Category: PM News

Men account for more than 90 per cent of candidates seeking election to the Edo State House of Assembly, while women constitute less than 10 per cent, highlighting a significant gender imbalance in the legislative contest.

An analysis of the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday in Benin shows that 164 candidates will contest the election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 148 of the candidates are men, representing 90.24 per cent, while only 16 are women, accounting for 9.76 per cent.

These figures translate to an approximate male-to-female ratio of 9:1, underscoring the limited presence of women among those seeking to represent the state’s 24 constituencies in the legislature.

The disparity raises questions about women’s access to elective office, political parties’ commitment to inclusive representation and the persistent barriers confronting female aspirants in Nigeria’s political system.

Among the female candidates on the list are Memo Akerele of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), contesting in Akoko Edo I at 30; Elizabeth Dauda of the Labour Party (LP), Akoko Edo II, aged 51; and Negbedion Shirley of the SDP, Esan North East I, aged 33.

Others include Maria Edeko of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Esan North East II, aged 63; Mercy Bello of the African Action Congress (AAC), Etsako West I, aged 37; and Salamatu Izuagie of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also contesting in Etsako West I, aged 63.

Egor Constituency has several female candidates on the list, including Bukky Ayetan of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), aged 30; Bridget Obakpolor of the LP, aged 54; Natasha Osawaru of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), aged 32; and Imuetinyan Bright of the SDP, aged 45.

Other female candidates include Osarenkhoe Erhunmwunse and Tracy Ogiemwonyi in Ikpoba-Okha Constituency; Patience Edobor and Helen Omorogbe in Orhionmwon Constituency I; Uyigue Efosa in Ovia North East Constituency I; and Omosede Adenomo in Ovia South West Constituency.

Despite the participation of these women, the figures show that they remain a small minority in the race, potentially limiting their representation in the next Assembly if the imbalance is reflected in the election results.

Beyond gender, the candidate list features aspirants from different age groups, ranging from young contenders to candidates in their sixties.

Idriss Idriss of the SDP, contesting in Etsako West Constituency II at 26, is the youngest candidate on the list.

Other young aspirants include Johnson Ipeshi of the SDP in Akoko Edo Constituency II, aged 28; Odia Godwin of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Esan South East Constituency, aged 29; and Patience Edobor of the ADP, Orhionmwon Constituency I, also aged 29.

NAN observes that their participation reflects the interest of younger Nigerians in elective politics, following years of advocacy for greater youth inclusion, including the Not Too Young To Run movement.

At the other end of the age spectrum, older candidates are also seeking legislative seats.

Nosakhare Igbinedion of the Action Peoples Party (APP), contesting in Orhionmwon Constituency II, is 66, while Helen Omorogbe of the APP, Orhionmwon Constituency I, is 65.

Meanwhile, the candidate list features a broad range of political parties, including the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside the SDP, LP, ADC, ADP, NDC, APP, YPP, AAC, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Alliance (AA) and National Rescue Movement (NRM).

The range of parties reflects participation beyond the country’s two dominant political platforms.

In terms of educational background, the candidates’ qualifications range from basic school-leaving certificates and the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination to university degrees, postgraduate qualifications and professional credentials.

The list includes BSc, BEd, BEng, HND, LLB, MSc and MBA qualifications. Oyairo John Nosakhare, listed under the SDP in Orhionmwon Constituency, is identified as holding a PhD.

The Persons with Disabilities (PWD) column records ‘None’ for every candidate on the list, indicating that no candidate with a disability is listed as contesting in the state Assembly election.

Key stakeholders in the entertainment arena have called for the formal integration of a standardised music syllabus into Tanzania’s ‘amali’ educational curriculum.

The group, including global instruments manufacturer- Yamaha Music Gulf and its long-standing local partner Topshop Music Limited, said Tanzania’s creative economy has since established itself as one of the country’s most dynamic economic drivers.

They raised the proposal at an industry gathering in Dar es Salaam recently, noting that such a move could mark a structural turning point for how musical talent is nurtured nationwide. The initiative aims to transition the country’s vibrant music scene from informal talent discovery to a structured, skills-based economic pipeline.

Addressing educators, artists, and policymakers, over the weekend, Sales and Marketing Incharge for Sub Saharan Africa for Yamaha Music Gulf, Mr Moses Mbogo revealed that the company has already developed a comprehensive, turn-key music curriculum designed to be delivered by general classroom teachers, removing the requirement for specialised instrumental experts.

“Our objective is to demystify music education and make instrumental learning universally accessible to young minds,” explained Mr Mbogo.

“We have engineered a full curriculum that allows any teacher, regardless of whether they are an accomplished instrumentalist, to guide students through foundational music theory and performance techniques,’ he added.

According to him, the company has already rolled out the structured framework in Egypt and Singapore’s school systems with remarkable success, and a similar rollout is underway in Kenya. We are now actively seeking to partner with the Tanzanian government to bring this syllabus into local primary and secondary classrooms.”

Yamaha’s approach relies on custom-built educational features integrated into accessible electronic keyboards-such as the newly showcased PSR-SX620, PSR-E483, and PSR-E583 models-which combine user-friendly learning interfaces with professional sound engines.

Beyond basic music literacy, the proposed educational push emphasises local cultural identity. Mr Mbogo highlighted plans to collaborate directly with Tanzanian producers, composers, and sound engineers to craft “Tanzania-made” software styles and instrumental sound packs.

“Tanzania is home to incredible creative genius, yet local keyboardists have historically had to rely heavily on imported, Western-centric instrumental presets,” Mbogo noted.

“By co-creating regional sound packs and custom rhythm styles-building on our East African expansion packs-we are ensuring that students learn on technology that reflects local genres like Bongo Flava, Taarab, and Singeli. This keeps our rich cultural heritage at the forefront of digital production.”

Convergence with the government’s ‘Amali’ Stream

The call to bring music into school classrooms comes at an opportune moment. Under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s revised national education policy, Tanzania has introduced the Amali (vocational and practical skills) stream.

This pathway is specifically designed to equip learners with practical, market-relevant skills-providing an ideal institutional fit for a practical music syllabus.

Topshop Music, which celebrates six decades in Tanzania’s musical instruments sector since its founding in 1966, underscored that formalizing music education in schools aligns seamlessly with national development goals.

“The Tanzanian music industry is expanding at a phenomenal rate, reaching international audiences,” said CEO of Topshop Music Limited, Mr Aminmohamed Janmohamed. “However, long-term growth requires foundational training. Bringing a structured syllabus into the classroom equips young people with professional tools early in their lives.”

CEO, Shifa Hospital Dar es salaam, Mr Bashir Haroon, reinforced this stance, emphasizing that ‘early classroom exposure converts raw innate talent into formal technical proficiency, providing youth with sustainable career opportunities across audio engineering, live performance, and commercial composition.’

Recent economic reports highlight why formalizing music education is vital. National statistics reveal that the arts and entertainment sector has been Mainland Tanzania’s fastest-growing industry segment, recording annual growth rates between 17.7 percent and 19.4 percent.

Moreover, copyright-based and creative industries account for thousands of youth jobs across urban and rural centres.

Furthermore, the government’s establishment of targeted incentives under the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) emphasizes digital media, audio production, and creative infrastructure under Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

By bridging the gap between classroom education and commercial production, introducing a standardised music syllabus ensures that Tanzania’s next generation of artists will not only inherit a world-class creative tradition, but also possess the technical expertise to command the global creative economy.

Nigerian-Canadian author, project management professional, and Guinness World Records title holder Peter Adeleke is scheduled to host a leadership workshop and book launch at the University of Calgary on October 31, 2026. The event will include the presentation of Longest Leadership Lessons: The Essential Foundations Every Leader Must Know for Success, a book developed from the leadership curriculum associated with his 2025 Guinness World Records achievement in Calgary.

The event, titled Calgary Leadership Workshop, Book Launch and Signing, will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. under the theme Becoming the Leader You Were Born to Be. It will feature discussions on leadership, career development, project management, professional growth, and the role of education and media in society.

On August 29 and 30, 2025, Adeleke completed a continuous leadership lesson lasting 28 hours and 45 minutes in Calgary, establishing a Guinness World Records title for the Longest Leadership Lesson.

The lesson examined different aspects of leadership, including personal development, organizational leadership, decision-making, character, influence, and the responsibilities associated with leading others.

Following the event, Adeleke and his team received requests from participants and members of the public seeking access to the lecture notes and teaching materials.

In response, the team spent several months reviewing and organizing the topics covered during the record-breaking lesson into a structured leadership curriculum. The resulting publication, Longest Leadership Lessons: The Essential Foundations Every Leader Must Know for Success, was published on April 29, 2026, by Trailblazer Production Press.

The 449-page book combines leadership principles, personal experiences, and practical examples intended for students, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in leadership development.

The October 31 event will provide an opportunity to formally present the curriculum in Calgary, the city where the original lesson took place.

The workshop will bring together speakers from professional, educational, religious, and creative backgrounds to discuss leadership in different areas of work and society.

Adeleke will present a session titled Visionary Leadership Through Project Management: From Ideas to Impact, examining how project management principles can be applied to leadership, planning, and the implementation of ideas.

Oluwakemi Akinola-Adedeji, a career development professional associated with ATB Financial, will address workplace effectiveness, professional visibility, and career advancement in a presentation titled Career Leadership: Becoming Valuable, Visible and Effective in the Workplace.

Michael Fabiyi, co-creator of The Stalwart Lovers and resident pastor of CCI Calgary, will speak on The Leadership of People: How to Build, Influence and Develop Others. His session will focus on mentorship, relationships, personal development, and the responsibilities involved in leading people.

Filmmaker and media personality Victor Olukoju, also known as PVO, will discuss the relationship between storytelling, entertainment, and cultural influence. His presentation, Leadership in Entertainment: Using Storytelling and Media to Influence Culture and Create Impact, will consider how creative work can contribute to public conversations about values and social responsibility.

The event materials also identify Meshach Tabat, president of the Fellowship of Christian Graduate Students and a doctoral candidate, among the featured speakers.

The Calgary Leadership Workshop, Book Launch and Signing is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the University of Calgary.

According to the event’s materials, the program is supported by Trailblazer, RCF, and the Fellowship of Christian Graduate Students at the University of Calgary.

The event is open to students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and members of the public interested in leadership and professional development.

Admission is free, and registration is available through Eventbrite.

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 31 dugout pits containing about 62,050 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products at two suspected illegal refining sites in Rivers State.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in an operational report issued on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Folorunsho, the sites were discovered on Sept. 8 in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers, by the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

‘The operation led to the discovery of 31 dugout pits containing about 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 4,050 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

‘The team also recovered six sacks and one keg containing additional quantities of suspected illegally refined AGO.

‘The sites, located within the Orashi Forest and the wider Ogbogolo area, were handled in accordance with extant regulations,’ he said.

Folorunsho disclosed that no arrests were made because the suspects fled upon sighting the naval team.

He said Operation DELTA SENTINEL had recorded several successful operations since its inception, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.

He also reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to deny perpetrators access to facilities used for storing and processing petroleum products, thereby protecting Nigeria’s oil resources and economic interests.

The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has released the first batch of beneficiaries for the 2026/27 academic year, as the government expands financial support.

The board allocated a total of Sh535.7 billion in loans and grants to 165,775 students, covering undergraduate and diploma students, including beneficiaries of the Samia Scholarship programme – both first-year entrants and continuing students.

HESLB executive director, Dr Bill Kiwia, said in a media briefing on October 10, 2026 that the first allocation was part of the Sh1.06 trillion set aside by the government for higher education loans and grants in the current academic year, targeting a total of 292,463 students. The first batch accounts for approximately half of the planned annual budget, with the board continuing to process applications from other eligible students.

The government has increased the budget for higher education loans and grants from Sh916.7 billion in the 2025/26 academic year, when 252,773 students benefited, to Sh1.06 trillion in 2026/27, Dr Kiwia said.

The increase in funding comes alongside plans to expand the number of beneficiaries to nearly 300,000, giving more students an opportunity to pursue higher education despite financial constraints.

Of the students allocated funding in the first batch, 74,769 first-year undergraduate students have received loans worth Sh246.88 billion, while 8,538 first-year diploma students have been allocated Sh22.9 billion.

A further 873 first-year students under the Samia Scholarship programme have received grants amounting to Sh4.5 billion.

Among continuing students, 79,115 undergraduate students have been allocated loans worth Sh252.4 billion, while 1,554 diploma students will receive Sh3.8 billion.

Another 926 continuing students under the Samia Scholarship programme have been allocated grants worth Sh5.1 billion.

‘The figures reflect the different categories of support available to students pursuing higher education, with loans covering eligible study-related costs and scholarships providing grants to selected beneficiaries,’ he said.

The government plans to support 292,463 students during the 2026/27 academic year, up from the 252,773 who benefited in the previous academic year.

Under the undergraduate loan scheme, the target includes 111,342 first-year students. The government also plans to support 24,978 diploma students, including 14,000 new entrants.

The Samia Scholarship programme is expected to benefit 2,738 undergraduate students, including 1,000 first-year entrants.

In addition, 513 students pursuing the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice are expected to benefit from the programme, including 350 new students.

Loans and grants help cover essential expenses, including fees, accommodation, meals, books and other costs associated with studying at universities and other higher learning institutions.

Dr Kiwia urged applicants who have not received allocations in the first batch to continue checking their application status through HESLB’s Student’s Individual Permanent Account (SIPA) online system.

He said the board was continuing to review and allocate funding to other applicants, meaning that the first announcement did not necessarily represent the conclusion of the allocation process.

‘Applicants are therefore advised to monitor their accounts for updates on the status of their applications and any further announcements from the board,’ Dr Kiwia noted.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has welcomed the Federal Government’s directive requiring ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to purchase vehicles from licensed local assemblers, describing the policy as an opportunity to promote domestic production, create jobs and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

Saraki said the directive reflected the principle that government spending should stimulate the Nigerian economy by supporting local manufacturers and encouraging investment in domestic industries.

In a statement shared on his X account, the former Kwara State governor recalled that the 8th Senate passed a bill in June 2016 seeking to amend the Public Procurement Act to make preference for Nigerian-made goods mandatory.

He said the proposed amendment centred on Section 34 of the Act, with the replacement of the word ‘may’ with ‘shall’ to strengthen the obligation to prioritise locally produced goods in public procurement.

‘At the heart of that effort was a simple but significant change in Section 34: replacing ‘may’ with ‘shall’,’ Saraki said.

He argued that prioritising locally assembled vehicles and other Nigerian-made products could help sustain existing jobs, create new employment opportunities and give manufacturers the confidence to expand their operations.

According to him, increased government patronage of locally produced goods could also reduce demand for imported products and ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange market.

‘When we buy what we produce, we support jobs, reduce pressure on foreign exchange, and give manufacturers the confidence to invest, expand, and employ more people,’ he said.

Saraki urged the government to ensure consistent implementation of the directive, stressing that its benefits would depend on whether public institutions translated the policy into sustained procurement practices.

He also called for the underlying principle to be embraced across all arms of government, arguing that public expenditure should contribute to domestic economic growth rather than simply meet the purchasing needs of government agencies.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has hailed the award of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, describing her as a courageous defender of justice.

Guterres said Pillay’s decades of service demonstrated that international law and human rights must prevail over oppression, injustice and the arbitrary exercise of power.

The UN chief made the remarks in a congratulatory statement issued on Friday by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, at UN Headquarters in New York.

‘I warmly congratulate Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize,’ Guterres said.

He described the South African jurist as a steadfast and independent advocate of justice who had helped shape some of the most consequential international legal proceedings.

‘For decades, she has been a champion of international law and human rights, and a steadfast, independent voice of justice,’ he said.

Guterres recalled Pillay’s early legal career in apartheid-era South Africa, where she defended Nelson Mandela and others who challenged institutionalised racial discrimination.

He said her commitment to justice continued through her distinguished career as an international judge and human rights advocate.

Pillay subsequently served as a judge and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), established to prosecute those responsible for the 1994 genocide.

Guterres commended Pillay’s contributions to the tribunal’s work, including proceedings arising from atrocities committed during the Rwandan genocide.

He also highlighted her tenure as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, during which she advocated stronger international protection for fundamental freedoms.

Pillay served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014, addressing human rights concerns across conflict-affected and politically divided societies.

The Secretary-General also acknowledged her leadership of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.

Guterres said Pillay’s career reflected a consistent conviction that the rule of law must guide international relations and protect vulnerable populations.

He praised her demonstration that ‘the force of law must prevail over the law of force.’

The UN chief maintained that protecting human rights remained one of the strongest safeguards against injustice, conflict and the abuse of power.

He also welcomed the Nobel Committee’s emphasis on the importance of lasting principles in building sustainable peace.

‘In its citation, the Nobel Committee reminded the world that peace must be built on lasting principles, not the will of the powerful,’ he said.

Guterres said the recognition extended beyond Pillay’s individual achievements to everyone working to defend international law and human dignity.

‘Today’s prize is a tribute to all those working to uphold and defend international law, the rule of law and human rights,’ he said.

He stressed that lasting peace required accountability, justice and respect for fundamental freedoms rather than reliance on political or military power.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organisations recognised for outstanding contributions to peace and international cooperation.

Guterres said the award underscored the enduring importance of justice, accountability and human dignity in securing lasting international peace.

It can bepice sitting at some bar, enjoying a drink with a beloved one. You’d be partaking of your chosen brand of beer as your madam sips her choice brand of soda.

Or, some exotic alcoholic beverage that our ladies prefer, more so when they’re in the company of male company.

Talking about very intimate things and probably looking at each in the eyes. Ahem!

It’s preferable that when you’re accompanied by your “babe,” you sit alone just the two of you.

Why, fellow drinkers that you’re familiar with, guys, who wouldpormally pull a chair and share your table, invited or otherwise, willpormally keep away when you’ve a lady companion.

Most drinkers consider it poor manners to join Mr and Mrs, irrespective of their familiarity with them.

Unless the couple pressures you to do so!

Nor is your mama watoto expected to join you at the bar as you sit with drinking buddies and proceed to make herself comfortable.

And since our ladies are averse to ordering anything for anybody, it means your babes’ presence will be an imposition of a joyrider upon your buddies.

Yes, any round that is ‘thrown’ will include one for her also!

Looks like you’re analyzing things the way a typical Mwasu (not Mpare, please!) would. A single sponger at a table can’t be much of a burden, can she?

The main problem is that your buddies, most of whom would be crooked by their verypature, would be forced to behave like they were gentlemen per se. Ha!

As we all know, that isn’t the idea of staying away from home, where a man’s freedom to conduct himself crudely and be real macho is highly curtailed.

That’s why when your mama watoto traces you to your haunt, where you’re having a good time with the boys, it’s to let her just come and greet them.

Then you point to her and an empty table where she’ll sit and wait a bit for you. But men differ.

There’s this drinking buddy of ours whose mama, Watoto, has the penchant of wanting to be out there with her hubby as often as possible. Call her Mama Rose.

She hadpot always been like that, but after their lastborn was admitted to a boarding school, she decided it was high time she ‘enjoyed life’ like everyone else.

That’s why she’s often seen in early evenings, together with her husband, call him Baba Rose walking to one bar or another that isn’t too far from their residence for a drink.

On this particular day, there’re four of us including Baba Rose at a bar that’ll remain unnamed. You’re tempted to ask him, “Where’s Mama Rose?” but you avoid that.

He mightpot take it kindly, because, in any case, dragging along wives to where we go for our beer is generally viewed as soapy!

Well,pot long after, Mama Rose arrives at the bar and walks straight to our table. We, almost unanimously, say karibu. Incidentally, the ongoing round had just been ordered by you, so it’s upon you to order one for Mama Rose also a Savanna.

Baba Rose is the one who had ordered the first round when there were only three of us at this table of Washikaji.

It means it’s likely his wife won’t be drinking anything from him by the end of the session, more so because we’ve just been joined by another fellow when it’s time forpdugu Esaya to throw a round.

Yes, a round comprising six bottles, including, of course, Mama Rose’s Savanna.

We had expected Baba Rose to shift himself and his babe to a separate table of theirs, but he doesn’t! Smart guy, eh?

The Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council of Plateau, Mr Felix Gonung, has vowed to crack down on suspected ritual killings after two deaths were recorded in the area within a month.

Gonung, gave the assurance during an interview with journalists on Friday in Pankshinon, confirmed that vital organs were allegedly harvested from the victims.

He said three suspects were arrested following the discovery of a woman’s body last month.

He added that further investigations had led to the recovery of suspected fetish substances from the suspects, who had since been transferred to the police headquarters in Jos.

The council chairman said security agencies were also investigating the discovery of a young man’s body at Monday Market on Oct. 6, with vital organs allegedly missing.

He said the incident might be linked to cult activities among students or criminal elements operating within the student community

He assured residents that his administration was working with security agencies to address the situation and restore peace.

‘I swore an oath to protect the lives and property of my people. However, the government’s security plans are confidential and the public will soon feel their results and impact.

‘This administration, in collaboration with security agencies, is doing everything within its power to restore and maintain the long-existing peace in our communities,’ he said.

Gonung disclosed that the council would introduce a policy requiring landlords and hotel operators to provide information about their tenants and guests, respectively.

‘This will enable us to crack down on criminal syndicates who disguise themselves as students or guests to perpetrate crimes in the community,’ he said.

He noted that Pankshin had enjoyed relative peace despite security challenges in other parts of the state, adding that the recent incidents had understandably heightened residents’ concerns.

He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Gonung also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to tackle the menace, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.

Yahya Saidu, the Chairman of Fufore Local Government in Adamawa State has passed on about 18 months after the death of the man he succeeded.

Aliyu Wakili, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Fufore/Song Federal Constituency confirmed the death of Saidu in a condolence statement issued on Saturday.

The federal lawmaker described Saidu’s demise as an irreparable loss to the people of Fufore local government and Adamawa State while expressing grief over the incident.

‘May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, associates, and the entire people of Fufore the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss.’

Saidu’s predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, died in office on 23 April, 2025.

As community leaders, political associates, and constituents are mourning the late Saidu, the death of the two successive local government chairpersons have also led to reflections on the transient nature of power

A political commentator in the state, Abu-Taqiyah Zumo, described the loss of two sitting chairmen in such rapid succession as a tragedy.

‘The deaths of Hon. Babas and Hon. Yaya Saidu – both Chairmen of the same Fufore Local Government, one after the other – are a coincidence that is not just shocking, but brutally sobering,’ Zumo said.

‘It forces a deep reflection on the fleeting nature of power and life itself. The same exalted seat, the same office, the same title, now twice turned into a mourning ground.

‘It reminds us that the chair remains, but the occupant is gone; that power is transient, life is fragile, and death is no respecter of position or ambition.

‘Today you are called ‘Executive Chairman’ and tomorrow you are called ‘late.’ Indeed, we came with nothing, we will leave with nothing, and what will speak for us at the end is not the title we held, but the lives we touched,’ he added.