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The Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region (BCCC-Africa) has organised a workshop for students of the University of Ibadan to train them on how to create awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and solutions to the menace when they proceed to their compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme across the country, and for serving corps member currently enrolled in the scheme.

The workshop tagged, ‘Accelerating Community Awareness on Plastic Waste through Interventions with Students and Graduates of Tertiary Institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria,’ is a continuation of a project which commenced earlier this year. Earlier on June 18, BCCC-Africa held a one-day Inception Workshop for a project titled: ‘Accelerating community awareness on plastic waste through interventions with students and graduates of tertiary educational institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria,’ on the campus of the University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State.

The BCCC-Africa Executive Director, Professor Percy Onianwa, at the project inception, noted that ‘Nigerian students and youth corps members have never before been utilised in this manner for any community awareness raising programme. The scheme has a high potential for a wide reach within the country. The trainees are also likely to carry on with awareness-building activities even beyond the lifespan of this project.’

He added, ‘The project is being executed by the BCCC-Africa, with funding provided by the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions through its third Small Grants Programme (SGP-3) on Plastic Wastes.’

The project aims to engage about 450 final-year students of the University of Ibadan (UI), and 450 final-year students of The Polytechnic Ibadan, and also work with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members that are already deployed to serve in the metropolitan city of Ibadan.

The project will also develop educational materials that are suitable for awareness raising and outreach programmes on plastic waste in Nigeria and build the capacities of higher academic institutions’ students and NYSC members for the purpose of engaging them in community awareness through advocating activities on plastic waste and management.

The intensive full day programme held on Saturday, September 20, for students of UI could be broadly divided into two parts, namely ‘problems’ and ‘solutions’ to the plastic waste challenge in Nigeria. The first part with the broad topic of ‘Plastics, Plastic Wastes, Plastic Pollution,’ took them through sub-topics including: ‘Nature of Plastics/Plastic Waste/Single-Use Plastics’, ‘Microplastics and Chemicals in Plastics’, ‘Plastic Pollution: Health Hazards of Plastic Wastes’.

The second part of the session on ‘Managing Plastic Wastes’ dealt with sub-topics including Sorting, Collection and Recycling. Mr Victor Okunola, a recycler from Plastic Edge, said that recycling can become a viable source of income. Professors Adie and Ipeaiyeda spoke on ‘Alternatives to Plastics’ that are less harmful to the environment, such as bamboo, liquid wood and substances that can be added to make plastic biodegradable.

Mr Rafiu Akorede of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment, who spoke on the topic: ‘Managing Plastics in Ibadan,’ mentioned strategies the state government is using for waste management, including decentralised waste collection through waste management consultants, public awareness and advocacy and promoting reusable items.

The ‘Role of Extended Producer Responsibility in Managing Plastic Waste in Nigeria’ was handled by Agharese Onaghise of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA).

Before she spoke, Prof Onianwa noted that the economics of waste management has changed with the increase in the cost of managing dumpsites. He added that one of the ways to cope with this challenge is the extended producer responsibility.

Onaghise said FBRA, established in 2018, with just four members, now has about 47, adding that the organisation empowers Nigerian industries to manage plastic waste effectively.

Speaking about their experiences, Happiness Abiodun, a 400-level student in the Department of Chemistry, said the workshop was indeed insightful, as she not only learned about the activities of BCCC-Africa but also discovered how plastics can be harmful to the environment, despite their usefulness.

She added, ‘I am grateful to BCCC-Africa and all the speakers for teaching us how to enlighten secondary school students and market women on plastics recycling.’

She said she planned to use her upcoming national service year (NYSC) to initiate a group of corps members that would embark on an enlightenment campaign to students and market women. ‘I also plan to introduce clubs in secondary schools that will focus on plastic recycling, and also bring in resource persons to teach them. Secondary school students are well-exposed these days, and I believe they will catch the message quickly,’ she added.

David Adewale, a Geology student of the university, said he was now fully aware of the need to reduce the usage of plastics due to its impact on the environment. ‘I understand that there are alternatives to plastics.

BCCC-Africa also conducted another session of the same workshop on Thursday, September 25, for corps members currently enrolled in the NYSC scheme for the same purpose of creating awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and how to manage it.

After the session, Babalola Sunday, a corps member serving in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, described the session as educative. ‘I understood what BCCC-Africa stands for and its functions. I now understand the dangers of plastic pollution, and we can help to save the situation.’

Ayomide Hannah, another corps member, thanked BCCC-Africa for the opportunity to attend training on plastic waste. ‘I learned about the history and objectives of BCCC-Africa, particularly its role in protecting human health from hazardous waste.

‘The sessions emphasised the hazards of plastic pollution on land and in aquatic environments, supported with statistics, and also explored existing policies and management strategies. I was especially encouraged to create awareness by communicating plastic waste issues to people of all ages.’

The former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andy Yakubu, has described the death of the mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, as a national tragedy.

Yakubu stated this during a condolence visit to Prof. Yilwatda at his residence in Abuja over the weekend.

He said the passing of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC National Chairman, who died at the age of 83 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, was a painful national loss.

‘The late Mama Lydia was a devoted Christian, a virtuous woman leader, and a pillar of the Church of Christ in Nations. Her death is not only a personal loss to the National Chairman but also to the entire APC family in Plateau State and across the country,’ Yakubu said.

He noted that Mama Lydia, together with her late husband, Reverend Toma Goshewe Yilwatda, made significant contributions to the growth of the church in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Plateau States.

‘There is no doubt that Mama’s passing is painful and devastating to the Yilwatda family, especially at a time when her motherly advice and prayers were most needed, particularly by Professor Yilwatda. Her demise is a great loss to the Church, the Women’s Fellowship, and Plateau State,’ he added.

ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation, the population of older adults is projected to almost double by 2050. It is also projected that by 2050, 80% of older persons will live in low- and middle-income countries. Nigeria currently has the highest number of older persons in Africa and the 19th globally, with the number likely to triple by 2050. These statistics highlight older adults as an important part of the population whose health should be prioritised. Despite the rising population of older persons in our society, older adults’ health, especially mental health, continues to be shrouded in ignorance, shamed and stigmatised.

In the media, we often see cases of old women being burnt to death or isolated after being accused of being witches. We also see older adults begging to survive, homeless older adults, and the elderly living alone in dilapidated houses. Many people will admit to seeing older adults struggling with their mental health, exhibiting signs of cognitive decline or psychosis, and so on.

The United Nations designated October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons in celebration of older adults and to increase awareness of the challenges and opportunities of population ageing. This year, the theme is ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being and Our Rights’. This theme recognises older adults as active participants in their community initiatives and global efforts. It also spotlights the importance of advocating for the aspirations, inclusion, and rights of older adults. It also reminds us of the importance of fostering the well-being of older adults.

Despite the contributions of older adults to society, they continue to face systemic challenges that negatively influence their well-being and compromise their rights. Ageism, the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination of older adults based on their age, remains a major obstacle to older adults. Many older adults are often isolated, as they are considered too old to participate in certain activities. This isolation deprives them of social support, which is proven to be a positive predictor of mental health.

Access to adequate and quality healthcare is another pressing concern. Many older adults live with chronic illness, mobility challenges, cognitive decline, and other health concerns. Loneliness, depression, psychosis, and other mental health challenges are also common among older adults, particularly among those living alone. The current wave of ‘japa’, with many youths emigrating to other countries, frequently results in situations where aged parents have no close family members around them in old age. Furthermore, the low number of healthcare professionals in Nigeria also implies that there are few healthcare professionals skilled in providing geriatric care, thereby limiting access to healthcare for older adults.

Financial insecurity is another challenge many older adults experience. With no income, meagre or inconsistent pensions and poor health insurance, many older adults are left struggling. It is common knowledge that social protection for the elderly in Nigeria is mostly nonexistent. With increasing life expectancies and harsh economic realities, we have to address this problem.

Furthermore, elder abuse – which may be physical, emotional, or financial – remains an underreported and under-addressed crisis. According to the WHO, 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older experience some form of abuse, a number expected to rise as populations age further.

The Well-being of Older Persons: Everyone’s Responsibility

Promoting the well-being and rights of older persons is a shared societal responsibility. From the government, families, and communities to schools, businesses, and civil society organizations, everyone has a role to play in creating environments where older persons can thrive with dignity.

The government must lead the way in implementing the National Policy on Ageing for Older Persons in Nigeria, which was ratified by the Federal Executive Council in February 2021. Government at all levels must also increase funding for health and the recruitment of healthcare professionals at all cadres.

But the role of the government alone is not enough. Civil society organisations, including elder care institutions, religious groups, and advocacy networks, are essential in raising awareness, providing services, and mobilizing public support for age-inclusive well-being initiatives. These groups can help amplify the voices of older persons and ensure they are not just beneficiaries of aid but active participants in shaping policies that affect their lives. These groups must also foster awareness and support for older adults’ health.

Perhaps most importantly, younger generations must be engaged in fostering intergenerational solidarity and communities. Through mentorship programmes, volunteer initiatives, and shared community spaces, people of all ages can build bridges of empathy, respect, and cooperation. The strength of a society is often measured by how it treats its elders, honouring their experiences, learning from their wisdom, and protecting their rights, which is a mark of true progress. Asido Foundation is leading these efforts through targeted advocacy and interventions.

As we reflect on this year’s theme, ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action’, it becomes clear that the empowerment of older people is a necessity, not a luxury. Ensuring their well-being and rights today helps build the inclusive, resilient societies of tomorrow.

THE Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared that finance remains the decisive factor in transforming Nigeria’s bold new vision for its marine and blue economy into tangible impact, stressing that without sustainable investment, the country risks leaving its vast marine resources underutilised.

Oyetola recently made this call in Lagos at the 3rd Quarter Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement of the Ministry and its agencies.

Addressing an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, investors and interest groups, the Minister described the event’s theme, ‘From Policy to Impact: Finance is Key,’ as both timely and urgent, noting that the Federal Executive Council’s approval of Nigeria’s first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in May 2025 had created a clear roadmap for growth, but that the next critical step lay in mobilising the capital needed to achieve results.

According to him, the new policy envisions economic growth across a wide range of sectors, including shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, marine tourism, coastal infrastructure, renewable energy, and ocean research.

However, he reminded stakeholders that ‘vision without financing remains no more than a dream’. He pointed out that government alone cannot shoulder the immense responsibility of modernising Nigeria’s ports, sustaining maritime security, expanding aquaculture, or building climate-resilient infrastructure. It would take innovative partnerships, international financing mechanisms and strong private sector engagement to translate policy into measurable outcomes.

Oyetola drew attention to the Ministry’s proven record of discipline and results, recalling that in the first quarter of 2025, the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) awarded the Ministry a performance score of 96 per cent, while in 2024 the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council named it the best performing ministry in the country. These achievements, he said, demonstrate the government’s capacity to deliver, but scaling up requires unlocking far greater resources.

The Minister cited recent examples where financing has already yielded impact. Nigeria, he noted, has sustained a piracy-free record for more than three years in the Gulf of Guinea, a feat made possible through investments in the Deep Blue Project. Rehabilitation and modernisation of Lagos ports are underway, designed to attract larger vessels, cut down turnaround time, and create thousands of jobs, with similar initiatives planned across the country.

THE founding father of indigenous shipping in Nigeria, Chief Isaac Jolapamo has said that even if all indigenous shipowners get the $700m Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) today, there are no jobs because all the lucrative jobs are in the hands of the foreign ship-owners.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively in Lagos, the first President of the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) lamented that the foreigners have taken over most of the jobs and the Federal Government has, over the years, lacked the will power to enforce a ‘Nigerian first’ policy in the nations cabotage industry.

According to Chief Isaac Jolapamo: ‘There is nothing to celebrate in the Nigerian maritime industry after 65 years of independence. The people that conceived the industry 65 years ago and handed it over to us, it is not the way they are running theirs that we are running ours.’

When reminded that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has appointed Primary Lending Institutions (PLI’s) for the disbursement of the CVFF and that the banks have even started writing to indigenous shipowners to come and access the fund, Chief Jolapamo stated: ‘But we have been buying ships long before the advent of the Cabotage Act which birthed the CVFF.

‘The Cabotage Act was intended to give us more leverage, and that was why we fought for it. But as it is today, the Cabotage Act is not achieving the purpose for which it was enacted years ago.

‘I make bold to say that we had better access to job opportunities than what is available today, since the Cabotage regime began. Today, the foreign vessel owners are first choice when it comes to job opportunities in the Nigerian cabotage space.

‘When you look at the trend, the number of Nigerian owned ships that were in existence before the Cabotage Act was enacted has reduced. If government gives indigenous shipowners funds today, what will they use the funds for? The jobs in Nigeria’s shipping industry is still in the hands of the foreign vessel owners as at today.

‘Until the Federal Government enacts a law barring foreign vessel owners from competing with indigenous shipowners for jobs in the Cabotage industry, CVFF funds disbursement will be a waste of time.

‘Without such law, any shipowner that goes and take money from the CVFF will just run into problems.

‘Job availability is the soul of shipping globally. Every shipowner can always get funds. When I left NNPC in 1985 and Mobil asked me to do a job for them, what I did was to walk into a bank in London with the contract letter from Mobil. The name of that bank is BCCI. The bank provided funds for the job the moment they sighted the contract letter, and the job was done.

‘Once you have a job and you know how to run a ship, you will make money. So, job availability is key.’

Emerging Afrobeats artist Yemzoid has set himself apart with his latest singles Somebody and Lekeleke, tracks that many believe are strong contenders for industry awards. With their polished production, meaningful lyrics, and emotional depth, these singles demonstrate a maturity and artistry that could propel him into the spotlight at upcoming music award ceremonies.

Yemzoid views the tracks as a reflection of his personal growth. ‘These singles reflect my personal growth as an artist, showcasing maturity in both lyrics and delivery. They represent a new chapter in my music journey with a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of this world I am exploring,’ he said. This sense of evolution is evident in the refined storytelling and emotional connection woven into each song.

Somebody dives into the passion and vulnerability that come with loving someone, while Lekeleke celebrates the strength and independence of women. Together, they balance emotional sensitivity with empowerment, offering a blend of messages that resonate deeply with listeners. By centering women in his music, Yemzoid adds a socially conscious dimension to Afrobeats, which could earn him recognition in categories beyond just mainstream appeal.

As fans continue to embrace these tracks, conversations around their award potential are growing. Whether in songwriting, vocal performance, or even cultural impact categories, Yemzoid has delivered music that meets the criteria for critical acclaim. With Somebody and Lekeleke, he may not only win the hearts of fans but also secure his place among the new generation of award-winning Afrobeats talents.

A neurosurgeon, Professor Olufemi Adeleye, stated that the use of motorcycles and other single-occupant transport for mass transit is a brain-numbing, dangerous practice that should be urgently stopped to reduce the increasing cases of brain injury from road crashes in Nigeria.

Professor Adeleye, in his inaugural lecture entitled ‘Adversity, Neurosurgery, Innovations: Ibadan’ at the University of Ibadan, stated that motorcycle crashes have overtaken motor vehicle crashes as the most frequent cause of brain injury in recent decades, exacting a heavy toll on the limbs and lives of people, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

According to him, ‘the victims are the young, productive members of the population, often the riders themselves. They suffer severe brain injuries, which many times require surgical operations that they cannot afford; as a result, they simply perish.

‘For, as it turns out, they are actually not making any sustainable living whatsoever from this brain-numbing, infernal trade. Hence, they languish in the emergency rooms of hospitals, unable to raise the funds for even the basic medical tests and investigations required, let alone the surgical operations.’

‘For instance, the in-hospital cost of all that is involved with basic remedial brain surgery in an average situation is about 1 million naira, more or less.

The donor said that requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket for hospital care is a harmful health-financing model that burdens people who are already very impoverished, living on less than 50 cents a day, and called for it to be phased out.

‘Surely, parents who live on less than 50 cents a day may, if necessary, be encouraged-even urged-to find a way to personally bear the cost, the $10 expense of those childhood diseases; although they would not receive all the help or aid they need when faced with the misfortune of caring for a child with brain cancer or similar serious illnesses,’ he added.

Professor Adeleye also encouraged fostering a spirit of invention in medical care despite the resource-challenged environment in Nigeria, rather than being carried away by high-tech gadgets, saying, ‘we should always focus on how to simplify, at least for now. Think global, act local.’

He added, ‘We should arm ourselves with the most up-to-date, cutting-edge knowledge and skills in our trades and disciplines, and then steer our minds toward finding ways to simplify them for local acceptability, relevance, and affordability. Many tools, gadgets, and pieces of equipment used in healthcare institutions are products of advanced technologies, which often make their deployment logistically challenging in low-resource areas.

‘Let us gain all the necessary foreign exposure, not just to become local champions, but also to look forward to returning home with an eye for simple measures and tools that are more appropriate for our environment.’

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over what it described as persistent neglect, broken promises, and deliberate disregard for agreements reached with the union.

The union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which held its 52nd meeting at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, lamented that the government’s actions risk plunging the university system into another avoidable industrial crisis.

In a communiqué signed by its National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, SSANU expressed deep frustration at the Federal Government’s failure to renegotiate and implement the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement, describing the silence of the renegotiation committee as ‘a betrayal of trust.’ The union warned that it would have no option but to act if the government failed to honour the two-week extension earlier granted by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU. ‘If this pattern of neglect continues, the Union will have no choice but to explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance,’ the communiqué read.

One of the key issues raised was the continued non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action. The union described the government’s action as punitive and provocative. ‘NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members. and urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two months’ withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith,’ the statement emphasised. It further noted that deductions already made from previously paid arrears were yet to be remitted to pension administrators, a development it described as an attack on members’ retirement security.

Equally troubling was the union’s position on the disbursement of earned allowances. SSANU accused the government of adopting discriminatory practices by allocating only ?10 billion out of the ?50 billion Earned Allowance fund to the three non-teaching unions. ‘This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian universities,’ the union declared, demanding the immediate release of the outstanding ?40 billion balance in line with the signed Memorandum of Understanding.

Beyond internal university concerns, SSANU painted a bleak picture of the state of the nation, citing widespread insecurity, collapsing infrastructure, and worsening poverty. It decried the recent cholera outbreak in Zamfara and other parts of the country, the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, frequent kidnappings, banditry, and devastating floods in Adamawa, Niger, and Lagos States as evidence of government failure to protect lives and maintain critical infrastructure. ‘Healthcare remains underfunded, agriculture and food security are under severe threat, and millions of Nigerians are facing acute hunger due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability,’ the union warned.

On education, the NEC said Nigeria’s schools continue to suffer from outdated facilities and gross underfunding, insisting that ‘the government must urgently meet and implement global best practices in education by funding the sector adequately.’ The union commended the slowing down in the creation of new universities, but stressed that quality, not quantity, must be prioritised.

On the economy, SSANU criticised what it described as reckless wastage in governance, even as inflation and fuel prices continue to crush households. While acknowledging the marginal stabilisation of the naira and a slight easing of inflation, it said Nigerians were yet to feel any real relief. ‘The escalating prices of petroleum products and essential commodities call for greater efforts to reduce inflation, which remains among the highest in Africa,’ the NEC stated.

The union also drew attention to the plight of its members in state-owned universities, singling out Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University in Benue State, where SSANU members are currently on strike over unpaid salaries. ‘This unacceptable practice must stop immediately,’ it warned. SSANU further demanded urgent nationwide expansion of solar power installations to address the epileptic electricity supply undermining teaching and research in universities. It accused both federal and state governments of mismanaging increased revenues, insisting that ‘there is no excuse for failing to prioritise workers’ welfare.’

On security, the NEC made a bold case for the formal recognition of traditional rulers as part of Nigeria’s security architecture. ‘Integrating traditional rulers into national and state security councils is not a ceremonial gesture; it is an urgent and practical step toward restoring public confidence and achieving lasting peace across the federation,’ the communiqué argued. It further called for targeted security emergencies in the worst-hit states, coupled with modern technologies, intelligence-led policing, and measures to address poverty, unemployment, and land-use conflicts fuelling violence.

To reposition universities, SSANU urged the government to grant full autonomy to university governing councils, strengthen research and innovation funds, and provide living wages with guaranteed, timely salaries to attract and retain the best talents. It also commended the introduction of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), urging the government to expedite the disbursement of funds already subscribed to by staff.

The union reiterated its readiness to support nation-building, highlighting the expertise of its members in engineering, ICT, healthcare, administration, and finance. ‘SSANU is not merely an advocacy group but a reservoir of professional expertise ready to partner with government and development agencies,’ the NEC declared.

The Council demanded urgent action from the government on health, education, security, food production, and infrastructure. ‘Nigerians deserve concrete action, not promises,’ the communiqué stressed, calling on its members to remain steadfast, professional, and committed to the struggle for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has again overruled the National Working Committee’s (NWC) decision to dissolve the Akwa Ibom State Executive Committee of the party.

The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, had on Tuesday announced the dissolution of the exco and named a 31-member caretaker committee to oversee the state chapter till further notice.

The caretaker committee, according to the NWC, is chaired by Igwat Umoren.

His Deputy is Harrison Ekpo, while the Secretary of the committee is Borono Bassey.

‘The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party’, Ologunagba had stated.

However, 24 hours after, Anyanwu addressed a letter on Wednesday to the chairman of the sacked exco, Mr Aniekan Akpan, asking him to ignore the ‘purported’ dissolution of the exco and stay put in office.

‘For the purpose of clarity, that press release (by Ologunagba) should be discountenanced because there was no formal sitting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in which such decision was taken’, the National Secretary stated.

Anyanwu, who further declared the purported dissolution as ‘null and void and of no effect’, said Ologunagba, as the National Publicity Secretary of the party, had no powers to take any actions on behalf of the NWC, except when expressly directed to do so.

‘The State Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State stands undissolved.

‘Please, consider this letter as the rightful authority for you to continue in your duties as provided in the PDP Constitution, 2017 as amended’, he further directed the sacked chairman.

In Uyo, Akpan too has refused to comply with the directive of the NWC, describing it as ‘false’, as he remains the state chairman.

‘We have it on good authority that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party that claimed to have dissolved the state executive council did not convene any formal meeting to take such a decision.

‘The National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, has issued a press release and conveyed a letter to us showing that there was no such meeting and affirming that no formal NWC meeting was held to dissolve the state executives of the party in Akwa Ibom’, he told journalists.

Tribune Online reports that the scenario playing out is a repeat of what happened last week when the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, wrote the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying it of the decision of the NWC to postpone state congresses in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi States to a new date after due consultations.

Anyanwu also immediately wrote to the INEC urging the commission to ignore Damagum’s letter because the congresses scheduled for Saturday, September 27, would be held.

The congress was indeed held in Cross River, returning Mr Venatius Ikem as the state chairman, though on Monday, September 28, the NWC disowned the congress, calling it a ‘carnival.’

Findings showed that the PDP moved to reposition the party in Akwa Ibom, following the defection of Governor Umo Eno to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in an a bid to cut ties between him and the state exco.

But Akpan, not willing to let go and now backed by some influential party leaders in Abuja, is staying put in office.

Before now, Governor Eno, in a leaked video, had spoken of his intention to work with both the structures of the PDP and the APC in the state for the unity of the state.

‘As a matter of fact, contrary to some insinuations, I want to run both parties (APC and PDP)? Far from it. And what is wrong with being interested? We would not leave the PDP for thieves to hijack and use it against us.

‘If anybody thinks we are going to do that, they have something coming. We will lead the structure of the party (PDP) so that they can work together (with APC). So that people don’t come from outside and think that Mr Eno has moved, let me come and hijack the party. Let the structure of the party remain.

‘They have done their congresses. That’s my position,’ the governor had revealed.

AIRTEL Africa Plc has expressed delight over the positive impact its partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is making in the lives of people, especially school children and teachers across Africa.

Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, stated this in Lagos at a press briefing to announce the official launch of Airtel Africa Foundation, a social arm of the company.

According to him, the Foundation’s collaboration with UNICEF, governments, local communities among others to transform lives and communities, especially that of the students and teachers across 14 countries where the company operates has been encouraging.

He noted that feedback and testimonials from direct beneficiaries has greatly encouraged the foundation to intensify efforts in transforming lives across the continent, disclosing that the collaboration has already connected more than 1,800 schools, benefitted over one million students, and trained more than 17,000 teachers in digital education across 14 countries.

Highlighting the broader mission of the Foundation for Nigeria and other countries, including Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, DRC among others, Ogunsanya disclosed that the plan is now to directly improve the lives of no fewer than 10 million people across Africa by 2030.

According to him, the Foundation is not just donating resources, but building a pipeline of talent and fostering innovation to ensure the global digital revolution leaves no child and youths behind.

He listed four core pillars, Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion (FEED) as initiative strategies to achieve the aims with education most priority.

Ogunsanya explained that those areas of intervention in the education sector will cover students, teachers and institutions.

According to him, the Foundation’s programmes target school adoption for infrastructure development, provision of ICT laboratories and computers, smart classrooms, free internet connectivity, full undergraduate scholarships in tech and STEM fields, mentorship and internships as well as training programmes for teachers.

He added that the Foundation would also leverage its Employee Volunteer Programme to teach students free of charge and mentor them where necessary.

Ogunsanya underscored the importance of quality education, saying that is the easier means to break circle of poverty and socio-economic inequality that many people entangled with today in Africa.

He explained further that an educated society would be financially literate and empowered to turn challenges to opportunities and in turn invest better in education of the next generation, protect the environment and also sustain good living for all.

Emphasising that though similar interventions would be extended to all the 14 countries where Airtel operates, Ogunsanya pointed out that Nigeria being the largest market for the company, would benefit most from the Foundation intervention activities.

He said the immediate plans for the country is to train no fewer than 26,000 youths, award 100 scholarships, connect 300 schools, and adopt 10 schools for long-term support, including facility renovations and smart classrooms.

Commenting on the company’s support for the Foundation, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, also underscored the importance of citizens accessing quality and quantitative education, saying quality education would greatly enhance socio-economic development upon which citizens and the country will thrive.

He said this understanding is the very reason the Airtel Africa Foundation was born as a collective vehicle by the company to catalyse transformation, by systematically investing in the four pillars that underpin a resilient and dynamic society.

‘That is why for us as a company, we will continue to support the Foundation in its drive to transform the lives of our people,’ he pledged.

In his earlier remarks, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, also expressed happiness for the birth of the Foundation, and especially that Nigeria would be the most beneficiary of its intervention efforts across the four pillars.

He said the impact of such interventions, especially in the long run would be unquantifiable, commending the leadership of the Foundation for the initiatives.