Afrobeat Promoter, King SMADE Honoured With Doctorate For Global Impact On Afrobeats And African Culture

In a moment that celebrated legacy, creativity, and cultural leadership, Dr. Adesegun Adeosun Jr., popularly known as King SMADE, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Myles Leadership University. The recognition was presented at a colourful ceremony held at The Africa Centre in London, where Dr. Adeosun serves as a Strategic Partner and Cultural Ambassador.

The event brought together family members, industry leaders, cultural figures, and community representatives all united to honour a man whose work has shaped how the world experiences Afrobeats and African culture.

Reflecting on the honour, Dr. Adeosun described the moment as both a milestone and a foundation for future generations. He stated, “This honour reflects the work of creative pioneers, artists, and the diaspora who built and sustained this culture,” he further highlighted that “Being joined by my children made the day even more meaningful. For them to witness this moment is a reminder that legacy is built one step at a time. I’m proud to be the first Dr. of Afrobeats, knowing I will not be the last.”

He emphasized the importance of combining academic learning with lived experience, sharing that his journey from undergraduate studies to earning a master’s and now an honorary doctorate represents the power of visionary leadership shaped by both theory and practice.

Dr. Adeosun, co-founder of Afro Nation, has been at the forefront of championing cultural ownership and creating global platforms that connect Africa with its diaspora. Through his work, Afrobeats has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon celebrated from Lagos to London and beyond.

The honorary recognition highlights Myles Leadership University’s commitment to acknowledging individuals who make measurable impact through leadership, innovation, and cultural advancement.

*Northern Ambassadors For Renewed Hope Endorse Tinubu For 2027, Name Matawalle As Grand Patron*

The Northern Ambassadors for Renewed Hope, a powerful coalition representing the collective aspirations of the 19 northern states, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

With a membership exceeding one million, the group announced its resolute support during a landmark press conference in Abuja, signalling robust regional backing for Tinubu’s transformative leadership and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adding further weight to the declaration, the coalition appointed Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, as its Grand Patron, recognising his instrumental role in advancing security and youth welfare in the North.
The coalition praised President Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress, particularly his focus on economic revitalisation, infrastructural development, and national unity.

“President Tinubu has shown remarkable vision in steering Nigeria toward prosperity,” said Comrade Usman Musa, National Coordinator of the Northern Ambassadors for Renewed Hope.

“His policies are not only bold but inclusive, ensuring that every region, especially the North, feels the impact of his governance.

“From agricultural transformation to job creation for our youth, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a solid foundation for a stronger Nigeria.”Musa emphasized the tangible benefits of Tinubu’s reforms in the northern region, citing investments in farming, rural infrastructure, and education as game-changers.

“The North is witnessing unprecedented attention to its needs. Farmers are receiving support to boost productivity, schools are being revitalized, and our roads are improving. These are not mere promises but realities we can see and feel,” he stated.

He further lauded Tinubu’s ability to foster unity across Nigeria’s diverse regions, describing him as a leader with the foresight to bridge divides and build a cohesive nation.

“Tinubu’s leadership transcends tribal and regional lines. He governs with fairness, ensuring that every Nigerian has a stake in the nation’s progress,” Musa added.

The group expressed unshakable confidence in Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria into a prosperous future. “We believe in President Tinubu’s vision for a Nigeria that works for all.

“His economic reforms are stabilising our currency, attracting investments, and creating opportunities for our people. We are proud to stand with him and pledge our full support for his re-election in 2027,” Musa declared.

He called on northerners and Nigerians at large to rally behind Tinubu, emphasising that his leadership offers the best path to sustainable development and global competitiveness.

On Matawalle,  the group added: “He is a leader who understands the pulse of the North. His reforms in the defence sector, from improving troop welfare to equipping our forces with modern tools, have significantly weakened the grip of bandits and insurgents.

“We are safer today because of his dedication.”

Musa further praised Matawalle’s hands-on approach to governance, noting his regular engagements with northern communities to address their concerns.

“Matawalle is not a distant leader. He listens to the people, works with traditional and religious leaders, and ensures that our youth are not left behind. His programs for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship are giving hope to thousands of young northerners,” he stated.

The coalition highlighted Matawalle’s role in fostering collaboration between security agencies and local communities, which has led to a marked decline in violent incidents across the region.

“By naming Matawalle our Grand Patron, we honour his tireless efforts and signal our trust in his ability to continue delivering for the North and Nigeria,” Musa added.

The Northern Ambassadors for Renewed Hope underscored the powerful synergy between Tinubu and Matawalle as a driving force for national progress.

“President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle are a formidable team. Their combined efforts in governance and security are setting Nigeria on a path to greatness,” Musa affirmed.

He highlighted Tinubu’s trust in capable leaders like Matawalle as evidence of his commitment to building a competent and result-oriented administration.

“Tinubu’s choice of leaders like Matawalle shows he values excellence and delivery. Together, they are addressing our challenges with precision and passion,” he said.

Musa called on Nigerians to unite behind Tinubu’s vision, emphasising the importance of collective action in achieving national goals.

*Parliamentary Watch Initiative Lauds Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sani Musa as Outstanding Legislators on Constituency Projects

The Parliamentary Watch Initiative (PWI), a non-partisan civil society organization dedicated to promoting legislative excellence and accountability in Nigeria, has commended three standout senators for their exemplary delivery on constituency projects and national reforms during the 10th National Assembly.

The PWI hailed Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), Sani Musa (Niger East), and Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West) as “trailblazers and seasoned leaders who embody the Renewed Hope agenda through tangible impacts on their constituents and the broader federation.”

In a statement signed by Comrade Tanko Yerima, Executive Director of PWI, the group praised Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as a beacon of grassroots innovation since his inauguration in June 2023.

According to Yerima, his portfolio boasts the installation of 6,870 solar-powered streetlights across 156 locations, enhancing nighttime safety in rural and urban communities; the construction of 11 new roads totaling 16 kilometers and the rehabilitation of eight key thoroughfares in Calabar, including Mayne Avenue, Inyang Street, Goldie Street, Ephraim Street, Hewett Street, Queen Duke Street, Edim Otop Street, and Hall 2 Road at the University of Calabar.

“Ekpenyong’s water security initiatives include seven solar-powered boreholes—one in each of the seven local government areas—while ongoing projects like the Odukpani Police Station construction promise bolstered security,” Yerima said.

“Health and education remain cornerstones, with three medical outreaches benefiting 4,422 residents, scholarships and instructional materials for 1,700 students, 31 foreign scholarships, and the establishment of two NITDA Digital Economy Centers at Government Secondary Schools in Idang and Ehom.

“Beyond infrastructure, Ekpenyong’s legislative acumen shone during Wednesday’s Senate plenary, where he sponsored the Factoring Regulation Bill, 2024 (SB.474), which passed second reading.

“The bill targets delayed payments crippling over 40 million MSMEs—Nigeria’s job-creation engine—by unlocking over $1 billion annually in financing.”

In Niger East, the group added that Senator Sani Musa—affectionately dubbed “313” for his unyielding loyalty—has redefined governance as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, overseeing fiscal discipline, appropriations, and national planning with patriotic precision.

Yerima added: “His constituents’ moniker reflects a transformative legacy: from renovating classrooms and building a principal’s office at Government Technical College, Minna, to establishing an ICT Centre in Ija Gwari, Tafa LGA, empowering rural youth in the digital economy.

“Musa’s scholarships span primary to tertiary levels, including international undergraduate programs in China and India for top talents. Recent empowerment drives distributed cash grants of ₦50,000 to 2,868 residents across six local governments, alongside items like tricycles, motorcycles, grinding machines, deep freezers, generators, and sewing machines to over 500 women and youths.

“Infrastructure feats include solar streetlights, motorized boreholes, market stalls, road constructions, and state-of-the-art mini-stadiums in Minna and Kuta (Shiroro LGA), fostering sports and community cohesion. ”

PWI noted his recent launch of fully paid scholarships for 100 students to study medicine in India, addressing healthcare shortages in Zone B.

Rounding out the trio, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary), has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to public health resilience and constituency outreach.

A medical doctor and advocate for the Renewed Hope agenda, the group said Banigo has championed girl-child education and maternal health, launching several initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

“In an era demanding results over rhetoric, Senators Ekpenyong, Musa, and Banigo exemplify legislative service that bridges constituency needs with national progress,” stated Comrade Yerima.

“Their projects—spanning infrastructure, education, health, and economic empowerment—have illuminated communities, empowered futures, and fortified Nigeria’s health architecture. “