Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Defending champion Coco Gauff brushed aside unseeded Eva Lys in straight sets on Thursday to power into her third consecutive China Open semi-final.

The 21-year-old won 6-3, 6-4 and the world number three next plays US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova in an all-American affair in Beijing.

‘I’m happy with how I played today,’ Gauff, seeded two, said. ‘(Lys is) a tough opponent.

‘She hit some incredible shots off the run, so I was just trying my best to stay aggressive.’

After an even start to their quarter-final Gauff began to seize control, winning the first set when the German fired long.

‘I think I may be played one passive point in this game, but after that I think I played good tennis,’ Gauff added.

Lys stunned Elena Rybakina en route to the last eight for her first-ever top-10 win but beating the reigning French Open champion was a step too far.

The 23-year-old threw her racquet at one point in the second set after losing a chance to break, and though she stayed in it a bit longer, Gauff closed out in 1h 28mins, her quickest match yet of the tournament.

Third seed Anisimova had a longer struggle, coming back to beat sixth-seeded Italian Jasmine Paolini 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-4 in a gruelling 2 hours and 47 minutes.

There was a moment of tension in the second game of the third set when Paolini coughed and the umpire replaced Anisimova’s ace with a first serve.

Anisimova, who lost the US Open final to Aryna Sabalenka last month, survived six break points to level at 4-4 and closed out.

‘It was super tough,’ the 24-year-old said.

‘It’s been a while since I played (Paolini) and today. had everything.’

Her win in the Chinese capital earned her a first-ever appearance in the WTA Finals.

‘It’s my first time that I’m gonna play there and it was a goal that I set for myself at the beginning of the year,’ she said.

The draw has opened up for the two Americans.

World number one Sabalenka of Belarus is not in the Chinese capital after she withdrew due to a small injury before the tournament.

Poland’s Iga Swiatek, ranked 2nd , crashed out of the event Wednesday in a three-set loss to American Emma Navarro.

Sixteenth-seeded Navarro plays fellow American Jessica Pegula, the fifth seed, in the quarter-finals.

It is barely one month to the Anambra State governorship poll. Why is the opposition alleging that there is a gradual weakening of purposeful governance in the state?

Let me tell you this. Anambra people are very angry. They are agitating against Soludo’s government, with audacity. Social media messages directed at the governor are many. Each emphasises discontent, disappointment, and deep concerns about insecurity. There are also complaints about the high-handedness of government agents with ample evidence of brutality.

Clearly, governance has gone to the dogs. And that’s the truth. In this day and age, you don’t use rough club-stick methods to collect taxes when technology apps exist for that purpose.

Based on our findings, we urge Nigerians to take active interest in the Anambra State governorship election to see how far the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has improved in its election management strategies.

They should not be distracted by the impending exit of the INEC chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, and how his successor would emerge, but show the greater interest in how the commission itself as an institution has matured with the rich lessons it has gathered from periodic elections since 1999.

Are you among those who claim that Enugu and Abia governors are showing measurable impacts of performance?

Good governance is about visible service delivery and the responsibility to protect the citizens. Both are anchored on the people being satisfied enough to trust the government and benefitting from measurable and sustainable development. Both are also confidence building measures. Without any doubt, Anambra is distantly behind Enugu and Abia in terms of comparative governance, service delivery, and project execution. As an Anambra citizen and politician, I’m deeply saddened. Ndi Anambra, generally, are not happy with Soludo’s performance after nearly four years. A second term for him will be rewarding underperformance and hollow promises.

In line with my offer to serve out the remaining four years available for Anambra South, I have been talking to our people about how the ADC government will kick of by focusing on the two issues of greatest concern to our dear state, namely, insecurity and over taxation.

And, you may wish to know that coming from the private sector like Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, I believe that governing a commercial state such as Anambra State requires determination, planning and focus to achievement results within two years.

So, we leading our people to become very conversant with ADC’s SHEEEMS developmental model for Anambra State and they are eager to begin to see evidence of good governance from day one instead of boastful grammar and street side banters.

You have toured the 177 communities in Anambra State. What is your impression?

Governance and infrastructural decay are evident. There seems to be no maintenance culture. Roads, and public facilities are all crumbling. Even new roads are below standard. Many are being washed away daily. Many building are also collapsing, as never before. So enforcement of regulations is very lax. But insecurity concerns dominate most communities. Several are under siege. Generally, there is no simultaneous development, across board. These factors alone compel leadership change.

I could with every sense of modesty that among the gladiators, the people disclosed that only the ADC as a party that was speaking to the issues without maligning anybody. With that revelation I am aware that when we are sworn in as governor on March 17, 2026, Anambra people have something to hold us to account and put our feet to the fire.

Between rediscovery or recovery, which do you propose for the state?I dare say, both. Under Soludo, his penchant for cosmetics aside, Anambra is a shadow of itself. So we need to rediscover the state both in terms of quality of life, and governance. We also need recovery from the frightening and deplorable state of insecurity under Soludo’s watch. Since the era of Bakassi, it has never been this bad. One of my campaign mantra is, let’s secure Anambra again.

How is the campaign going?

I will tell you. It was the governor who declared that progressives, that is All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are working together, by which he means that APC and APGA have become one, that is APCGA.

And, indeed, they are united in their record of disappointment for the Anambra people, especially in the area of security and citizens’ welfare. So, the balloting on November 8 has become very east for our people, because they have the ADC as the credible alternative.

Our seven-point SHEEEMS agenda is an assured social contract that guarantees focused attention on Security Health Education Economy, Environment Markets and Social Welfare for the people. What is more, ADC parades a balanced religious ticket comprising a catholic and an Anglican, because my running mate, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, an Anglican comes from Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

Together, we satisfy the zoning arrangement that guides the distribution of political offices among the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

How far do you think that your SHEEEMS agenda can go to rekindle hope in governance in Anambra State?

SHEEEMS, acronym for security, health, education, economy, environment, markets and social welfare, is a holistic governance, service delivery and simultaneous development strategy targeted at every LGA and every community. It ensures that no community is left behind and impacts every facets of personal and community life. We are inclined to adopting and adapting to best practices. SHEEEMS seek to replicate the ANIDS governance model. It will offer policy and project ownership to Ndi Anambra. For instance, the traditional rulers, and presidents-general will participate in the state budget formulation forum, as it pertains to projects in their respective communities. Only them can prioritize their needs. Such modalities ought to rekindle hope, transparency, trust, and excellence.

What impact do you intend to make in one term of four years, what approach do you intend to undertake to achieve those lofty goals?

First, with my commitment to do only one term, I will not have the undue burden of re-election. My focus is to leave an indelible legacy and provide a solid foundation for continuity regardless of who succeeds me.

Our budgetary processes, policies, programmes and projects, will all be results-based, and in the public domain. Transparency and accountability will be prioritized. We are not going to start new projects, if there are abandoned or incomplete projects that can be done at lower costs. Whatever we do, will be enhanced by seamless deployment of AI and hightect.

We will lay greater emphasis on cutting the cost of governance and doing more with less. Naturally, we will partner with development partners, as well as domestic and foreign investors. To make these possible, our first priority is to secure Anambra, make it safe and create an enabling environment.

Anambra North Senatorial District holds the ace as the kingmaker and decider of the November 8 poll. Has ADC done enough in that axis?

We have constructively, respectfully, and quietly engaged prominent stakeholders in Anambra North. This includes leaders of faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, and captains of industry. I’m from Anambra South. My deputy, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, is from Anambra central.

So, the interests of our respective zones are catered for. We, therefore, need to assure Anambra North that they have a vested interest in becoming the undisputed kingmakers. Look at it this way, out of respect for zoning, a majority of the candidates are from the Anambra South. Likewise, a majority of the deputies.

I am among those who think that the votes of those zones will be shared. The Anambra North bloc votes will go to the candidate that Anambra North people, especially parts of disenfranchised Anambra North, can trust.

What has Soludo done for the people of Aguleri Otu or Ogwu Ikpele? These are the two oil producing communities in Anambra. Even as host communities, they have no roads and enjoy limited government presence. It is in the interest of Anambra North bloc to support ADC and, in doing so, pivot to the national framework in due course.

There have been concerns that ADC and Labour Party may split their votes if the candidates of the two parties do not unite behind a common candidate in line with the coalition designs. What can you say about that postulation?

Vote splitting is a possibility. But the ADC is not in crisis like the LP. Indeed, does the LP have an authentic candidate, as per the recent Supreme Court ruling pertaining to the leadership of that party? Look, I don’t want to be distracted by other people’s problems. ADC is the national coalition party. Others may wish to join us. When they arrive, we will already be seated at the table. That’s the fact.

Would former Governor Peter Obi’s support for any candidate in the election be a plus or minus?

With due respect, I would rather not be drawn into such a controversy. The facts speak for themselves. Only His Excellency, Peter Obi, can speak to his game plan. From media reports, he aligned with ADC from the very start. He also seems to be still entrenched in very fractured LP. He has publicly campaigned for ADC and LP candidates. I can’t tell a master politician how to make his bed. Neither can I speak on issues of electoral assets and liabilities. I try to avoid undue controversies.

The greatness of a person may be a concatenation of outstanding acts, a culmination of modest triumphs, or a single earthquake exploit, or a quiet heroic or simply the example of a lifestyle. It could come as a leader in an epic tale, a choreographer of an action, or the man in the centre of it.

Greatness does not come in a formula. Parry Osayande, who passed on recently, ended his career, as deputy inspector- general of police. He did not head the Nigeria Police. But in the annals of security history in the country, few can equal his accolade.

He is famously remembered as the mastermind of a capture and eventual execution of a savage mastermind: Lawrence Anini. The daredevil bandit was a slim, easily undistinguished frame of a fellow who held the then Bendel State and its environs captive for a long time.

He was more dreaded than any soldier in the country, even though we were under a military rule. Travellers dreaded the highways. Homes turned off their lights at night but not their eyes. Gate men contemplated him with trepidation. Fear grazed business and goods. Banks shook not because of the fluttering naira on the counters but the bankers themselves who were not sure if the next entrant was a man with a gun and a gang.

He was the devious touchstone of a rock star. His robbery acts read like movie scripts. There were tales of police officers on the run from him. Vigilantes could not pray to play host to him. One day, before television cameras, before the convening of the top military government’s Armed Forces Ruling Council meeting, then military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, sneered at the then inspector-general of police, Etim Inyang. Then the general quipped: ‘My friend, where is Anini.’

It was one of the big quotes of his era, and it encapsulated official unease about the bandit. Anini was to lard that time with his quote before he faced firing squad: ‘E be like say I wan’ run mental.’

It was the police commissioner in charge of Bendel State, now split into Edo and Delta states, that took on the task of tackling the bear. Osayande worked with his men who eventually cornered him and felled him with a bullet, though not mortally. He was arrested with his partner, Monday Osunbor. It was the high point of Osayande’s career. It cannot but be the high point of any career. That informed the accolade of the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo when he passed on.

‘The name Parry Osayande is synonymous with courage, discipline, and a sterling commitment to justice. His legendary exploits during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the then Bendel State, especially in confronting the high-profile criminal gangs of the 1980s, remain a benchmark for police operational excellence in our country.’

He was also the commissioner of police who helped to quell religious rage on the streets of Bauchi State in which Christians and Muslims went after each other burning churches and mosques as well as shops and houses. Scores died in the mayhem.

Few know that he was in the trenches to mow down the Agbekoya Riots in the then Western Nigeria when farmers protested taxes. He was the Aide de Camp to the gallant soldier and governor of the then Western Region, Lt. Col Adekunle Fajuyi, who died during the Nigerian crisis of the 1960’s.

The example of Osayande is a model for today’s armed forces. Today, we have bandits running riot in parts of the country. We need to see police officers take on such exploits. Osayande was a cop who made corpses of hoodlums. So should they.

Sultan Maccido Institute of Leadership at the Peace and Development Centre in Yakubu Gowon University has honoured Deputy Commissioner of Police and academic, Dr. Akeem Adedeji, in recognition of his contributions to human development and academic advancement.

The ceremony also celebrated retired Major General Bola Koleoso for his commitment to service and nation-building.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Matthew Adamu, described Dr. Adedeji as a role model, whose dedication to teaching and mentoring students exemplifies the spirit of giving back to society.

‘We must recognise people who give back to society. Giving back does not have to be about money. There are contributions that cannot be measured in monetary terms, and that is what these gentlemen are doing for our country,’ Adamu said.

Dr. Adedeji, who has been lecturing pro bono for the last five years, lauded the recognition. He noted that his contributions had always been driven by passion rather than expectation of reward.

Director of the institute, Prof Mohammed Yelwa, hailed the recipients for their dedication, stressing their efforts had enriched the institute’s programmes and added value to the university.

Dr. Adedeji donated books to the university’s library, further underlining his commitment to academic development.

Dr. Adedeji, who holds a PhD in Law from a Malaysian university, boasts an impressive academic record with five Master’s degrees in International Law, Business Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, and Cyber Investigation and Law, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Public Administration. Called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigeria Law School in Abuja, he is the author of over 31 academic books and 45 peer-reviewed articles, and an active member of several professional bodies both locally and internationally.

The university stated that the honour was a testament to the value of selfless service and intellectual dedication in driving national development.

Reigning Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) champions Rivers Hoopers put up a performance underlined by resilience and character, as they overturned a 4-point deficit at halftime to beat Lagos Legends 89-70 in the final game of the Atlantic Conference Phase Two.

In what was essentially a battle for pride and supremacy, it was Lagos Legends who scored the game’s first points as they opened up an early lead that stretched to nine points at 26-17 by the end of the first quarter, which was characterised by near misses for the KingsMen.

The KingsMen improved in their shot accuracy during the second quarter, as vice-captain Buchi Nwaiwu and Victor Sunday combined for fourteen points to cut the deficit to four points with the halftime score at 47-43.

The halftime break offered Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu the opportunity to make tactical tweaks, reinforcing how the team contained their opponents.

‘The first thing that I spoke about in the huddle today was transition defense, the need to get back on time quickly. We didn’t do that well. When we corrected it later on, the game changed [in our favour], but in the first half they killed us on the transition offense. ‘It’s something that we’re definitely going to work on going forward,’ he revealed.

The KingsMen responded positively to Odaudu’s halftime instructions and, buoyed by the vociferous crowd, came out with much verve in the third.

Samuel Sani showed outstanding industry, scoring big points along with vital rebounds. But it was John Idoga who got the crowd rocking with a game-tying shot from deep to level the score at 61-61, before Abdul Malik sent the arena into a frenzy with the last sequence of the third quarter, sinking one free throw followed by a brilliant layup to hand the hosts the lead for the first time with the score at 64-61.

From that moment on, it was one-way traffic as Malik’s energy inspired the team to an outstanding performance in the fourth quarter, during which they restricted their opponents to just nine (9) points while scoring twenty-five (25) to close out the game at 89-70.

Speaking after the game, Odaudu could not hide his admiration for his standout performers.

‘I am very proud of both of them, Malik and especially Favour [Komene]. They changed the tempo and the dynamic of the game. They are my two MVPs for today’s game. These are people who hadn’t seen major minutes in all the games, but they stepped up when it mattered most and helped us out.

He further said such mentality shown by Malik and Favour is what makes Rivers Hoopers formidable.

‘That’s how it’s supposed to be. There’s no specific day, and there’s no particular person who is a hero on this team. Anybody can wake up any day and bail us out, and that’s what Milk did today,’ he pointed out.

Buchi Nwaiwu alongside John Idoga, top-scored for the KingsMen with fifteen points, while Sani (14) and Victor Sunday (12) also hit double figures.

The result meant Rivers Hoopers completed Phase Two of the Atlantic Conference with a perfect record, much to the delight of the team’s gaffer, who also pointed out some areas for improvement.

‘I’m happy that it was a clean sweep, but I’m also not happy with the way we played. It wasn’t entirely convincing. I don’t think the scoreline reflected the true situation of the game. We started off really badly with too many mistakes; we missed too many open baskets, so it’s something that we have to go back to the drawing board and work on. In all, I’m happy that we won, and we’ll move on from there.’

Attention now shifts to Phase Three of the NBPL 2025 season which will see the top four teams from both Conferences gather for the Playoffs at a yet to be named venue.

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. ‘

Celtic fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portuguese side SC Braga on the second matchday of the Europa League phase yesterday at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

The Bhoys failed to score in a second consecutive home game, having been held to a stalemate by Hibernian last weekend.

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho completed 90 minutes for the first time in a Celtic shirt, marking his fifth appearance in all competitions for the Scottish champions.

It was a brilliant evening for Braga as not many clubs visit Celtic Park and come away with the spoils, piling the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers.

The first goal that set Braga on their way was a long-range blaster from the captain Ricardo Horta twenty minutes into the contest.

Iheanacho thought he had equalized five minutes into the second half, but a faint touch off his arm led to the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.

The Super Eagles star capitalized on a loose ball, lifted it over a defender and arrowed a shot into the far corner, but it was ruled out for handball in the build-up.

Had the goal stood, the former Leicester City star would have become the first Celtic player in 30 years to score in both his opening two major European appearances for the club, according to UEFA’s official website.

Gabri Martínez put the game beyond any doubt late on when he saw the ball cannon off him and past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Iheanacho found the net on the opening matchday of the Europa League against Red Star Belgrade.

A GROUP, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), has said its programmes and projects are impacting on the lives of women.

Its Vice President, Mrs Bolanle Edwards, stated this at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos. She said the 20-year-old group has come a long as it has increased its membership from fewer than 100 to over 2,000 and spread its tentacles to five chapters, from one.

She announced that the group is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary at its headquarters in Ikeja from October 8 to 9. The event is themed ‘Evolve, elevate, and celebrate”.

During the programme, where Executive Vice-Chair, Emerging Africa Capital, Dr Toyin Sani, would feature as the guest speaker, while MainOne Chief Executive Officer, Funke Opeke, is being expected, among other dignitaries, awards would be given to some deserving people.

Over the years, she said, they had remained committed to their objective of promoting women empowerment.

She listed their achievements as the training of women in entrepreneurship, leadership, export digital transformation, financial literacy and innovation.

Also, she said, through their Women in Digital Business (WIDB), financial literacy clinics and specialised export training, they had equipped thousands of women with the tools to compete anywhere.

Edwards added: ‘These programmes have not only sharpened business skills but also helped women embrace technology and digital economy, ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing market. At New, we believe that no woman should walk the path of entrepreneurship alone. We established a robust mentorship, pairing emerging. Our peer-to-peer learning circles and business clusters have provided safe spaces for sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, and building confidence. Many successful women-led enterprises can trace their roots to these mentoring relationships.”

She also said they had championed policies that improve access to finance, reduce barriers to trade, and create a business environment where women can thrive and that their dialogue with the policymakers had helped shape conversations on gender, equity, and entrepreneurship.

‘Access to market and finance,” she said, remains a challenge for women entrepreneurs and new authorities and on, but through collaborations with financial institutions such as the FCMB Ventures Initiative, they have enabled members to secure critical funding and financial tools to scale their businesses. We invest in young women and next-generation entrepreneurs offering training, mentoring, and platforms for growth.

Their challenges were economic recessions, policy shifts, global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid evolution of technology and access to more funds.

Yet, she said they had remained resilient in weathering the storms, she noted.

She thanked the Nigeria’s Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), founders and past presidents, members and partners, financial institutions, development agencies, and private sector’s allies, for their collaboration.

Chairperson, NNEW 20th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mrs Dominga Omolara Odebunmi, said the organisation’s 10-Year Strategic Plan would be unveiled at the ceremony. There would also be cultural performances, networking breaks, interactive activities, and a health check.

She added: ‘Our journey has been remarkable, and our impact undeniable. NNEW has empowered thousands of women, built strong mentorship networks, influenced national discourse, and contributed significantly to enterprise development. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, we have been recognised with numerous awards and honours at home and abroad. These recognitions affirm that our story is one of resilience, of progress, and of collective victory.”

At the press conference were the Chairperson of the group’s Governing Council, Mrs Akpabio Edobong; Publicity Secretary, Mrs Eniola Mayowa and Executive Secretary, Niyi Adeyanju, among others.

One of the pivotal appointments made by Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was the selection of Olukayode Abraham Ajulo as his Chief Law Officer. Ajulo, a distinguished and astute legal mind, is precisely the type of advisor Governor Aiyedatiwa needs to navigate the complexities of governance and effectively serve the people of Ondo State. Since his appointment as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in February 2024, this young, dynamic Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has consistently demonstrated that his role is both significant and impactful.

In a bold move earlier this year, Governor Aiyedatiwa decided to dissolve his entire cabinet, yet notably exempted Ajulo and one other commissioner from this sweeping dismissal, highlighting the critical nature of their responsibilities. Ajulo’s legal prowess and strategic thinking have become even more evident following the Governor’s recent favorable ruling at the Supreme Court, effectively solidifying his reputation as an exceptional attorney.

As State Attorney General, the Akoko-born legal luminary has fully immersed himself in the myriad of legal challenges surrounding his principal, especially those related to the contentious 2024 Governorship election. Understanding the gravity of these legal battles, Ajulo took it upon himself to assemble a formidable team of lawyers, drawing on the expertise of some of the country’s finest legal minds, including Wole Olanipekun, Adegboyega Awomolo, Charles Edosanwan, Tayo Oyetibo, Olusola Oke, Hakeem Afolabi, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Prof. Remi Olatubora, and Prof. Abdul Kana, among other prominent senior lawyers. This collaborative effort exemplifies his commitment to not only defend his principal but also safeguard the integrity of the state’s legal framework.

While the recent successes in the courts have undoubtedly elevated his professional standing, Ajulo had already carved out a distinguished reputation within Nigeria’s legal sphere well before his appointment. His standards are undeniably high; he steadfastly adheres to his principles and never shies away from tough decisions, regardless of whose interests may be at stake. Ajulo is recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading lawyers, a considerable wealth of knowledge and expertise, yet he remains grounded, driven by core values rather than mere convenience or self-interest.

His willingness to accept the role of Attorney General has sparked mixed reactions among many admirers, who believe that his achievements as an attorney exceed the confines of public office. In circles in Abuja, he has earned the affectionate title of ‘go-to-lawyer’ because of his exceptional ability to provide politically astute, diplomatically sound, and legally comprehensive solutions for high-net-worth clients.

Ajulo’s accolades include the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a notable past as the youngest National Secretary of the Labour Party. His remarkable legal victories have won him admiration both domestically and internationally since the commencement of his legal career, further amplifying his impact within the legal community.

Today, the multiple successes of Governor Aiyedatiwa serve as a testament to his strategic selections and political acumen, demonstrating qualities that his peers would do well to emulate in order to achieve success in their own endeavors. Ajulo’s ongoing contributions are not only reshaping the legal landscape in Ondo State but are also setting a benchmark for excellence in governance and representation.