you offer that audience be built on substance,’ he said, urging the graduates never to glorify ignorance but to remain committed to learning, curiosity and excellence.

He further encouraged the graduates to protect their integrity, seek mentorship, finish what they start and combine education with imagination to create solutions capable of transforming society.

‘The future belongs to those armed with education and vision,’ he said.

Commending Babcock University, Sanwo-Olu described the institution as one that has consistently maintained high academic standards and produced graduates who have distinguished themselves across diverse professions.

He said the university had continued to provide students with the knowledge, skills and values required to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Miss Simisola Abore described the academic journey as challenging but rewarding, thanking God for preserving the students throughout their years of study.

‘It was a struggle, but we thank God that we have graduated. We thank God for keeping us alive throughout the journey,’ she said.

Abore urged her fellow graduates to remain united as alumni and always give back to society.

‘My advice to my fellow graduands is that we should stand firm as alumni of Babcock University and always be ready to give back to the community,’ she added.

Sanwo-Olu congratulated the graduates on completing their studies and urged them to uphold the values of excellence, discipline and integrity instilled in them by the university as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.