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National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Circuits, Africa’s virtual cinema and audiovisual distribution platform, to digitise its educational and culinary content.

The partnership aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry by providing online access to NIHOTOUR’s training, capacity development programmes, and culinary showcases.

Established under NIHOTOUR Act, the institute serves as Nigeria’s top agency for training, regulation, and capacity building in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.

Through Circuits’ advanced digital platform, NIHOTOUR will deliver its courses and initiatives to a wider audience, allowing Nigerians, particularly those in hotels, restaurants, catering, travel, and related sectors to access high-quality training.

As part of the collaboration, they will produce and stream culinary shows that highlight Nigeria’s diverse food culture and creative gastronomy. The initiative is expected to set standards for African culinary excellence and promote Nigeria’s reputation as a hub of hospitality innovation.

NIHOTOUR’s Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, described the agreement as a milestone for the sector.

‘This partnership with Circuits aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises innovation, youth empowerment, and economic growth.

‘By embracing digital dissemination, we are extending our mandate to Nigerians, providing them with knowledge and skills to compete globally.’

Chief Operating Officer of Circuits, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, said the collaboration reflects their commitment to connecting African creativity with global audiences. ‘Partnering NIHOTOUR allows us to merge education, entertainment, and tech to redefine how hospitality expertise and indigenous culinary excellence are shared and celebrated,’ she said.

The MoU reinforces NIHOTOUR’s leadership in hospitality capacity building while leveraging Circuits’ digital infrastructure to expand Nigeria’s global footprint in tourism and gastronomy.

By combining innovation with accessibility, both organisations are paving the way for a new era in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism education.

Abike Dabiri first made her name as one of the shining stars of Broadcast Journalism in the 90s with NTA Network Service. Her knack for breathing life into what might have otherwise passed as nondescript features made her stories for Newsline, the popular human angle Sunday night programme on NTA, unforgettable.

She became the natural choice to take over as Anchor of the programme after the departure of the effervescent Frank Olize.

Abike had a heart for people, her strong sense of empathy evident in the stories she took on. She had a passion for the underprivileged and she demonstrated that not just in the stories she brought to our screens, but the humanitarian interventions she championed.

It wasn’t just the stories though, it was her way of telling them, leaving no one in doubt about the kindness of her heart and the genuineness of her connection with the people involved in the stories was never in doubt.

She wrapped her heart around the subjects of her stories, which were often ‘ordinary’ people that viewers often found themselves emotionally entangled thirsting for more. I was only just cutting my teeth in broadcast journalism at the time, and she was one of the people I paid close attention to and looked up to.

Even though I would eventually step aside only a few years after, it just happened that I didn’t fully disengage from the industry. Soon after, I was back, moonlighting as Producer of MEE and YOU Show for MEE Mofe-Damijo, even with a full-time job with a Bank.

It was in the course of producing the TV programme that our paths formally crossed.

She had only just launched the story of the ‘miracle baby’. An intriguing story that would capture the imagination of all for almost a decade, a story that would define her sterling career as a Broadcast Journalist, cementing her place in the history of Journalism in Nigeria.

It was the story of the 65 year-old Mama Wuraola Abayomi, who claimed to have miraculously given birth to a baby. When that story broke, it sent quite a few tongues wagging, including that of the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council.

I remember accompanying Abike Dabiri along with officials of the NMDC, led by Dr Nwokoro, to her home in Ojota, where the Doctors conducted a check on her in our presence, which didn’t suggest that Mama could have been the mother of the baby.

But Mama insisted she was the mother of the baby, even when she, along with the proprietress of the clinic, Mrs. Esther Kobari, appeared on our programme, despite the pointed questions by Doctors from the

Nigerian Medical and Dental Council who were also present.

The story would eventually become a full-blown saga, with 3 women – Mama, Folashade Adeyemi and Kikelomo Obikoya laying claim to the ‘miracle baby’. It took years and a forensic test for the matter to be eventually. The baby was found to belong to Kikelomo. Mrs Kobari ended up in jail.

For Abike Dabiri, it wasn’t just a story that ran for years, it was a commitment to the child caught up in the saga. She took up responsibility for the education of Mary, the miracle baby, seeing her through graduation from school.

It was no surprise to see Abike Dabiri take to politics, seeing the ease with which she connected with people at the grassroots. Three terms in the House of Representatives. She had distinguished herself as Chair of the Committee on Information and Spokesperson of the House, and it was a surprise when she was assigned to the Committee on Diaspora Affairs, which, at the time, looked more like a posting to Siberia.

But Abike Dabiri would make lemonade of the lemon handed to her. She deserves credit for virtually single-handedly taking diaspora affairs mainstream. Perhaps on account of her record in the House, she was appointed in 2019 by President Buhari as Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, and in 2019, as Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The passion and dedication she brought to the assignment was such that many erroneously assumed her as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, passing onto her responsibilities that were not directly hers.

In many instances, she rose to the occasion, taking on an often enhanced mandate to the best of her ability despite the limitations and challenges that inevitably come with that. Also, often in the face of criticism from people with limited or inverted understanding of foreign affairs and her mandate.

But she has largely taken the pressure and criticisms that have come in her stride, occasionally responding to traducers who often argue that the public official is only allowed to receive, and not hit back. For someone who has been in the public space for a long time, it is to her credit how she has been able to maintain her steeze, delivering on the different assignments she has undertaken.

It is also interesting to see that many of those who troll her on social media know next to nothing of her journey and record, with their frame of reference often limited to post-2015. Yet, by all standards, Dabiri’s record as a Journalist, Politician and public official has been exemplary.

As I have always argued, the media doesn’t celebrate its own enough, which might be the reason why there is not in the public space enough about her to let some of the new-age cynics better know her. Glad that Afe Babalola University deemed it fit to honour Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa with Doctor of Letters, D.Lit (Honoris Causa).

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, will lead other dignitaries to the annual celebration of Uponna Olosi in Osi-Ekiti on Saturday.

Activities to mark the weeklong event began on Monday with a football competition among quarters in the ancient town. A sum will be won. It is sponsored by the late Chief Dayo Ogboja family and others.

A symposium with the theme: ‘Osi-Ekiti Community Development and Economic Growth’, will hold tomorrow. It will feature Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Steve Adegboyega Alabi, who will declare the talk open, with Prof. Dele Ilesanmi and Prince Sunday Robinson as speakers.

On Friday, the Osi-Ekiti monarch will visit quarters in the town.

Chief host, ACM Oludare Fadogba, who is the president of Osi Progressive Union (OPU), enjoined indigenes to attend the event.

President/CEO, Garbykem Global Resources, Kolawole Ajiboye, is the chairman of the day, while the National President, Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo, is the co-chairman.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria says it has expanded its operations to include oil and gas in close proximity to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), free of charge.

The company, primarily in the Eastern Corridor of Trans Niger Pipeline said it is doing this in the interest of national development.

Head of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, addressed stakeholders from host communities of TNP in Bayelsa, urging them to scale up real time information around critical assets for optimum protection.

‘We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP ‘Pro Bono’ even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, ‘ Mezeh said.

He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

‘Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

‘Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, ‘ Mezeh stated.

Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, security agents and community stakeholders.

He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding ‘Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly’.

On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

‘I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, ‘ he said.

On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

‘ I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, ‘ Lokpobiri said.

The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

‘We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation’ Odiwari said.

Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

Sir: Nigeria’s agricultural sector is poised for significant investment and growth, with shrewd entrepreneurs already reaping profits despite long-standing challenges like security concerns and multi-faceted production problems. The prevailing narrative of difficulty, while real, masks a vibrant market where opportunity is abundant, particularly for investors willing to back new technology to fast-track development.

For decades, the agricultural community has grappled with formidable obstacles. Security challenges, including banditry and farmer-herder conflicts, threaten farm operations and disrupt supply chains. Furthermore, the ‘multi-faceted problems of producing’ often refer to issues like low-quality inputs, reliance on rain-fed farming, minimal mechanisation, and significant post-harvest losses. Up to 45% of fresh produce can be lost due to poor storage and logistics.

However, a closer look reveals that many Nigerian citizens are making money. This success highlights the immense demand-supply gap in the nation of over 200 million people, making almost any successful agricultural venture highly profitable.

The potential returns in Nigerian agriculture are among the highest in the world because of the sheer size of the market and the current low productivity. Where others see problems, smart investors see a vast, untapped market.

The critical need now is to introduce and scale new technology to propel the sector from subsistence to modern, high-yield agribusiness. Investment in the following areas presents the most significant opportunity for fast-tracking development:

Currently, a large proportion of farming is done with rudimentary hand tools. Agri-tech start-ups are disrupting this by offering cloud-based platforms for shared access to tractors and machinery, making mechanisation affordable for smallholder farmers.

Investing in cold chain logistics and solar-powered cold storage hubs is essential to drastically reduce the estimated $9 billion annual loss in post-harvest waste. Technologies that extend the shelf life of perishable crops like tomatoes and vegetables promise high returns.

High-quality seeds, seedlings, and tailored fertilizers are in short supply. Technology can aid in developing better inputs and using precision agriculture tools like AI and satellite-based monitoring to give farmers real-time advice on resource use, leading to dramatically improved yields.

Instead of exporting raw commodities, investment in local processing facilities-for crops like cassava (into flour, starch), cocoa, palm oil, and dairy-adds value, creates local jobs, and meets the massive domestic demand for processed foods.

For prospective investors, several value chains stand out due to robust local demand and clear opportunities for technological intervention. Nigeria is at a pivot point where technology and smart capital can transform challenges into wealth. By focusing on technological gaps and value addition, investors can not only secure high returns but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s food security and economic diversification.

Vice Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Prof. Anthony Akinwale, has urged government to support private universities.

Speaking at a briefing to herald the seventh convocation, Akinwale said 148 students would get first degrees, while 21 would receive diplomas.

He said 22 had first-class honours, 57 in second class upper, 57 in second class lower and 12 in third class division.

The vice chancellor lamented exclusion of private universities from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and others..

‘If we want to build a nation, we must build education. Unfortunately, government has not sufficiently invested in university education, public or private. We need to spend more on education spend on running government.’

He said we need more universities, contrary to belief the nation had too many. ”Our population of over 230 million warrants more institutions.”

Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, also urged Tertiary Education Trust Fund support for private universities, to boost academic performance.

Gambari, who spoke at the institution’s 17th Convocation, where 667 students graduated for 2024/2025 session, said governments should also waive taxes for private universities. He lamented that most of them were struggling to survive due to the high costs of goods and services caused by removal of fuel subsidy.

He cited an instance where monthly electricity bill, about one million naira two years ago, rose to over N20 million.

Gambari stressed that costs for security, solar energy, water, Internet and WiFi subscriptions, library resources, and other overheads have increased.

He emphasised that the quality of education provided by private universities in the country cannot be overemphasised, especially in bridging the widening gap of admission-seeking youths, where government or state-owned institutions are unable to admit them. He appealed to the Federal Government to view private universities as partners in progress rather than merely revenue generators.

The Chancellor cited an instance where the university’s monthly electricity bill, which was around One Million Naira two years ago, has now risen to over N20 million. He emphasised that costs for the provision of security, solar energy, a constant water supply, internet and WiFi subscriptions, library resources, and several other overheads have significantly increased.

Gambari said: ‘I charge the Federal Government to include private universities in TETFUND. It should find ways and means to support private universities through competitive research grants and ensure that such support is spread across the six geopolitical zones in the country. Let me conclude by stressing that the government should see private universities as partners in progress rather than money spinners.

‘It is therefore apposite to propose to the Federal, State and Local Governments, a tax waiver for private universities, given their huge contributions to human capital development of Nigerian citizens. Many of these academic institutions are overburdened and struggling with financial difficulties. The government should value their social responsibility and the value they add to their communities.

‘At this juncture, attention of government must be drawn to the challenges private universities encounter daily. For instance, our monthly electricity bill alone at Crescent University, which used to be around One Million Naira two years ago, is now over N20m.

This includes the provision of security, solar power, a constant water supply, internet and WiFi subscription, library resources, and several other overheads. It is the responsibility of the constituted authority to ensure that private universities survive for the good of society.

‘Contributions of private universities to the nation’s development cannot be overemphasised. They have, no doubt, closed to an appreciable extent, the widening gap of admission-seeking youths in our country. These institutions have also substantially contributed to the provision of quality education at the tertiary level in Nigeria. The quality of private university graduates is seen in the performance of Crescent University alumni who replicated their exceptional academic performance in European and American universities with distinctions and PhD grades at the Master’s level.’

The Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, also appealed to the FG to urgently extend the benefits of TETFUND grants and projects to private universities across the country. He expressed regret over the large amount of money spent by the administrative body of the institutions to run school activities during these current economic hardships.

Gbajabiamila, who congratulated the overall best graduating students for the 2024/2025 academic session, Ganiyu Feranmi of the Bola Ajibola College of Law, said that the school had, over the years, provided excellent brains in various fields of endeavours celebrated within and outside the country for their contributions to research and human development.

He said that the university had continued to uphold zero tolerance for examination malpractices, indecent dressing, cultism, drug abuse, anti-social vices, among the students, while urging parents to counsel their children on the importance of being law-abiding, and challenging the graduands to confront challenges head-on through hard work and innovation in order to achieve greatness in life.

Earlier, the Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Crescent University, Prince Muhammad Ajibola, emphasised that his late father, Prince Bola Ajibola’s legacy, continues to motivate the management to enhance the academic performance of students through advanced learning in modern technology, innovations, and research to make them exceptional in their respective fields.

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has won the Integrity Governor of the Year Award of the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).

Presenting the Award on Tuesday in Ilorin, President of the Association, Dr Charles Okhai, said AbdulRazaq merited the recognition on account of his impressive achievements across many sectors.

Okhai said the Governor emerged top in the ranking process involving four other states.

Okhai said the Governor scored higher in sectors like education, road infrastructure, healthcare, youth empowerment, and transparency.

He said the Association was thrilled by AbdulRazaq’s commitment to the welfare of the civil servants and teachers, as seen in regular promotion and prompt payment of salary, and how his government transparently recruited at least 8,601 qualified teachers to fill manpower gaps across public schools.

He said NACJ is a body of Christian media personnel, which pursues strictly national development.

‘When we nominated you, we didn’t look at you from a religious perspective but on account of your sterling performance,’ he said.

He was accompanied on the visit by Mr Nasir Lawal.

AbdulRazaq thanked the Association for the honour, which he dedicated to the people of the state for their support and trust in his administration.

‘We take this award as an acknowledgement of our modest efforts to improve the conditions of our people and deliver political goods to the largest majority,’ the Governor said.

‘Beyond the routine adherence to the bureaucratic due processes and transparency, our state has often come out in good standing in peer-review indices for transparency and good governance, including at the level of programmes conducted by the World Bank and other global bodies.

‘We have made significant progress in every sector. We are clearly leaving the state better networked in road and other socioeconomic indices. And we are not resting.

‘No government since 1999 has delivered as many projects in road connectivity, education, health, sports or tech infrastructure as we have done in the last six years.’

AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Tinubu for his support to the state over the years.

The quality of a country’s healthcare system is a mirror image of its leaders’ commitment to citizens’ health. Countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland are among the world’s top countries with best healthcare for citizens, driven majorly by robust funding and well-structured policy programme. Leaders in these countries do not go to foreign countries for medical tourism, as they have absolute confidence in the delivery capacity of the healthcare system.

But in Nigeria, the healthcare system is fraught with dysfunctionality, forcing elasticity of reliability southward. Poor health facilities, unprofessionalism, unethical standards, weak regulatory agencies, bad personnel attitude, questionable health insurance schemes, unreliable health management organisations (HMOs), mismanagement, corruption, fake drugs and obsolete equipment are incidental to lack of commitment by Nigerian leaders to efficient and quality healthcare system.

Though, this is a symptom of greater disorders in Nigeria, poor funding and non-utilisation of health facilities by the ruling elites undermine efficiency, quality and delivery capacity of the healthcare system.

In the 2025 federal government budget, only N2.56 trillion was budgeted for the health sector, representing 5.15 percent of the country’s total budget of N49.7 trillion, which is far below the 15 percent recommended by the Abuja Declaration, to which Nigeria is a signatory. Though, the N2.56 trillion is an increase of about 58.53 percent of the 2024 budget of N1.62 trillion, however, when viewed in dollar terms, the amount decreased by 15.45 percent, dropping to $1.7 billion from $2.02 billion.

Since the famous coup speech of late Sani Abacha on December 31, 1983 that the country’s health services were in shambles, and hospitals had been reduced to mere consulting clinics without drugs, water and equipment, the health sector has not shown promises of improvement.

Unfortunately, 42 years after these observations were made by the powers that were, the healthcare sector is still defined by lack of government’s commitment. This is particularly worrisome when viewed against the background of Nigeria’s growing population, currently characterized by low life expectancy, high maternal and child mortality rates.

Globally, Nigeria is ranked 157th out of 191 countries by WHO in the areas of quality health delivery performance. As the largest oil producer in Africa and 16th largest in the world, it is untenable for Nigeria not to provide robust funding for the health sector, given the country’s huge earnings from crude oil sales.

Even among African countries, Nigeria is rated poorly in healthcare provision. In a report released by The Legatum Institute, a London-based global healthcare assessment organization, Nigeria was ranked 11th out of 12 African countries with poor healthcare system. The countries include Central African Republic, South Sudan, Chad, Lesotho, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Swaziland (Eswatini), Liberia, Guinea, Angola, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Despite this poor performance ranking, no concerted effort is being made by government to improve quality service delivery, as budget allocation to the health sector has been on the downward swing. Since leaders who determine the condition of the sector, do not utilize the facilities due to poor services, it means the Nigerian healthcare system is designed to service the health needs of the poor and common Nigerians, and not the leaders.

The poor premium placed on the health sector by Nigerian leaders has obviously prevented them from knowing that there is a correlation between robust funding of healthcare system and a healthy workforce, and by extension, robust economy. A vibrant economy is contingent upon a healthy population and a healthy workforce, as health is a critical contributory factor to economic development. This is the reason advanced economies invest so much in healthcare services, a contrast to Nigeria’s healthcare sector that is troubled by incapacity, unable to address mounting health challenges in the country.

The healthcare delivery system in Nigeria is executed through public and private facilities. Unfortunately, the private healthcare providers are also enmeshed in unprofessional conduct driven by pecuniary motive. Most of them take advantage of the country’s weak systemic policies to deliver poor health services. Regulatory authorities like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) are not doing enough to enforce professionalism and standards in the country’s healthcare system.

I recently lost a friend to prostrate operation in one of the private hospitals in Lagos. Prior to the operation, he walked into the hospital by himself, looking normal. But what he took to be a proactive step to avoid future complications ended his life. He was admitted under a health insurance cover managed by an HMO on executive plan with full options. But rapid deterioration of his health in the hospital triggered scepticism on whether quality of treatment was commensurate with subscribed insurance plan.

There are numerous public complaints about HMOs conniving with private hospitals to render inadequate and poor services for financial gains. Most of these hospitals deliberately delay diagnosis and treatment until approval is obtained from HMOs, notwithstanding conditions of patients and category of insurance plans. The NHIA which carries out accreditation of HMOs before approval must look beyond this process to ensure they are continually monitored during operations.

My late friend’s case reminded me of the case of a professional colleague, Yusuph Olaniyonu, who narrated how God spared his life and given another chance to live again at 58. His experience also proved that without connection at the top, patients can die out of share negligence and abandonment without consequence.

After undergoing six major operations and three minor procedures for prostrate, his survival was still on a cliff edge, necessitating the intervention of the Minister of Health through the help of ThisDay Publisher, Nduka Obaigbena and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. This intervention notwithstanding, he had to be flown to Egypt where he underwent successful corrective surgical operations.

It is depressing to know that out of about 34,000 general hospitals, 21,000 primary health centres and 60 teaching hospital and federal medical centres located across the country, only about 41,000 hospitals are functional.

Government must therefore reorder its priorities to make health facilities efficient, affordable and reliable to enable both leaders and poor Nigerians alike to receive treatment in-country, as against resort to medical tourism which cost Nigeria approximately $1.6 billion annually.

Performer ‘Fake Flavour’ has responded to allegations of impersonating award-winning highlife artist Flavour N’abania.

Fake Flavour claimed that his stage name is a tribute to the artist he admires and he has no intention of scamming anyone.

‘I’m not using Flavour’s name to scam people; I just love him,’ he said in part.

According to Fake Flavour, his booking fees range from N700,000 to N800,000, which he believes is significantly lower than what the genuine Flavour would accept for performances.

He stated confidently: ‘Flavour would never perform for that amount. People who book me know I’m doing my own thing, and I’m not pretending to be him to get money.’

He maintained that his brand is built on respect and admiration, not deception.

The controversy has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users finding his honesty amusing and others questioning the potential for public deception.

The establishment of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh, in Benue State, is not merely an academic milestone; it is a visionary move with far-reaching impacts for educational advancement, agricultural innovation, technological transformation, and socioeconomic development in Benue State, and Nigeria as a whole.

This bold initiative by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, reflects foresight, inclusivity, equity, and a pragmatic commitment to rural development, and youth empowerment.

The vision of UAST is to become a leading institution in agricultural research, scientific innovation, and technological excellence that addresses local and global challenges in food production, sustainability, and development. It aspires to be a cradle of knowledge and innovation that fuels productivity, and self-reliance, especially in agricultural communities.

Its mission is built around the necessity to provide high-quality education, and research in agriculture, science, and technology; to train skilled manpower that can drive agribusiness, promote rural development, and contribute to national food security and general food sovereignty across the Nigerian nation and the African continent. The university will also prioritize community engagement and the application of research to real-world challenges facing farmers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.

Recall that the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governor Alia to accompany him to Brazil sometime this year (2025), is a testament that will also add energy to the University, owing to the relevance of the trip. At the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the President of Brazil, the Nigerian leader, and the Governor, attended a bilateral meeting at the inter-governmental summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) and newly developed economies summit, which deeply exposed the Governor to keynote presentations that injected reform ideas of the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at repositioning the state’s economy with agriculture, playing a crucial role. And the University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, was also factored into the equation.

This, essentially, has attracted investors to Nigeria, and Benue State in particular – will sure capitalise on the abundant opportunities embedded in the generous journey with Mr. President.

As he (the President), hopes to attract investors to capitalise on Nigeria’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy, the University is strategically positioned to key into the framework.

The siting of UAST in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of the State, opens a new chapter for the host community. Historically rural and agrarian, the community stands to benefit from a range of transformative impacts such as:

Economic Empowerment: The influx of students, faculty, construction workers, and businesses will stimulate local commerce, housing, transportation, and small enterprises.

Job Creation: Immediate employment opportunities in construction, logistics, food supply, security, and administration will lift many families out of poverty.

Access to Education: Proximity to a tertiary institution will inspire local youth to pursue higher education, increasing literacy and professional capacity in the area.

Infrastructure Development: The University’s presence will accelerate the provision of road networks, electricity, water supply, healthcare, and other essential amenities.

Cultural Integration: The influx of diverse people will enhance intercultural exchange and position the host community as a melting pot of ideas and innovation.

The surrounding local government areas – Konshisha, Ushongo, Kwande, Gboko and the northern local government areas of Cross River State – stand to benefit immensely from spillover effects. The emergence of academic and research clusters will open opportunities for:

Satellite campuses and research farms.

Outreach programs focusing on agricultural extension services, training of local farmers, and introduction of modern farming methods.

Market linkages for local produce through university-driven agribusiness hubs.

For Benue State, the Middle-Belt or North Central geo-political zone and Nigeria as a whole, UAST is a strategic weapon in the fight against rural poverty, youth unemployment, food insecurity and national food sovereignty. Known as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation,’ Benue’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture – the same fate which characterizes the entirety of Northern Nigeria. However, the sector has remained underproductive due to outdated practices and limited access to research-based innovation.

With UAST, the state now has a specialized institution that will:

Conduct climate-smart agricultural research, promote the use of improved seedlings, irrigation, pest control, and mechanized farming;Partner with private sector players and donor agencies in value-chain development and agro-processing. This will diversify the economy, increase internally generated revenue (IGR), and position Benue as an agricultural hub not just by volume, but by value.

On a national scale, the university’s establishment reflects alignment with the Federal Government’s priorities in education, food security, and technological innovation. UAST will:

Provide research-based policy recommendations on food sufficiency and rural development; serve as a training ground for future scientists, engineers, agronomists, and technologists needed to drive national productivity; Mitigate the challenge of over-centralized universities by decentralizing higher education to rural areas; help curb rural-urban migration through job creation and development initiatives tied to the university ecosystem.

Furthermore, the University is strategically poised to collaborate with global research institutes and development agencies like the FAO, IFAD, and the African Development Bank in projects that require localized implementation of global ideas.

Governor Alia’s strategic calculus is timely. Many may ask: Why Ihugh? Why not Makurdi or Gboko or any other major town? The answer lies in the multi-dimensional strategic reasoning behind Governor Alia’s decision: Rural Balance and Inclusion: The Governor’s administration is premised on equity, inclusion and even distribution of development. Siting the university in Ihugh sends a powerful message that no community is too small to be transformed.

Agricultural Significance: Ihugh and its environs in Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo and the northern local governments of Cross River State, are deeply rooted in farming traditions. Their soil fertility, topography, and climate are ideal for experimental farms, agricultural training, and field-based research.

Geopolitical Strategy: The university’s location in Zone A, ensures geographic equity in educational infrastructure. Makurdi houses the Federal University of Agriculture (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University), while Ihugh will now host the state-owned counterpart in the eastern flank of the state.

Security and Accessibility: Ihugh’s relative peace and central location within Vandeikya LGA makes it suitable for academic investments without the risks associated with high-conflict zones.

Community Enthusiasm: The people of Ihugh are known for their educational zeal and hospitality. Their embrace of the university project ensures a supportive environment for sustained development.

To fully harness the potential of UAST, stakeholders must ensure: Partnerships with industries, NGOs, and international bodies to boost innovation and resource mobilization; Curriculum flexibility and vocational training, tailored to modern challenges; Transparency and merit-based appointments in university leadership to be ensured in order to uphold the vision and mission of the institution.

Governor Alia’s decision to establish the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh for the Benue State Government, is a landmark legacy that will echo in the anals of contemporary history for generations to come. It is a clarion call to innovation, empowerment, and rural transformation.

As the foundation has commenced in honest for what could become the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of West Africa’s agricultural and technological development, all hands must be on deck to support this noble endeavor.

Today, Benue State under the watch of the Executive Governor of the State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, as its dynamic servant-leader, stands at the cusp of a new dawn, and Ihugh is its shining beacon.