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IPADA: VANUATU TRADE COMMISSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ADCB SET TO EMPOWER 5 MILLION AFRICANS

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*IPADA: VANUATU TRADE COMMISSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ADCB SET TO EMPOWER 5 MILLION AFRICANS

 

The IPADA INITIATIVE founded by Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye has received a massive boost from friends from the Diaspora. The Vanuatu Trade Commission in conjunction with African Diaspora Central Bank has rolled out an array of mouth watering knowledge programmes that is about to fast track and elevate Africa in the global competition for comtemporary Al knowledge.

 

 

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, shared his excitement in a letter to the Founder of IPADA Initiative, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, regarding the launch of a multifaceted AI project aimed at advancing AI-related skills across Africa. Designed to run for a year, this initiative aims to empower Africans by building a foundation of knowledge and skills aligned with global AI standards. As the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, I am optimistic that the IPADA Carnival initiative will expand to reach and positively impact the people of the Republic of Vanuatu, becoming part of our shared journey toward transformative growth and development.

IPADA: VANUATU TRADE COMMISSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ADCB SET TO EMPOWER 5 MILLION AFRICANS

The laudable knowledge impacting training programme is for 5 million Africans over a period of one year, of which 5000 participants will be trained during the carnival, in what is tagged business unusual, over a 3 day period, to kick start the programme.

Upon completion of the training programme, the participants will be empowered with AKL Lumi parity value of US $100 and be listed on a learning management system for ongoing learning and career opportunities.

This knowledge based skill programme is therefore set to open the entire African continent to a huge new developmental opportunity, that will likely change the face of Africa.

The initial training of 5000 participants during the IPADA Carnival will definitely set the ball rolling and open the door to Africans to acquire Al knowledge which ordinarily would have cost each African about a whooping US $1000.

Speaking about this to newsmen yesterday, an equally excited Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, commended H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, and the entire government and people of Vanuatu. He said it is a new dawn that will open up a new chapter, in the relationship between Vanuatu and people of African descent.

Furthermore on benefits of the fallout of this breaking news, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye said, “the benefits that will accrue from this, are too overwhelmingly multidimensional. It is going to be a path to a new journey, that will lift Vanuatu to a global space and accord the African continent, fast growth and development

Asked to say something on the IPADA Initiative, H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee became very poetic, as he replied:

“When will the children of Africa and lovers of Africa come back home? The IPADA Carnival Initiative is here, paving the way for thousands to journey back to Africa, reconnect with their roots, and celebrate the unity and strength of our heritage. Join us as we welcome the African Diaspora and lovers of Africa to an unforgettable experience of culture, connection, and celebration. This is more than a homecoming; it’s a powerful reminder that Africa is a vibrant, growing heartbeat, welcoming all who share in its dreams and vision.”

Vanuatu, is an island nation that comprises of 83 islands in the South Pacific ocean, about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and 1800 kilometres east of Australia. The nation reached out to Africa, through IPADA Initiative, and through its Trade Commission in Ghana.

And IPADA which means the return, is a platform created by Motherland Beckons to bring African people from the Diaspora and Lovers of Africa to Africa, to experience the content of Africa through tourism, cultural exchange and business opportunities.

The Ipada Carnival is a ten day long invitation to people of African descent across the globe to experience an unparalleled cultural renaissance in Lagos, Nigeria, at the 65 acres La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort located at Ibeju-lekki.

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

 

The family of a Nigerian businessman, Olatunji Abdul, imprisoned in South Africa, has called on the Nigerian government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene and save his life urgently.

The family, at a press conference on Thursday at Ikeja, alleged that Olatunji, a businessman and humanitarian, who has been held in a South African prison since 2019, is a victim of false charges allegedly orchestrated by state agents and xenophobic business rivals and that he is facing imminent danger.

PUNCH Metro gathered that through a petition submitted by the founder of Zarephath Aid, Ben Abraham, an international criminal justice organisation, the family narrated the ordeal of the Osun State-born entrepreneur.

 

Abdul, who relocated to South Africa in 2009, established himself as a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to the family, as the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a leading hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, he provided employment opportunities for Nigerians and supported businesses, students, and tourists in the diaspora.

However, his family believes his success made him a target for xenophobic competitors and corrupt officials.

 

Olatunji’s brother, Sesan, revealed that in 2019, these forces allegedly initiated a scheme, called “#DestroyAbdul,” aimed at destroying his reputation and business ventures.

Sesan claimed that this led to his wrongful arrest, denial of bail, and coercion into providing false confessions.

“In 2020, Olatunji was convicted on charges of theft and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence his supporters insist was based on fabricated evidence.’

“Despite being granted leave to appeal his sentence in November 2024, Abdul is said to be facing further challenges as his efforts to secure legal representation for his appeal have been thwarted.

 

“Several lawyers have reportedly withdrawn from his case due to threats and intimidation, leaving him to represent himself in court,” he said.

His family further stated that his situation is worsening, with fears of poisoning in prison and the confiscation of his laptop, which he needed for legal preparation.

The family, along with Zarephath Aid, appealed to the FG to act swiftly to prevent Olatunji’s death.

 

“If nothing is done, we risk losing a man who has brought pride to Nigeria and significantly contributed to the Nigerian diaspora.”

The petition reads. “Abdul is not a criminal; he is a victim of a malicious plot to destroy him.”

Olatunji’s physical and emotional health has reportedly deteriorated.

His family added that without intervention, his life remains in grave danger.

“This is not just about Abdul,” said Ben Abraham of Zarephath Aid. “It is about protecting Nigerians abroad who face unjust persecution despite their positive contributions.

 

“Abdul is an example of what Nigerians can achieve, and he deserves the protection of his country,” he said.

“Abdul is not just a businessman; he is a father, a son, and a role model for Nigerians in the diaspora. Nigeria must act now to bring him home,” the family stated.

 

 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death

 

The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday said it found nine different drugs and medications in the hotel room of the visiting US-based 51-year-old Sunday Abidoye whose lifeless body was discovered at the Creestar Hotel room, GRA, Sagamu, on Wednesday.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday to confirm Abidoye’s death.

Odutola explained that the Chief Security Officer of the hotel, one Mr Oluwole, reported the incident regarding the discovery of the deceased customer to the police, five days after his arrival from the United States of America.

She said on receiving the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and on arrival, found the body of the deceased already placed inside a car outside the hotel, being prepared to be taken to the morgue by his family.

 

Odutola said that the deceased’s brother, Jimoh Godday, residing in Imota, Lagos State, informed the police team that his brother had arrived in Nigeria from the USA on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

 

She explained further that Godday said he had called at the hotel on Monday and knocked on Room 109, where his brother was staying, but got no response after which he requested a spare key from the manager to enter the room, where they discovered his brother’s lifeless body.

Odutola said, “Photos were taken, and various drugs and traditional medicines were recovered from the room.

 

“The centre of the bed was soaked with a liquid-like substance. A friend of the deceased, Ogunmonti Ogunwole, confirmed that he accompanied his friend, Sunday, to purchase nine different types of medication the previous day due to his complaints of illness.

“The body has since been evacuated to OOUTH morgue in Sagamu for an autopsy.

“No known cause of death yet, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.”

 

 

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