Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria will select its next space representative through an expanded democratic astronaut selection process, launched yesterday by the Space Exploration Research Agency (SERA).

The initiative promotes community-selected space representation for Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Thailand, with citizens voting for their representatives through a blockchain-powered platform.

The program transforms space access from an exclusive institutional selection to one that involves public participation. Unlike traditional astronaut programs requiring military backgrounds or advanced degrees, SERA’s Mission Control platform on Telegram enables anyone from partner nations to apply and compete for community support.

‘After the success of SERA’s inaugural space flight in 2022, were scaling democratic space access to five nations simultaneously, plus a global seat,’ said Joshua Skurla, SERA co-founder. Nigeria’s seat means someone from any background can represent their nation in space based on community choice.

The approach builds on SERA’s demonstrated success in sending Victor Hespanha, selected from the SERA community, to become South America’s first civilian astronaut on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. That mission validated both the selection process and global appetite for community participation in space exploration. For Nigeria, this represents a historic opportunity to build on the country’s recent achievements in space.

Director, Media and Corporate Communications at National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Felix Ale, in a statement, explained that while Nigeria has pursued space exploration through its NASRDA and witnessed Chief Owolabi Salis’s self-funded Blue Origin flight, SERA offers the first community-selected civilian astronaut pathway. This partnership aligns with our vision of expanding Nigeria’s space presence beyond satellites to human spaceflight,’ Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, said. SERA’s democratic approach ensures Nigerian representation reflects our diverse population’s aspirations.

Dr. Anne Agi, President of Learnspace Foundation, which facilitated the partnership between SERA and NASRDA, emphasized the broader mission. ‘We’re building bridges between communities, institutions, and industry to ensure Nigeria’s journey to human spaceflight is not only historic but inclusive and connected to the global movement for shared exploration.’

The selection process operates through SERA Mission Control, a Telegram mini-app built on TON Blockchain for transparent voting. Candidates complete challenges to earn SpaceDust points and compete for their nation’s guaranteed seat. The blockchain infrastructure prevents manipulation while enabling global participation through the accessible Telegram platform.

‘We’re opening space to people who never imagined it possible,’ said Sam Hutchison, SERA co-founder. A teacher in Abuja or a content creator in Lagos can now compete for Nigeria’s space seat through community engagement, not just academic credentials.’

Six seats are reserved for the upcoming Blue Origin mission-five allocated to partner nations, with a sixth open to citizens from any country. The programme includes a Science Platform where communities can submit and vote on experiments, creating decentralized research opportunities.

SERA addresses the representation gap in space exploration. While around 800 people have traveled to space since 1961, none from Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Thailand, or most developing nations have flown as community-selected civilian astronauts despite representing billions of global citizens.

‘SERA Mission Control represents space exploration reimagined for social media users,’ said Max Crown, CEO of TON Foundation. By launching on TON within Telegram, SERA transforms space travel from a distant concept into an interactive, community-driven experience.’

The platform represents one of the most ambitious consumer applications built on TON Blockchain, showcasing practical Web3 applications beyond financial uses. Transparent voting addresses fairness concerns while gamified engagement drives sustained participation.

Applications open immediately through the SERA Mission Control Telegram app, with voting and selection timelines to be announced. Selected astronauts will undergo standard Blue Origin safety training before their spaceflight missions.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday launched the ‘Flow With Confidence’ nationwide distribution of menstrual hygiene packs

The initiative was designed to support schoolgirls and promote menstrual health across the country.

At the launch of the initiative in Gombe State, Mrs. Tinubu described the intervention as vital to empowering young girls by ‘promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence’ through improved menstrual hygiene.

In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: ‘In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products.

‘It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.’

Mrs. Tinubu noted that many schoolgirls resort to unsafe alternatives or stay at home, causing them to lag behind academically and, in some cases, drop out of school.

She said the programme, under the Education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), is meant to end this trend.

According to her, all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will each receive 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads through State First Ladies and RHI coordinators, targeting vulnerable schoolgirls in rural communities.

‘Today, I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads to the First Lady of Gombe State for distribution to 10,000 deserving girls in rural communities across the state. Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply of the pads,’ the First Lady promised.

She urged traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to ensure the supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, pledged federal support to scale up the initiative so that more girls in underserved areas could benefit from the initiative.

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya hailed the First Lady for the initiative, as well as her interventions in health, agriculture, economic empowerment and education.

Mrs. Tinubu had opened the maiden Gombe State Health Summit, where she emphasised that health should be viewed as a driver of economic prosperity, social development, and national growth.

During her two-day visit to Gombe State, the First Lady was also honoured with the traditional title of Sarauniya Yakin Kumo (Queen Warrior of Kumo) by the Emir of Akko, Alhaji Umaru Muh’d Atiku, in recognition of her contributions to national development.

An Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court has remanded a leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Shamusideen Oladiti, for alleged assault and murder of a tricycle driver.

The Lagos State Police Command arraigned Oladiti, 55, for alleged assault and murder of the driver, Omale Samuel, before Mrs A. O. AKinde of Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court, who ordered his remand in the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge offence in charge number BG/B53/25 bordering on assault and murder contrary to sections 223, 411 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, Anthony Iyeye said the offences were related to two crimes on Lagos Island involving a case of murder and another of assault occasioning harm.

The charges stated: ‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti on August 27, 2025 on Lewis Street, Lagas Island, did unlawfully beat Imam Ramon with fist blows all over his body, which caused him harm and was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina Lagos where he later died and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos Stale, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladitl ‘m’ and others at large, on September 17, 2025 at Lagos Island Lagos in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit grievous harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti and others at large, on the same date, time and place, did unlawfully beat Omale Samuel with fist blows which caused him grievous harm all over his body and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The court did not take the plea of the defendant after the charges were read.

Chief Magistrate Akinde ordered the case file to be duplicated and forwarded to the Director, Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

She ordered the remand of Oladiti in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) pending legal advice.

The case was adjourned to October 28.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said the process for the appointment of judicial officers has become more transparent than before.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), said this while presenting a paper, titled: Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for A Better Future, at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.

The NJC, at the 108th meeting of the association on April 29 and 30, approved a landmark policy to publish the names of candidates under consideration for appointment as judicial officers, and to invite public input.

In her presentation, she explained that the policy adopted by the NJC was to introduce an additional layer of transparency into the process of appointing judges by ensuring that members of the public and other relevant stakeholders can raise objections, provide information, or endorse nominees before appointments are finalised.

According to her, this is a deliberate effort to strengthen accountability, enhance public trust, and align Nigeria’s appointment procedures more closely with international best practices, including those recommended in the Constitution Hill Guidelines.

The Constitution Hill Global Guidelines on Apex Court Appointments, published in September 2024, provide globally for a set of baseline principles tailored to the singular role of apex courts as the final arbiters of constitutional interpretation and guardians of democratic governance.

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that members of the public are already taking advantage of the initiative, as shown in the last exercise for the appointment of judicial officers conducted by the NJC.

The CJN averred that ‘in a plural society, such as Nigeria, with over 200 million citizens across different ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities, the visibility of diversity on the Supreme Court bench strengthens public confidence and assures citizens that the judiciary reflects the society it serves’.

She stressed that despite several efforts to strengthen the process of appointing judicial officers, some challenges linger.

Chair of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Raul Yemaren, has urged students to shun cultism and bad groups, to be successful.

He spoke after a march past to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence at Gbaji-Apa Mini Stadium in Badagry.

‘Cultism and bad groups are spoilers of dreams. Desist from them and be good ambassadors of the LCDA”, he said.

He said they should be focused and disciplined.

‘Education is your strongest weapon in shaping future. I assure you this administration will continue to stand by you, investing in your growth and creating opportunities for your dreams to thrive,’ he said.

Yemaren said Independence Day celebration was not just a freedom earned as a nation, but also a renewed strength to build a greater future together.

‘We salute President Bola Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda is rekindling trust, driving reforms and setting Nigeria on prosperity.

‘Our governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through THEMES+ Agenda, has continued to deliver impactful projects and programmes that touch every sphere of governance, namely transportation, education, health, technology, security and more.

‘Here in Badagry West LCDA, in just a few days in office as your council chairman, I must confess that although we have given you a little, there is indeed more in stock.

”Already, we have embarked on intensive environmental sanitation at Gbaji-Owode Bridge and Yard Crossover Bridge, carried out inspection of projects across our communities; distributed over 250 GCE forms to encourage our students in pursuit of academic excellence; and sustained engagements with heads of security agencies to strengthen partnerships in safeguarding our border communities.

”As part of our modest achievements, we are undertaking building of a primary health centre at Asheri.

”The old structure has been pulled down, additional three plots of land have been acquired, and fencing is ongoing to give our people a befitting health care facility.

”We have also begun the construction of perimeter fencing at Methodist Primary School, Sawa, to ensure safety and protection for our pupils while learning.

”In addition, ground preparations have begun for the building of a befitting CBT Centre at Ganyigbo-Topa.

”To actualise this, the council has bought four plots of land, and work will commence in earnest.

”This project will place our students on a competitive edge in examinations and digital opportunities,” he said.

A few months ago, Roosevelt Ogbonna FCA, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, made headlines when he stepped down from his role as a Non-Executive Director on the bank’s Board. After three and a half years of dedicated service, his departure went largely unnoticed, particularly considering he still holds a substantial stake of 158,494,589 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2.7 million. However, this decision was not merely a coincidence; it was a strategic move to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Corporate Governance Guidelines for Financial Holding Companies established in 2023. These guidelines mandate that the Board of any Financial Holding Company can consist of no more than nine directors. Despite his resignation, Ogbonna continues to play a crucial role in shaping the bank’s expansion strategy, indicating that his influence within the organization remains significant.

Known for his love of a lavish lifestyle, Ogbonna embodies the philosophy that money is meant to be enjoyed. This belief persists, even as he maintains a diverse portfolio of investments across various sectors. He views spending as a reflection of hard work, not hesitating to indulge himself in moments of luxury when the occasion calls for it.

While he shuns the limelight and prefers to live a low-profile life, Ogbonna has a taste for the finer things. He is known for his impeccable fashion sense, often seen in sharp tuxedos, driving luxury cars, and showcasing a stunning collection of wristwatches. His penchant for style is balanced with a desire to enjoy life to its fullest extent.

Ogbonna’s real estate portfolio is equally impressive, boasting mansions in prestigious locations like Lagos and Abuja. Recently, he took his luxurious preferences global by acquiring a remarkable property in Hampstead, London, for £15 million (approximately $20 million).

This location, often dubbed ‘Billionaires’ Row,’ represents some of the most sought-after real estate in the UK, attracting the elite and affluent. The strategic timing of his purchase comes amid a cooling luxury housing market in London, which has been impacted by recent stamp duty increases and the scaling back of tax advantages for wealthy foreign buyers. Ogbonna’s acquisition thus signifies a tactical investment move, allowing him to capitalize on market conditions while enhancing his status among the world’s wealthiest individuals. This acquisition shows his negotiating skills and also study of the market and capitalizing on its loophole to his own advantage.

The recent arrest of notorious armed robbery kingpin, John Samuel, in Epe, Lagos State, underscores the crucial role of surveillance in modern policing. Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage showed Samuel shooting at victims before robbing them, proving once again how technology can make the difference between impunity and justice.

This is not an isolated case. On January 14, 2021, CCTV cameras in Lekki captured a thief breaking into a home and carting away valuables from electronics to a car. Yet, in many parts of the country, crimes go unrecorded, unreported, and unanswered.

Precisely, on September 23, gunmen riding 50 motorcycles attacked villages in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. They killed a pregnant woman, abducted six others, and operated freely for four hours without resistance. Such incidents highlight the consequences of ungoverned spaces and delayed responses by security forces.

Across the nation, criminals have become emboldened, ambushing security personnel and inflicting heavy losses. According to Daily Trust, at least 50 security operatives were killed in the last two weeks alone. Citizens cannot continue to live at the mercy of these attacks. Protection must extend to every Nigerian life, not just the elite.

Why CCTV and drones matter

Globally, CCTV installations and surveillance drones have proven vital in combating terrorism and organized crime. These technologies can deter crime by making offenders think twice when they know they are being watched. They identify suspects through recorded evidence and prevent attacks by enabling pre-emptive surveillance and swift response.

A surveillance drone retrieves vital information from criminals hibernating in the forest, mountain, and savannah areas, and further analysis would enable seamless arrest.

The Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV) can fulfil a variety of roles, offering superior safety and blast protection for the occupants against direct and indirect weapons, mines, and improvised explosive devices to protect personnel.

Unfortunately, Nigeria still lags. Only a handful of states-Lagos, Edo, Oyo, and Akwa Ibom-have functional Command and Control centres, and coverage is far from state-wide. Drone deployment remains inadequate, leaving criminals free to exploit unmonitored areas.

In the present digital age, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in organized crime or cyber threats and rely on false identities to operate undetected. However, identity tracking is one of the most powerful tools at the disposal of the country that can monitor and verify individuals and reduce opportunities for crime.

To be fair, government interventions have strengthened the Nigeria Police Force in recent years. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has provided over 200 Buffalo patrol vehicles, protective vests, helmets, and renovated police stations and barracks. Between 2021 and 2025, the NPF also received 328 operational vehicles, thousands of ballistic vests, 50 Sudanese horses, and advanced training for over 10,000 personnel in counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and hostage negotiation.

The Ministry of Police Affairs has added tactical vehicles, vests, and other equipment. These efforts reflect genuine commitment-but they are not enough to match the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges.

A mere trip through roads from Abuja to Sokoto, Lagos, and Calabar manifests the contribution of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund through the buffalo patrol vehicles on our highways in Nigeria. Also, reflecting is renovation of barracks and new pilot smart divisional police stations in Mpape-Abuja, Akaeze-Ebonyi, Ekinrin-Adde-Kogi, renovation of 57 police stations and 14 barracks across the country.

The way forward for a meaningful change, Nigeria must:

a. Expand CCTV coverage across states and local governments.

b. Deploy surveillance and attack drones mounted on Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs), to enable proactive operations in forests, mountains, and highways without resorting to endless roadblocks.

c. Equip Divisional Police Stations with advanced gear for pre-emptive action.

d. Integrate identity technologies such as the Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database Centre (NPCIDB), WAPIS, and Interpol i24/7 for tracking false identities and cyber threats.

e. Promote collective security by partnering with the federal, state, and local governments, the private sector, and citizens to install cameras in public places and areas without governance.

As Nigeria pursues the devolution of powers to local governments, especially financial autonomy, it must accompany this with the empowerment of local government chairmen to take responsibility for security in their domains and the improvement of the capacity of Divisional Police Stations to be accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.

All criminals in the country must be on the run from the continuous onslaught of the well-kitted security personnel backed up with deployable surveillance and attack drones mounted on Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs) simultaneously in the states in the country to curb the migration of criminals.

In conclusion, Nigeria has the manpower and the will, but it lacks the surveillance infrastructure to stay ahead of criminals. Investing in CCTV, drones, and modern command centres is no longer optional-it is urgent. The time has come for all tiers of government to work together, patronize local manufacturers of Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles, and empower our police with the tools they need to deliver Renewed Hope Policing.

Europe must take a more aggressive approach with Russia by shooting down drones that enter European airspace and boarding shadow fleet ships illicitly transporting oil to deprive Moscow of war revenue, French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday.

But, Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday threatened a ‘decisive’ response to any threats against Russia, declaring that Western attempts to subdue the country through sanctions have failed despite their maximum efforts.

Speaking at a European summit in Copenhagen, Macron and other European leaders called for more sanctions against Russia – notably targeting its energy sector – and emphasised that Ukraine is on the front line in a widening hybrid war against Europe.

Indeed, the positions of some of Europe’s leaders toward the continuing drone incidents, acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks and sanction-busting appear to have hardened over two days of talks in Copenhagen, including a closed session among them without phones or advisors.

Macron urged the more than 40 leaders at the European Political Community summit to simply protect their interests without signaling their intentions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

‘I think the main answer should be more unpredictability and more strategic ambiguity,’ he said.

‘It’s very important to have a clear message: drones which would violate our territories are just taking a big risk. They can be destroyed, full stop,’ he said. ‘We are not here to provide the full notice. We will do what we have to do.’

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Kayode Ojo, has got provisional clearance to participate at the primary.

The provisional clearance followed his failure to secure the mandatory five nominators per local government.

The Screening Committee chaired by Tola Olawuyi forwarded his case to the National Working Committee (NWC) for final ‘judgment.

Party members at the grassroots have urged the national leadership to disqualify him from further participating in the exercise.

The shadow poll scheduled for October 27 is likely to be conducted, based on the direct option. The election is next year.

Four contenders – Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ojo, an engineer, Olajumoke Abimbola and Omolayo Oluremi – were initially competing for the ticket.

However, a contender, Olajumoke dropped after failing the screening, leaving three in the race.

Oyebanji was ‘cleared, having satisfied all constitutional and party requirements.’

While Oyebanji and Oluremi were given the nod to prepare for the intra-party contest, Ojo only got provisional clearance. His case is yet to be decided by the NWC.

Abimbola, who is active on the social media, is considered as a starter who cannot pass any popularity test in the chapter.

Two chieftains – Sunday Oladipupo (Igbemo Ward, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government) and Amos Oladipo (Imesi Ward 5, Gbonyi Local Government) – forwarded a petition against her.

Unlike the governor who has been endorsed by the majority of party stalwarts during the statewide endorsement rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, and all the 16 local governments, many Ekiti APC leaders have also disputed Ojo’s eligibility for the exercise, alleging that he is not loyal to the platform.

Ojo’s battle cry has not attracted a mass following in the far-flung rural state, where only aspirants who know the language of the communities, and not those who uncritically flaunt wealth, have prospects.

Instructively in Ekiti, unity, identity, group conformity, and trust are built around that cultural aspect of life by the generality of unique people that relishes the virtue of ‘omoluabi.’

A lawyer, Yuletude Oghenekao Ako, stated in the petition to the chairman of the Screening Committee, Tunji Olawuyi, in Abuja on behalf of Oladipupo and Oladipo, that Olajumoke should prove that he is a ‘registered and financially up-to-date’ party member who has the right to vote and be voted for at the primary.

Copies of the petition were sent to the APC national chairman, national secretary and secretary of the screening committee.

The petitioners alleged that while five members from each of the 16 councils should sign her nomination form, only 19 valid members signed, thereby failing to meet the threshold of 80 as expected.

According to them, ‘except in Ado Local Government with seven nominators,;she also did not satisfy the requirements of five nominators per local government in the remaining 14 local governments as contained in the guidelines.’

In their view, the aspirant should also prove that she has not misled the committtee with the information he furnished and that she fully complied with the rules, requirements and guidelines.

They said to safeguard the credibility of the screening process, the committee should disqualify Olajumoke from further participation in the exercise on three grounds.

The grounds, as alleged, are that she is not a bona fide party member; she was not duly nominated by the required number of nominators, and for the deficiency in her nomination form.

Olajumoke denied the allegations. But the committee reported that her name is not in the register of financial members.

Also, in a petition on behalf of Tayo Egunlusi (Iworoko, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government) and Gbenga Osungbekun (Aramoko Ward 1, Ekiti West Local Government) by their lawyer, Sylvester Evbuomwan, the two party members urged the committee to disqualify Ojo from further participation in the screening and nomination process.

They alleged that Ojo failed to participate in the last membership revalidation exercise conducted in Ekiti between August 5 and 15, adding that consequently, his name does not appear in the verified Register of Members of the APC in the state.

To them, this has violated Article 9(1) of the APC Constitution which provides that only registered and financially up-to-date members have the right to vote and be voted for.

Also, the petitioners alleged that Ojo has persistently engaged in anti-party activities, pointing out that he has openly collaborated with opposition elements in Ekiti to ‘with a clear intent to weaken and destabilse the APC.’

They added:’This conduct is evidenced by his repeated public disparagement and unguarded outbursts against the leadership of the party,

‘Furthermore, in flagrant violation of the APC Constitution, which expressly prohibits members from instituting legal proceedings against the partywithout first exhausting internal mechanisms for dispute resolution, Ojoinstituted court actions against the APC, following his lossain the party primary .

‘Article 21 (2) (xi) of the APC Constitution stipulates that any member who files an action in court against the party or any of its officers without first exhausting the internal remedies shall be deemed to have committed an offence.

‘Since the conclusion of the 2022 APC primary, he has willifully distanced himself from the party by refusing to attend, participate in or support APC activities at the ward, local government or state levels, including the membership revalidation exercise conducted in Ekiti State.’

The petitioners urged the screening committee and the party leadership to thoroughly investigate these allegations, particularly Ojo’s non-mwmbership status and record of anti-party activities.

They also said the panel should uphold the provisions of the party constitution , which eshrine loyalty, discipline and good standing as pre-requisites for party membership and participation in party affairs.

The chieftains said the committee should ‘disqualify Ojo from further participation in the screening process as he lacks the locus standi as s memmber and loyalty required as an aspirant on the platform of the APC.’

In his response to the petitions, Ojo denied non-participation in the membership validation and anti-party activities. He insisted that that his nominators are financial members, although he could not provide a certified party register to substantiate their membership.

In its report, the committee is satisfied that Ojo’s name is in the validated membership register. However, the panel is not satisfied with his failure to provide credible evidence confirming the financial status of his nominators, a requirement fundamental to the validity of his nomination. This implies that the aspirant is not popular with the generality of party members.

Ojo was therefore, granted ‘provisional clearance, with the final decision referred to the National Working Committee (NWC) for further consideration.

The committee said:’This referral is necessitated by the weight of the petitions against him, particularly his failure to satisfy the mandatory threshold of five valid nominators per local government, and is intended to forestall potential litigation(s) that may arise from this deficiency which is inconsistent with Article 9(1) of the Constitution, which provides that only registered and financially up-to-date members of the party have the right to vote and be voted for, and Section 177 )c) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires membership of a political party as a pre-requisite for eligibility to contest the Office of Governor. ‘

Erumusele Francis Onotole has been announced as the 268th Certified Global Tech Hero, a recognition that celebrates a career forged at the intersection of engineering, analytics, cybersecurity, and supply chain transformation.

This induction honours more than two decades of sustained professional excellence, a trajectory that began in the technical trenches of industry and matured into leadership that blends rigorous technical competence with pragmatic, outcome-driven innovation.

From his early roles in technical stores and inventory management to strategic responsibilities in import planning, logistics, and operations analysis, he has repeatedly turned complex operational challenges into measurable business advantages, improving supply continuity, reducing variability, and strengthening organizational resilience.

Across a career that began with a highly competitive appointment at a leading manufacturing concern, his progression through roles of increasing responsibility demonstrates a sustained focus on outcomes. He has applied Lean Six Sigma principles and data-driven process improvement to tighten inventory control, optimize import planning, and enhance logistics planning, delivering improvements in service reliability and cost efficiency.

His work has emphasized predictive analytics and real-time operational visibility, approaches that have materially reduced risk exposure and lead-time uncertainty in environments where supply reliability is critical. Importantly, he has consistently woven cybersecurity and forensic technology considerations into operational design, recognizing that modern supply chains are cyber-physical systems requiring integrated defenses and forensic readiness.

Beyond role-based impact, he has contributed to the body of professional knowledge through scholarly publications addressing supply chain innovation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, predictive analytics, and cybersecurity. These contributions signal a practitioner who does not merely apply existing techniques but helps refine and disseminate them, advancing practice across industry and academia.

External recognition for his leadership and innovation, including honours from legislative and academic institutions, evidences a wider influence that extends beyond immediate organizational metrics into community and thought leadership.

A defining element of his nomination for Global Tech Hero status is the creation of ChainNovaS?, a next-generation decision-making model and AI-powered toolkit designed to build supply chain resilience in an age of systemic shocks. ChainNovaS? reframes resilience by integrating predictive scenario modeling, end-to-end visibility, sequential contingency playbooks, sustainability measurement, and human-centered coaching into a single, adoptable framework.

By combining predictive resilience with transparent flow mapping, adaptive playbooks, sustainability tracking, and team alignment practices, the toolkit helps organizations anticipate disruption, maintain operational continuity, and balance resilience with competitive cost structures. The practical orientation of ChainNovaS?, designed for ease of adoption and measurable outcomes, epitomizes the sort of applied innovation of solutions that are proven frameworks that can be operationalised across sectors.

‘Erumusele’s work is a reminder that effective technological leadership is never just about devices or code; it is about building systems that protect people, secure value, and ensure continuity under pressure. His ChainNova TM framework delivers a rare combination of analytical rigor and human-centred design, equipping organisations to anticipate disruption and act decisively. This kind of practical, scalable innovation is precisely what we celebrate,’ said the founder of The Connected Awards, reflecting on the significance of this induction.

This induction recognises an individual whose career exemplifies disciplined interdisciplinary thinking, measurable operational impact, and the ambition to translate insight into scalable practice. As the 268th Certified Global Tech Hero, Erumusele Francis Onotole joins a lineage of practitioners honoured not only for exceptional personal achievement but for demonstrable contributions to the resilience and advancement of the global technological ecosystem.